Founder & President Michael Sinyard was born and raised in San
Diego, California. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business
Administration from San Jose State University in 1974. His company,
Specialized Bicycle Components, was founded in the same year with
$1,500 raised from selling his VW van. He based his new business
out of a trailer home and traveled throughout Europe buying hard-to-
find cycling components for resale in the United States.
Specialized's first year sales of $64,000 quadrupled in 1975. 1980
brought the launch of the Stumpjumper, the industry's first mass
produced mountain bike. Introduction of the Stumpjumper propelled
the company to $25 million in sales by 1985. One of the original
Stumpjumpers now resides in the Smithsonian Institution. By 1992
sales exceeded $140 million, and today company sales stand at an
impressive $170 million. More than 6,000 retailers in over 25
countries now sell Specialized products.
Not having much capital in the beginning actually proved to be a
positive for Mr. Sinyard. He persuaded his customers to pay in
advance for each order. This unusual supplier/customer trust remains
the foundation for Specialized's relationship with its international
network of dealers. The company can identify with the needs - and
sometimes the limitations - of smaller independent bicycle dealers.
Mr. Sinyard's cycling-enthusiast background is the basis for the
company's success. He states, "We make bikes that we want to ride.
Our lunchtime rides are more than recreation. They are the source of
our most exciting product innovations."
Specialized holds itself to the highest standards on environmental and
safety issues. The company has hired a land access coordinator
whose sole function is to mitigate disputes between outdoor
enthusiasts. Helmet safety is a primary focus of the company, as well.
They have given away more the $2 million worth of helmets since
1991. | 
