If you’re riding age group triathlon, or perhaps time trials, and aiming to be at the top end of the field, you may want to consider a time trial or triathlon bike – but that means having a road and time trial bike, amounting to extra expense and a lot of storage commitment.
Specialized understand not everyone wants that – so they created the Alias. The Specialized Alias looks, at first glance, like a road bike with clip on bars. However, where a road bike with clip on bars doesn’t provide quite the same aero advantage as a time trial bike, the Alias is superior.
Unique to the Alias, Speiclized have created a bike with two riding positions. Each Alias comes with a 35mm offset seat post, and a zero offset seat post. The zero offset post puts the rider in a ‘forward riding position’ favoured by time trialists. For road riding, you can simply swap the seat post for a traditional set up.
Only available with female specific geometry and components, the Alias is a special treat for the ladies – models begin at £2,000 for the Shimano 105 equipped Alias Sport Tri and go up to the £4,500 Alias Pro Tri, with Dura Ace and Ultegra components, plus Roval Rapide CL40″ wheels.
If a full TT bike up your street, then the 2015 Liv Envie Advanced Tri is a great option. Tested by pro riders, including Rabobank-Liv’s Marianne Vos, it’s been fine tuned to meet high standards.
The Envie Advanced comes in at £2,749, for an full carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and Giant P-SLR1 Aero Wheelset.
Whatever you choose, make sure you select a bike that fits you – take a look at our article on How to: find a bike to fit you for some more advice.
If you can, try to ensure you get a test ride before you buy, as that really is the best way to assess if a bike feels ‘just right’. Finally, happy shopping – and we hope you enjoy the miles of smiles a new bike brings.
Also worth a read:
Sex and cycling: everything you need to know
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