Specialized Venge VS. Tarmac (Head to Head Review)

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In this video, I review the all-new Specialized S-Works Venge and compare it to the Tarmac S-Works SL6. While the Tarmac SL6 that I test rode was the Specialized S-Works rim brake version, outside of braking performance and some very slight geometry changes, the Tarmac Rim VS. Disc bikes are almost identical.
The five main aspects I will drill into to delineate the Venge from the Tarmac are: Speed & handing / Weight / Aesthetics / Comfort / Compatibility. I describe technical features while blending in my own personal riding experiences on both these race performance machines from Specialized.
Interestingly, I weighed this 54cm Specialized Venge down at a Specialized dealer Hampton Cycles and it was 7.47 kgs, complete bike. While I was there, there was also a Tarmac SL5 with Roval 32s and SRAM ETAP DISC. And that was 7.38 kg. Incredible to think the Venge is almost the same weight as the older Tarmac S-Works, yet it has Roval 64 wheels.
But Stock 56cms without pedals, cages etc:
S-Works Venge comes in at 7.1kg with deep, 64mm Roval Carbon Wheels.
S-Works Tarmac comes in at 6.65kg with mid size5 0mm Roval Carbon Wheels
Outside of Venge VS Tarmac weight, I spend most of my time in this video on speed and handling, outlining some of the technologies Specialized have used to create the new Venge, which they now describe as “free Foil library tube shapes “ enabling them to actually improved the speed of the new Venge over the VIAS by 8 seconds over 40 km.
Lastly, I conclude with which bike I'd personally prefer to take home. The Venge or the Tarmac....?

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Опубликовано:

18 сен 2018

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Комментарии : 432

@arcangel9712 5 лет назад

Easily the best review of these two beauties anywhere on the internet. Clear - just enough info - no bull. Thanks for posting. (I built up a Tarmac in the end. So far... blown away!) Keep doing these... you're a natural. Good luck.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Arc Angel thank you sir. Appreciate the comment 👍. What did you did up your Tarmac with? Cam

@arcangel9712 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls - Pleasure... SL6 Ultralight Frame Rim Brake, Full Dura Ace Di2 9150 Groupset, Already had Enve 4.5 SES rims, Enve Carbon hub, Enve Stem, Aerofloy II handlebar. Very pleased! (My first time building from the ground up... got there! - in the end)

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Nice work! I'd love to try that myself but I am horrendous with anything that involves using my hands (external to computers). That sounds like one magnificent machine you've built up there. I'm not surprised by the 'blown away' comment. Cam

@arcangel9712 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls - Heheh... Thanks again man. Very much appreciated.... and once again - do keep up the good work. You're spot on with the tone of things. Big thumbs up.

@ovathere93 5 лет назад

Looking to build an sl6. Which stem/handlebar you go with? Appreciate it.

@MrFornicater 5 лет назад

The Venge would write cheques my legs couldn't cash.

@CycoWarriorx 5 лет назад

MrFornicater 🤣🤣🤣 but you’d look fierce and would intimidate 80% of the other riders into backing down... lol...

@johntechwriter 5 лет назад

You make a valid point. To exploit the performance advantage either of these Specialized bikes have over, say, a carefully equipped $3000 bike, you'd need to be at the fitness level of a Cat 1 racer. To put it another way, if you buy one of these, you'd BETTER be as fit as a Cat 1 racer. As every sport rider knows, little challenges come up between strangers on every ride. Even if it's a friendly sprint, make sure you finish ahead of the guy on a $3000 bike or you'll look like a poser on your Venge.

@CycoWarriorx 5 лет назад

John Richards haha... very true!!! Did a century ride a little over a year and half ago I think, but it was right around the time when the new Pinarello F10 came out so I may be off on my timeline a bit... A guy on the ride purchased one of those F10’s and rode with us... toward the end of the ride, it got just a hair competitive... He kept looking over his shoulder cause he was about 4 and half feet in front of me and a few other riders... I remember thinking, “dude, if I get to the end in front of you, that $12k+ you spent on that bike is gonna make you vomit.” Lol... I was too tired to push the issue... but he didn’t get there too much in front of any of us (too exhausted)... People forget, while the bike can help, it’s still rider centric...

@CycoWarriorx 5 лет назад

John Mulvihill True about their rarity.

@kevinpunter7960 5 лет назад

@@johntechwriter you'r talking ego v's pure love of bikes ... if I suffered a fragile ego and was emotionally challenged by someone passing me on a cheaper bike I'd need to start buying my bikes at Kmart! ;) It's perfectly ok to buy an expensive piece of sporting equipment it you can satisfy the 3A's ... you Appreciate the facets that you are paying the extra money to get, you're not putting yourself in diabolical debt to Afford it and you Acknowledge that your performance is the limiting factor. If you pass someone on a more expensive bike and feel the need to rub their nose in it you really are simply being a dickhead.

