Specialized teamed up with McLaren to create what they claim may be the fastest bike in the world. Not wanting to make yet another aerodynamic bike, Specialized assembled a crack team of designers, engineers, testing and manufacturing to create the Venge– the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic bike on the market.
For the Venge, Specialized looked to combine the aerodynamics of the Shiv with the lightweight nature and stiffness of the Tarmac. The company worked with McLaren to employ materials, fabrication processes and the latest aerospace techniques for laying up a frame in the construction of the Venge.
The result is a frame, made from high modulus FACT 12R carbon, that weighs less than 950 grams and rides fast. Fully internal cable routing, a tapered head and steer tube, integrated top cap and lower profile seat stays cut down on crosswind drag, making the bike much more aerodynamic.
The bottom bracket, chainstay and seatmast are one piece, adding extra stiffness to the bike. The carbon seatpost is both adjustable and reversible to change the setback from 20 degrees to 0 degrees.
The Venge will come in two versions. Available late April, the S-Works version will retail for $9,100 with electronic Dura-Ace Di2, $8,700 with SRAM Red or $4000 for just the frame. The full on McLaren version, available in September, will retail for $8,000 frame only and around $15,000 fully kitted out.