Don’s Shiv has Roval CLX64 disc tubeless-ready wheels front and rear. On the new Shiv, the hydration fuel cell sits at the rear of the bike—entirely hidden within the frame, allowing for more fluid capacity (up to 50 ounces) and better aerodynamics. Don likes to put a bottle on top of it for easier refilling on the fly. Photo: Jeff Yingling
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All world class athletes have meticulous attention to detail – it is, in part, what helps separate the great from the good. But there is world class, and then there’s Tim Don. The three-time Olympian and multiple Ironman champion leaves no stone unturned when it comes to all aspects of his training and performance. Just watching him prepare for a session in the wind tunnel is a spectacle in itself as he looks to eek out every last advantage he can from his bike setup, position, and equipment. Don was at Specialized HQ in Morgan Hill, Calif., earlier this month as part of the Zwift Tri Academy team training camp, for which he is a mentor alongside fellow Olympian-turned-Ironman pro Sarah True. He is pictured on his new black S-Works Shiv Disc frame, which will be the standard issue frame from Specialized from now on. Specialized had previously released 500 limited edition, limited colorway frames that were first unveiled at Kona last year.
Tim Don’s Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc Fast Facts:
Frame: Specialized S-Works Shiv disc, FACT 11r Carbon
Wheels: Roval CLX64 disc, front; Roval 321 disc, rear
Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace 9150 Di2 11-speed groupset with Specialized S-Works dual-sided power cranks, 56/42 Praxis chainrings, 167.5mm cranks
Tires: Specialized Turbo Cotton, 26 mm
Brakes: Shimano Dura Ace hydraulic disc brakes
Cockpit: Specialized Shiv Disc base bar with Speedbar aerobars
Saddle: Specialized Sitero II
Pedals: Speedplay Zero Aero Stainless
Tim Don aboard his Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc, FACT 11r Carbon frame. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Tim Don aboard his Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc, FACT 11r Carbon frame. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Don’s Shiv has Roval CLX64 disc tubeless-ready wheels front and rear. On the new Shiv, the hydration fuel cell sits at the rear of the bike—entirely hidden within the frame, allowing for more fluid capacity (up to 50 ounces) and better aerodynamics. Don likes to put a bottle on top of it for easier refilling on the fly. Photo: Jeff Yingling
The Specialized S-Works dual-sided power meter system helps Don keep tabs on his watts. He runs a 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace di2 9150 groupset with Speedplay pedals, 56/42t Praxis chainrings and 167.5mm cranks. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 with hydraulic disc brakes is in charge of both shifting and braking duties. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Don runs 56/42 Praxis chainrings and 167.5mm cranks. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Shimano’s Dura-Ace 9150 groupset helps ensure fast, responsive shifting. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Don uses the Speedbar, which are custom made aerobars and pads. Don says: “Speedbar makes a mold of your arm and then makes the bar out of carbon fiber. It is more aero, more comfortable, and more supportive – so a win-win all round.” Photo: Jeff Yingling
The integrated nutrition fuel cell has room to house four to five bars, five to six chews or 10-12 gels. Photo: Jeff Yingling
The Shiv’s cockpit is adjustable on nearly every angle. The base bar stack can be altered by loosening a single bolt on each side to tilt it up or down. The aerobars also offer plenty of adjustability: fore, aft, and pad width. As triathletes tend to travel so much for racing, ease of packing/traveling was also front of mind during the design process. When it’s time to pack this bike, the base bar folds down to the fork, the cockpit can be unbolted, and you’re ready to reach for your bike box. Photo: Jeff Yingling
Don has ridden Speedplay pedals for a number of years and buys them from his local bike shop. Photo: Jeff Yingling
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