Market: A few weeks ago we reported on the new Specialized Venge ViAS. Now we also had the opportunity to take a close look at the new gem from the Californians. In addition, there is now information about the equipment variants and the prices.
At the Tour de Suisse and above all at the Tour de France, the new Specialized Venge ViAS had its first big stage: Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan and co. drove the first top results on the new aero machine and in the coming season the futuristic racing bike will be available in Germany. We took a closer look at the noble piece.
Fundamental new development – uncompromisingly fast
Engineers and developers spent countless hours in the company's own wind tunnel in the USA to scrutinize and optimize every little detail of the new Venge ViAS. Of course, the Rider-First Engineered construction method is used for both the Venge and the Tarmac: Each frame size is individually adapted and further developed. Individual measurements of stiffness and agility and the results obtained from them should lead to one big goal: The Venge ViAS should always ride the same - regardless of whether it's in the smallest or largest frame size. In order to achieve this, the steering angle, bottom bracket height or fork offset, for example, are corrected slightly.
The main focus in the development of the Venge ViAS was on aerodynamics. Tube shapes optimized down to the smallest detail are now de rigueur, but the Venge ViAS goes one step further, for example with the aerodynamically neutral brakes. The linkage is comparable to that of well-known V-brakes, but the integration into the fork and frame is unique. The notch made for the brakes on the down tube of the main frame also shows how complex the construction is. The placement of the rear wheel brake on the seat tube also catches the eye of many. On many other modern racing bikes, the brake is now located under the bottom bracket, but the measurements in the wind tunnel revealed that – as inconspicuous as this spot may be visually – there is a lot of air turbulence there and this location for the Venge’s rear brake was out of the question. Instead, a new approach is taken and the stoppers are integrated into the seat tube. The frame is very stiff there anyway, so there is no grinding even when cornering quickly.
The second major highlight of the Venge ViAS is the 'Aerofly' cockpit. What at first glance looks like a design study from the new Star Wars movie is actually a combination handlebar and stem with internally routed cables. In order to maintain individual adaptability, a coherent handlebar-stem unit was dispensed with and two individual components were still used. But that was it with the "usual" properties of the Aerofly cockpit. The Venge ViAS comes standard with a -17° stem and riser handlebars to bring comfort and sportiness to a common denominator. A flat handlebar without rise is also available as an option - for all those who like it particularly sporty.
Many Venge drivers and sympathizers will also be happy about the mounting option for Garmin and Co. Here the computer sits comfortably in the field of vision without causing any aerodynamic problems. If you prefer to ride without a bike computer, you can of course replace the bracket with a spacer provided.
Two trim levels and a frame kit
Specialized will launch two complete Venge ViAS bikes. First, the top-of-the-line S-Works Venge ViAS, which, with Di2 Dura-Ace, the new Roval CLX 64 carbon wheels, and an integrated Quarq power meter, leaves nothing to be desired—and it shouldn't, given its RRP of €10.999€.
A word about the wheels of the S-Works Venge: Like almost all parts of the Venge, the new Roval CLX 64 were developed and optimized in the wind tunnel. Due to the very wide 21mm rims, the mounted S-Works Turbo tire develops significantly more than on narrower rims. That's why Specialized also uses the 22mm (front) or 24mm (rear) version of the top tire from their own company, instead of 24mm and 26mm like many other manufacturers. The move away from the internal nipples is also interesting. The measurements in the wind tunnel showed that conventional external nipples do not offer any aerodynamic disadvantages, but are much easier to handle during maintenance.
Anyone who is not prepared to pay the almost 11.000Those who aren't willing to invest € in the S-Works model can take a look at the more affordable Specialized Venge Pro ViAS. This one "only" features a mechanical Dura-Ace drivetrain, the slightly more affordable CL 64 wheels, and the Pro version of the new Power saddle. The price is also significantly lower: €7.499 is the price for the Venge Pro ViAS, which will be available in two color options. In addition to the sleek, matte black design, there will also be a striking green/blue version.
Those who prefer to build their own or want to invest gradually can use the S-Works Venge ViAS Module. For 4.999For € you get the S-Works frame including fork, brakes, seat post and Aerofly cockpit.
We are looking forward to the first test drive of the road racer... all the findings will of course be available in the Velomotion test.