Specialized Alias Comp woman's bike review
The women’s Alias Comp joins the Shiv and Venge in Specialized’s triathlon and time-trial-focussed bike line-up. It’s aimed at triathletes who want versatility, giving you two bikes in one, as it transforms from a road set-up to a tri set-up complete with a spare racing geometry seatpost and clip-on aerobars.
The Alias Comp is the top-of-the-range model in the three-strong Alias collection, and is constructed from Specialized FACT 10r carbon frame and forks, with a geometry that combines elements from both road and tri bikes. Unlike earlier models, the 2016 Alias comes with both the tri and road set-up, including aerobars, carbon zero off-set saddle for tri race day, and an alloy 35mm off-set seatpost for training rides.
The 70.25 to 72° head tube angle (depending on size) combined with the shallow-drop alloy handlebars, rounded seat tube and seatpost design comes from the more relaxed road riding side, providing comfort over the longer distances and a stable, responsive ride; although we would’ve liked to see carbon bars at this price point.
With race day in mind, the aerodynamically designed tubing on the forks, down tube, head tube and seatstays, aligned with internally-routed cabling, helps to reduce drag, while the aggressive 77-78° seat tube angle places the rider forward and over the clip-on aerobars.
Elsewhere, the reliably efficient and smooth shifting Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset gives enough range to tackle steep climbs and power along the flat. The Fulcrum Racing S-19 wheelset are a sturdy and robust road-focussed choice, but you may want to upgrade to a lighter set for races.
CONTROLLED AND COMFY
Whether cornering fast or descending, the Alias holds on to your intended line and doesn’t feel twitchy. It’s also a remarkably comfortable ride, even with the compact tri set-up, and works well for longer rides of 40km plus. For training rides with the off-set seatpost installed, it’s well-suited for racking up the miles without ravaging the body.
Combined with the road-focussed head angle and frame lightness, the Alias powers up climbs, feeling stable and steady even when standing. That said, when you put the power down the acceleration is steady but not explosive.
Verdict: An assured entry for those wanting just one bike for training and racing
The spec
FRAME AND FORKS
Sizes 44, 48, 51, 54, 57cm
Frame Specialized FACT 10r Carbon
Forks Specialized FACT carbon,
TRANSMISSION
Chainset Shimano Ultegra
Bottom bracket Praxis Works BB30
Cassette Ultegra, 11-speed, 11-28t
Chain Shimano Ultegra
Derailleurs Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed
Shifters Shimano Ultegra
WHEELS
Front & Rear Fulcrum Racing S-19
Tyres Specialized Turbo Pro, 60TPI
COMPONENTS
Stem Specialized Comp Multi
Bars Specialized Women’s Comp alloy
Headset Specialized spacers
Saddle Body Geometry Power Expert, hollow Ti rails
Seatpost Carbon or alloy
Brakes AXIS 2.0
DIMENSIONS
Head angle 71.5° Seat angle 77.5° Effective top tube 49.1cm Seat tube 42cm Standover 65cm Chainstay 40.5cm Bottom bracket 26.4cm Wheelbase 97.9cm Head tube 14.5cm
Contact : www.specialized.com