Specialized S-Works Venge (First Impressions)

Full review: www.bikechaser...
I am currently road testing the all-new 2019 Specialized S-Works Venge. I will have a full / comprehensive review of this bike within the next few weeks. But before that, I wanted to briefly share my initial thoughts on this amazing road bike from Specialized.
As part of my review process for Bike Chaser (www.bikechaser.com.au) reviews, I will spend 2-3 weeks on this Specialized S-Works Venge followed by 6-8 hours of solid research. The ultimate output will be a 2,000 word written article and a 10-minute video review on this cycling KZbin station. But sometimes it's nice to forget about the technicalities and just explain how a bike feels upfront. So in this video, that's what I'm doing. Basic first impressions on the Specialized S-Works Venge. With Roval 64's and Shimano Di2. It's very nice!

[@tomgoold8694]

Unreal Cam. Would love to see a review between the SL6 tarmac and Venge and the reasoning to choose one over the other for a mixture of crit, Kermesse and weeekend long rides. Keep up the awesome channel. You’ll have to get a movie of the death stare 💀

[@CamNicholls]

haha! I'm sure you are familiar with the death stare? All cycling dads get one at least! Thanks for the suggestion, I think it's a really good one. For the Tarmac SL6 review, I did with did a comparison to the SL5. So that's what I'm thinking for this review. It's a lighter version than a full-blown VS battle but it provides all the details one would need to make an educated decision. A 'comparison' review framework will also allow me to spend a little more time on the Venge. Which will keep Specialized HQ happy.

[@greenophotography]

Yeah, uh... NOBODY ever records a wife's death stare and lives to tell about it. You know, except maybe Harry Potter.

[@CamNicholls]

haha!

[@shaneisaacs666]

Looking forward to your full review. I took delivery of mine yesterday gave it a solid run this morning and I was really impressed, certainly faster and more comfortable than my previous Cervelo S3.

[@CamNicholls]

Thanks for sharing Shane. Any further insights you have as you continue to ride the Venge, please let me know below.

[@neilmartinez143]

Shane Isaacs how’s the comfort?

[@diegoarias7083]

It’s funny cause my first road bike was a cervelo s3 and then i upgraded to a s works venge and both bikes are great

[@casualguy393]

2 years ago I went to a fishing supply store and bought some prism tape (laser tape/reflective tape) and hand cut the letters for my Specialized Tarmac. The sun reflected off them nicely, and added a lot of pop to the visual aspect of the bike. I received a few sidewards glances and pursed lips from other riders, but I really liked the way the tape stood out and added a bit of bling. Fast forward 2 years, and what do I see? HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@barnabyannan7625]

Great videos Cam, I’ve been searching hundreds of sites to find a real world down to earth review of the new Venge rather than all the marketing hype. Just waiting for your next video before choosing between the Venge and the Tarmac SL6 disc for a ‘do everything well’ bike. Searching your channel has become a daily ritual this last week in anticipation. I haven’t been this excited since I heard Han Solo was coming back to Star Wars. Keep up the great work!

[@CamNicholls]

Barnaby Annan hahaha! Thanks mate. I’ve just finish scripting the review today and guess what!? It’s a versus battle between the SL6 and the Venge. To be released late next week. Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@MrAxelBrawn]

11k views! Nice one Cam. Traction is building

[@CamNicholls]

Thanks mate. The Venge is popular! Cam

[@JoeRobinsonJoe]

I'm considering buying this bike. Really looking forward to your review. It's a beautiful bike. So many hills around me, hoping this bike isn't the wrong choice for me.

[@CamNicholls]

I'd lean towards the Tarmac SL6 with Roval 50s if you're surrounded by hills. Full review will be out next Sunday evening and I've decided to do a versus battle between the Tarmac and the Venge. Stay tuned and thanks for the comment.

[@JoeRobinsonJoe]

Thanks, Cam. I think you are right. It's going to be a tough decision because I love the look of the new Venge. Can hardly wait for a test-ride.

[@Timtimzi]

I used to own the venge visa and also live in an area full of hills. If you love the look and can push the watts, i don’t see any reason to compromise!

[@JoeRobinsonJoe]

timtimzi ni Thanks for that info ! Still considering the Venge.

[@golferchin76]

You definitely want to buy the bike that's pleasing to your eyes. Today's aero frames are very very light. You can't go wrong with today's aero frame. I rode the 1st gen Venge in hilly areas many years ago (and extremely stiff alu frame more than a decade ago). It was not the weight but the stiffness that was the problem for long rides. Even that was fixed now. Have you considered Trek's Madone? It's a fast bike, lighter than Venge (IIRC), with ISOspeed and it looks just as stunning as the Venge.

[@jamesbutler1949]

Aesthetically it doesn't do it for me, But I'd love to try one out.

