I am so stoked to join forces with Specialized. No other brand has the full complement of top-shelf bikes and gear and the level of commitment to success. The whole team is set up really well with the best support, the best mechanics, and the best teammates. Racing with my old buddy, Curtis Keene, is going to be unreal. We have been buds forever, and now to be teammates, I am confident we can help each other and both become better riders through the process. - Jared Graves |
Jared is pure class - you won't find another athlete that trains as hard or puts as much into his efforts as him. There's a reason why Jared has always been up front and it's no secret - he's not afraid to put in the hard work in order to consistently get the results. Besides that, he's a gentleman off the bike and can always be counted on to be the life of the party. We're beyond excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to making some great memories together. - Gavin Noble, Manager of the Specialized Racing Factory Mountain Bike program |
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Here's an article that sums this all up: ridingagainstthegrain.com/2013/12/08/an-open-letter-to-mike-sinyard
Happy pedaling.
relationship or some Republican blog. You'll bebetter off watching Fail compilations though...
Here's another question, why would you support and buy from a company that didn't believe in every aspect of each bike they sell? I haven't ridden a Specialized since 2005 and I'm damn proud of it.
www.cyclingnews.com/news/sinyard-takes-responsibility-and-apologises-to-cafe-roubaix-owner
This is all ancient history at this point, as Specialized has learned it's lesson.
Nonetheless, the haters will hang onto it forever.
That is actually not true at all. It was not until Sinyard realized the tremendous negative publicity the lawsuit was generating on social media that Specialized dropped the lawsuit, after almost a full week of negative backlash from the public. Anybody who thinks Sinyard didn't know about the lawsuit is either lying or naive. He has a reputation in the industry for being a control freak.
As reprehensible as the lawsuit was against Cafe Roubaix, their previous lawsuit against small bicycle manufacturer Volagi was much worse. It was purely based upon personal revenge, and Specialized sole goal was to bankrupt Volagi. Luckily the jury saw through the special lies BS and only awarded Specialized $1 for one of the charges and dismissed the rest.
velonews.competitor.com/2012/01/news/an-expensive-dollar-volagi-owes-specialized-1_203443
Most of the Specialized lawsuits seemed to have the goal of bankrupting small companies, and they had some success; Mountain Cycles closed their doors shortly after a Specialized lawsuit, according to their Wikipedia page:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialized_Bicycle_Components
Not trying to serve the Haterade here, just sharing some facts and insight.
I wish Graves the best of luck with Mike Sinyard and Specialized.
@tomdh thanks for that link! very cool. was hoping they'd do this... another good option.
m.pinkbike.com/photo/12994644
-You peed on mae lawn? - Yea, and watch'a gunna do? - I'm a call ma lawyer btch! - your honor, Maggie McKenzie hasn't just urinated on Mr. Stevens lawn. As we all know the lawn in front of a house is a symbol of the American freedom. We ceawl there, we run, then we have barbecue and we bury our beloved dogs there. Our most devoted friends. It is an attack on fundamental right to own a land. She peed on Americacan dream. If we allow that then what will we say to Mr Putin when he comes and puts socialism on it? Therefore I ask for one million dollars of which 10% will go to cat shelters, forcats who lost their owners defending our freedom and fighting evil in Iraq
Cheers!
sorry all
Bit of a blah blah announcement for this great rider, but I guess it checks all the corporate guidelines and was redrafted & approved by the S-Works communications department. :-)
as for me, I wasn't sure I'd ever own a spesh bike, but I stumbled into a great deal on a used enduro that has been a hell of a bike (after a custom milled rear shock upgrade to a monarch plus). for a tall guy, S's bikes work really well (discussed elsewhere) as they really nail the angles for tall guys. Regardless, the frivolous lawsuits I'm not a fan of, and it makes me uneasy at a minimum. I'd probably think twice in the future, but I'm still going to buy the bike I want, as long as the price is roughly in line with value/expectations, regardless of who makes it. Going to be interesting to see what happens with more and more direct sales and how that will impact S, Trek and Giant (among others). On that note, now that Horst link patent is expired, how many companies have switched over to this suspension type? And many going direct at a fraction of the price...
