The Specialized Venge has a reputation for being one of the fastest aero bikes ever built. But here’s the question riders often ask: is the Venge a good climbing bike? The answer depends on what type of rider you are and how you plan to use it.
Aero First, Lightweight Second
The Venge was designed as an aero race bike. Its frame shapes, integrated cockpit, and deep-section wheel compatibility all focus on minimizing drag at high speeds. While it’s not the lightest bike in Specialized’s lineup, it’s surprisingly competitive on climbs thanks to a stiff carbon frame and optimized geometry.
Weight Compared to Pure Climbers
At around 7.1–7.5 kg (15.6–16.5 lbs) depending on build, the Venge isn’t as light as the Specialized Tarmac, which is marketed as the all-round climbing machine. Still, the weight difference is modest, and for many riders, the aerodynamic gains on rolling terrain and descents outweigh the extra grams on steep climbs.
Who Should Choose the Venge?
If your riding involves fast group rides, flat races, or rolling terrain with occasional climbs, the Venge is an excellent choice. On sustained, steep climbs, a lighter bike like the Tarmac may feel easier, but the Venge can absolutely handle climbs without holding you back.
Price and Value
The Venge was discontinued in favor of the Tarmac SL7, which blended aero and climbing performance into one frame. This means that today, Venge models are available mainly on the pre-owned market, often at strong value compared to their original retail prices. Riders looking for a unique aero bike that still climbs well will find the Venge a worthy option.
FAQs
1. Is the Venge harder to climb with than the Tarmac?
Yes, slightly. The Tarmac is lighter and better suited for long climbs, but the Venge holds its own on mixed terrain.
2. Why did Specialized stop making the Venge?
Specialized introduced the Tarmac SL7 to combine the climbing ability of the Tarmac with the aero advantages of the Venge, making the Venge redundant in the lineup.
3. Is the Venge still a good buy today?
Absolutely. If you can find one in good condition, the Venge remains a high-performance aero bike that still climbs better than most of its competitors.