[@CLAUDINEI_CWBNEI]

Esta bike é fantástica .... é um sonho ... Abraço garoto

[@RobertNixAlternativeArtist]

Great 'first impressions' review-I own the 2016 Venge which is slightly heavier than the 2019 model and uses pad brakes.Like you I've also gotten alot of compliments on the bike-the girls really like it I've noticed and I can really propel myself on this machine in a manner that astounded me enough to make the investment.

[@CamNicholls]

Appreciate that Robert, and thanks for sharing! Cam

[@Dezitson]

Nice cam, How tall are you mate? I see you are on a 54 size frame. Between a 56 and 54 myself and im 178cm so be cool to know (could only test the 56)

[@CamNicholls]

I'd go the 54cm mate. If you're in the middle, better to go the smaller size. Cam

[@dwn8735]

Awesome. I'm trying to decide on framesize. Noticed you are on a 54. How tall are you? Inseam? I'm 174cm (5'9) myself

[@CamNicholls]

I am 178cm and I can go either 54 or 56, although I prefer 54. I would say with confidence you are a 54cm.

[@jorgefgr]

With your height i would go to a S (52cm)

[@hmudesign]

Great looking bike and a good video like always. I was wondering about the size of your feet and if you have any toe overlap on this bike? I’m size 41 shoes and with my Allez size 52 and a Tarmac sl5 size 54 I had, was so much toe overlap that I cannot take it. People do stop at traffic lights and cycle slowly at times and this toe over lap is a recipe for a disaster and I have relatively small feet, now imagine if you wearer shoes size 45. I find this such a design failure and massive oversight by Specialized and other companies. Its down right dangerous. Thanks again and keep those videos coming :)

[@tbrowniscool]

To ride that bike with unused bottle cages hurts me. It like adding two air brakes to an amazing base setup. Please remove them when not needed!!!! Enjoyed the vid mate

[@CamNicholls]

I just remove them for the video stuff Winstan! Don't worry, they got used while I was riding it. Now she's back at Specialized HQ (Australia).

[@colinosullivan930]

Nice ride Cam. Good to bump into your channel here. Your instamate 👍

[@ryu2241]

Hi Cam, I like how u include your ride impressions and not just the aesthetics of the bike. Would you ever consider ranking the bikes you ride? Best aero, best lightweight, best endurance, or ur fav pics - for example.

[@CamNicholls]

Yes, 100%. Not sure I've ridden enough at this stage to make that comparison, but I like the framework. Early next year I will do a $3,000 road bike VS $14,000 road bike video,! Cam

[@ryu2241]

@@CamNicholls Yes, due to the plethora of brands, group-sets unfortunately only a subset can be compared; even the notion ur considering it is appreciated. Since you look around my size -I'm 179cm 170 lbs, I ride 54 or 56- I get a good notion of how the bike rides from your reviews. Thx, Ryu from Toronto, Canada

[@popitn2nd]

The previous venge vias is also Fact11r . No difference on carbon.

[@CamNicholls]

Yep, correct. Thanks for putting on this thread. Cam

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Hello Mr. Nicholls, very nice video. Music is not to loud. What sized tires do you have on this bike? Have you tried the ENVE 4.5 AR discs which have 30mm front 28mm rear.?

[@CamNicholls]

Thank you sir. They're actually 28mm width Specialized tires. They get a good wrap too from what I am reading. No, I haven't ridden those. I hear good things. Cam

[@calrc123]

What kind of rear light are you running? 3.24

[@tmayberry7559]

Of course your review of the Venge will be positive due to the fact that you have a specialized sticker on your jersey how coincidental and one other question does the Venge have Incorporated in it the new Future Shock

[@CamNicholls]

Future Shock is Roubaix and Diverge only in road. Cam PS - these are unpaid reviews. Although the amateur local team I support - InForm Make - ride Specialized, hence the S.

[@holmesroach]

looking at this bike - normally ride SL4 / SL5 in a 58 - I'm 6'2'. Rode 56 demo bike and it fit pretty good. Have anybody to compare it with ?

[@CamNicholls]

Hi Brian, Geo is almost identical on the Venge to the Tarmac, so you;d be a 58 on the Venge. Cam

[@TheWip140]

Compared to the older S-Works Venge 2013/2014 is the difference in stiffness big ? Do they both accelerate equally ? And compared to Treek Madone, who is stiffer Venge or Madone ?

[@CamNicholls]

The new Venge over the old old is far superior in every single facet. I haven't ridden the new Trek, I can't get it off Trek Australia. I rode the old Trek Madone version and the Venge is stiffer, but the Madone is more comfortable. Cam

[@seanchue]

Great review, am interested in your computer mount, details please.

[@CamNicholls]

It;s from BarFly. Cam

[@ProfessorSteez]

If you’re in a crit getting ready to spring to the line, would you rather be on the Venge or the Allez Sprint coming out of the final corner?

[@CamNicholls]

Venge 100% Cam

[@dragisapetrusic3200]

bravisimo cam,good bike.