@Crackedblade 5 лет назад

I really enjoyed this, great work! Thank you. Searching for a new bike makes reviews like yours mandatory to watch.

@RonnRider 5 лет назад

Mate, I am somebody who watches a lot of reviews and even do a few myself and that is one of the most professional and concise reviews I’ve seen to date. Really well done and you’ve gained a subscriber here. Oh, an love the Beach rd and Olivers footage...hopefully we’ll see you on the road one day👍🏾

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Ronn Rider thank you Ronn, subbed back 👍 Cam

@ayessanow4833 5 лет назад

Great content and highly informative! Haven’t seen such a high quality video from a channel with less than 1k subs.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Ayessa. Much appreciated. Cam

@matthiaskettner6686 4 года назад

Thanks for the review Cam. Ended up having a tarmac, the perfect bike for my hilly region here. Never sat on a better bike, incredible every ride.

@FATTYDH216 5 лет назад

Great Vid Cam . Comprehensive review really well presented . Best yet .

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks champ, much appreciated. Cam

@arthurchoi8080 4 года назад

It's been a while since new tarmac and venge came out. Never seen any video covered better than this one! This is the best video comparing two bikes in terms of weight, aesthetics, compliance and overall! Great video!

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Thank you Arthur, much appreciated. Cam

@colingibson4389 5 лет назад

I appreciate the rigor and specificity of the review and the clarity of the articulation.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Colin, much appreciated. Cam

@markchan6923 2 года назад

Great review! That’s why I went for d SL6 as I m doing long distances and plenty of climbing! Thanks! Cheers mate!

@lorispomazan4358 4 года назад

just purchased new Tarmac sl6, I love that tube-simplicity and stiffness, ...more suitable for my hilly area where I live. Great review. Keep up the good work.

@robbieflub 5 лет назад

This is a highly relevant, very watchable review mate, thank you.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Robbie, much appreciated. Cam

@jaybaker8028 5 лет назад

Informative video! Love the blooper reel at the end. Nice job.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Jay Baker thanks Jay, much appreciated 👍 Cam

@TheAWallace1212 Год назад

Great review!! Thanks for your time!

@richardfansler5367 5 лет назад

Have ordered the new 2019 Venge and am looking forward to its arrival in November! For me the Venge is the best bike on the planet! Thanks for your enlightenment and excellent presentation and in service oratory!🚴🏽

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

You're going to love it, Richard! You'll also turn a lot of heads with that thing. Enjoy! Cam (and thanks for the kind feedback)

@qibble455 4 года назад

I enjoyed this review. Even now, It's great help for people looking at 2nd hand racers.

@wmpercival 5 лет назад

A good objective review of the two bikes. Considering both as a next bike. Very helpful. Thanks.

@Barabingbaraboom1 5 лет назад

Great review mate. Actually one of the best I have seen so far!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Emil, much appreciated. Cam

@gearhigher2027 5 лет назад

Well Done!...Based on being a former 2011 Tarmac owner, now 2019 Venge DI2 Ultegra Disc owner I have to say once I got the bike dialed in it was a no brainer switching to the Venge. Note due to the stack height being minimal I found it necessary to switch the handlebars to Spez Vias Bars, this raised the bars 25mm while still providing aero benefits. Other then that the video provided my thoughts exactly. For those concerned about the Venge's ability to climb, don't worry all I have around me is hills...it goes up fast as well.

@fionaconcaig4549 5 лет назад

Good summary of the two bikes. Looking forward to more. Also nice to see beach road under pedals. Very funny with the Fam -remember young kids circling me, glad mine now grown up !! Good channel.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Fiona! Yes, I've told many times to relish the circling. It doesn't last forever! Cam

@functionaladventurecorpora1094 5 лет назад

Thank you very much, Cam. This is exactly the information I was looking for. I'm debating between the Tarmac and the Trek Emonde, but I think you've helped me make up my mind. Cheers.

@BigBadBri18 5 лет назад

Great review matey. I live in a hilly area but still am drawn towards the Venge, saying that I already have a Roubaix so i think I'm covered for the comfort endurance ride. Keep up the good work - subbed.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

I LOVE the Roubaix Bri. I rode that bike the entire length of New Zealand last year. 180km per day average. And I was soooo comfortable the entire journey. No neck or shoulder complaints! So yes, you are definitely covered comfort wise. A Venge and Roubaix would be a magnificent mix of bikes. Thanks for your support on the channel. Cam

@BudoDave76 4 года назад

Excellent review of two incredible bikes. Thank you.

@Muler3627 5 лет назад

I don't know where this channel has come from, but it's drastically better than any of the huge channels doing reviews. Brilliant review, very informative and agrees almost entirely with my view on these two bikes. Glad I have my Tarmac, but the 'bling factor of the Venge is very inviting..

