Shanks says she is "gutted" after her prize $15,000 bike was stolen in Christchurch on Friday, and now faces the hassle of trying to organise a new bike with a two-week training camp due to start this week.
The custom-made track bike was stolen from the Bike NZ's stall at a outdoor adventure expo in Pioneer Stadium in Christchurch on Friday between 6am and 9am.
"The bike was in a box, so the person who took it probably just thought they were getting a mountain bike or a road bike," she said.
"But it is nothing like that.
"It is no use to anyone but me.
"It has no gears, no brakes, the seat is specifically designed for me.
"It's not like they can do anything with it."
Shanks said she could not really believe it when she was told the bike had been stolen, and she had only the one bike for racing.
She started using the bike frame shortly after winning the individual pursuit world title in Poland in March, but had been using the handlebars and other fittings for more than a year.
"It's not like I can go down to [a cycle shop in Dunedin] and get a new bike.
"This bike is specifically designed for me, custom-made for me."
Shanks had been in contact with bike frame manufacturer and sponsor Avanti, which had agreed to supply her with a new frame, but it would take time to have the fittings put on and adjusted to suit her.
The bike could be returned "no questions asked" to any bike shop, she said.
She said the theft was a hassle she could do without, with a two-week training camp set to start in Invercargill on Friday.
The bike was designed after aerodynamic testing, and it had taken years to come up with the perfect design to help her in races where any small advantage made a big difference.
Shanks rode the Rail Trail Classic on Sunday with coach and partner Craig Palmer, and has a busy few months in front of her.
She will compete at the Oceania Cycling Championships in Invercargill in November, and in World Cup events.
Defending her world title at the world championships, in Denmark, in March, and competing at the Commonwealth Games, in New Delhi, in October, are on the programme for next year.
A Christchurch police spokeswoman confirmed police were investigating the theft but no arrest had been made yesterday.
Bike NZ high performance director Mark Elliott said the theft of the bike was "very disappointing".
"The bike is completely useless for anyone else.
"It is a purpose-built track bike and made specifically for Alison.
"It's not as if anyone can sell it or use it.
"And the handlebars are also manufactured just for her.
"They are irreplaceable," Elliott said.
The loss had come at a critical time for Shanks, Elliott said, with her first World Cup race only five weeks away.
