Test: The affordable elite version of the Specialized Venge is an aero bike with a stiff, agile frame and some high-quality attachments. Only one or the other equipment detail is not quite convincing.
Fact check
[tab:Overview]
RRP: €2.499
Weight: 8,23kg
frame material: carbon
Gabel: full carbon
Manufacturer site
[tab:Geometry]
[easy table]
Size,49,52,54,56,58,61
Oberrohr Waagrecht,518mm,537mm,548mm,565mm,582mm,600mm
Sitzrohrlänge,467mm,487mm,507mm,527mm,547mm,577mm
Seat Angle,75.5,74,73.5,73.25,73,72.5
Steering angle,72.25,73,73,73.5,73.5,74
Steuerrohrlänge,100mm,120mm,140mm,160mm,190mm,210mm
Kettenstrebenlänge,405mm,405mm,405mm,405mm,407mm,410mm
Radstand,970mm,970mm,978mm,986mm,1003mm,1013mm
Stack,506mm,528mm,544mm,566mm,593mm,614mm
Reach,385mm,385mm,386mm,395mm,401mm,407mm
[/easy table]
[tab:Equipment]
[easy table]
component, model
Fork, Specialized FACT Carbon
Wheelset, Fulcrum S5
Tires, Specialized Turbo Elite 60TPI
Brake,Shimano 105
Rear derailleur,Shimano 105 11-speed
Derailleur,Shimano 105
Shift lever,Shimano 105 STI
Crank,Praxis Works TURN Zayante 52/36
Cassette,Shimano 105 11-28
Stem, Specialized Pro SL
Handlebar, Specialized S-Works Aerofly
Handlebar tape, Specialized Roubaix
Seatpost, Specialized Venge FACT Carbon 20/0mm offset
Saddle, Body Geometry Romin EVO Comp 143mm
[/easy table]
[tab:END]
The aero features of the Venge
“Venge” sounds aggressive and fast; that goes well with a bike that is designed for optimal aerodynamics without deviating too much from the usual racing bike look. With a high-profile down tube, grooved seat tube and aero post, the matter is clear: Specialized promises a good one second advantage per kilometer compared to the Tarmac model. How fast you have to drive for this is not mentioned.
Wait, we almost forgot another aero feature: the top tube bulges significantly over the upper edge of the head tube; the misalignment is smoothed out by a specially shaped spacer. This gives the frame a squat, low shape; In fact, the head tube is rather short in relation to the top tube and ensures a sporty, flat stance. Of course, all cables are internally routed, which in combination with the flat frame creates a very, uh, smooth look.
Specialized is one of those manufacturers who not only offer complete bikes, but also frame sets. In the case of the Venge Elite, you have the following choice: either you go for the Shimano 105 wheel presented here for 2.499 euros, or you spend a hundred less and get the (apparently) identical “Venge Pro” frame set including the aero post. Do you have to think about it for a long time? No, because an expensive equipment highlight can be admired on the inexpensive complete bike, namely the wing-like "S-Works Aerofly" carbon handlebar (list price: 300 euros) with internally routed shift and brake cables. As usual, it is only wrapped in tape to just behind the brake levers, so that you can admire the slightly forward-angled top link with the logo painted in the same color. The noble bar is easy to grip, especially since it is clamped into a conventional stem for the purpose of good adjustability. The handlebars alone are said to save a further 17 seconds over 40 kilometers compared to a round bar, which brings us to around one minute; But then there is no more “aero”.
Driving fun enough
But lots of riding fun: you can feel the high rigidity of the Venge frame right from the start, which is no wonder given the frame weight of around 1.300 grams. The agile steering geometry typical of the brand makes the bike easy to handle and lively; everything together gives the impression of rapid acceleration, which is not slowed down by the high overall weight of the Venge Elite. Without pedals, the test bike weighs a whopping 8,23 kilos, a good three of which are contributed by the half-height Fulcrum wheels. Clearly: There is a lot of room for tuning potential here; a good pound of rotating mass is easily saved. As soon as the Specialized is up to speed, it seems to maintain the speed with surprisingly little effort - perhaps the good aerodynamics as well as the mass of the bike and wheels have a positive effect here.
While we're already thinking about upgrades, one component we didn't quite warm to was the aluminum crankset called Turn Zayante with 52/36 gearing. On the one hand, the chainrings run quite rough when the chain is skewed, but on the other hand, the crank arms are angled quite strongly and quickly come into contact with the wheel shoes - visible abrasion from the treads is the proof.
On the other hand, the gears and brakes of the Shimano 105 work quite comfortably. The former doesn't work quite as smoothly as its more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace sisters, while the latter looks pretty bulky. On the other hand, the brakes grip well, and if the gears are set up correctly, they willingly change the sprockets without snagging. The "Body Geometry" saddle is just great - it's always a matter of taste, but the test rider felt very comfortable on the generously cut seat from the first meter. Even though it was not possible to adjust the saddle inclination (by force we didn't want to try).
So let's take stock: The affordable Venge Expert feels fast, is stiff and agile and has good to very good features in parts; it is of course rather difficult what you could change with a higher quality (and more aerodynamic) wheelset. We think: The purchase is worthwhile if you plan to gradually upgrade and convert.
product Highlights
- Very good driving characteristics
- Some high-quality attachments
- Inexpensive way to a noble frame
price and web
- 2.499 Euros
- www.specialized.com