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you for the kind message, much appreciated. Cam

@utah1man 5 лет назад

Ran across your channel. Outstanding review!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Isaac, much appreciated. Cam

@MickStanciou 5 лет назад

Thank you for this awesome review. Planning to order the Tarmac 2020 soon

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Lucky man! 👍 enjoy

@MickStanciou 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls your review convinced. Was a little bit torn apart between this and Cervélo R5

@TheBarts27 5 лет назад

Hi Cam, Thanks for this great review. I own a Tarmac S-works SL6 (Etap) and I love it (I love to ride my S-works Tarmac SL4 for 6 years). This week I also pulled the trigger on a Tarmac Pro disc with Sram Etap AXS (The Ultegra Di2 was sold out in the Netherlands). I could choose the Venge and it crossed my mind but I went for the Tarmac. I feel great on the Tarmac and I am not 30 anymore so I like the comfort and the fact that the HT Lenght is longer on the Tarmac so that I need less spacers. Owning two Tarmacs for every kind of weather and roads feels like a good decision, but the Venge is still in the back of my mind. The Tarmac is more versatile, comfy and suited for lower wheels and still looking good, so I bought the Tarmac disc. Greetings from the Netherlands Bart

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Nice one Barts, I love the Tarmac. Thanks for sharing your experiences 👍 Cam

@Defyreactz99 5 лет назад

Ordered the Venge Sagan Edition, looking forward to picking it up in October.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Lovely Gabriel, enjoy that weapon! Cam

@nickrogers6441 5 лет назад

They have a couple of Sagan bikes at my LBS. So nice

@dmattingley 4 года назад

Excellent review, thank you!

@boNOOBod 5 лет назад

Great review. As someone who is trying to decide which if the two to buy this was helpful.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Awesome to hear, thanks for sharing Matt.

@hillclimblover2255 4 года назад

I have a Tarmc S-Works 2015 and I am looking for the new Sl6 S-works rim brakes. Very good review👍

@marcusking4365 5 лет назад

Great review! Though this bike is out of my price range and experience I learned a lot from this review. You have done another review on Giant's Defy which was very good as well. Thanks for reviewing bikes throughout the price spectrum. No disrespect or creepiness but you have a nice looking family. Good luck on you new channel.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

haha, no disrespect or creepiness taken Markus. Thank you for the compliment. Much appreciated! Cam

@ebrown112 5 лет назад

major thanks for your efforts here with these reviews. i'm new to the channel and dig it so far. props for mentioning that your wife has good taste =) hopefully that helped mitigate the death glare you caught a few weeks back from your intro video!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

hahaha, well picked up and thank you for supporting the channel Eriq. Cam

@roel-janmouw8748 5 лет назад

Great review, and solid conclusions. I’m lucky to have both S-Works Tarmac and Venge (both 2019 Disc). They feel the same, and at same time different. Love my Tarmac in Mountains and even bike packing (just took it from Netherlands to Swiss on 1.000km/10.000vertical meter ride) and Venge in Netherlands on the flat lands and for ‘racing’. Done over 4.000km on combined bikes, and would also choose Tarmac if I could only have one. But wow the Venge is so awesome to ride and far more comfortable vs what people expect. What I love most is the geometry of my bikes as they are close to the same. whilst I can choose a bike for the ride I plan to do, my position is the same making handling and comfort great at any given time. Also due to fact I put a power saddle on the Tarmac. Ps I first got the Tarmac and later the Venge. Would not want to miss either one:-)

@reginaldscot165 4 года назад

Roel-Jan Mouw That's a really sad story. To have all that money and do that... it's heart breaking. A man who can afford to eat the finest 5 star restaurant cuisine... but chooses to eat McDonald's every night and pay 5 star restaurant prices for it. 😞

@roel-janmouw8748 4 года назад

Reginald Scot spend your time on good content like Cam does, instead of stupid bias non-constructive reply’s. If you want your own channel to be successful I suggest to act far more professionally. On Either of my S-Works I’ll beat your titanium bike, hill up, on flats or endurance.

@happydays8171 3 года назад

@@roel-janmouw8748 Thanks for your real world comment on the 2 bikes. I don't go to the mountains and like a nicer looking bike so I'd go for the Venge. Soon I'll find a used frame in my price range and be able to experience one.

@PolyglotBikepacker 3 года назад

Would you say on longer flat sections that the Venge is a LOT faster than the Tarmac SL6 (same wheels same grouspet)? I have the SL6 and I am thinking of buying a Venge, but if I did not really need to, I would like to avoid it. I need more than marginal gains and yes I am a fit rider

@roel-janmouw8748 3 года назад

Bart van de Langenberg it’s faster, no doubt, question is if that is marginal or substantial.;-) I have same groupset on both (DI2), but different wheels (both bikes with standard configure Roval wheels for Tarmac / Venge -> Venge wheels are deeper). Venge is a fantastic bike, petty it’s going on ice due SL7.

