Tarmac vs Venge

Lefire
Lefire Posts: 89
edited June 2014 in Road buying advice
I have been looking at upgrading my existing aluminium bike to a carbon.
I've seen two that I like from specialised.
Tarmac SL4 comp and Venge Elite.
Both similar in price.

I'm looking to ride further and faster
Currently ride between 50 and 100 miles a week over two to three rides.
If out with friends I am always able to keep up on the flats but drop way off the pace when going up a hill. Assume this is due to weight (?)

Anybody got either of the specialised and what are their views please.

Comments

  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Try riding both ....

    What frame are you coming from?
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Look at the pro peloton and count the Tarmacs. It will take you quite a while as there are so many.

    Then count the Venges. Will take you quite a while as you'll have trouble spotting one.

    For me, that kind of answers the question.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Lefire wrote:
    If out with friends I am always able to keep up on the flats but drop way off the pace when going up a hill. Assume this is due to weight (?)

    Neither bike will make any difference, if that's the issue.
  • Lefire
    Lefire Posts: 89
    Was thinking it was the bike weight, not my own ;-)
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Lefire wrote:
    Was thinking it was the bike weight, not my own ;-)

    Fractional difference, at best. You may not even notice..
  • Miles253
    Miles253 Posts: 535
    Lefire wrote:
    Was thinking it was the bike weight, not my own ;-)

    Your own weight is far more important a factor
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  • Dick Scruttock
    Dick Scruttock Posts: 2,533
    I have both.

    As a out and out day to day bike I would choose my SL4.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    I'm at the point of selling my Sworks SL4 (2011) for the new Sworks Tarmac, partly because I want to go down a size. I did think about the Venge; for all of about 3 seconds.

    The Tarmac is the most complete package, the most versatile.

    I really cannot see the Venge producing any significant aero gains for the average rider.

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