Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc Review

The Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc is perhaps the American brand’s most advanced bike. Fast, complete, clever, and aesthetically pleasing, this exclusive and addictive bike is aimed at long-distance triathletes, but also at all cyclists who simply want to enjoy riding fast. Mission accomplished.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Christophe Guiard / 3bikes.fr

Let’s start by clarifying the regulatory competition framework in which the Specialized Shiv Disc can be used: with the liberties taken by the brand for the tube shapes and the addition of a dedicated Fuelcell hydration system in the “box” at the rear of the seat tube, as well as the specific shape of the rear triangle, it is not allowed in UCI-governed cycling competitions (i.e., all of them); with its true cockpit with extensions, it is not allowed in triathlon competitions where drafting (relays between riders) is tolerated. Its official scope of action is therefore limited to long-distance triathlons, such as 70.3 or Ironman. It should also be noted that another version of the Shiv exists, called Shiv TT, which complies with UCI standards and does not include the box.

But of course, nothing prevents using this bike when not competing and just riding for pleasure. Fast, if possible. A form of free and unconstrained cycling that is increasingly observed, with practitioners outside of any associative framework, who just hammer for the beauty of the sport. The Shiv Disc may be a rare and ultra-specific bike for long-distance triathlon, but it is nonetheless a marvel of technology that can also appeal to pure enthusiasts. With serious means, however, because at nearly €12,000, it’s not an impulse buy.

The Shiv Disc is, as is often the case with Specialized, optimized to the fullest extent for its intended purpose. Compared to the previous Shiv, for example, the brand announces a one-minute gain on the bike leg distance in Hawaii just by accounting for aerodynamic improvements. And even more so when considering the extended adjustment capabilities, which allow for maximum optimization of the triathlete’s posture.

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Total integration

The frame is designed around lightweight and rigid FACT carbon fibers, for aerodynamic shapes and original storage solutions. According to Specialized, the Shiv Disc is optimized for crosswinds. This is hard to believe given the imposing profile and the idea one might have of the bike being subjected to gusts of wind. But it is clear that one of its primary qualities is, surprisingly, stability.

The bike therefore integrates the Fuelcell hydration system in a box at the rear of the seatpost, which also promotes air penetration, as well as the nutrition system of the same name inside the down tube, which can hold 10 to 12 gels or 4 energy bars, or any other accessory. This rubber system is removable and provides access to the Shimano Di2 junction box if necessary, or to the puncture repair kit.

Regardless of the bike’s weight, the goal is to conceal everything inside to avoid any aerodynamic disturbance and also to ensure practicality. The hydration hose runs entirely inside the frame, exiting at the cockpit, allowing you to drink without leaving the aero position on the extensions. This same hydration system comes with the necessary cleaning kit. However, it should be noted that its lid above the dedicated box does not always hold very well in case of road shocks, and it may be necessary to tape it just before the event.

An ideal positioning

The Shiv Disc is available in four sizes, based on Retül postural studies, which Specialized owns. The Shiv Finder tool helps select the correct size from a classic cycling position. This bike gains practicality by offering multiple position adjustment possibilities, because this is indeed the most important element of this type of machine, especially when it is intended for long distances. The cockpit here is exemplary, as a single screw on each side is enough to tilt it up or down. A supplied spacer kit allows for easy adjustment of the extensions’ height, and it is of course still possible to adjust their length and the armrests’ spacing.

The entire system also benefits from a clever feature for transporting the bike during long-distance travel (we know triathletes move around a lot) as the handlebar ends can be folded down along the thick fork to allow the bike to fit into a suitable bag or case. This is a useful feature given that, due to the particular architecture of the head tube and the two extensions of the fork legs up to the bottom of the handlebar, it is impossible to steer the bike as one would with a road bike, for example.