@alexbogna2296 5 лет назад

Great review really enjoyed it!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Alex Bogna thanks Alex, 👍

@danielmiles8208 5 лет назад

Thanks for this Cam, great review. Been waiting for someone that knows what they are talking about to do a head to head - I've been trying to work out which to go for: I like to climb and do 100m sportives so its got to be the Tarmac Disc.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Daniel Miles thanks Daniel. Wise choice. With the 50 Rovals it maintains that weapon look and for overall riding and climbing it’s such a good bike 👌. Cam

@alanhill7965 5 лет назад

Excellent review nice one Cam

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Alan! Much appreciated. Cam

@CycoWarriorx 5 лет назад

Great review! You hit on all the important parts of the evaluation... bravo and thank you!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you sir, much appreciated. Cam

@sin7182003 4 года назад

The best head to head bike video I’ve seen. I ended up with the 2020 Venge Pro. The comment on the Venge in a neutral or tailwind is 100% true, actually, you could add ‘draft’ into that comment. It’s just feels assisted. With a good fitting, the Venge is more comfortable than my Roubaix. Easily the most amazing road bike I’ve ever owned.

@sponsurd Год назад

Just sold my 2014 S Works Roubaix Disc brake for a 2015 S Works Venge Rim brake.

@samqureshi7049 5 лет назад

Both incredible bikes! Greta review! Little bit of my input here, going from a tarmac sl5 to a Venge ViAS I can say a Venge ViAS is extremely comfortable and fast

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks for sharing Sam. Cam

@searnsy 4 года назад

Cam, I’ve watched this vid about 20x and still love it. Great work. I just bought the sworks venge from your mates in Hampton cycles and really excited to ride it in the coming weeks. The owner was bloody awesome and let me ride his 2020 sworks tarmac, amazing bike however I didn’t really like it. Felt a lot heavier/bulkier than my 2014 cervelo r5, but love the new sram red axs etap. I’ve always wanted this bike since launch, and was really lucky in the end to get the Matte black in my size. Keep up the good work brother.

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Nice one mate and thanks for sharing. Damo is a legend and Hampton is a great shop. Give me a report on the Venge in a couple of months please! Cam

@searnsy 4 года назад

Cam Nicholls hey cam, a couple months in and I must say I absolutely love the bike. Super crazy fast. Especially down the descents, awesome fun. The venge can definitely climb no problems, but I must admit the tarmac climbs better, but not as fun flying down. A couple things did my head in, the hubs were too quiet and arse sore. Luckily Hampton cycles were so so accommodating and made the hubs sound awesome with a dry lube and lowering the psi to 80/90, made it so enjoyable to ride. I did 150kms to Arthur’s seat return no problem. Your review is spot on in all areas I must say. Except one thing, I didn’t think the crosswind is all that bad, it’s no enve 3.4, but still pretty good in my opinion. Btw, specialized included the computer mount in the box and a couple extra accessories which I thought was pretty cool. I know some ppl were asking. Thanks cam!

@jbee1fam 5 лет назад

I've watched a few of your videos...Great content...Great reviews...SUBBED.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. Cam

@spacechicken336 5 лет назад

loving your videos bro. you're about what us cycle nuts want to know hear about.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you sir, Cam

@Jeebus0143 5 лет назад

Fantastic comparison. Subbed.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Al, appreciate the comment and your support of the channel. Cam

@colinosullivan930 5 лет назад

Great video Cam. Enjoyed it thoroughly over breakfast 👍 venge for me 😬

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

haha! Glad I could be there with you for breakfast... Good choice! I am already missing that thing sitting next to me here in the office. Cam

@johnkaiser4876 4 года назад

Kudos for using the Specialized Stix light. I see so many riders out there that disregard this important feature. It's so easy and slick, why not run the light? I credit that Stix light with saving my bacon out on the road.

@markwhitmore3936 5 лет назад

Excellent review of the two bikes I have been debating over. No need to watch anything else as this absolutely nails it. I will be going with a Tarmac for my next bike.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Mark. Enjoy the Tarmac. It's a ripper! Cam

@railzip 5 лет назад

Awesome video, I can’t wait to race again

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you sir, much appreciated. Cam

@happydays8171 3 года назад

Great review, one note; I have Roval 64's on my Scott Foil and I was blown around in the wind with Schwab's One's on it, switching to Continental 5000 stopped it and made a world better in handling.

@3goalex 5 лет назад

Good explanation and review. Thanks.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Alejandro. Cam

@alainpfammatter8224 5 лет назад

Great review 👍.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Alain! Cam

@Mububban23 5 лет назад

Outstanding review. I can only ever dream of owning these bikes, but your review answered every question a prospective buyer would want to know. If I won the lotto, I'd have both haha, but if I could only choose one, I'd go the Tarmac as well.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you sir, I really appreciate your kind words. I am with you on lotto and the selection of bikes! Cam

@rhyswilliams695 5 лет назад

Good review. It’s hard to assess the real characteristics of a new bike, the ones that matter, when the marketing department gets control of the script. Keep it up!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Rhys Williams thanks Rhys, much appreciated 👍

@paulhaughney7511 5 лет назад

Great video. I do agree with you in that unless all you race is crits the Tramac is the bike to get.

