Bring Back The Venge! Screw The Tarmac #AeroIsEverything

There are rumours of a new Specialized Tarmac SL8 on the way in 2023 but the bike our Aero Fanatic, Simon von Bromley, really wants to see is a new Specialized Venge.

In this video, he lays out his case for why the US brand should bring back its aero race bike and really lean into the ‘aero is everything’ philosophy.

Do you want to see the return of the Venge, or would you rather have the Tarmac SL8? Let us know in the comments. 👇

#specializedbikes #tech #specializedvenge

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:21 Re-Venge
03:11 Could The 2023 Tarmac Be More Aero?
05:13 Would I Buy One?

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Specialized Diverge STR Gravel Bike Review | Creamy Smooth But EXPENSIVE 🤑

Is A Specialized Tarmac SL8 Coming? 🧐

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[bikeradar]

Is it return of the Venge for you? Or are you willing to break Simon's heart and rather it stay as piece of aero bike history?👇

[ayowser]

I think the Venge is one of - if not - the best looking road bike sold thus far.

[hifoad]

A) As you know, Merida builds frames for Specialized;
B) Merida has an incredible aero bike = Reacto;
A & B -> Merida Reacto is a great option for those craving the Venge - I have one and it’s very very good!

[VeloSynthDan]

I lost my 2019 Specialized Venge Pro to a car/bike accident. It was my favorite bike of all time. I miss it dearly

[jaysong]

Lost my Venge 1 year ago in a fire accident, and bought SL7 after that.
I admit I do miss Venge from time to time. It was always a great joy to ride and was feeling faster than Tarmac. Will be great to see the return of Venge.

[spinnetti]

so, if they are going to update the venge, should they call it the REvenge? :)

[bsmukler]

It was only through dumb luck (i.e., stuck at home post-injury) that I picked up one of the last Venge units from the warehouse just before Covid took off in early 2020. I subsequently studied that same PR-created graph when the new Tarmac was introduced and noted the accompanying language to the effect that Specialized’s development had progressed to the point that the Tarmac was “almost” as aero-enhanced as the outgoing Venge. It struck me as marketing speak for a decision to cut back on costs by streamlining the models offered.

I love the Venge. I’m just an old, creaky rider, but it allows me to hallucinate what it must be like in the hands of a fit, skilled cyclist, and, as you said, it reflects the brand’s determination to use R&D to push the envelope. I’m a motorcyclist as well, and I wouldn’t confuse a Ducati Superleggera with a Multistrada or an R1250 GSA. Like the Venge, the Superleggera is very focused and represented (at the time) the pinnacle of what Ducati’s engineers and designers (alongside Pirelli’s engineers) could come up with in a hyper-light, hyper-powerful road bike. It would be wonderful to see Specialized unleash their engineering and design team to once again see just how far they can push the Venge.

[DaveCM]

Could you get a Venge and an SL7 and compare them in the wind tunnel to see if there is much of a difference?

[SplatteredWRX]

I have a 2020 venge in purple… I absolutely adore it!

[VanillaSkyffm]

NO PLEASE DON’T, i enjoy the jealous looks of the others when i ride passed in my S-Works Venge 2020 in the exact same color as in your video. Hands down the best bike I’ve ever owned or ridden.

[tarikqirem]

Love my Venge. Have always said that when they bought out the SL7 that eventually they would bring out a dedicated aero bike further down the line ‘because that’s what people were asking them’.

[iedzdys]

Have the 2018 s-works vias disc and I love it. It has it all. aero, stiff, responsive. love that bike. Only real downside as mentioned is the lack of adjustability on the cockpit. The high stearertube as well as that stem and handlebar combo don't make it possible to use other brands to change up on the positioning still keep it all integrated. Hoping for Specialized to make a stem that can fit regular 31.8handlebars and still keep it integrated for the Vias.

[kk-iam]

I have both, the Venge is surprisingly comfier, the SL7 stiffer out of the saddle.

[federicorio]

I have been riding my SWorks VIAS since 2016 (discs) and I still get excited every time I see it. This video is spot on. If bikes are going to cost an arm and a leg they should be stupidly exciting.

[TheUsername]

As cool as the venge is, the last 3 years of riding a full on aero bike have tought me one thing: I miss my climbing bike and I’ll probably switch to an aethos this year

[LOGICAL-JAY]

I own both 2022 s-works tarmac sl7 & 2020 Venge pro.. I have to say I like both..the tarmac sl7 is lighter, snappier and more comfortable while the Venge is slightly heavier, less comfortable but holds top speeds better..they're both top notch bikes..I don't think one is better than the other..by the way, swap that sram out for a real drive train like di2 ultegra/dura ace 12speed...lmao..just joking, just a joke Sram lovers, just a joke.. i like old school traditional shifting better.

[JP-omou]

Honestly I wish there were more SIMPLE race bike options: Lightweight carbon / aluminum frames, rim brakes, BSA bb, 27.2 seatpost, external cable routing, standard 1 1/8 fork. To me this was the pinnacle of frame design. Most of us don’t need the aero stuff.

[casparwhittey]

Still riding my 2014 venge rim brake. Looks cannot be topped, and its still fast as hell. I do have a newer disc gravel bike, and going back to the unfussiness of rim brakes and non-integrated components is just really nice.

[colnago]

I'm lucky enough to own one of the last ever S-Works Venge frames - the bare carbon with 'oil slick' matt varnish (not its official title) and just three black logos. It's as stealth as you get - and the lightest of the Venge releases. I've had folk who own S-Works SL7 and Aethos cooing at it. It's currently wearing 50mm Rovals with S-Works Turbo Cottons in 26mm, and a AXS Force/Red mix groupset. It looks ridiculously fast and rides brilliantly for a dedicated aero bike. I'm not sure how Spec can make a better version tbh.

[okrakov]

Just bought an S-Works 2019 Venge two weeks ago in great condition, price was 3K which is all I could afford but I didn't hesitate not even for a second! I opted for the Venge knowing the best I could get if I wanted a new model was an sl7 comp or sl7 sport...I am an age group triathlete and owned only a TT bike in the last 2+ years, I missed having a road bike to be able to join weekend group rides more safely, or pick routs with larger climbing efforts for training (TT bike is not the suitable tool for these) now I own 2 bikes! which is a dream! had a few rides on it and the bike is no less than AMAZING!!!! I owned a 2021 Trek Madone which was OK (replaced by my TT) but honestly for me recalling my Madone experience the Venge is much superior in almost any category.
The bike is 7.4Kg wet! and even tough the wheels and drivetrain (11X2 Dura Ace Di2 + Power cranks dual power meter) are not the latest the value for money here is absolutely non comparable to anything else considering bike prices today! I couldn't be more happy.