During the World Cup weekend in Albstadt, Germany, there will be "small" news from Specialized alongside the big news from Shimano and Cannondale. The Californians are following Kind Shock's example and installing a Vario seatpost on the reigning Olympic champion's cross-country bike. With a diameter of 27.2 millimetres, the carbon seatpost is quite thin, which suggests a low weight. At around 35 millimetres, this prototype does not offer much travel, but this is sufficient for cross-country racing to generate more safety reserves.

The seatpost cable is already routed internally and is also controlled by a lever from Specialized's previous Vario seatposts. The extension speed of this should be adjustable via air pressure. More information about weight, possible market launch and other technical details cannot currently be obtained from the Specialized mechanics.