@ProfessorSteez 5 лет назад

Paul Haughney If even that. I’m a crit racer, but everything I’m seeing says the Tarmac will corner better and respond faster to a sprint! Such a good bike

@duncancycles 5 лет назад

Outstanding review

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Duncan, much appreciated. Cam

@mosca3289 5 лет назад

Super professional review.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

John Button thank you John, appreciate the kind feedback. Cam

@barnabyannan7625 5 лет назад

Many many thanks! My heart says Venge, my head says Tarmac. In any build I would be looking at the CLX 50s and Aerofly cockpit. I just can’t get over the looks of the Venge. To me, it’s the most attractive bike I’ve ever seen. But reluctantly, the extra comfort and responsiveness of the Tarmac probably means that it is a more all round bike which is what I’m looking for.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Barnaby Annan I hear your conundrum. Something that I’ve realised over the years - making mistakes and good purchasing decisions - the bike you feel better on you’ll want to ride more. The bike that looks better won’t make you want to ride more. But I still get it! It’s a ripper to 😍 at. Having said that, the Tarmac with 50 Rovals is still👌. Cam

@waynosfotos 5 лет назад

Great conclusion! Buy a bike that feels comfy, and feels like it fits, if you are a serious rider you will be doing lots of clicks, I have had aero bikes, and to me they only feel faster with a tailwind and I do think this mostly has a lot to do with the wheels. Aero bikes are also a pain to fit accessories and you will need special mounts and adaptors, plus you can’t try different aftermarket bits as they are proprietary. I do believe manufacturers overstate aero gains, drag is mostly only from the front components and this is minimally different between bikes. Aero seat posts and aero tubing in the rear is doing very little. I also think they calculate gains without a rider, which will make figures look better. Buy the venge if it is the wow factor, or your number one race machine, but in real racing aero seems to not decide the winner.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

I'm with you Wayne. Looks used to be higher on th eprioity list. Not anymore! Cam

@hanifschanel 5 лет назад

@@CamNicholls do the 2016 venge vias faster than the 2019 venge disc?

@18MRpsi 5 лет назад

Awesome review. Nice bikes 👌

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you sir, very much appreciated. Cam

@wongalan7020 5 лет назад

Nice comparison video

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Alan, much appreciated. Cam

@franciscopinto730 4 года назад

Thanks a lot! I'm goint to the SL6

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Nice, enjoy! Great machine. Cam

@CoenP 5 лет назад

Thank you. Very informative

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Cheers Coen. Cam

@zaheerkader7426 3 года назад

got the 54cm tarmac sl6 s works rim version.. now going for the 52cm venge for sunday speed runs

@tomgoold8694 5 лет назад

So cool. Thanks Cam. Great review. Sounds like a tarmac it is!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Cheers mate. And thank you for swaying me to go head to head, as opposed to a gentle comparison. It was a great idea. Cam

@liamhodgkinson7574 5 лет назад

Great review, thankyou. Lucky to own both, and agree with your sentiment. Use a Tarmac with compact gearing for climbs, and the Venge with road gearing is an absolute weapon on the flats. Will keep both and enjoy the riding!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

You own BOTH!? As you said, you're a lucky man Liam. Cam

@lukeburkhart8997 5 лет назад

oh to have to money to own both of these bikes !!!

@colinellsworth7671 5 лет назад

Excellent vid.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Colin! Cam

@CamFuller69 3 года назад

I'd love to see a head-to-head of the original SWorks Venge compared with the latest ...

@curtiskupferschmid6102 5 лет назад

Great video. You should have more subscribers.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you Curtis, the channel is only 7 months old so hoping it will continue to grow. Challenge these days with RU-vid is producing good quality content all the time! Otherwise, it's tough. Appreciate your comment/encouragement though. Cam

@stevebzz839 5 лет назад

Cam, great Vid, I have watched and rewatched it countless times as I am in a dilemma.. Venge pro or Tarmac pro, I am a not very good but competitive triathlete in England UK, fairly hilly locally in Surrey but most of my tri's are flat so I use a P2 with 808's, but there are some hillier courses for which I wanted something other than my P2 as the position is horrible for climbing, again head says tarmac, heart says venge. I did consider buying a S works tarmac rim frame and reusing my zipps but I am 200lbs/90kg and well, like to be able to stop.. I have ridden both (2019 disc bikes) and the tarmac is more comfy but the venge is.. well..awesome.. I consider the Tarmac the wife and the Venge the mistress.. but can only afford one..thoughts? ..

