Pros
- Great handling through the corners
- Comfortable for an aero bike
- Aero handle bar
Cons
- Don't get a complete groupset
- Saddle slipped on seat post
- Comes with 23mm tyres - would prefer 25mm
Price as reviewed:
£2,100.00
The Venge is famously the bike that Mark Cavendish favours. It was born out of a collaboration with McLaren, which provided its Formula One expertise to optimise the aerodynamics.
Frame
The Specialized Venge Elite frame’s carbon layup utilises less high-modulus carbon fibre, making it less stiff and slightly heavier than the considerably more expensive S-Works, as ridden by Cavendish, although the two bikes have the same tube profiles and wind-cheating shapes.
The seatpost clamp is interesting and uses a two-bolt design to hold the post in place. This works well.
Specification
The Specialized Venge Elite is equipped with a complete Shimano 105 groupset, barring the chainset, which comes courtesy of Praxis. We would prefer to see a 105 chainset.
Somewhat irritatingly the 2016 model still comes equipped with 23mm tyres, despite 25mm being demonstrably faster and more comfortable.
The Specialized S-Works carbon aero bar looks the part, and you can attach most out-front computer mounts to it too. One of the key contact points, it would make more sense to supply the bike with a 105 chainset and a cheaper aluminium bar that can be swapped.
Ride
Aero tubes are not conducive to comfort and the bikes can often suffer from a harsh ride. The Venge Elite is by no means an endurance bike, but it is compliant and I would happily take it on long rides and on less than perfect surfaces.
One issue I encountered was the saddle slipping on the top of the seatpost. This has happened to other Venge owners I spoke to.
Cornering is excellent, slicing through bends like a sidewinder missile. The low front end is great for when you want to get aero on a descent or sprint for a town sign.
Value
The Venge is great bike, but it suffers on value. For £2,100 a full 105 groupset could be expected and 25mm tyres.
Verdict
The Venge is a great bike, best suited to aspiring racers. However it struggles to compete with other bikes the same price when it comes to value
Details
Miles ridden: 223
Weight: 8.48kg
Size tested: 56
Size range: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
Frame: Specialized FACT 10r Carbon
Fork: Specialized FACT Carbon
Groupset: Shimano 105, Praxis Works chainset
Gear ratios: 11-28t cassette, 52/36t mid compact
Wheels: Fulcrum Racing S5
Tyres: Specialized Turbo Pro 23mm
Bar: S-Works Aerofly
Stem: Specialized Pro SL
Seatpost: Venge FACT carbon
Saddle: Specialized Romin EVO Comp
Contact: specialized.co.uk
