Text & Photos: Wheel Giant、SBCT
Founded in 1974 by mountain biking legend Mike Sinyard, Specialized is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company marked this milestone with a vibrant i-party held on September 28 in Taichung, where over 100 industry participants joined a morning ride, followed by a celebratory luncheon that attracted more than 400 attendees.
During the event, founder Mike Sinyard expressed his gratitude to supplier partners for their unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in propelling the bicycle industry forward and creating a brighter future for cycling. Mike believes that bicycles can address various issues, including mental health, physical well-being, and sustainability.
To further its commitment to sustainability, Specialized launches the "Reduce, Reuse, ReSpecialized" bike refurbishment program in August 2024. This initiative aims to partner with various brands to offer free adjustments, discounted repairs, and complimentary children’s helmets. The goal is to have approximately 1 million refurbished bikes back on the road by the end of 2025, encouraging more people to cycle and reduce their carbon footprint.
New CEO Armin Landgraf thanked suppliers for their resilience over the past three years, which has enabled Specialized to quickly respond to market changes. He expressed appreciation for everyone’s presence at the 50th-anniversary celebration.
Merida President Michael Tseng presented Mike Sinyard with a custom wooden sculpture to commemorate the occasion, highlighting Mike’s successful leadership and significant contributions to the cycling industry. Additionally, Topkey President Walter Shen offered a congratulatory plaque.
Specialized Vice President Bob Margevicius reflected on his journey with the company, inspired by Mike’s vision to provide everyone with the ride of their life. He acknowledged the unprecedented challenges faced this year, such as climate change and geopolitical tensions, and discussed the importance of customer focus, urgency, and proactive execution in navigating these issues.
Key takeaways for thriving in today’s environment include:
Speed and urgency lead to results.
Strong partnerships are vital in crises.
Trust is essential for all relationships.
Diverse supply chains enhance reliability.
Innovation drives long-term profitability.
Sustainability is a responsibility, not just a trend.
Operational versatility is crucial for success.
Excellence in quality is a customer expectation.
As Specialized embarks on its next chapter, the company remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and fostering a strong community of cyclists.
