Specialized recently published a patent outlining a new frame design that looks rather radical. This frame design incorporates what they call "struts" and removes part of the lower seat tube.

Specialized has a history of design innovation. One memorable example from the past decade or so is the early model of the Shiv time trial bike, which featured an integrated nose cone and was banned by the UCI. The now discontinued aero road bike Venge also represents a dramatic departure from previously accepted road bike design, and more recently, the new Diverge STR features the brand's FutureShock suspension technology on both the front and rear of the bike.

This patent is the first to be granted in the U.S. for a road bike.

The patent has not yet been granted; it was filed on July 12, 2021, but published on January 2, 2023.

Deciphering the lengthy and complex jargon in the patent, Specialized removed the lower portion of the seat tube and incorporated a "strut brace" to join the seat tube to the down tube, with the goal of improving ride comfort without compromising ride quality, They believe they can increase deflection.

"As reflected in the test results, the main frame 18 produced 172% greater vertical deflection and 75% greater horizontal deflection in the seat during the vertical stiffness test compared to the conventional frame. By increasing the vertical deflection over the horizontal deflection, the ride quality can be improved without significantly increasing the backward lean of the saddle. 9]

"Horizontal stiffness tests showed that the horizontal deflection of the main frame 18 was 24% less than that of the conventional frame. While this does not substantially affect ride characteristics (handling, force transfer, etc.), it is evidence that the frame design is able to better accommodate the loads/stresses applied during the horizontal stiffness test."

"This would correlate with actual ride quality.

Alternative frame designs that depart from the traditional "double-diamond" model are not uncommon, with radical new designs appearing from time to time.

This frame may never make it to market, but if it did, it would seem logical that this design would be used for a gravel or endurance-specific frame rather than a road race bike.

Presumably this is an idea that Specialized considered while developing the Diverge STR, along with a new rear-future shock design. One thing is certain, however: if this were to happen, it would be impossible to mount more than a single chainring on the front.