Ok Maybe in muslim law systems I actually dont know much about those. But neither in common or continental law systems is a thing.
Yeah hating spech for their bikes is stupid. their bikes are awesome, but so are plenty of other brands not enaging in shitty business practices.
And seriously whoever brought the iphone argument I have to ask: y u so dumb?
Arrogance and big egos are the dominant personalities among the big players in the MTB product world. There are few exceptions.
If Mike Sinyard wants any level of forgiveness from the cycling world he needs to actually amend for his greedy mistakes in the past, which he has yet to do:
Give back Volagi the $1 in a public presentation and also pay all their layer fees.
Put Mountain Cycles back in business and let them use use the name Stumptown.
Give back the lawyer fees to both of the small companies that used the name Epic.
A speech saying he has learned from his mistakes is a nice start, but Sinyard needs to put his money where his mouth is. And considering his company has yearly estimated revenues of over $500,000,00, it wouldn't be that expensive and the forgiveness from the public they would receive would be worth it.
Lets keep this in perspective - Specialized is the third best selling bike brand on the planet. They don't just build bikes, they build icons. The Epic, Stumpjumper, Enduro, and Demo have been among the best bikes in their respective classes year after year.
The "cycling world" is perfectly content with Specialized.
I guess you're not aware of something called Freedom of Speech? You also have the freedom to not acknowledge the hate, but you do. I wonder why?
I'm curious if you think all the cyclist speaking out on social media about legal action Specialized took against Cafe Roubaix were 'haters'?
Mike Sinyard himself eventually agreed with all of those people that the legal action against Cafe Roubaix was a terrible action for Specialized to take... so I guess Sinyard himself is a Speciailized hater by agreeing with them? Obviously not, he simply realized he has been doing something unethical.
That is the value of social justice; It is a valuable force in the world, regardless is the industry. If you believe in social justice, It makes sense not to support companies like Specialized; companies that are the most greedy in their industry and go out of their way to unnecessarily hurt and bully smaller businesses.
If you don't care about social justice, then I guess you don't feel bad about buying a Specialized, shopping at Wal Mart, voting for Donald Trump, or even working for Specialized. You do what benefits you and makes you feel good, regardless of the suffering and pain it causes others.
That's basically what this issue comes down to, and these very valid reasons are why Specialized has so many haters.
So again I ask you: Sinyard said he agreed that his actions were based upon poor judgement; Was he just lying and saying what he had to say to keep the company profitable or was he being sincere?
I guess it comes down to what you think the purpose of a business is; Serve yourself at all costs to maximize profits and be a "successful" businessman, or try to be successful while still being ethical. At a larger level it essentially comes down to who you respect more: Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders.
Funny fact: Fuji owned the Roubaix trademark, not specialized. Lollercoasters!
Waki: "You know we can go there."
Before we unfortunately go into another one of your strangely cynical and boringly predictable distractions, let's please start with you either acknowledging you were either completely naive or absolutely lying in the statement I called you out on in my first post. Which one is it Waki?
I'm not wanting to make people who ride Specialized bikes feel bad about them, that is not my goal and I have never judged someone enjoying a ride based upon what bike they ride. If you like your bike ride it and enjoy it and never feel bad about it... unless you do.
Ive had an awesome time with Yeti over the past 12 years, they are a great group of people, led by truly passionate and plain good people, and that is the number one reason I have stayed with them so long, and would also be perfectly happy to stay with. I have always been open to riding for other companies, but Yeti always presented me with what I felt was right for me at the time. On the other hand, Im a bike rider first and foremost, and there are also other brands I have a lot of respect for, Specialized is a company that for probably the past 5-6 years has been at the top of that list. Ive always thought they have had awesome product, and to me, they way the go about searching for the next innovative and evolution of product, not just to do with their bikes, but all their range of other parts and riding gear are no compromise performance parts, which is something that always attracted me.
As a kid I was always a huge Palmer fan, and I can honestly say that Specialized was the first company that I would lay in bed at night as a teenager and dream of riding for.
