Specialized bikes have been frequently bringing professional cyclists, triathletes and mountain bikers on top of the podium in various prestigious races like Tour de France and Ironman across the globe.  As a spectator in these grueling competitions (mostly in front of the television that is), I got my introduction to this powerful brand in this manner.

 

Just recently, I found myself the great fortune of being face to face with the state-of-the-art Specialized Shiv Disc.  This happened during the opening of the pioneer Specialized Elite Store in the country at the SM by the Bay area beside the Biker’s Cafe and Seafood Island. Aside from envious glimpses from a distance during triathlon races I covered in Subic ridden by professional athletes and some well supported age groupers, this is one of the few moments I get close and personal with a Specialized masterpiece.  

 

The aerodynamic technology is very apparent in all aspects of the Shiv Disc’s design including what I call the “bento box in steroids” located behind the seat tube.  This can accommodate race long hydration and fuel in one filling – that is if you don’t treat races like going to a buffet! This undoubtedly resonates the brand’s design philosophy of “aero is everything” as this latest Shiv model shouts speed like a lion’s roar.

 

 

But this is not solely about the Shiv nor the Venge nor the Tarmac, top-of-the-line tri and road bike models available at the store, but the unveiling of this bike enthusiasts’ hub located right in their metropolitan playground – the SM by the Bay stretch.  All bikers know this area closed to vehicular traffic every morning for exclusive use of cyclists. To open a store catering to all things Specialized cycling with modern technological support system like the Retul bike fitting and repair facility among other, is unarguably innovative.  This is what they call the “Specialized Experience”.

 

Sales Director of the Gruppo Innovare, Specialized Philippines’ partner in this endeavor, Ritchie  Santayana aptly states: “We are proud to be opening the first Specialized Elite Store here at SM by the Bay, a perfect location as it is a biker’s haven especially in the morning.  As Specialized has striven to make the best bikes for riders since 1974, the Philippine riding community can expect the best one-stop bike shop experience the moment they walk in our store.”

 

 

 

Here is a list of what the store will offer as part of their total package “Specialized Experience”:

 

  • worry free purchases
  • providing expert advice in choosing the best bike test program
  • bike servicing by trained staff
  • Retul Match and Vantage System – the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market

 

As a “regular” biker who is not that tech savvy and “learned” in all things cycling, I can rest assured that once I step in into this haven, I will be coming out with the best bike scientifically and technologically tailored for me, my cycling ability, my aesthetic preference, the racing, fitness or leisure goals, and most especially, my wallet’s capacity!  There is much to be hoped for for the latter but everything else will be covered efficiently in a breeze as promised. And I can even test the bike! Yay! And off I go with the bike of my dreams at least for a minute or two. Then back to my rickety old Zafira, my bike’s name, for eternity.

 

 

By the way, upon my query during the q and a portion, Gruppo Innovare promised that though as of the moment they do not carry off-road models like Stumpjumper and e-mountain bikes like Turbo Levo and Kenevo here in their SM by the Bay store, they will be available in their soon to open two other branches – Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City.

 

So what are you waiting for? Come and visit SM, este, Specialized Elite Store by the Bay where we got it all for you (to borrow the SM slogan)!

 

For further information about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.

 

Take a peek of what transpired during the opening ceremony of Specialized Elite Shop through these snaps I took during the event.