An early start to the day picked up by a taxi at 5am to fly to London, by 9.30 I am outside Specialized Headquarters in Chessington.  I had been invited down to see the 2017 range of bikes and equipment and after a lovely strong coffee and a Danish pastry it was down to business.  I was met by Anders our account manager and got stuck in straight away looking at the Brand New Venge V.I.A.S with disc brakes.......disc brakes on road bikes was the order of the morning, the new Tarmac Disc and a fantastic all steel Adventure bike called the Sequoia.

A look at all the new colours of hybrids, mountain bikes and kids bikes followed (a mens Sirrus with full reflective paint, a new low maintenance bike with solid tyres were a couple of interesting ones) and then the 2017 range of clothing was next on the agenda, I noticed some rather cool looking orange S-Works shoes and the return of the Tahoe shoe in mens and ladies versions.

A lunch of a BBQ was a much needed interlude after all the morning drooling, then I was taken into the back of the HQ where a room with blacked out windows was next, I had to give the guys at Specialized my mobile phone and signed a waiver to say I would not disclose what was in the room........and I am afraid to say I cant say more on this but watch this space......news will follow soon I will just say WOW........

After another coffee and the usual picture taking especially love the picture of the Red Hook Criterium Bike adorned in gold with accompanied gold shoes, it was another taxi ride to the airport for the evening flight back to Glasgow.

Some great things to look forward to from Specialized and all available soon from us at Dales. But for now, here are a couple of tasters.

Simon