Test: The Specialized Venge has been one of the fastest bikes on the market for a number of years. The latest version has not only been aerodynamically improved, but also made significantly lighter to create an even more complete aerobike. As befits a top-of-the-range S-Works model, Specialized naturally also supplies first-class equipment including a power meter and Dura-Ace Di2.
Specialized Venge - The Frame
The Specialized Venge stands and always has stood for aerodynamics and speed. But aerodynamics and speed alone do not make a perfect bike. Areas such as weight, handling, speed and complexity were also important during development. Compared to the previous model, the current Specialized S-Works Venge could be made faster on any terrain by simultaneously improving aerodynamics, reducing weight and perfecting responsiveness and handling. According to our own tests, for example, it is faster than a Venge Vias and lighter than a Tarmac SL5.
This could be achieved primarily through new tube shapes that emerged from a large collection of data called the FreeFoil Shape Library. Specialized's Rider-First Engineered design aims to ensure that every frame performs flawlessly, regardless of size. This is achieved through a mix of extensive data collection, expert feedback from professional riders and a meticulous approach to carbon construction. This gives you perfect handling for every frame size. The Venge frame weighs just under 960 g +/- 30 g in size 56 cm in the "Satin Black / Holographic Foil" color scheme.
Specialized Venge - The Cockpit
Developed in collaboration with the pro teams, it became increasingly clear that stem stiffness is very important for riders, especially the powerful sprinters. The all new Aerofly II is faster, lighter and stiffer than WorldTour top models and the surfaces have a textured pattern for added grip and control. An integrated bar tape stop keeps bar tape looking super professional and makes wrapping a breeze. A nice side effect is of course the clean look.
Specialized Venge – The equipment
| Frame | S-Works Venge |
| Fork | S-Works FACT 11r Carbon |
| Wheels | Roval CLX 64 Disc |
| Tires | Specialized Turbo Cotton 26mm |
| Derailleur | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 |
| Shifter | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 |
| Crank | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 |
| Brake | Shimano Dura Ace Disc |
| Seatpost | S-Works Venge |
| Saddle | S Works Power |
| Stem | S-Works Aerofly II |
| Handlebar | S-Works Aerofly II |
There really isn’t much to say about the features of the Specialized Venge S-Works model. With electronic Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 you are already well prepared. The racer is complemented by in-house Roval CLX 64 wheels, which, as the name suggests, have a rim height of 64mm. The in-house Specialized Turbo Cotton in 26mm, which is one of the fastest wired tires on the market, sits on top of that.
An additional highlight of the Specialized S-Works Venge is the power meter crank, which is used to measure power and can be connected to all common systems. 52 and 36 teeth are installed here as chainrings. These are supplemented with 11-28 teeth at the rear.
Specialized Venge – How it rides
The theory is one thing, of course, and it sounded convincing at first, but of course you can only really judge a bike if you ride it yourself. But you can anticipate this much, the Specialized Venge was also able to fully convince in practice. Already on the first few meters you notice how the bike literally pushes forward and really wants to accelerate. After a short period of getting used to it, we just let it run and were able to really enjoy the speed advantages. In slightly sloping passages, the entire system complements each other perfectly and is super efficient. The Roval CLX 64 in particular do a great job here and offer impressive smoothness and aerodynamics.
But the Specialized Venge was not only able to convince us on the flat at high speeds. With a total weight of 7,1 kilos for a 56cm S-Works Venge with Dura-Ace Di2 in Satin Black / Holo Silver, this is a real statement for an aerobike. So we were able to drive uphill in the mountainous pass roads around Bolzano and collect meters of altitude. Due to the low weight and the great rigidity, it is also much easier to accelerate after every curve when you have to start again.
The performance on the descent is gigantic. The first-class handling and braking behavior of the discs play an important role here, as they allow you to dose every corner and approach it at optimum speed. Luckily, it almost has to be said that it rained on a test drive, so we were able to fully enjoy the advantages of the disc brakes. These offer the necessary safety when it comes down to it, even in the wet on fast and technical descents.
A real highlight is also the new cockpit with the coated handlebars, which offer a good grip even without handlebar tape and despite the wet. The rest of the equipment fits, as it should be for a top model, like a glove. With the Roval CLX 64, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Turbo Cottons and SWorks Power saddle, nothing stands in the way of a fast and varied ride.
