Specialized Venge Pro Disc launched - latest aero bike gets Ultegra treatment

Hang on, didn’t Specialized already launch the new Venge aero bike a while back? Yes it did, but that was the S-Works Dura-Ace version, today it has added the Pro Disc Ultegra Di2 model to the range, which for some reason has been embargoed until now.

- Specialized Venge 2019 - All-new aero frame with discs and electronic gears only

If you missed our first look and first ride on the third-generation Specialized Venge, make sure you read those articles as well. The new bike is only available with disc brakes and electronic gears is claimed to be faster with better handling than the previous model and, in my opinion, looks much better too.

- First Ride: Specialized Venge aero road bike

The new Venge Pro Disc uses the exact same frame as the S-Works, with the same FACT 11r carbon fibre used in its construction, but a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Roval CL50 wheels brings the price down to £6,250, a fair bit more affordable than the £9,500 asking price for the S-Works Venge.

The Venge Pro uses the latest Ultegra R8000 groupset with electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes. The 52/36t chainset spins on a Praxis BB30 bottom bracket and combines with an 11-30t cassette to provide all the gear ratios you’re every likely to need for a bike like the Venge.

You get the same S-Works Aerofly handlebar and stem setup as the more expensive S-Works Venge, a key component of the new bike aimed at reducing drag via its shape and the internally routed brake hoses. The only exposed cable you can see on the bike is the small run of Di2 wiring to the rear mech.

There’s also the same Venge aero seatpost topped up by a Power Expert saddle.

The Roval CL50 wheels use the same 50mm carbon fibre tubeless-ready rims as the CLX50s on the S-Works Venge, but use different hubs and spokes to keep the cost down. I’ve ridden these wheels on the Tarmac and been impressed, in fact, it’s pretty hard to detect the difference on the road to the more expensive versions. They’re fitted with 26mm S-Works Turbo tyres with BlackBelt protection.

The Venge Pro is available in two colours, a stealth black with cool hologram graphics or a purple with black graphics. The hologram graphics are on-trend at the moment, as this article goes into some depth about.

The Venge Pro is available now in a choice of six sizes.

More info at www.specialized.com