21st July 2015 by Joshua Mott

Specialized 2016 Product Launch: Helmets and Shoes

Dripping with carbon fibre, synthetic leather and futuristic materials more often found on space shuttles; there are few places where we could be other than the Specialized UK headquarters for a look at some of their upcoming 2016 shoes and helmets.

Here is sample of what the American manufacturer has ready for the coming months.

Specialized S-Works 6 Road Shoe

Building on one of the most popular designs in the pro peloton, the S-Works 6 shoe has had its structure completely redesigned for this latest edition. Specialized have moved from a hand crafted last to a machined last for the highest level of precision. On top of this the interior of the shoe and the upper are now constructed from one piece of material. This allows for a better fit all-round and a higher level of retention comfort.

 

Dyneema was the same material used for the parachute on the space shuttle. Slightly less grandiose but still very useful, its use in the construction of the side panels of the S-Works 6 Shoe means the shoes are very comfortable in the heal and arch but still super-durable and stiff.

Specialized have also redesigned the heel support and foot opening giving it a narrower moulded heel with a larger opening. This Fit Lock heal cup will reduce strain on your Achilles and spreads the load over your Talus and Cuboid ankle bones.

 

In the sole, ultra-stiff carbon fibre remains the material of choice. Adjustable titanium cleat nuts can be flipped and manoeuvred for an additional 5mm of fore and aft adjustment.

For the closure, Boa S2 Snap dials remain the standard, meaning you'll be able to easily swap them out for whatever outlandish colours you desire.

Keep an eye out for Specialized's sponsored riders in the pro peloton as they will be sporting the red versions of the S-Works 6s and cutting quite a dash in the process.

The S-Works 6 Shoes are now available for pre-order.

 

S-Works Sub 6 Shoe

 

Perhaps even more headline grabbing than the 6 Shoe itself, the S-Works Sub 6 replaces the Boa and Velcro closure with prototype laces. The purpose of these laces, other than providing a sleek retro look, is to allow the use of the Warp Sleeve. This sleeve covers the laces to make this one of the most aerodynamic pairs of shoes on the market, not to mention some of the best looking too.

Apart from the laces the construction of the Sub 6 is the same high standard as the 6.

The S-Works Sub 6 is now available for pre-order.

 

Airnet Helmet

 

A new entry to Specialized's expansive range of helmets, the Airnet is designed for adventure riding, thus making it a superb all-round helmet for pretty much any kind of cycling.

Packed full of top-end features like the Tri-Fix adjustment system and luxurious merino pads that dramatically reduce the threat of stinky sweaty padding, the Airnet signifies a unique entry into the range.

A testament to Specialized's attention to detail, two of the rear vents have rubber grippers that are ideal for securing your sunglasses in place so they don't come flying off.

Its compact shape and streamlined looks means it won't look out of place on the road and the useful addition of a removable peak on the front aids the Airnet's commuting and off-road credentials.

Considering its bevy of top-end features the £100 price point is extremely competitive and should see it becoming a viable option for anyone from casual commuters to committed sportive riders.

The Specialized Airnet helmets are now available for pre-order.

 

Recon Mixed Shoe

 

Another new addition to Specialized's adventure riding catalogue, the Recon Mixed Shoe features a lace closure and a similar construction to the Audax shoe.

The Specialized Recon Mixed Shoe is now available for pre-order.

 

2FO Clip Lite Shoes

 

An updated version of the popular mountain bike shoe now with a women's Hyper Green model.

The Specialized 2FO Clip Lite Shoes are now available for pre-order.

 

Centro LED Helmet

 

Aimed squarely at the commuter market, the Centro LED helmet intergrades a static or flashing LED light into the rear of the shell for added visibility.

The Specialized Centro LED Helmet is now available for pre-order.

 

Trivent SC Shoe

 

SC as in Short Course; these new Triathlon shoes have Women's and Men's specific designs with a redesigned buckle that makes the shoes faster to get on and off in transition.

The Specialized Trivent SC Shoes are now available for pre-order.

 

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