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PRO RIG - Jesse Thomas' Specialized Shiv   Bookmark and Share
images by Nick Salazar   •   Sep 8, 2012   •   hits 25,682

Despite the rest of the ultra-high-end gear on his rig, Jesse Thomas still uses a rear disc cover instead of a functional disc.

 
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Jesse Thomas just got a brand new 2013 S-Works frameset, freshly built for the 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. We got an exclusive look around the bike just as the Specialized mechanic, who calls himself the "Spider Monkey," was finishing up the build.


Jesse Thomas' 2013 Specialized S-Works Shiv, all ready to hit the desert in Vegas tomorrow.

Thomas primarily uses a BTA bottle up front, as well as the Shiv's integrated Fuelselage hydration system. Sadly, the Shiv isn't the cleanest bike when it comes to Di2 cables, but this is an area shielded by the arms and BTA bottle, so the aerodynamic impact is probably minimal. But I wish it looked cleaner.

Thomas keeps his CycleOps computer right up by his hands, along with the Fuelselage straw for easy access to hydration.

The rear solution is simple: a single saddle-mounted bottle acts as a fuel reserve, and a can of Vittoria Pittstop is ready for emergency flat repairs. Again, maybe it isn't the prettiest setup in the world, but it's built for function, not fashion.

Di2 components all around provide crisp, flawless shifting.

Thomas uses a high-hands position that works well for him. Beware, however, this kind of position requires a trip to the wind tunnel to make sure it's dialed in - get it wrong, and you could wind up being a lot slower. When in doubt, horizontal forearms are the ticket.

From the front, Thomas' cockpit looks lean, mean, and ready to fly.

The Specialized mechanic who worked on Thomas' bike calls himself the Spider Monkey, and brands each athlete's bike with his own little sticker, just for fun.

Despite the rest of the ultra-high-end gear on his rig, Jesse Thomas still uses a rear disc cover instead of a functional disc.

I really don't like disc covers, and you can see one of the reasons why in this photo: they tend to rub! That robs you of time, and is just plain ugly.

Thomas is one of a very few group of athletes who can ride Specialized's new S-Works MacLaren aero helmet.





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