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Hey Steve, thanks for sharing. Tarmac is definitely more comfortable, but if you're doing Tri's on it I would go the Venge Pro. The Venge is still good for the hills. At 90kgs you will feel the divots and bumps in the road, but you'll forget about them when you're staring at the beautiful thing at your local cafe post ride. Cam

@d_realpacifist1621 2 года назад

The Venge is definitely one of the best looking bikes. I just bought a second hand, extremely well maintained Venge from 2015. with mech.dura ace 9100, 50 mm carbon wheels with an aero handlebar, and I love it. Fast, responsive, stiff...and stylish... I can only imagine what an improvement this one is. My next bike gonna be this one. Very nice review though. Cheers.

@sponsurd Год назад

Just scooped up a 2015 gloss black S-Works Venge myself. Mine has the 60mm carbon wheels however.

@tsj8762 5 лет назад

Great video. If you take the bar and stem from the venge and put it on the tarmac you will narrow the aero difference greatly. If you add the 64 wheels you are even closer.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Teddy. You raise some great points on aero gains on the Tarmac! Cam

@fbonde 5 лет назад

very informative - thank you :-)

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Cheers, thanks Frederik. Cam

@chrisvanbuggenum871 5 лет назад

Thanks for the comparison. I've got a 2016 Venge Expert and I definitely thought the 2017 Vias was too heavy. I was very pleased when the new Tarmac came and then very confused when the Venge came out. So hard to pick between them.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Which way are you leaning, Chris? Cam

@chrisvanbuggenum871 5 лет назад

@@CamNicholls like someone else said, my head says tarmac and my heart says Venge. The Venge is so sexy and to have added Aero benefit with almost the same weight is a very compelling argument. Having said that, i normally climb around 2000m in my rides in Sydney so even 200grams will make a difference. So I'm leaning towards the tarmac. My friends won't agree as it doesn't have the cool factor but yeah I think I would go Tarmac.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Chris van Buggenum The Tarmac with 50's looks sweet too. I know it doesn't tear your face off, but you'll be more comfortable on the Tarmac longer term and that will make you want to ride more! Especially in the Sydney area. It's not the flattest part of the world. Cam

@haroldhdknoxstreet-glide5331 4 года назад

Outstanding vs great job well explained...big thanks from a new follower. Is it true that You can fit up to 32mm tires in the Venge? I assume in the Tarmac as well...?

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Thanks Harold, good question, I did this review some time ago and no longer sure. Maybe one for Google! Cheers, Cam

@yonglingng5640 4 года назад

Between these two models, I'll take the Venge any day. I've ridden one a few times and wow, once it gets going, it refuses to slow down. Even trying to stop pedaling isn't a piece of cake.😂 The Tarmac could be too light to my liking and I never cared about a bike's weight. I'm already very accustomed to my sub-9-kg sportive bike, that's why I don't think really light bikes would suit me.

@josh33172 5 лет назад

A small note, both of these bikes come with 26c Turbo Cottons which are going to be more comfortable by volume/psi and sidewall than previous versions and other bikes. The Venge disc actually accepts up to 32c tires and the Tarmac disc 30c tires. I don't believe that info is going to be valuable to everyone, but there are many people in many parts of the world with terrible roads and would actually make a huge difference to be able to wrap their wheels in 30c...especially training wheels or big mile rides! It could actually be their purchasing decision factor!

@omaru23 5 лет назад

Josh K thank you for stating these facts. Still torn on what to get but leaning towards Venge. I strongly agree on the last statement u had. I have a Diverge and the buying factor was the tire size it could fit. It always has been a factor eversince I’ve moved towards road biking vs mtb.

@markp353 5 лет назад

Thank you Cam for your review. I would be interested to see how the two bikes compare when you run the 64 Rovals in both. WHeels make such a difference. I understand you have done out of the box comparo. It would be good if you could do timed runs on the flat ,up and down hill holding 200w, 300w and maybe 360w with them using the samewheels. Thus getting a real idea of the difference the frame design makes. Another comparison I would be very keen to see how a Tarmac SL6 Comp Disc compares to the SWorks Tarmac SL6. Very curious to see how much gain there is for the extra dollars. You never see this comparison and I don't think the manufacturers want us to

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Mark P great ideas and I think you’re right regarding manufacturers. Although these points are something for me to keep in mind for future reviews. The tricky part is access to bikes but we’ll see! Cam

@LouisCYZhao 5 лет назад

REALLY inspiring mate! Hopefully we can meet on the road

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Louis C.Y Zhao thanks Louis, are you a Melbourne lad? Cam

@LouisCYZhao 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls yeah mate, i live in Mel, and started to pick up cycling rencently.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Louis C.Y Zhao welcome to the greatest activity on earth! If you ride beach Rd then no doubt we’ll bump into each other. Give me a shout so we can roll together for a bit 👍

@LouisCYZhao 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls Glad to hear that, I need more hrs on saddle then, my soft thighs are really slowing me down lol

@kitking6319 3 года назад

Can u do a review of the 2020 Tarmac SL7..

