Specialized Bicycle Components has introduced its new player to the women’s triathlon scene — the Alias. Billed by the California based bike company as ‘part high-performance road bike, part triathlon bike, the Alias delivers the best of both worlds, allowing women to train and race on the same bike.’
The Alias aims to eliminate a common issue cyclists face when taking up the sport of triathlon — the need to have one bike for training and another dedicated tri-bike for racing. The Alias aims to solve this problem by making it an ‘ideal bike choice for women who don’t want to buy, or store, two bikes for different needs.’
“Women’s triathlon and cycling have become powerful and permanent forces in women’s fitness,” said Erin Sprague, Women’s Product Manager at Specialized.
“The Specialized Alias is the first bike of its kind, designed for women participating in mid-distance triathlon. We all have an ‘Alias’ — an aspirational and maybe even dramatic assumed identity. This is the bike to help women become their best and most empowered selves.”
The ‘best-of-both-worlds’ versatility of this full-carbon bike comes courtesy of its unique frame geometry, which allows women to switch between two positions easily. Getting in some training miles on the road? That’s where the extra setback seatpost of the Alias ensures a more traditional road position in the hoods or drops, and will keep the rider comfortable on group rides or on climbs.
Come race day, the triathlete can swap to the zero offset seatpost and attach aerobars to achieve a more aerodynamic position, allowing them to push their limits on the bike. The aerodynamic tube shapes of the Alias enable riders to experience what Specialized sees as #aeroiseverything and thus gain a true aero advantage in the bike leg of a triathlon.
The Alias is even more ‘tri-ready’ with the option to add aerobars and a Remora storage box — an easy-to-use, toptube mounted box for convenient access to on-bike nutrition.
The unique fit of the Alias reinforces Specialized’s dedication to creating women’s products that are truly specific to their needs, not just in geometry and design, but in ‘how the bikes, gear and apparel work together to deliver the best overall ride experience.’
This includes a cohesive approach to women’s apparel and gear being designed as a collection, and developing scientifically advanced Body Geometry products such as women’s saddles, gloves and chamois shapes. To ensure the right fit, Specialized’s Body Geometry Fit technicians work with female riders at all levels to become ‘one with their bike’.
To support the launch of Alias, Specialized welcomed Tara Costa, former contestant on the US TV show The Biggest Loser and a new triathlete. Since her time on the reality show, Tara has continued to inspire and test her own limits, competing in marathons and triathlons, including her first Ironman in 2013.
“I never thought I would discover my inner-Alias as a triathlete,” said Tara. “Training and competing in triathlons over the past few years, including my first Ironman finish, has been exhilarating and empowering on my journey to live a healthier life.
“This sport has the power to transform lives and Specialized is leading the way with all they do to support women in cycling.”