Disc brakes and single chainring

Available in three versions (with Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2 groupsets), the Shiv Disc is offered here with a Sram Red eTap Axs 12-speed groupset, equipped with a crankset with a power meter and a single chainring. As its name indicates, the Shiv Disc is only available with disc brakes, which simplifies integration but implies other compromises. We still experience some rubbing noises from the rotors after heavy braking, or sometimes even during simple accelerations. Maintenance and adjustments are not simple, in addition to the system’s higher weight. But braking in the rain is reassuring, which is an advantage for this type of bike that is inherently less maneuverable.

The single chainring limits the bike to 12 speeds, which has the advantage of simplifying controls, which are also performed by four blips located on the handlebars near the brakes and on the extensions. The maximum gearing of 48/10 is sufficient for most riders, considering that a 48/12 allows riding between 45 and 50 km/h at usual pedaling cadences. So there’s plenty to work with, even if the Sram drivetrain’s efficiency becomes much worse (you can feel it grinding a bit) with the 11 and 10 teeth, which in our opinion are only useful for accompanying pedaling on descents. This single chainring also necessitates some compromises in the cassette, with gaps in the gear progression, noticeable on false flats and small climbs.

As for the wheels, the Roval CLX 64s are relatively light for their rim depth, sufficiently aerodynamic and versatile for slightly hilly or windy courses, smooth with Ceramic Speed bearings, and above all very stable in gusts. Combined with the excellent Specialized Turbo Cotton tires, they are among the reliable components of this bike’s equipment.

As is, it weighs 9.26 kg without pedals, which is not entirely out of the ordinary considering the embedded technology. The price of €11,999 is very high for a bike, but ultimately not so unreasonable compared to other road bikes, which are generally not as advanced in their details.

Stable and fast

The Shiv Disc proves to be very laterally stiff, as one might expect when observing the bottom bracket shell or the rest of the frame’s architecture. Extremely low and compact, the rear triangle is supported by the reinforced shape of the junction with the chainstays. The bike’s behavior is inflexible under stress, especially since the steering is quite heavy to maneuver, with great firmness due to the fork legs that extend up to below the cockpit, as well as the weight of the latter.

This ensures efficiency regardless of your level, but it also requires frequently adjusting the gears to maintain a sufficient and dynamic pedaling cadence so as not to be hindered by the machine’s stiffness. If you try to power through, there’s a good chance you’ll get stuck long before the bike responds. With its weight and stiffness, the Shiv Disc is not made for constant accelerations, headlong descents on winding roads, or chaining nervous small climbs.

It’s a machine for getting into gear, settling in, and pushing hard. And there, it delivers on all fronts.

No, it’s a machine for getting into gear, settling in, and pushing hard. And there, it delivers on all fronts. The bike is extremely stable, which is very surprising given its lateral surface. Even with gusts of wind, you barely feel the steering waver, and it’s easy to maintain your course.

If you are well settled on the extensions, the bike behaves like a TGV on its tracks. It feels a bit heavy on uphill false flats, which you have to compensate for by shifting up gears and maintaining cadence, but it quickly regains speed on the flat or on descents. As for comfort, don’t panic, because it’s the ideal bike for Ironman as it is fast, but also pleasant thanks to its multiple adjustment capabilities, and super stable. You don’t need to fight with the bike or even have special riding skills to get used to it.

Although a bit slower than the Shimano Di2, the Sram drivetrain is precise and convenient to operate from the extensions. The blips located near the brake levers are less sensitive with long gloves. With a little practice, the hydration hose is also easily manipulated and doesn’t make you nostalgic for a traditional water bottle, or even a classic bike. Because the Shiv Disc is a fast bike that allows you to maintain much higher average speeds than with a classic road bike on flat or moderately hilly courses. You can easily count on 2 to 3 km/h with the same power output, as you can also see with the Quarq power meter supplied with the bike. And that makes the Shiv Disc terribly addictive, whether you are an experienced triathlete specializing in long distances, or a new enthusiast of this terribly trendy sport that is cycling, with this type of machine.

Agreed, the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc is very expensive and exclusive due to its usage limitations. But it is a bike that brings together the essentials of what is currently available for riding fast on the road. For this, we forgive its few rare flaws and definitively classify it among exceptional machines.

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