@bentoomey15 5 лет назад

Since the choice for you mainly came down to comfort, I figured it'd be good to note that there may be differences within the Tarmac lineup in comfort. You often get less compliance from a disc brake fork, in particular, since they need to beef it up to take the loads.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks for sharing Benjamin. Good insight. Cam

@Edmond347 5 лет назад

Good and informative review. One correction, however: Specialized doesn't offer the Tarmac SL6 in the rim break version anymore, only disk. Any information to the contrary on their website is for the remaining stock at Specialized dealers so people can still ask and buy. They have also stopped offering the Tarmac Ultralight which was incredible and crazy light. I don't why, but Specialized likes to offer limited production products, no matter how popular, so I suspect it's the reason.

@gillystyles4175 5 лет назад

Go to the "Specialized concept store". It is where you can get frames and components that are not offered on the normal Specialized website. The Ultralight is still there.

@jonathanzappala 5 лет назад

There is more seat tube because an aero bike generality is that horizontal top tubes are more aero than compact geometry.

@stefanjepp6612 5 лет назад

I especially love the tarmac! once I will get a lower end version

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Hey Stefan, nice one. The Tarmac lower end is a smart choice. Cam

@halfglassfull 5 лет назад

Just found your channel good start! I got into club cycling 5 years ago with a basic SL4 Roubaix (105 is durable and shifts well enough but...). Year over year my speed and endurance has improved to the point I am riding (and trying to keep up) with much faster people. Although fast at my age (60) is not so fast but I'm happy with my improvements, I can avg 18-19mph (29-30kph) over 45-50 miles (72k). But I'm riding around people on much nicer machines. I.e. some Pinarello F10s, Dogmas, S-Works and upper end Trek Madones etc but figure I'll end up with another Specialized but hopefully better spec of course. Roubaixs are built for comfort yes but I'm put off by the new Roubaix and its weird suspension systems (the old Zertz is weird enough). We have mostly flat and fairly smooth roads. We do get a lot of wind (its North Texas) especially in the winter but what I keep hearing is the deeper wheels give most aero improvement. So perhaps a Tarmac Ultegra disk with 50mm wheels...I don't know. You also say Tarmac is a better choice for long group rides even though it is still positioned as a race bike. I keep looking and noticed Canyon. The Canyon Aero looks similar to the Venge especially the aero cockpit design. As you mentioned the German engineer - I wonder if there is a connection between the two companies? Any thoughts on Canyon's Aero or Ultimate? Thanks for the insight.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Hey Vince, thanks for the comment. I actually LOVE the new Roubaix with the Future Shock. The system takes so much pressure of the rider. I rode that bike the entire length of New Zealand. Video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Bxn4XQZnmKQ.html...but I get what you're saying with aesthetics. I haven't ridden Canyon and don't plan to. Because their model is direct to consumer, I only review bikes that are sold via a local bike shop as that is the model we support at Bike Chaser. Thanks for the comment and good luck with your next purchase. Cam

@scpaulchiang 5 лет назад

Canyon has nothing to do with Specialized , is more related to Giant, their ride quality are similar.

@Stuey001 4 года назад

Nice review. Am looking hard at a tarmac sl6 expert disc, can’t stretch to the s-works unfortunately. The fact that the tarmac is aero-ish makes it such a good all round choice. Personally I am about as aero as a brick in a bin bag, so would look a bit silly on a venge.

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Haha! I think your choice is a good one. See if you can swap out the 33 rovals for the 50s. That would round it out nicely. Can

@briansteele2723 4 года назад

Hi there, the integration on this and other bikes look awesome, but which is easiest to transport for non mechanical people. I don't really fancy having to buy a specific bike box which allows bars to be left connected.

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

The tarmac Brian. Cam

@timgranthunnisett380 5 лет назад

Just ordered this beautiful machine... Venge for me 💝

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

You'll LOVE IT Tim, enjoy. Cam

@ukaszilasz786 5 лет назад

Hi Cam! Great review! Let’s forget about S-Works versions. How would you compare slightly more affordable pro versions? The weight penalty for the Venge is not that significant - around 350 g. Both comes with Roval CL 50ties.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Lakasz! I haven't ridden them but I don't feel the review would change all that much. Cam

@RealMarcosMiranda 5 лет назад

Hey Cam, awesome video. You rated the Venge a “5 out of 10” on comfort on your 120km ride. In comparison, where would you rate the comfort of the Tarmac on long rides please?

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thank you mate. I would put the Tarmac 2 points higher than the Venge. 7/10. Cam

@jortogo 4 года назад

Really good video, could you give a honest opinion between the tarmac sl6 vs bmc slr01? Much appreciated😁

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

SL6 is still my favourite all round, buy BMC for long endurance rides

@bighdd 4 года назад

Appreciate this great review. If you'd compare it with BMC Teammachine slr01, would yo ustill get Tarmac? BMC and Tarmac seems similar targeted.

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Depends, Tarmac for aggressive short races, BMC for linger events.

