The cables and lines of the Venge ViAS are consistently routed internally, the brakes have been taken out of the wind and are located behind the fork and seat tube. The expectations in the aero test were correspondingly high, and the bike did not disappoint: with 204 watts, it is on a par with Trek's Madone, and with a frontal airflow - i.e. a lot of speed - it is even a tad faster. However, while focussing on the aero performance, especially at low angles of attack, we lost sight of the bigger picture. At an unusual 7.6 kilos for a professional bike, the Venge shows its qualities more on flat stages and in sprint finishes than on hilly terrain. The bike's suspension comfort, an often criticised shortcoming of its predecessor, has improved somewhat. The complicated cable routing is a challenge for mechanics.
CONCLUSION Outstanding aerodynamics, heavy for a competition bike. The high price is somewhat relativised by the power meter
Price 10,999 Euro
Weight 7.6 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Info www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,343/576/91 grammes
Frame sizes** 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 495/580/173 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 565/397 mm/1.42
EQUIPMENT
Drive S-Works FACT/Quarq Powermeter (52/36 T., OSBB)
Brakes/gears Venge ViAS/Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Wheels/tyres/weights**** Roval CLX 64/S-Works WinTunnel 24C v., Gripton 24C h. (v/h: 1,112/1,470 grams)
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position;
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable
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