Specialized’s vision is to be the best cycling brand in the world. We can only achieve this goal by challenging our own assumptions and constantly re-inventing our bikes and equipment. Thankfully, we have a company filled with dedicated cyclists and demanding pro athletes who never settle for good over great. Case in point: FACT.

FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is a holistic approach to composite development that differentiates our frames and components from our competitors’. The FACT process–our proprietary blend of design and engineering, materials selection, manufacturing, and testing–allows us to consider the performance of a bike as a whole. We never focus on specific attributes like weight or stiffness without considering the effect on the entire package.

A perfect example of FACT at work is the new S-Works Tarmac SL3. We took nothing for granted in designing this frame from the ground up. We developed new fabrication processes, an innovative carbon layup schedule with internal rib structures specific to each frame size, new BB technology, and new molding techniques that created the smoothest and thinnest layup possible. Through this comprehensive process, we not only improved stiffness and handling, but managed to produce the lightest frame we’ve ever made and the industry’s lightest frameset module.

When it comes to our composites or any other Specialized product, safety is our number one priority. We have one of the world’s foremost testing facilities in our Morgan Hill, CA, headquarters with machines that can accurately test around the clock. Our engineers and technicians perform countless hours of testing in all phases of fatigue, ultimate strength, impact strength, stiffness, and vibration, then our pro and elite field testers get their turn. We not only exceed all industry safety standards, but conduct our own proprietary tests, which are far more demanding than the industry requirements.

These days, you could say everybody does carbon—Specialized just does it better.