When they approached me earlier this year, from the first time I spoke with them, it was clear to me that they would be a perfect fit. Their current and future product lines, goals with the team, and results aside, other things that were important to them and myself all lined up. Something ive noticed at the EWS round the past year is the positive atmosphere going on at all times in their pits, Everyone always has a smile on their face and they all seem to be having a great time. This is super important to me. If it's not fun, I don't want to be anywhere near it.
Skype Conversations and emails went back and forth flat out for well over a month, and by that time I knew it was where I wanted to be. A week stay in Morgan Hill early November eased any concerns I had, when I saw the headquarters first hand, and was blown away. Not just by everything they have going on their, but that the atmosphere was amazing, Just like Yeti is, only on a bigger scale. Every employee there is a super motivated, passionate, bike fanatic! That was apparent with how competitive the employee rides were haha.
to clear up few points
- enduro 650 and Stumpy 650 will be my "go-to's" but a 29er at certain races is for sure on the cards if its right. Horses for courses!
- Yeti's focus is 100% on Enduro, as is Richies, If you hold your breath waiting for a World Cup DH team to start up, you will definitely pass out. But Richie is keen on doing some DH racing, as am I if the calendar permits, and you can prepare to be competitive. Both Richie and Myself arent interested in racing World Cup DH for shits and giggles.
- While there has been surprisingly few people saying "I sold out" which to be honest I expected more of. to the ones that did say it....Are you freaking serious? Do you know how little Pro MTB riders make? I couldnt afford a Ferrari this year and I certainly Still cant afford one next year (for the record I drive an 8 year old Volkswagen van, with over 200,000km on the odometer that im the 3rd owner of, And will be for many years yet) If a company didnt make top notch product, there is no way I would ever sign with them. Theres a handful of people close to me that know that Specialized is a company I have always said I would ride for.
- Im impressed by the bikes, the limited riding ive done on them has eased any concerns I had initially, after so long with Yeti. Honestly, these days there are a lot of damn good bikes out there, theres a lot of companies that have good people and know what they are doing. While Yeti is super innovative, but as a small company they have to be careful what they throw their money into. And picking and choosing what they throw their money at when it comes to developing bikes is something they do very well, i'd almost say they have it down to an art. Specialized approaches things the same, but due to their size have the ability to try a few more ideas without it majorly financially hurting the company. This is something that will always give the big guy an edge over the small guy.
Anyways, cheers for the support guys, bring on 2016!
All the best! Huge fan of Specialized, your writing, legs and cardiovascular system. May injuries and flats stay away from you. Cheers!
What chances did you give yourself coming out of that first corner?
Maybe releasing graves gives yeti the funds to run DH once more.
All that said I do hope the specter of Richie Rude breathing down your neck keeps you up at night in 2016!
Since we're talking about politics with Specialized I'll give my humble, 18 year old opinion:
Since I started taking this sport seriously, I've owned 4 bikes (3 mountain, 1 road).
Started on a Hardrock and absolutely fell in love. When I outgrew that, I went to a Specialized demo, and I was spoiled. Nothing but respect for those who ran it. Bought another brand when it became too small-new bike was a total piece. Left me with sad knowing I spent my hard-earned money on a bike I didn't love. Rode that for 2 years, then Finally purchased a stumpy fsr. This bike is everything I could've wanted. I demo'd Giant, Scott, and Trek and only Scott's bikes felt correct (Genius 700 LT tuned, so obviously I fell in love). At the time I demo'd a Trek, I was completely dicked by those running the demo (I was 16 at the time, which is a poor excuse at trying to justify my treatment). Never will give Trek my time again.
TL;DR:
Have been riding for 6 years, owned mix of Specialized and not Specialized, have loved every product of Specialized that I own (I beat them to the ground), had amazing customer service from Specialized and virtually almost no others, and will most likely keep buying Specialized until the day their product quality begins to decline (if it ever does).
Most riders are retiring between 35 and 40 from the racing.... well what better way to get ready for retirement but suck as much money out of a company that clearly has way to f*cking much of it. definitely helps that its during a time when they are scrambling to have a top dog in the Enduro racing world... Smart Move Graves, Smart Move.
