Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS Di2 Review

Ever felt that longing to be a superhero and save the world? Essentially the Batmobile amongst aero bikes, the Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS promises an entire arsenal in the fight against time: the Californians promise that a full aero setup (including kit) could shave off up to 5 minutes over 40 km, according to their a wind tunnel testing. But wind tunnels are wind tunnels, and we’re more interested in how this speed translates in reality.

The Venge isn’t designed for comfort, so be prepared to receive (and learn to appreciate) some feedback from the ground. It’s a quick bike that does its name proud, so be prepared to take vengeance in sprints, time trials and on the flat. Specialized also offer their own smart Garmin mount for the stem as well as an integrated Quarq power meter.

Specialized S-Works Venge | 7.71 kg | € 10,999.

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The Venge knows no limits, challenging convention both aesthetically and technologically and leading to a divisive split amongst our testers, much like its starkly contrasting colourways.

The white side: it doesn’t just look damn quick;, the Venge ViAS is rapid on the roads! The bike’s handling is impressive at high speeds on the flat and descents, cementing confidence, smoothness and noticeable aero gains. At its best on long, swooping descents, the Venga ViAS is a dream to ride – helped in part by the S-Works Venge ViAS sizing tool that can ascertain an individual’s ideal position on the bike.

The riding position is performance-focused and the bike is responsive to accelerations. The Roval CLX 64 wheels roll nicely, even under duress from side winds. While the cables take a complex route, the braking performance is great.

Details of the Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS Di2

Form follows Function: The S-Works Venge ViAS has a radical design that sometimes breaks with the lines to integrate all components in the best possible way. Visually, the dent in the down tube is not everyone’s gusto. — **Form follows Function:** The S-Works Venge ViAS has a radical design that sometimes breaks with the lines to integrate all components in the best possible way. Visually, the dent in the down tube is not everyone’s gusto.

Almost: The complex internal cable routing is super tidy until it leaves the frame. The routing of the rear brake looks like an afterthought. — **Almost:** The complex internal cable routing is super tidy until it leaves the frame. The routing of the rear brake looks like an afterthought.

Smart: Coming as stock, Specialized equip their carbon crankset with an integrated Quarq power meter. — **Smart:** Coming as stock, Specialized equip their carbon crankset with an integrated Quarq power meter.

Batmobile: The cockpit not only comes with aggressive looks, minimalistic and aerodynamic shapes but also a very nicely integrated Garmin mount. We like. We’d love to see Di2 sprint shifters here as well. — **Batmobile:** The cockpit not only comes with aggressive looks, minimalistic and aerodynamic shapes but also a very nicely integrated Garmin mount. We like. We’d love to see Di2 sprint shifters here as well.

Clever: An integrated SWAT mini tool weighs little in the bottle cage but is worth more than its weight if you need to make any adjustments or repairs. — **Clever:** An integrated SWAT mini tool weighs little in the bottle cage but is worth more than its weight if you need to make any adjustments or repairs.

Limited: The Specialized Venge saddle limits the seating position making it great for time trials but less suited for day-to-day riding. — **Limited:** The Specialized Venge saddle limits the seating position making it great for time trials but less suited for day-to-day riding.

Specifications of the Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS Di2

Drivetrain: Shimano Dura Ace DI2 2×11 SP
Gears: Chainrings: 52/36 | Cassette: 11-28
Brakes: Venge Vias
Tyres: S-Works Turbo
Wheelset: Roval CLX 64
Weight: 7.71 kg
Price: € 10,999

The Geometry of the Spezialized S-Works Venge. — The Geometry of the S-Works Venge.

The black side: If you were toying with the idea of riding the most visually exciting bike on a more frequent basis, then be warned: it isn’t compatible with long days in the saddle or seemingly never-ending mountain climbs. This Specialized isn’t primed for comfort and the saddle is pretty restrictive with its riding position. At 7.71kg, it isn’t light either.This is a tool focused on speed, not a plucky all-rounder. But if budget permits, you (and the entire test team) would be grateful to own this race-ready steed – but purely for racing.

Conclusion

So what about shaving off time? The Venge ViAS is certainly the catalyst to quicker times compared to many more traditional bikes – but only if you adopt a racing position and ride it in the flat or point it downhill. It’s an indulgent bike with a very particular purpose, but one that it has nailed. The Specialized Venge ViAS is only really going to play fully to its strengths with a limited circle of athletes, making it a true Batmobile that demands super powers to drive hard.

Strengths

Incredibly quick with superb handling
A technological beauty that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible
Uncompromisingly focused on sprints and time trials

Weaknesses

Limited use for regular riding
Heavy
Rear brake integration seems unfinished
Complex set-up and even Specialized dealers require additional training

For more information check the Specialized website.

About the test

With 10 test riders descending on Barcelona from across the globe, we dedicated 9 days to pushing this season’s most exclusive and exciting and exciting bikes to their limits in a one-of-a-kind group test. Each rider brought his or her own specific experience to the process, with a test team comprised of four women and six men, including former Tour de France riders, biomechanics, bike shop owners, tour guides and amateur riders. In short: a gathering of highly experienced and well-versed road riding enthusiasts. Our goal was a simple one, to give you all the information needed to make you a winner: Why? Becuase life’s too short to ride the wrong bikes.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The 10 most exclusive and exciting bikes in Test

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Words: Markus Ybanez, Robin Schmitt, Emmie Collinge Photos Constantin Gerlach, Klaus Kneist, Christoph Bayer

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