Seems we just barely posted our spy shots then Specialized goes and makes things official.
The 2012 Shiv is indeed a purebred triathlon-only race bike, as evidenced by Specialized’s loosely veiled bashing of the UCI’s technology stifling policies:
“Without the constraints placed on bike design by the UCI, there are no limits. We put together the best engineering and triathlon minds in the business to create this purpose-built, no-hold-barred tri machine. By combining unparalleled aerodynamics, an integrated hydration system, and geometries that were developed through our BG FIT R&D team, there is no other bike on the market – or the roads of Kona – that offers triathletes the benefits of the Shiv ‘Fuelselage.'”
S-Works models are due to arrive in November, followed by Pro-level and other models through December and into the new year. Want more? Jump on over to our (brand new!!!) sister site, TriathlonRumor.com for the full scoop! (or if you just like skimming the surface, there are a few more pics after the break…
The top end S-Works Shiv bikes are made with their top-end FACT IS 11R carbon fiber, the others are made with the only slightly less high-end 10R carbon. The S-Works frameset module includes the post, brakes, crankset and carbon aerobars. The Pro level frameset module only includes the seatpost.
Where’s that leave the pro sponsored cycling teams?
They still have the shiv tt that Martin just rode to the World Championship TT. So they still have the fastest bike for UCI legal tt’s. This just gives the triathletes a dedicated bike.
”Unparalleled aerodynamics”
What about putting integrated brakes in the fork?
love the press release. UCI as a whole is pretty wacky.
Hello Marc,
Wow, we forgot….good point. We spend a few million dollars on this and completely overlooked that fantastic idea.
Thanks,
SBC Engineers
I assume there must be at least a few rules for Tri bikes? ’cause unparalleled aerodynamics in my mind is a fully-faired recumbent, or even maybe a Y-foil type frame.
Where is the porta-potty attached under the seat…
Zipp should bring back the 3001 bike, it is still the most aero bike ever made. It even won and Ironman this year ! This thing looks all out of proportion and UGLY
For Ironman there is no rules governing frame shapes, if bike companies were serious about making a specific aero Tri bike they would go away from the 2 triangle design that is required by the UCI and truly develope an Aero bike from the ground up. This attempt shown here is a disappointment and shows no imagination or true design and development.
Hi (not)SPECIALIZED,
But Mark is right. Front-integrated bikes would be a relly good point here.
Thank you for your attention,
AAAE (An Alternative Aero Engineer)
@Chris
There’s no way this is BikeRumor’s Chris Klibowitz.
h2ofuel – no, that’s not BR’s Chris.
I saw this bike in person today and photo’d it. Integrated brakes would be nice, but the ones they used are pretty aero and inline with the fork’s lines. I’ll be posting photos shortly as a separate post. In person, the downtube looks a lot smaller than what we’re seeing here, but it could be this is a smaller bike that what I saw in person, so the proportions are off.