A few weeks ago I visited the Specialized Concept Store in Makati. I wanted to check it out, take this opportunity to show people who haven’t visited the store what it looks like, and also to focus on some of the cool Specialized bikes and gear. This particular Specialized Concept Store is the first and only one in the Philippines, and the biggest in Asia. The retail outlet was created to showcase the brand and have a one-stop-shop (pun intended) for the whole range of Specialized products.
Specialized makes fantastic gear. They’re one of the big brands that can boast of being able to cater to most of a cyclist’s needs, from built bikes with in-house components, to apparel and accessories. Add to that the wins of their athletes in the races that matter, like the Tour de France, Ironman (including the World Championship), and the Olympics, and you’ve got a brand with a strong history and pedigree.
This is the sign that you need to look for along Pasong Tamo Extension.
The impressive storefront of the Specialized Concept Store.
I love the triathlon-oriented front display featuring Specialized-sponsored athletes like ITU hotshot and XTERRA World Champion Javier Gomez and multiple Ironman-winner Jordan Rapp.
I don’t ride mountain bikes but I immediately fell in love with this hardtail S-Works Stumpjumper!
The first floor of the store houses the mountain bike section. Most of the apparel is also here, as well as the mechanic’s workshop.
The Specialized Concept Store has a great range of cycling helmets, apparel, and shoes.
The latest S-Works road shoe is definitely drool-worthy. If it’s good enough for Tom Boonen, it should be good enough for you. The Boa enclosures ensure a snug fit around your foot for comfort and more effective power transfer.
This helmet used by the Specialized lululemon women’s cycling team rocks. I’m not sure if this is the Propero or the Prevail, but both are excellent models. In my opinion, the Specialized lululemon cycling kit is one of the best out there.
A selection of road, hybrid, urban, mountain, and CX bikes greet you as you enter the front door.
Being a Specialized Concept Store, they’re required to carry the whole range of Specialized tires, tubes, and pumps. Good news to the Specialized fans out there!
There’s also a full-fledged workshop with a mechanic if you need to have your Specialized (or any other) bike serviced.
I love the juxtaposition of the S-Works McLaren Venge in the poster and a real S-Works Venge inside the service area!
This Specialized Crux cyclocross bike definitely looks like a fun ride! If I had a choice between a CX bike and MTB, I’d definitely get a CX!
Some mountain bikes, and even a kids bike. Start them young!
A few more mountain bikes and Specialized off-road tires.
An S-Works Stumpjumper FSR full-suspension mountain bike frame hangs on the wall…
…Right beside a carbon S-Works Stumpjumper frame.
No mistaking what model this is! It’s also got World Champion palmares!
Here’s a built-up Stumpjumper FSR in full Specialized livery.
A front shot of the S-Works Stumpjumper on the window display. Best kind of window shopping ever!
A shot of most of the ground floor from the stairs. Check out the Post-its on the iMac, looks like someone’s busy!
I love how the Specialized Concept Store partners and employees display their medals and trophies from various triathlon and cycling races.
A few more medals and trophies from age-group podium finishes and special awards.
Going up the stairs to the second floor leads you to the road and triathlon section, as well as the Body Geometry fitting room.
A road triathlete at heart, this is where my heart started racing a bit more!
I love the cycling wall posters–definitely makes you “feel” the store more.
Some gloves, and a fantastic-looking Specialized cycling kit. Too bad I don’t own a Specialized bike so I can’t rock this one.
Some bar tape, including the extra-cushy S-Wrap Roubaix Tape that pros use on the cobbles of France.
The full range of Specialized saddles, so you can choose which one your behind likes the most. Too bad they didn’t have the Sitero yet, I would’ve loved to see it in the flesh.
The racy Specialized Tarmac.
The S-Works Venge aero road bike. Mark Cavendish has been killing it on this machine for the past few weeks in the Giro.
The S-Works Roubaix SL4. Check out the unusual COBL GOBL-R seatpost that’s supposed to eat up all manner of road vibration.
The third high-end road bike in the men’s lineup, the S-Works Tarmac SL4.
There’s also a top-of-the-line women’s-specific Amira road bike for ladies who like to go fast.
The rest of the road line. Are you in road bike heaven already?
The Specialized Expert Road and S-Works Road shoes.
I love the design on this Specialized road helmet.
Save the best for last! They also have the different models of the Shiv triathlon-specific bike. Watch out for a full Bike Tech post on one of these soon.
The Shiv Pro UI2. It comes pre-installed with Ultegra Di2. I love this nude carbon version, which comes with no logos. You get Specialized decals in five colors, which you can stick on your own–sky’s the limit with your creativity!
A close-up shot of the nude carbon with glossy finish. This looks even sexier in person.
The S-Works Trivent triathlon shoe. It features an innovative boa enclosure which also opens and closes the heel cup, for easier and faster flying mount transitions.
There’s also the Specialized Trivent Expert, which has a wide velcro strap instead. Also features a carbon sole for extra stiffness.
The TT2, one of the better-looking full-aero helmets out there. Too bad they didn’t have any stock of the S-Works McLaren aero helmet at the time–they were all sold by the time I got there!
The Specialized Trivent TERRA, an off-road triathlon shoe.
The Specialized Concept Store also has the whole range of Body Geometry shoe inserts, as well as this tool for measuring your foot’s arch to know which insert is best for you.
One of the best features of the store is the BG Fit service that they provide. You can take advantage of the fitting when purchasing a new Specialized bike, and if you need something from the store you can always grab it off the shelves!
I just had to take a shot of this poster. I’ll say it again, the Specialized Lululemon cycling kit is one of the better-looking ones out there!
The inside of the BG Fit room. There’s a massage table for doing the pre-fit assessment, a trainer to put the bike on, and various tools and implements for fitting.
Another angle of the BG Fit room. We hope to do a more comprehensive post on BG Fit soon!
I definitely had fun during my visit to the big red S! It’s a bike geek’s dream come true, especially if you’re a Specialized fanboy!
The Specialized Concept Store is at La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati. You can also reach them at (02) 553-4919.
Special thanks to Andy Leuterio for hosting me during my visit!
