Specialized presents its completely revised S-Works clothing line for road and mountain bikes. The new collection is the result of a five-year development phase in close co-operation with professional teams such as SD Worx - Protime and Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. The aim was to develop the fastest and most comfortable cycling clothing of all time.
Maximum wadding savings - aerodynamic optimisation for road cyclists
At the centre of the new S-Works road collection is the so-called SlipLayer fabric. According to Specialized, this diamond-structured material is the fastest fabric ever tested in the in-house wind tunnel. At a speed of 45 km/h, it is said to enable a time saving of 90 seconds over a distance of 45 kilometres compared to the previous model. This corresponds to a power saving of 24 watts. The new S-Works skinsuit is even more efficient and saves up to 10 watts at 48 km/h compared to the time trial suit previously used by the professional teams.
According to the manufacturer, the aerodynamic advantages result from the combination of the SlipLayer fabric with an optimised cut. The use of kinetic patterning means that the fabric panels and seams are designed to follow the body's biomechanical movements. This reduces creasing and improves aerodynamics. In addition, seamless edges ensure a smooth transition between skin and fabric, which should further minimise air resistance.
The S-Works Aero Long Sleeve Skin Suit
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL (men/women)
- Colour: Black
- Price: 399 Euro
The S-Works Aero Short Sleeve Skin Suit
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL (men/women)
- Colour: Black
- Price: 349 Euro
Performance yes - but also comfort and sustainability
In addition to aerodynamic optimisation, Specialized attaches great importance to weight reduction and comfort in the new S-Works collection. The new S-Works cycling shorts are 20 per cent lighter than the previous model. This is achieved through the use of a specially developed fabric that offers high compression despite its low weight. The compressive fit supports the muscles and reduces signs of fatigue on long rides. A newly developed seat pad ensures comfort. The so-called Body Geometry Triple Density Contour 3D Chamois is ergonomically shaped and gender-specific. It was developed in coordination with the Specialized saddles to ensure optimum pressure distribution. The absence of an upper seam should also reduce friction and creasing in the sensitive area.
The S-Works Race Bib Short
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (men/women)
- Colour: Black, navy blue, metallic grey/ black, navy blue (men/ women)
- Price: 279 Euro
The S-Works Race Jersey
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (men/women)
- Colour: Black, navy blue, glacier white (men and women)
- Price: 199 Euro
Durable clothing for mountain bikers
Specialized has developed a special S-Works MTB collection for off-road use in collaboration with downhill world champion Loïc Bruni and other top athletes. In addition to aerodynamic aspects, the focus here is primarily on durability and freedom of movement. According to the manufacturer, the S-Works MTB jersey combines an aerodynamic fit with extremely abrasion-resistant materials. Dyneema is woven into a stretchy nylon fabric for this purpose. Dyneema is otherwise mainly used in climbing equipment and is intended to ensure maximum tear resistance.
Specialized also relies on the Kinetic Patterning concept for its MTB clothing. The alignment of fabric panels and seams follows the natural movement sequences when mountain biking. In combination with the highly elastic material, this should ensure unrestricted freedom of movement - even when protectors are worn. According to the manufacturer, the S-Works MTB jersey is 7 watts more aerodynamic at a speed of 30 km/h than the previous Trail Air jersey.
The S-Works Off-Road Race Jersey
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL (men/women)
- Colours: Black
- Price: 199 Euro
Long test phase with professional teams and individual athletes
The development of the new S-Works collection spanned a period of five years. During this time, the prototypes underwent numerous test phases in the wind tunnel and under real conditions with professional athletes. The mountain bike equipment was intensively tested and optimised by the Specialized Gravity Team riders. Loïc Bruni, Finn Iles and Jordan Williams received customised versions of the jerseys and shorts that they will use in the 2023 season. Bruni won both individual World Cup races and the overall World Cup in the downhill discipline in the new kit. Riders from the SD Worx - Protime team tested the skinsuit prototypes in the Specialized wind tunnel back in November 2021. The final version of the S-Works skinsuit was then used for the first time at the Tour de France Femmes 2023.
The S-Works Off-Road Race Pant
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL/ XS, S, M, L, XL (men/women)
- Colour: Black
- Price: 259 Euro
Leon Weidner
Working student
