Specialized Bikes
A riding and buying guide to Specialized road, gravel, mountain, city and electric bikes in Toronto and the GTA, written by the team at Pedalinx Bike Shop. Find the model that fits how you ride, then see it in person at a Pedalinx store.
Start with where you ride most. For fast rides on smooth pavement, look at the Tarmac or the lighter Aethos. For long rides on rough city roads, the Roubaix is more comfortable, and the Allez is the usual first road bike. If your rides mix pavement and gravel, the Diverge covers both. For trails such as the Don Valley, start with the Rockhopper. For commuting and errands, choose the Sirrus or Roll, or the Como if you want pedal assist.
This site is run by Pedalinx Bike Shop, an independent authorized Specialized dealer, and is not operated by Specialized Bicycle Components.
Pick the riding you do most. Each card links to the model guides on this site.
Fast, light bikes for long days on pavement.
Tarmac · Roubaix · Allez · Aethos
Background: Specialized road bike guide
One bike for pavement, gravel and back roads, from rail trails to concession roads outside the city.
New to gravel? Gravel riding in Ontario
Hardtails for dirt, roots and climbs. A good first bike for trails like the Don Valley.
Background: Understanding mountain bikes
Upright, practical bikes for commuting, errands and fitness rides.
Compare: Fitness bike guide
Pedal assist that flattens hills and stretches your range for commuting and errands.
Before you buy: E-bike buying guide
A quick comparison of the Specialized models covered on this site. Open a model for builds, sizing and who it suits.
| Model | Type | Best for | Around the GTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allez | Aluminum road | First road bike, fitness riding | Lakeshore loops and weekday training rides |
| Tarmac | Carbon race road | Fast group rides and racing | Group rides north of the city |
| Roubaix | Endurance road with Future Shock | Long rides and comfort on rough pavement | Broken city pavement and long weekend rides |
| Aethos | Lightweight carbon road | Climbing and light, quick handling | Climbing routes such as the Niagara Escarpment |
| Diverge | Gravel | Mixed pavement and gravel | Rail trails and concession roads |
| Rockhopper | Hardtail mountain | A first trail bike | Don Valley trails |
| Sirrus and Sirrus X | Fitness and city hybrid | Commuting and fitness rides | Bike lanes and daily commutes |
| Roll | Comfort city | Relaxed, upright riding | Waterfront trail rides and errands |
| Como | Electric city and comfort | Pedal assist for errands and commuting | Longer commutes and hills |
Open a model to see who it suits, which build to look at and how it rides on GTA roads and trails.
Toronto riding is hard on bikes. Road salt, wet spring rides and potholes wear out chains, brakes and tires faster than dry summer miles. Rinse salt off the drivetrain after winter rides, check tire pressure weekly, and store e-bike batteries indoors when it is cold.
New bikes bought at Pedalinx include the Lifetime Tune-Up Program: one complimentary adjustment tune-up every year. For more, read Pedalinx’s guides to winter bike storage and e-bike battery care.
Bikes are sold and serviced at Pedalinx Bike Shop. See a bike in person, book a test ride or drop off your bike for service at either store. Stock changes through the season, so check Pedalinx.com or call ahead.
Toronto: 531 College Street, 647-348-2453
Mississauga: 3221 Derry Road West, 905-997-4700
It depends on where you ride. For commuting and errands, the Sirrus or Sirrus X is the most practical choice. For fast road rides, look at the Allez to start or the Tarmac for racing and group rides, and the Roubaix if you ride long distances on rough pavement. If your rides mix roads and gravel, the Diverge handles both. For trails, start with the Rockhopper.
Height alone is not enough. Start with three measurements: your height, your cycling inseam and your reach (arm span), then compare them with the current Specialized size chart for the model you want. Each model’s stack and reach also affect how it fits, and some Specialized mountain bikes use S-Sizing, where you choose a size by how you want the bike to handle. If you are between sizes, an Expert bike fit at a Pedalinx store will confirm the right one. Pedalinx’s guide to choosing a bike size walks through each step.
No. Specialized Bikes Toronto is run by Pedalinx Bike Shop, an independent authorized Specialized dealer with stores in Toronto and Mississauga. It is not operated by Specialized Bicycle Components.
At either Pedalinx store: 531 College Street in Toronto, or 3221 Derry Road West in Mississauga. Call ahead to make sure the model and size you want are in stock.
Yes, with some preparation. Wider tires with more grip, fenders and good lights make winter riding safer. Rinse road salt off the chain and drivetrain after wet rides, and store e-bike batteries indoors when it is cold. If you plan to park the bike for the season, see Pedalinx’s winter storage guide.