It’s been teased and leaked for some time, but now the 2017 Specialized Venge ViAS Disc is official. Utilizing all of the same aerodynamics modeling and testing as the original, along with absolutely top-level Fact 11-R carbon fiber construction and integrated cockpit details as the rim brake version, they’re showing it to be about as fast as their Shiv TT bike and original rim-brake Venge. Basically, it brings all of the aero benefits and adds real world stopping power to their top level race road bike…
Assuming the data’s accurate, this pretty much dispels the notion that disc brake bikes aren’t as aero as rim brakers.
The Venge ViAS Disc will use 12×142 rear thru axles and 12×100 front, making it compatible with all modern thru axle wheels.
According to Specialized, the disc version retains all of the aerodynamic and weight targets of the original Venge ViAS. The S-Works model gets SRAM’s eTap wireless drivetrain, a Quarq power meter on Specialized’s OSBB carbon cranks and Roval CLX 64 carbon clinchers.
The “entry” level option is the Expert (shown) with an FSA SL-K carbon crankset, Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting and hydraulic brakes and shallow DT Swiss wheels (presumably, they’re just expecting you to bring your own deep aero wheels here. Slotting between the two will be a Pro model, specs TBA.
The S-Works frameset will be available in two color schemes. Pricing is:
- S-Works VENGE DISC VIAS ETAP – $11,500
- S-Works VENGE DISC VIAS FRMSET – $4,200
- VENGE PRO DISC VIAS UDI2 – $7,250
- VENGE EXPERT DISC VIAS – $4,500
Available from select Specialized retailers beginning August 2016 and live on Specialized.com August 3rd.
If the details seem scant at the moment, it’s because Specialized sent this info ahead of schedule. We’ll post a followup as appropriate, and look for the bikes to be on their website starting August 3rd.