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The Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc and Win(d) Tunnel

While attending the Zwift Triathlon Academy training camp, Tim Don and Sarah True showed off their new Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc.

From May 13-19th, Tim Don (GBR) and Sarah True (USA) joined the eight Zwift Triathlon Academy Team members for a training camp in Morgan Hill, California. Hosted at the Specialized Headquarters, the triathletes got outfitted with some of the best triathlon equipment in the world, including Retul bike fits, metabolic testing and time in the Specialized Win(d) Tunnel.

Tim Don on his 2019 Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc in the Win(d) Tunnel. Photo: Jeff Yingling

Todd Carver, Head of Human Performance at Specialized Bicycle Components, was on hand for the two days of testing and explained the concept of doing three bike fits. “Because of the duration of an Ironman, we want to create a position that’s sustainable,” said Carver. “So, everything from the motion-captured angles that we generate (Retul), we know the angles that are sustainable and not.” A major factor in determining the right setup for a triathlete is their flexibility on and off the bike.

Related: Making small adjustments are part of the bike fit process

Tim Don completing a metabolic test on Retul bike. Photo: Jeff Yingling

“Then we bring them over to the Human Performance Lab (Metabolic). Here we’re looking at the riders true breaking point in their efficiency,” says Carver. “By using a sacral angle IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) we can find the exact angle a rider can hold without breaking position or losing efficiency. Next, we get them in the tunnel to quantify the performance gains or costs in their positions.” The end goal of this testing procedure is to find the perfect position. “The fastest position isn’t always the lowest, and the most comfortable position isn’t always the highest. We are trying to set up the perfect position for an individual.”

Tim Don completing a metabolic test on Retul bike. Photo: Jeff Yingling

Ahead of the 2018 Ironman World Championship in Kona, the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc made headlines for its new look. At the Zwift Triathlon Academy training camp, TMC got an up-close look of Tim Don’s and Sarah True’s Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc in the Win(d) Tunnel.

Tim Don’s Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc

  • Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace groupset
  • Wheels: Roval CLX 64Disc (F) & Roval 321 Disc (R)
  • Tires: Specialized Turbo Cotton, 26mm.
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Cockpit: Specialized Shiv disc base bar with custom molded arm cups and extension
  • Saddle: Specialized Sitero II
  • Pedals: Speedplay

Sarah True’s Specialized S-Work Shiv Disc

  • Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace groupset with Specialized dual-sided power management
  • Wheels: Roval CLX64 disc front and rear, tubeless ready wheels
  • Tires: Specialized Turbo Cotton, 26mm
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Cockpit: Specialized Shiv disc base bar with custom aero bars
  • Saddle: Specialized Sitero II
  • Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace