SpecializedS-Works Shiv Disc
The S-Works Shiv Disc is Specialized's triathlon-only Shiv, shown at Kona in October 2018 and delivered from March 2019. Specialized ignored UCI shape rules for this bike. It hides a 1.5-litre hydration bladder behind the seat tube and has a removable food compartment in the down tube. The cockpit adjusts for height without spacers and folds down for travel. Specialized claims it is close to a minute faster over the Kona course than the fastest possible 2011 Shiv setup.
- Last MSRP
- $13,500$13,500£10,499
- Builds
- 1
- Sizes
- 4
- Frame weight
- —
Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Our verdict
Overall
out of 100, average of 7 categories
Now a used-market buy, and a strong one for long-course triathletes: a 1.5-litre rear bladder, down-tube food storage and a cockpit that folds for travel are still benchmark features. Check the hydration and nutrition Fuelcells and the proprietary cockpit are complete, since parts for a discontinued bike will only get harder to find.
Scored Oct 2026
- + Integrated hydration and storage
- + Top-tier build kit
- + Aero-first design
- − Expensive
AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.
- Aero
- 85/100
- Frame
- 83/100
- Components
- 90/100
- Hydration & storage
- 94/100
- Fit
- 84/100
- Practicality
- 70/100
- Price
- 39/100
Aero claims and front-end integration
Carbon grade, weight and warranty
Groupset, wheels and power meter
Hydration and storage in the frame
Sizes and adjustment range
Travel, standard parts, servicing
From the cheapest complete-bike MSRP
Reviews
3 independent reviews of the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc.
- ▶ Video
Ronald Kuba
S-Works Shiv disc frameset - in depth look - ▶ Video
Taren's MōTTIV Method
$14,000 Specialized Shiv Overview from The Man Who Designed It - ▶ VideoJack Luke
Frame & platform
Frame & fork
- Frame material
- Carbon (S-Works FACT 11r)
- Fork material
- Carbon (FACT, with integrated Fit System)
- Frame sizes
- XS, S, M, L
- Colours
- Gloss Metallic Crimson/Dove Grey (last listed colour); launch edition was a 500-unit colour-shift finish
- Also available as
- S-Works Shiv TT Disc (UCI-legal time-trial version without integrated hydration or storage)
Compatibility & standards
- Brake type
- Flat-mount hydraulic disc
- Wheel size
- 700c
- Bottom bracket standard
- OSBB
- Front axle
- 12x100 thru-axle
Hydration & storage
- Integrated hydration
- Yes
- Hydration volume
- 1,500 ml50.7 fl oz
- Hydration details
- Hydration Fuelcell reservoir at the back of the frame, behind the seat tube, with the drinking hose routed inside the frame. BikeRadar gives the capacity as 1.5 litres.
- Integrated storage
- Yes
- Storage details
- Nutrition Fuelcell in the down tube holds 10-12 gels, 4-5 bars or 5-6 packs of chews. It lifts out to give access to the Di2 junction box or a flat kit.
Fit & adjustability
- Aerobar system
- Specialized Shiv carbon aerobar with variable stack; standard 22.2 mm extensions
- Pad stack adjustment range
- 115 mm of cockpit height adjustment (BikeRadar); basebar stack set by tilting the bar on a single bolt each side
- Seatpost type
- Shiv Disc carbon seatpost, 25 mm forward or 0 mm offset
- Fit notes
- Four sizes based on more than 1,000 Retül fits; Specialized's Shiv Finder suggests a size from an existing position. Extensions and pads adjust fore-aft and in width.
Aerodynamics
- Manufacturer aero claims
- Specialized claims it is nearly a minute faster over the Kona course than the fastest possible 2011 Shiv setup, and minutes faster than a typical one.
Travel, maintenance & warranty
- Travel & packing
- The basebar folds down to the fork and the cockpit unbolts for packing.
- Packing disassembly
- Unplug the single Di2 Y-wire under the nosecone and remove the two tower nuts, then lift the extension socket (extensions and arm cups) off the fork; the tower nuts go back on to hold the spacer stack. The basebars can be rotated down alongside the fork by loosening their two wedge bolts.
Design sketches
Builds & components
Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.
S-Works Shiv Disc - SRAM RED eTap AXS | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Price (MSRP) | $13,500$13,500£10,499 |
| Type | Complete bike |
| Notes | MSRP. Bicycle Blue Book gives $13,500 as the original retail price, and Specialized's UK concept store lists £10,499 with no sale price. specialized.com still shows both prices in October 2026, with every size out of stock. The 500-unit launch edition cost £10,999 / $14,000 (BikeRadar). |
| Drivetrain | |
| Groupset | SRAM Red eTap AXS |
| Launched | 2019 · replaced by SRAM Red AXS E1 (2024) |
| Speeds | 12-speed |
| Electronic | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Drivetrain | 1x |
| Shifters | SRAM eTap Clics |
| Crankset | SRAM Red 1x AXS Power Meter |
| Crank length | 165 (XS), 170 (S), 172.5 (M, L) |
| Power meter | SRAM Red AXS Power Meter |
| Type | Integrated in crankset |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB for BB30 |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM Red eTap AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM Red XG-1290 |
| Range | 10-33 |
| Speeds | 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM Red 12-speed |
| Brakes | |
| Brake calipers | SRAM S-900 Aero HRD |
| Type | Hydraulic disc, flat mount |
| Wheels & tires | |
| Wheelset | Roval CLX 64 Disc |
| Front rim depth | 64 mm |
| Rear rim depth | 64 mm |
| Rear disc wheel | No |
| Material | Carbon |
| Tubeless ready | Yes |
| Hubs | DT Swiss 240 internals (rear), CeramicSpeed bearings |
| Spokes | 21 front / 24 rear |
| Tires | Specialized Turbo Cotton 320 TPI |
| Tire width | 24 mm |
| Type | Clincher with Turbo Ultralight inner tubes |
| Cockpit | |
| Aerobar system | Specialized Shiv Aerobar |
| Integrated with frame | Yes |
| Pad stack adjustment | Variable stack |
| Material | Carbon |
| Saddle & seatpost | |
| Saddle | Specialized Sitero Pro |
| Rails | Carbon |
| Seatpost | Specialized Shiv Disc Carbon Post |
| Offset / setback | 25 mm forward or 0 mm |
| Material | Carbon |
| Included extras | |
| Hydration system | Specialized Hydration Fuelcell |
| Volume | 1,500 ml50.7 fl oz |
| Storage / bento | Specialized Nutrition Fuelcell |
S-Works Shiv Disc price & value
Where it's cheapest
MSRPs converted at ECB reference rates of 2026-10-05 (1 EUR = 1.1204 USD = 0.8472 GBP). US prices exclude sales tax, so add your state's rate before comparing.
| Build | Market | MSRP | In EUR | vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Shiv Disc - SRAM RED eTap AXS | USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $13,500 | €12,049 | cheapest |
| UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £10,499 | €12,393 | +3% |
Ownership checklist
0 of 0 known checks pass, 7 not published by Specialized. Why these checks
- ?
Threaded bottom bracket
OSBB
- ?
UDH derailleur hanger
- ?
Standard 12×142 mm rear axle
- ?
Works with mechanical shifting
- ?
Fits third-party aerobars
Specialized Shiv carbon aerobar with variable stack; standard 22.2 mm extensions
- ?
Rear disc wheel compatible
- ?
Fit kept when packed
Unplug the single Di2 Y-wire under the nosecone and remove the two tower nuts, then lift the extension socket (extensions and arm cups) off the fork; the tower nuts go back on to hold the spacer stack. The basebars can be rotated down alongside the fork by loosening their two wedge bolts.
Raced by
Pros who raced the S-Works Shiv Disc, with results on it.
© CUBE Bikes Lucy Charles-Barclay2019United Kingdom · Cube
- 2ndIronman World Championship (Kona) 2019
Setup: Size S; SRAM AXS 1x12 with 52t ring and 10-32 cassette, Quarq power meter, Roval CLX 64 wheels, Specialized Turbo tubeless tyres, custom Speedbar extensions, ISM Adamo saddle (Kona 2019)
Race setup, 8 parts →Source
S-Works Shiv Disc geometry
| XS | S | M | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 484 mm19.1″ | 490 mm19.3″ | 514 mm20.2″ | 546 mm21.5″ |
| Reach | 372 mm14.6″ | 386 mm15.2″ | 401 mm15.8″ | 421 mm16.6″ |
| Pad stack min | 556 mm21.9″ | 561 mm22.1″ | 585 mm23″ | 617 mm24.3″ |
| Pad stack max | 671 mm26.4″ | 676 mm26.6″ | 700 mm27.6″ | 732 mm28.8″ |
| Pad reach min | 308 mm12.1″ | 321 mm12.6″ | 341 mm13.4″ | 361 mm14.2″ |
| Pad reach max | 525 mm20.7″ | 541 mm21.3″ | 556 mm21.9″ | 576 mm22.7″ |
| Seat angle min | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Seat angle max | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Head tube angle | 70.3° | 72° | 72° | 72° |
| Head tube length | 70 mm2.8″ | 70 mm2.8″ | 94 mm3.7″ | 127 mm5″ |
| Effective top tube | 484 mm19.1″ | 499 mm19.6″ | 520 mm20.5″ | 547 mm21.5″ |
| Seat tube length | 490 mm19.3″ | 522 mm20.6″ | 547 mm21.5″ | 580 mm22.8″ |
| Chainstay | 415 mm16.3″ | 415 mm16.3″ | 415 mm16.3″ | 415 mm16.3″ |
| Wheelbase | 982 mm38.7″ | 983 mm38.7″ | 1,001 mm39.4″ | 1,031 mm40.6″ |
| BB drop | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ |
| BB height | 265 mm10.4″ | 265 mm10.4″ | 265 mm10.4″ | 265 mm10.4″ |
| Fork length | 385 mm15.2″ | 385 mm15.2″ | 385 mm15.2″ | 385 mm15.2″ |
| Fork offset | 50 mm2″ | 50 mm2″ | 45 mm1.8″ | 45 mm1.8″ |
| Trail | 68 mm2.7″ | 57 mm2.2″ | 62 mm2.4″ | 62 mm2.4″ |
| Front centre | 578 mm22.8″ | 579 mm22.8″ | 596 mm23.5″ | 627 mm24.7″ |
| Standover | 752 mm29.6″ | 774 mm30.5″ | 798 mm31.4″ | 830 mm32.7″ |
| Crank length | 165 mm6.5″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ |
| Stem length | 58 mm2.3″ | 58 mm2.3″ | 58 mm2.3″ | 58 mm2.3″ |
| Basebar width | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ |
Side view & pad range
Drawn to scale (how to read it).
How the geometry rides
The S-Works Shiv Disc in size S against the middle size of 14 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).
- Trail57 mm2.2″
shortestlonger than 0% of 14 bikeslongest
Shorter trail than most: steering reacts quicker, so it can feel nervous on the extensions in crosswinds.
- Wheelbase983 mm38.7″
shortestlonger than 17% of 42 bikeslongest
Short wheelbase: tends to feel more agile in corners and less planted on long straights.
- Front centre579 mm22.8″
shortestlonger than 3% of 29 bikeslongest
Short front centre: more weight on the front wheel, which can make the front feel lighter to steer.
- Chainstay415 mm16.3″
shortestlonger than 92% of 53 bikeslongest
Long chainstays: adds stability and room for a rear wheel with wide tyres.
Good to know
Fit
In Specialized's geometry table, pad stack is measured to the pad holder, and pad reach runs from the rearmost to the most forward pad position.
SourceIntegration
Specialized moved the Hydration Fuelcell from inside the main frame (on the original Shiv) to the rear of the bike, which it says allows more fluid and is more aerodynamic.
SourceCompatibility
BikeRadar's launch report describes the frame as disc-only and built around Di2-style electronic shifting.
SourceHistory
Specialized revealed the bike at the 2018 Ironman World Championship. The first 500 frames were a numbered limited edition, with the first five going to its sponsored triathletes Sarah True, Tim Don, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Braden Currie and Javier Gómez; Triathlete reports the rest sold within days. A black frame became the standard version from 2019.
SourceVersions
In October 2026 Specialized's triathlon-bike category lists only the UCI-legal Shiv TT Disc module. The Shiv Disc product page is still online but shows every size out of stock and unavailable for delivery, so it is marked discontinued here.
Source
S-Works Shiv Disc FAQ
Is the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc UCI legal?+
No. The Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc is not UCI legal. That is fine for non-drafting triathlon, but it cannot be used in UCI-sanctioned time trials. Also available as: S-Works Shiv TT Disc (UCI-legal time-trial version without integrated hydration or storage).
How much does the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc cost?+
Manufacturer prices (MSRP): $13,500 / £10,499 across 1 listed build: S-Works Shiv Disc - SRAM RED eTap AXS.
What sizes does the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc come in?+
4 sizes: XS, S, M and L.
What pad stack and pad reach can the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc reach?+
Across all sizes, pad stack ranges from 556 mm (21.9″) to 732 mm (28.8″), and pad reach from 308 mm (12.1″) to 576 mm (22.7″). Use the fit finder to check which size covers your position.
What seat angle does the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc have?+
77° effective seat tube angle.
Does the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc have integrated hydration?+
Yes, 1,500 ml (50.7 fl oz). Hydration Fuelcell reservoir at the back of the frame, behind the seat tube, with the drinking hose routed inside the frame. BikeRadar gives the capacity as 1.5 litres.
Does the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc have integrated storage?+
Yes. Nutrition Fuelcell in the down tube holds 10-12 gels, 4-5 bars or 5-6 packs of chews. It lifts out to give access to the Di2 junction box or a flat kit.
Which groupsets are compatible with the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc?+
Bottom bracket: OSBB.
What builds of the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc are available?+
S-Works Shiv Disc - SRAM RED eTap AXS: SRAM Red eTap AXS.
Which pros ride the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc?+
Lucy Charles-Barclay raced this generation of the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc. See the "Raced by" section for seasons and results.
Is the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc easy to travel with?+
The basebar folds down to the fork and the cockpit unbolts for packing.
Is the Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc aerodynamic?+
Specialized claims it is nearly a minute faster over the Kona course than the fastest possible 2011 Shiv setup, and minutes faster than a typical one.
Sources
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-shiv-disc-sram-red-etap-axs/p/171300
- https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/s-works-shiv-disc-sram-red-etap-axs/p/171300
- https://www.bikeradar.com/news/the-new-specialized-s-works-shiv-disc-is-wow
- https://www.triathlete.com/gear/bike/pro-bike-sarah-trues-specialized-s-works-shiv-disc/?scope=anon
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shop/bikes/road-bikes/triathlon-bikes
- https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/road/specialized/shiv-s-works-disc-sram-red-etap-axs/2020
- https://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/shop/bikes/triathlon/2020-s-works-shiv-disc-sram-red-etap-axs-15780/option/
- https://media.specialized.com/support/collateral/0000139205.pdf
- https://www.slowtwitch.com/news/kona-2019-top-15-women-bike-equipment/
Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc data last updated · How the data is checked ·