Race Bike: "Stella" 2013 Specialized Shiv Pro
I am currently riding a 2013 Specialized Shiv Pro. I ordered this bike as a frameset and then built it up with components that I was already riding. I have only raced her once at the time of this post, but I was very pleased with my 112 mile bike split at the Bone Island Tri. I rode a 5:08 in some very windy conditions up and down (and up and down again) the Florida Keys. Even though I am 6'4", I found that the Large frame fit best for my proportions and position. If you're reading this, you likely already know that this bike is not UCI legal and cannot be used in any sanctioned races outside of triathlon due to exceeding the 3:1 rule. This was not a concern to me as I rarely time trial outside of triathlon and I also have several other bikes that I could use if I decided I wanted to do so. I was torn between the S-Works bike and this particular frame. At the end of the day, I went with this frame because I could simply just buy the frame. If you want the S-Works frame, you have to buy the module which includes cranks and cockpit. These items were not needed in my case and the price was more than double. I know the carbon layup on the S-Works bike is stiffer, but let's be honest... I don't think any of us could truly tell the difference in a blind test ride (don't try that... sounds dangerous).
This bike does contain the Specialized exclusive Fuelselage. This is a bladder that fits inside the massive downtube of the frame and then uses a flexible tube and mouthpiece for drinking. Very similar to a CamelBak inside your bike and it is refillable on the fly. Besides cutting the tube down to fit my configuration properly, the other alteration I made was exchanging the Specialized mouthpiece with one from CamelBak. I found that the original just didn't let enough fluid flow and that is an issue when you're working hard and don't have the breath to spare to fight with a straw.A note of pure vanity, one big selling point to me on this particular bike is that the 2013 model shipped as a nearly nude frame... let me explain. This bike comes from the factory with only one label under the clear coat. That is the Specialized "S" on the front of the head tube. Everything else is supplied as a sticker kit so the rider can personalize the bike with whatever color labels they would like. The bike itself is carbon, of course, and the clear coat is a smokey color. This makes for a bike that looks gloss black in most light, but under conditions you can see the raw carbon frame - joints and all. Super SEXY!!! I have left my frame nude and it is my recommendation that you do the same :)
Race Setup:
Cockpit: 3T Brezza II LTD with XLab Torpedo Mount and Arundel Other Sideloader bottle holder
Stem: Specialized Pro Multi Stem 90mm (Riding at -17 degrees)
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 bar end and brake lever shifters
Saddle: Dash Cycles TT.9 with Arundel Mandible bottle holder
Crankset: SRAM Quarq S975 53/39 175mm cranks
Pedals: Look Keo Blade Carbon Ti 16 Nm spring tension
Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 7970
Rear Derailleur: Shiman Dura Ace Di2 7970
Chain: Shimano Dura Ace 7901
Front Wheel: Zipp Firecrest 808 Carbon Clincher (Beyond Black)
Rear Wheel(s): Zipp Firecrest 808 Carbon Clincher or Zipp 900 Clincher Disc (Beyond Black)
Tires: Michelin Pro Race 4 Service Course
Misc: Dark Speed Works Speedpack 483 (to hold a flat kit for long course), Di2 Battery and wiring kits
Swim Goggles: Aqua Sphere Kayenne (Small Fit)
I know it seems like a fairly insignificant piece of gear in a very equipment instensive sport, but goggles are quite important. I did not grow up as a swimmer, I am not proficient in flip turns (I can do them, but often don't), and the only stroke that I would consider myself to be competent in is freestyle or front crawl, whichever you'd like to call it. I am an open water swimmer, not a pool rat. This being said, I do not feel the need to wear socket style goggles when I train indoors. I can hear the collective groan of all the fish right now.
I tried a few different styles of goggles before settling on the Kayenne, but not many. I tried some Speedo race style pool goggles and they were ok, but they left a lot to be desired in the comfort and peripheral visibility arenas. I can say, hands down, the Kayenne is the most comfortable goggle I've ever worn. On top of that, it offers excellent visibility in all directions. This is definitely a low profile goggle and I have heard complaints from others that their eyelashes touch the lenses and this bothers them... apparently I have short eyelashes because this is not my experience. When I wear them, I feel like I'm basically wearing a pair of tight fitting sunglasses as my vision is not restricted. In an open water setting, this is great!
I've never thought of myself as having a narrow head or eyes, but I guess I do. I had to buy the "small fit" or "womens fit" to get a good seal. The regular size leaked on the edges quite badly for me. Amazon usually stocks this particular goggle and I highly recommend buying from them, if you don't have access to a local vendor, so that returns are not an issue.
I have both the clear and smoked lenses and multiple colors. If I had to complain about the Kayenne, it would be that the tinted lenses are not all that dark and with a rising sun over the water on race morning I find myself squinting quite a bit. The other drawback of this style goggle is that there is little adjustability besides the strap. The width and shape either fit or they don't. The strap is very easy to adjust on the fly by pulling the ends for a tighter fit or pressing the small buttons on the edges of the goggle to allow the material to feed out.
If you're happy with your current goggles, I wouldn't change a thing. If you're in the market for something new, throw the Kayenne into your pool of consideration (pun intended)!
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