@chiefrocker12 5 лет назад

Great review Cam....I also have the same problem of two young kids constantly hanging around me and my bikes, especially when I am zwifting and they are trying to learn skipping right next to me. Talk about distractions, all good :). Curious to know, given you have an Allez, how do these two steeds measure up ? They say the Allez sprint is close to an old venge...not that I would trade my custom Allez for a >$12K ride.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Ravin Premji it’s a good question, I am thinking of doing a video on it. $3,000 VS $14,000 road bike, what’s the difference! What do you think? There’s a solid difference, but $11k worth is perhaps the bigger question!?

@Stoffendous 5 лет назад

What brand kit were you wearing in this vid? Looks good!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

It is an InForm Make kit. They are an Aussie cycling team. Cam

@rascal1234 5 лет назад

Love specialized bikes. I have a 2015 Tarmac SL5, with carbon wheels and whiskey bars. The weight do the bike is approximately 15.0 lbs, with a powertap power meter. I could save more weight going with dura ace, but I think it is all good. Total price on the bike plus upgrades was around $3500 (used bike, with new upgrades).Definitely the way to go for a competitive bike on a budget. I know this is still expensive, but a lot less than a new tarmac, with a similar build from the factory.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Nice one, thanks for sharing. Cam

@indiebikes 5 лет назад

Hey, here's a tip - the latest Venge Pro has exactly the same 11R layup frame as the S-Works model, so for two thirds the price you get Ultegra Di2 disc and Roval 50 wheels. It's just a case of whether you can live with Specialized on the downtube instead of S-WORKS!

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

You raise a good point. Some of the Specialized dealers I know say they'll be selling a lot more Pro's because of your points above! Thanks for the comment. Cam

@walnut5603 5 лет назад

Cam Nicholls $5k extra for the S-works makes the pro look like a bargain.

@sw6493 5 лет назад

Your point about the layup is exactly why I bought a Venge Pro instead of a Tarmac Pro. Venge Pro has same frame as S-Works Pro. Tarmac Pro has 10r carbon, while S-Works Tarmac has 12r. Love my Pro!

@mjride4290 4 года назад

Hi Cam, Thanks for the informative and enjoyable vids. Question, when you say that the Venge sailed downwind compared to the Tarmac, did both bikes have identical wheels and tires? The depth of the wheels can make a huge difference. Similarly, you said the Venge is stable when sprinting and that the Tarmac has a rapid kick and would take out the Venge any day. If your sprinting comparison is done on different wheel depths your results may be skewed. I've raced Cat 3 & Masters for 3 decades and I prefer a bike with a bit more compliance such as the Tarmac. My 2 cents.... Thanks again

@CamNicholls 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing, wheels were both Rovals, but 50s on the Tarmac and 64s on the Venge. They definitely make a difference, 100% agree. However, I try and focus on the frame for characteristics; the way the Venge reacted under certain conditions was impacted by the wheels but driven from the frame, in my opinion. The Tarmac is a lot lighter so it kicks better but I found it a little twitchy at speed. Cheers, Cam

@weasraf 5 лет назад

nice vids

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Thanks Wan, much appreciated. Cam

@bikenband 4 года назад

The Venge is the Ducati 916 of bicycles.

@luisalbertogonzaleznoguera1216 5 лет назад

Nice review Cam, I live in a hilly area, how about getting the tarmac and getting some nice aero bars?, do you think for a hilly half ironman I will get the same performance than the venge, because with the Venge you can not add any aero bars at least not yet, so you are stuck with just the drops, but I think the Tarmac plus aero bars will get you a nice aero position to ride downhill and on the flat parts of the race

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Luis Alberto Gonzalez Noguera yes, I am with you. The Tarmac would be my choice for a hilly 1/2 Ironman. It’s going to be better up the hills and you’ll still get plenty of aero efficiencies with the new frame design. Plus, you’ll wear less fatigue in your body for the run.

@onilovni1234 5 лет назад

I would get both as well. But since I can barely afford one I will go with the Venge since I don't need the extra confort. Plus, I like the integration of the cockpit. I did try the Second generation venge with the 64mm wheels and I did not like the ride in cross winds because the front wheel was everywhere on the road. I would go with a 45mm front wheel and a 65mm back wheel even though that would be a fashion mistake but I just don't care. My big plan is to buy a frameset and to build it all by myself, that woud be even less expensive than the Venge Pro 2019. The Tarmac is a bit too skinny in my opinion and I can deal with the extra 1 pound.

@CamNicholls 5 лет назад

Nice one Anthony, I like your approach! I'd like to see the wheel set up. Sounds interesting. Thanks for the comment, Cam

@scpaulchiang 5 лет назад

Nothing wrong with 45/65 combination, Giant Propel comes with 45/65

@onilovni1234 5 лет назад

Ping Hsun Chiang yes I know and it's something you definitely notice... I must admit that appart from the stem, the Propel looks very good.