Specialized Venge Comp - Opinions
Discussion
Greetings.
I've had my Giant Defy 2 for 3 1/2 years and that time its had RS80s fitted along with full SRAM force minus the crankset. Probably done just shy of 8k (miles) in that time and 4.5k last year. The plan has always been to go carbon at some point.
I've looked at numerous options over the last 6 months including Boardmans and Planet X offerings. However, my local Cycles UK had a 2013 Venge comp in matt black and red sat on the shelf for £2k. It is a stunning looking machine. Everything about it screams fast. I sat on it and thought with a bit of minor tweaking, it would be quite comfortable. Saddle was the nicest I have ever sat on. I've sat/ridden a few race bikes and the saddle is usually the first thing I want to ditch and that of course adds £70-£100 immediately.
The shop offered me three free services and swapping of my SRAM force for free. I'd probably sell the 105 bits and wheels to offset the cost of the Venge.
I have been eyeing up a Cyclocross bikes over the last month to combat the commute. I'd also thought it would be good for cycling the local canal path with Mrs Bakerstreet. But I have an old MTB in the garage, which would probably be fine with new tyres and full service and even with a cyclocross bike, I'd still want a carbon road bike eventually.
Anyways, I was just wondering if any of the Pedal Powered lot had a Venge and I was interested to hear their opinions on it.
I've had my Giant Defy 2 for 3 1/2 years and that time its had RS80s fitted along with full SRAM force minus the crankset. Probably done just shy of 8k (miles) in that time and 4.5k last year. The plan has always been to go carbon at some point.
I've looked at numerous options over the last 6 months including Boardmans and Planet X offerings. However, my local Cycles UK had a 2013 Venge comp in matt black and red sat on the shelf for £2k. It is a stunning looking machine. Everything about it screams fast. I sat on it and thought with a bit of minor tweaking, it would be quite comfortable. Saddle was the nicest I have ever sat on. I've sat/ridden a few race bikes and the saddle is usually the first thing I want to ditch and that of course adds £70-£100 immediately.
The shop offered me three free services and swapping of my SRAM force for free. I'd probably sell the 105 bits and wheels to offset the cost of the Venge.
I have been eyeing up a Cyclocross bikes over the last month to combat the commute. I'd also thought it would be good for cycling the local canal path with Mrs Bakerstreet. But I have an old MTB in the garage, which would probably be fine with new tyres and full service and even with a cyclocross bike, I'd still want a carbon road bike eventually.
Anyways, I was just wondering if any of the Pedal Powered lot had a Venge and I was interested to hear their opinions on it.
I have a 2013 S-Works Venge that was a custom build for me, I went the Di2 route, but anyhow, I love it, I'm seriously over biked but still notice how fast it accelerates, holds speed once you get it there and climbs much easier, you'll notice the stiffness for sure especially if paired with a decent set of hoops. If your LBS won't let you test ride it, understandable if its the last one and at this time of year, get along to a Specialized Concept Store and get them to get you a loaner.
Thanks for the reply. I have a concept store near my inlaws, so I may go and have a look in there when I get a chance.
It would probably be too much bike for me too, but I'd probably keep it for a good five years. The only thing I'd possibly want to upgrade was the group set once SRAM have launched their electric groupo.
I'm fairly happy with my RS80s, which I'd transfer to the Venge, but in the future, I'd hope to throw on a set of RS81 50s to complete the full Aero look.
It would probably be too much bike for me too, but I'd probably keep it for a good five years. The only thing I'd possibly want to upgrade was the group set once SRAM have launched their electric groupo.
I'm fairly happy with my RS80s, which I'd transfer to the Venge, but in the future, I'd hope to throw on a set of RS81 50s to complete the full Aero look.
They do have a reputation for being somewhat stiff but then its got to be comfortable enough for the pros so a good fitting session should sort that out and they are very pretty so I think you should absolutely buy it!....
....however if you are going to swap most of the stuff over, why not look at framesets and then sell the Defy framset to recover some of the outlay (or just keep the Defy because, you know, its always useful to have a spare frameset right?!) Certini have a 2014 Giant Propel frameset for £1349 which is a good alternative, saves a bit of cash too.
....however if you are going to swap most of the stuff over, why not look at framesets and then sell the Defy framset to recover some of the outlay (or just keep the Defy because, you know, its always useful to have a spare frameset right?!) Certini have a 2014 Giant Propel frameset for £1349 which is a good alternative, saves a bit of cash too.
pablo said:
They do have a reputation for being somewhat stiff but then its got to be comfortable enough for the pros so a good fitting session should sort that out and they are very pretty so I think you should absolutely buy it!....
....however if you are going to swap most of the stuff over, why not look at framesets and then sell the Defy framset to recover some of the outlay (or just keep the Defy because, you know, its always useful to have a spare frameset right?!) Certini have a 2014 Giant Propel frameset for £1349 which is a good alternative, saves a bit of cash too.
The Giant Defy frameset really isn't worth much. £100 to £150 tops, so I will probably just keep it in pieces until I can afford to rebuild with something else. I also still have plans for as cross bike build in the future too. ....however if you are going to swap most of the stuff over, why not look at framesets and then sell the Defy framset to recover some of the outlay (or just keep the Defy because, you know, its always useful to have a spare frameset right?!) Certini have a 2014 Giant Propel frameset for £1349 which is a good alternative, saves a bit of cash too.
I also looked at the Cervelo S2 machine you posted up the other day. That is a superb looking machine. Shop is in ireland though, and I would be nervous if something wasn't right.
Thanks for the suggestion on the propel frameset. I don't actually like the look of that and when I'm spending this much, part of me has to like the way it looks.
I hope Mrs Pablo is keeping well?
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