In the latest test of the aero racers (TOUR 2/2012->), the expensive McLaren version came out on top by a wafer-thin margin (alongside the Cervélo S5 VWD and Felt AR1). The impressive palmarés that the frame has been able to collect since its presentation almost a year ago, including victories at the Road World Championships and Milan-San Remo, prove that the aero hype is not just a marketing gimmick. However, the one-sided design for speed is not enough for a top ranking among the best frames in the world. Constructions that harmonise the various measurable characteristics better are further ahead. The practical test with the Venge proves that laboratory results and riding impressions correspond. All three testers praised the precise handling and had the impression of being subjectively faster than usual with comparable power input. However, they were equally unanimous in classifying the bike as hard as a board. A racing car with road licence, so to speak ...
ConclusionAero reference: Among the really fast frames, the one with the best mechanical measurements. Hard as a board.
Price 14,999 Euro
Weight 6.4 kilos
Reference/Info www.specialized.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1,059/364/74 grammes
Frame sizes*** 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 72-74°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 525/565/158 mm plus 16 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 985/51 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 565/402 mm/1.41
EQUIPMENT
Fork S-Works Fact
Steering bearing Specialised (top 1-1/8, bottom 1-3/8 inch)
Brakes Eebrake
Circuit Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Bottom bracket S-Works (52/39 t., OS BB30)
Wheels/tyres Zipp 404/S-Works Turbo (inner tube)
Handlebar/stem Zipp Vuka
Saddle/post Specialised Toupe/Venge
*The overall grade includes: the aerodynamics grade with 20 per cent and the grade for the frame set with 80 per cent. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the upper edge of the headset cap; STR (Stack to Reach): Values 1.45-1.55 mean a sporty riding position, below that race-like, above that comfortable.
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