Specialized (United States) - Press Release: Darkness, Light, Speed—three elements so intertwined they cannot exist without the other. Nothing in the universe moves faster than light, but before and after is constant darkness. Inspired by this interplay and the futuristic landscapes our riders move through, the Speed of Light collection is equally intertwined—bikes and equipment existing together—to create our most stunning collection ever.

The Core of the Collection:

The story that brings this collection to life—darkness, light, speed—required more than talent and finding the right color pallet. Our design team, working hand-in-hand with our partners, quite literally invented a new black and red chameleon shifting pigment and painting process.

“When we started this project, the team wanted to develop a collection that not only told a story with depth and intrigue but to create something that was able to move you with the attention to detail. At the core of this collection, we wanted there to be beauty not only in the brightest of light but also in complete darkness. As designers, we pushed ourselves to make sure every element had a purpose.” - Kayla Clarot, Concept Design Leader.

Darkness and Speed:

Darkness is achieved through a bottomless black, with speed embodied by deep red, a color that represents energy, power, and vitality. Together, they create the Speed of Light’s shimmering, shifting chameleon paint. Inspired by ancient urushi painting techniques of the far east, these bikes and equipment reflect the pigment like a sumptuous lacquer, ever-changing at the speed of light.