[@4527PENK]

S-works venge 2019 disc wow(im from korea)

[@carmencarrasco4714]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@targetpace2680]

Good review. Looking for a thorough comparison with the 2019 Madone

[@CamNicholls]

I'd love to. I reached out to Trek the other day. No response as yet! Next video is this Venge VS the Tarmac. Should be up within the next 24hours. Thanks for the comment! Cam

[@Raptors0524]

How about S works vs the Cervélo S5?

[@user-wq8km5hj2k]

It looks like cannondale systemsix the only difference is that edge on the frame Which is better though?

[@CamNicholls]

MisterDud Dud good question. I am planning on reaching out to Monza Imports Australia (Cannondale distributors) about this bike. Fingers crossed they lend me one 🤞 Cam

[@ovathere93]

And weight. About a kilo and a half

[@larslinden5218]

What Computer Mount is that?

[@CamNicholls]

Hi Lars, Barfly for memory

[@larslinden5218]

Cam Nicholls Thank you What Brand and where to buy? Thank you very much

[@sheenaldamani4349]

is the bike colour matte black and uniform or is it more of a raw carbon with colour variations?

[@CamNicholls]

I'd say Matte

[@carlobalzer3238]

Nice bike cam got a specialised full carbon road bike Paris roubaix how much bike

[@CamNicholls]

That's a great bike. I rode that thing the entire length of New Zealand last year. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKnRZYuHj9OggbM - enjoy. Cam

[@ozan3076]

What are your thought about this bike over R5 and S5?

[@CamNicholls]

Never ridden an s5. I did a comparison on the R5 with the Tarmac if you have interest. www.bikechaser.com.au/news/cervelo-r5-review/

[@ozan3076]

@@CamNicholls thank@)s I have already watched and liked that video :)

[@Timtimzi]

despite being a sponsored rider for cervelo... i’m always amazed by the beauty of specialized bikes over all else lol

[@ozan3076]

@@Timtimzi lol

[@mikicastan]

Cervelo s5 is very old design

[@roadglide]

This bike with SRAM ETap AXS for me.

[@boyguidonofficial6228]

How tall are you and what size is the frame?

[@CamNicholls]

178cm, 54 top tube.

[@malinggeroofficial7848]

Is it compatible with mechanical groupset?

[@CamNicholls]

Can'r recall now, sorry

[@malinggeroofficial7848]

@@CamNicholls no probs, thanks.

[@HULKBIGHEAD]

😍👍🏽

[@AB-tq7ys]

Please don't drill into the seatstay.. it's not worth saving the grams at that location

[@CamNicholls]

Hi Marcus. I didn't in the end. The full review is up on the channel if you missed it. Cam

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

I love those rims 4 somereaso n

[@CamNicholls]

Me too!

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

I just bought my 1s trek Madone 2012 ..the place saved me some $$$ ...i biked for about 2 hours miles & miles ... and it didnt even feel like it

[@rowenaamano8235]

How much did you buy that bike??

[@CamNicholls]

I didn't buy it but it's $14,500 AUD brand new! Cam

[@Eric19609]

Whats ur saddle height?

[@CamNicholls]

930 mm

[@Kim-es3hq]

@@CamNicholls bb center

[@3rdscope249]

Wow sworks venge my road bike weight 5.79kg look to the photo dats my bike blue you whats weight your bike your bike is cool

[@M17kilswitch]

Hey there, Just subscribed! Anyway you can do a trek madone vs sworks venge video? I’m very torn on the two!

[@CamNicholls]

Mewael Ah I’d love to but Trek Australia can’t give me one until early next year! I’ve reached out to them to ask this very question. Thanks for subscribing / supporting the channel. Cam

[@M17kilswitch]

Cam Nicholls I will wait!

[@thexardas8395]

My bike was 3+ and every day I ask myself same question. Why for fuck's sake I wasted that much money on the bike. Don't get me wrong it is very nice bike and I have a lot of fun riding it but could spend half of that for same quality and quantity of fun. I simply curios how someone who just drop over 10k on a stupid toy feels. I own MTB that was almost 5k and can justify every penny spent. Why would anyone waste over 2k on D-A Di2 that even Shimano consider pure racing group set. For me it makes as much sense as buying formula one car for every day rides to workplace.

[@afsmpur1]

Hopefully you survived the death stare

[@CamNicholls]

haha, I did Afsm. I know how to work around it these days. Many years ago I almost didn't survive! Cam

[@benjaminniem8605]

9 500 00 £!! 😔

[@CamNicholls]

Yes, it's pricey! I think the Pro will do a lot better. Cam

[@jesusmolina5951]

How its posible spend thousand of dollars in one of this shits

[@Tophalf]

Why not let the whole world know were you live. bike thief's will be rubbing there hands together. do it away from home. its called thief prevention.

[@jeremymcpherson9405]

Completely unnecessary piece of equipment. If you got the money I guess. Wait I do have the money but wouldn’t buy it unless I made a living off of it.

[@CamNicholls]

Fair point Jeremy. Many say the $7,000 Venge Pro will be the go-to for most consumers wanting the Venge. Cam