Specialized 2011 Shiv

Specialized will market their high-end TT bike, the Shiv, to triathletes in 2011. In 2010 the international cycling union (UCI) ban two elements of the Shiv. Initially the nose cone that sits in front of the steer tube was considered a fairing, and Specialized duly produced a revised model sans nose cone. Then the UCI also stated that the juncture between down tube and the fork was not wide enough, prompting Specialized to remove the fillets that filled in that area. These two obscure elements were considered to make the bike too aero and therefore it could not be ridden in professional bike races. This will result in Specialized retooling this machine for the 2010 Tour de France.

However, the WTC and other triathlon bodies have deemed the Shiv, and it’s sister bike the Transition, which also has the same design issue at the down tube fork juncture, to be just fine. All of this is to say that everyday triathletes can race on a bike that is too fast for Fabian Cancellara, Alberto Contador and the other pro riders on Specialized bikes.

The Shiv will be produced in four sizes with an ultra low front end providing an aggressive fit. While the transition will be produced in 6 sizes to fit a wide range of athletes and race distances.