Just a couple hours after we posted the spy shots, Specialized went and made things official. The 2012 Shiv is introduced as a “game changing” triathlon-specific bike that couldn’t care less what the UCI thinks.

Purpose built to fit better, be more aerodynamic and offer performance advantages like integrated hydration systems, the new Shiv is likely setting the bar pretty high for triathletes looking to upgrade their ride. Full Press Release and plenty more details, images and specs after the break…

Tube ratios range from 4.1:1 down to 3.4:1, with virtually nothing on the bike falling within the UCI’s 3:1 limit. Specialized says the longer aspect ratios and tube shapes improve airflow attachment, which reduces wake and drag, even in crosswinds. Additionally, the fork legs are wider, the handlebar is wider and the seatstays mount too low on the seat tube for UCI compliance. Here’s the full PR:

PRESS RELEASE: In recent years Specialized has set the tri world on re. Never before has one team so utterly dominated the sport, with World titles in Ironman, Olympic, Sprint, and XTERRA distances.

We’re upping the ante again: Introducing our all-new Shiv. This stealthy speed machine is absolutely not UCI-legal, because it’s specically designed for the needs of triathletes: It’s more aero than the UCI allows; the t range is greater than previously possible; and our patented Fuelselage integrated hydration system is a straight-up game changer.

Three words separate Shiv from the rest of the industry: Aero, Fuel, Fit. It all starts with its FACT IS carbon frame. We studied airow in each area of the frame, specifically crosswinds since that’s what triathletes usually experience on the road. Then we optimized tubing and frame design for each specic airow pattern, rather than relying on uniform airfoils throughout. Since we weren’t restricted by UCI rules, we were free to use ultra-deep airfoil tubing with aspect ratios of up to 4:1 and beyond-faster than the 3:1 UCI standard.

Deeper tubing is only part of the story though. Since traditional water bottle setups are a major drag on aerodynamics, we engineered our Fuelselage reservoir to hide neatly inside the massive down/head tubes. The benets are twofold: It means much safer and more convenient fueling while you’re in the aero bars. Plus through extensive wind tunnel testing, we’ve proven it’s the most aerodynamic bike we’ve ever made—and more aero than any other bike on the market with a bottle.

We’ve also been able to dramatically improve the t options for a wide array of riders. The bike is available in ve frame sizes, and features our proprietary Specialized Aero Bars, Control Tower t system, and ippable airfoil seatposts for a huge range of stack and reach adjustment.

Rather than making just one UCI-legal time trial bike, that also happens to work for triathlon—like the rest of the industry—we stepped outside the UCI box to create a bike exclusively for triathletes. Without these innovation-limiting restrictions, we’ve rewritten the rulebook on what a tri bike should be. The new Shiv is a testament to our unparalleled commitment to the sport and its athletes.

The S-Works version is available as a complete bike with Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting (shown at top of post) and as a frameset module in red and carbon black. The module includes their cranks, aerobar and stem, brakes and seatpost. The S-Works models get their highest end FACT IS 11R carbon fibers, all other carbon Shivs use 10R.

All versions include the integrated hydration system, too.

Speaking of the hydration system, the reservoir size is approximately equal to one water bottle, but actual size depends on the frame size. It’s removable through a port in the top tube and can be filled on the fly, perfect for quick rest stops and goes.

The Shiv is available in five sizes and several build options, including an alloy frame for starters. The frame and components are designed to offer a wide range of fits within each size with a reversible seatpost (12.5mm to 37.5mm), stackable and adjustable elbow rests and an adjustable height fairing spacer system behind the stem that allows you to dial in the height of the steerer tube without sacrificing aerodynamics.

The Pro SRAM Red Model above is decked out with a full Red kit with Specialized carbon cranks, DT Axis 2.0 wheels and their carbon aero bar.

The Pro model is also available as a frameset module without the cranks and aerobars.

The Expert model gets a mostly Dura-Ace mechanical drivetrain (Ultegra cassette), FSA SL-K carbon BB30 crankset and DT Axis 2.0 wheels with their hydroformed alloy aerobars.

The Shiv Comp RIval has a SRAM Rival drivetrain, alloy aerobars and FSA Gossamer BB30 crankset with the same DT Swiss Axis 2.0 wheels.

For those just getting into triathlon or wanting a budget bike, the Shiv Elite A1 Apex uses SRAM’s widely spaced Apex 10-speed group on an A1 smooth-welded alloy frame. It still has a carbon fork, but it’s not the aero version like on the carbon fiber frames. Wheels step down to DT Axis 1.0.

GEOMETRY

The geometries for the alloy bike (above) and carbon models (below) vary slightly. Click to enlarge either image.

S-Works models are due to arrive in November, followed by Pro-level and other models through December and into the new year.