Development took 4 years, including 21 visits to the wind tunnel, all to create the lightest, fastest UCI-approve performance bike. From the specification alone, it is easy to see the Specialized Venge as a Frankstein’s Monster.
A merging of otherwise 2 improbable combinations – aerodynamic agility, which designers took from Specialized Shiv, and sturdy yet lightweight aspect, extracted from Specialized Tarmac. However, its creation offered a perfect opportunity to work with the leading F1 racing car maker, McLaren, and explore the reach of composite technology. The result became the Specialized S-Works + McLaren Venge, that perfect symmetry of technology and art. A sub-950 grams frame with specially designed seatpost, handlebars, wheels, even braking system, the total weight of the new bike came to only 2071 grams or 4.6 pounds. When cyclist-sprinter Mark Cavendish took the prototype for a spin late last year, he immediately declared “I f@#king love it”. The Specialized S-Works + McLaren Venge is currently field with teams HTC-Highroad, Saxo Bank, and Astana, former team of Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador. Expect some speed record to be broken this cycling season.
