Specialized break new ground – Bikes now also available direct to consumer
Specialized have been mixing things up in the bike industry since the early seventies, achieving plenty of success and often leading the way. After the Californian brand recently opened a flagship store in Hamburg, they’re now also taking the digital direct to consumer path.
In times of same-day delivery and online shops for almost anything you can think of, you hardly have to leave the house to do your shopping. So why not also have your bike delivered. Specialized have boarded the direct to consumer train but, as so often, they’ve taken the concept a little further than the competition. From February 7th, 2022, you’ll have not just one but two new ways to get your hands on a new Specialized bike.
Ship to Home is what they’re calling the option where you can have the bike delivered preassembled to your doorstep, which is the conventional direct to consumer model popularised by Canyon and YT. An experienced home mechanic will have the bike ready to ride in just a few short minutes after it’s been delivered. All you need to do to get out on the trail is attach the handlebar, instal the wheels and adjust the setup. However, should you have any problems, the Specialized Rider Care Team is there to help.
The second option is called Specialized Delivery, which is initially being limited to selected test regions but will gradually expand from there. The bike doesn’t just get delivered to your door, the guy delivering it is a professional bike mechanic who will build the bike and adjust the setup for its future owner. That way, Specialized promise to keep their service level up without the customer having to leave their house, combining the advantages and customer support of a bike shop with the convenience of direct to consumer delivery – brilliant!
Of course, if you prefer going to your licensed Specialized dealer, you still have this option. In fact, it’s your only option with Specialized’s Turbo ebikes, since neither of the two delivery options are currently available for these models. If you live in northern Germany or feel like going on a short road trip to pick up your bike, the Specialized Concept Store Hamburg opened at the end of January. Covering more than 700 square meters, you’ll find everything from road bikes and MTBs to light or long-range eMTBs, all in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It isn’t intended to just serve as a store where you can buy bikes and related gear, but also as a place to mingle and talk shop and tech over a steaming cup of coffee.
Specialized’s innovative direct to consumer model is here to conquer new target groups, allowing riders to make spontaneous bike purchases from the comfort of their home. Moreover, their Ship to Home and Specialized Delivery models consider the needs of different types of customers. Instead of just catering to those with the appropriate know-how and less need for advice, they’re also addressing riders who want the hands-on help you get at the store.
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Specialized
