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