SPECIALIZED S-WORKS VENGE VIAS DISC

The choice of sprint weapon for the likes of Peter Sagan and Marcel Kittel, the Venge has already made its mark on cycling. After a thousand hours of wind-tunnel testing, the Venge is one of the most comprehensively integrated designs around – everything works together as a single unit, in the service of speed and acceleration.

Cables are completely hidden; and such is the level of integration, the rider needs to be fitted before the bike’s finishing touches can be assembled. According to S-Works, the Fact 11 carbon frame is also 30% stiffer up front over the Tarmac. That makes it a pure race bike, as opposed to an all-day rider.

The blue/purple paint job with black fade is distinctive, and iridescent in sunlight – it’s a real attention-grabber.

Disc brakes are a welcome spec item, and long overdue on a bike of this calibre; better modulation and more controlled braking can only add speed. Shimano Dura Ace Di2 takes up the shifting duties, with electronic shifting that requires little effort and has proven itself at the highest levels of competition.

Lastly, the skinwall Turbo Cotton tyres add another touch of class; and at 26mm, they’ll maintain the speed required.

SPEC HIGHLIGHTS: CeramicSpeed bearings, Di2 Dura Ace.

BOTTOM LINE: As close to a cycling bullet as money can buy. If it’s pure speed and race-day glory you’re looking for, the Venge is your dream bike.