Specialized Align II Bicycle Helmet

Specialized is a legendary name in the cycling world, founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard in Morgan Hill, California. The brand started as an importer of high-end Italian bike components but quickly transitioned into manufacturing its own designs, revolutionizing the industry with the first mass-produced mountain bike, the Stumpjumper.

Today, Specialized remains one of the most prestigious cycling brands globally, known for high-performance frames, apparel, and safety gear like the Align II helmet seen here. While the engineering and design concepts originate from their California headquarters, manufacturing is decentralized, with most protective gear produced in specialized facilities in China and Taiwan to meet global safety standards. For several decades, the Taiwanese manufacturer Merida Industry Co., Ltd. has held a significant minority stake in the company, though Specialized continues to operate as an independent entity under its original leadership.