Gwin came to the rescue and then year later the new S-works Demo comes out ... Does this mean Graves comes to the rescue a year before the new Enduro rolls out? Could we see an all new Enduro??? maybe a completley different frame!??? SPECULATING IS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
2008 Enduro Comp, 2011 Enduro Expert Evo, 2012 S Works Enduro, 2013 Stumpy 29er Elite, 2012 Stumpy Expert Carbon Evo, 2014 Stumpy Expert Carbon Evo.
For me, my 2014 Stumpy Carbon Evo had that horrendous bike shudder with super loud noise that is known to the company to be a problem with the seat stays and present in a lot of other stumpys. They’d run out of the carbon stays they’d been giving out to remedy the issue and their solution was for me to buy different rotors/and or brakes...out of MY pocket, to fix a problem inherent in their frame.
Like I said, I’ve loved their bikes since 2008. I’ve lost count of how many friends have purchased one of their bikes because I talked them into it. A company can to the wrong thing a couple times and lose a customer’s business for decades and have their reputation not only adversely effected but not bolstered which is almost worse.
The problem with Specialized is that their bikes are so good, people resent that that they have to buy a bike from a company with a reputation like they have. In the end, I’ll probably buy another one because I haven’t ridden anything I like as much.
The problem is solved for now since going to organic pads and Ice-Tech rotors. I had brand new regular shimano rotors originally. I plan on switching to Guides and Centerline rotors in the near future and if the shudder comes back the reps won’t be getting rid of me til they make it right.
It's true that Specialized has a full range of bikes for all disciplines but still gotta be hard for Yeti to hear.
Jared and Curtis on the same team? They're going to have loads of fun. I love the fact they are still great friends even though they have to compete against each other in the past. I'm not a big fan of Spech but I will root for Jared regardless~
Specialized is in everything from kids bikes and commuters to triathlon and DH along with parts,tires and riding gear.
www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Adelaide-Nationals-Jared-Graves-XC-Win-DH-Seeding,24572/RowneySports,27292
I remember this win, with a blown fork haha. (spoiler alert) it's the Australian nationals for XC!
But doesn't Jared know how poorly those FSR's ride compared to DW's/VPP/Switchs, etc...? OOPS!
maybe Graves is "on track" to picking up a new energy drink sponno....
Do whales shit in the woods?
Gwin mysteriously not there on the official rider roster...
ps.. only 34 secs of jared on the bike..? disappointing..
P"
Ha....
He should have said they make a really solid product that many people enjoy. .etc etc
I used to work at a LBS, and the "other guys" had the big red S. That's probably the start of my hate. You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting somebody on a Specialized. Entry level, mid-level, high-end bikes, it didn't matter, they seemed to be everywhere. Well, they seem to have fallen off a bit, but now I would say that Santa Cruz is the next in line to take over Specialized's crown. Those things are everywhere. I don't know if it is good marketing, or what, but they seem to be doing well. I think there are many, many other brands that have equal quality of ride and build, but are a smaller company. There isn't a "best bike EVAR!" in any category, so what gives?
Jared have a good luck and i wish that when you will race in the alps a YETI will chase you.
Much love!
Can I please have one of your old yeti bike?
Thanks and congrats
If you look at the EWS series results there is a big range of bike manufacturers represented in the to ten. That says to me that it is the rider, rather than the bike, which is the key to good results.
As others have said in this thread spesh makes good bikes. I have had one for myself and one for my wife. The reason I will never buy another is their preoccupation with proprietary parts that you cannot get anywhere else and are very hard to upgrade. To me, it is a corporate tactic to building in obsolescence so that their bikes are turned over more often, and to force you to buy overpriced, high margin replacement parts.
I wonder if Jared will get access to suspension parts that are made just for him to get a wider range of setup options on the stumpy? Also, I wonder how he will go on spesh tyres. The maxxis range that he has been on for years is both broad and high quality, and I'm not convinced that the spesh branded tyres are in the same class. I guess that the spesh DH riders smashed it this year, they can't be too bad.
Personally, if I had a choice between an SB5C and a Stumpjumper at the same spec level and same price, I'd go with the Yeti any day. They are just the sexiest bikes you can buy, in my opinion.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=oMBDhkSUYUg
but...
see comment #1.
Cheers