i’m debating this choice (probably sworks models) and keen to hear from anyone with real experience comparing the current models of each.
venge is obviously lower drag (by some ill defined amount at real speeds) and tarmac is lighter - about 450g believe.
is there really a notable comfort difference?
both are said to handle really well
the venge looks amazing to me.
i ride quite a mixture - road bike training for long course tri (separate tri bike), fondos, bunch races… mixed terrain.
i’d probably put the aerofly bars on the tarmac anyway or reduce the front wheel depth on the venge, closing the gap between them even further.
Have ridden both, though not extensively. In terms of comfort I really doubt that with the same position and finishing kit (saddle, tires, wheels, bar tape) you could tell any difference between them. Or for that matter between most high end carbon frames.
First off would get yourself fit. The Venge is a little longer and lower in each size, that might be a factor. Agree that the Venge looks awesome but IMO riding an aero bike with a bunch of spacers is not a good look! Bit like buying a sports car then sticking a roof box on it…
Assuming you can fit well on either bike then probably comes down to a mix of priorities and personal preference on cosmetics. Both great bikes. If the bunch racing was a priority then personally I’d go Venge. Aero advantage might be small but in a sprint or a breakaway every watt counts. For long training days and more social group riding I prefer a slightly more relaxed geometry so would go Tarmac. So for your list of activities you really need both
I owned an S works tarmac sl3 for 8 years. Loved the bike. I recently went to a Roubaix as I wanted a fit hat I didn’t need an inch if spacers like I did the Tarmac. Both bikes ride similar to me for my use and type of riding.
Not sure about the venge. Assuming both fit you, I would go with your gut.
i have owned both. Tarmac better all-rounder and will happily sprint. Feels pretty snappy. Whatever that means, really. Climbs well. Venge feels more aggressive - feels a bit more road buzz, stiffer. Its the clubber lang of bikes.
Thats my velonews description. To be honest its hard to tell them apart if the set up was the same. If your looking at the latest versions of said bikes, id get the tarmac as its fairly aero anyway, and is a bit more of a do it all bike.
I have had some version of the S-works Tarmac since around 2011, and just built up a 2018 chameleon green one. The new design is phenomenal and I am amazing at how comfortable it is for a race-level bike. I think if I were racing triathlon on a road bike, I would get the Venge. Otherwise, its Tarmac any day for me.
I had the original sworks venge and replaced it this year with a sworks tarmac sl6 disc. I test rode the current model venge back to back with the tarmac and the difference is noticeable. The tarmac is more lively handling wise, accelerates faster and responds quicker to changes in power. The venge holds speed better, but takes longer to get there and is slower handling wise. Both bikes track really well on bends and are super stable on descents (probably due to the thru axles).The tarmac was hands down my pick. I’m just annoyed that the integrated cabling of the venge isn’t available on the tarmac.
Get the SWorks Tarmac SL6 it is awesome. I have owned every SWorks version of the Tarmac since the SL2. The SL6 is a wonderful bike and a dream to ride. I am riding it with DuraAce 9150, direct mount brakes and ENVE 4.5s. ENVE cockpit and Antares Carbon Stem. I have owned the first SWorks venge which was great at the time, I also briefly owned the Venge Vias and didn’t like it. The VIAS bike was quite heavy.
If I was you try to take both for a ride. Good luck
interesting, i thought that slowtwitch would follow #aeroiseverything and go for the venge but the consensus seems to be towards the tarmac.
of course those saying get both are correct but i don’t think that will be happening! test rides are not really possible here
I tried the disk version and I didn’t notice any difference in stiffness between that bike and my direct mount brake bike. The non disk sl6 is plenty stiff there is absolutely no brake rub and my brake pads are a mere millimeter away from the rim. I respect your opinion though.
i’m debating this choice (probably sworks models) and keen to hear from anyone with real experience comparing the current models of each.
venge is obviously lower drag (by some ill defined amount at real speeds) and tarmac is lighter - about 450g believe.
is there really a notable comfort difference?
both are said to handle really well
the venge looks amazing to me.
i ride quite a mixture - road bike training for long course tri (separate tri bike), fondos, bunch races… mixed terrain.
i’d probably put the aerofly bars on the tarmac anyway or reduce the front wheel depth on the venge, closing the gap between them even further.
thanks in advance
Have ridden both, the Venge is never not faster. Really like the tire clearance on the Venge and execution with the tidy but uncomplicated cable routing.
Tarmac only gets the nod if you sell your frames often and want a wider audience in the used market for a bike that can do electric or mechanical shifting.
The PRO model of the Venge is the same frame as the SWorks tipping the “value” scales somewhat.
The Venge w/ Ultegra RX Clutch Di2 R/D and 11-36t cassette on 32mm semi-slick tires is my “gravel” bike for events like BWR, some Grasshopper events. Can’t imagine anyone would describe that bike with 4.5 bar as “harsh” at all. It rides like it’s on marshmallows with the big rubber and shallow wheels and like a TT bike with the CLX64s.
The venge holds speed better, but takes longer to get there and is slower handling wise.
this is interesting, why do you think that is? the weight difference is too minimal to make a real difference acceleration on the flat. is it less still thought the BB/chainstays?
They discuss the differences between the latest Tarmac and Venge models in quite some detail, frame weights, aero, handling, comfort etc etc. To cut a long story short, their verdict was strongly in favour of the Venge. As a Tarmac owner it was a bit disappointing, but those guys know their stuff!
It was all within the first 10-15 mins of the episode so shouldn’t be too hard to find.
I haven’t had an opportunity to ride the new Roubaix yet (as I think very few people will have) but now that the Tarmac and Roubaix share the same geometry at the top end I would struggle to buy a Tarmac. I remain unconvinced about the Future shock but the Tarmac has been left in a bit of no mans land between the Venge and Roubaix.
I haven’t had an opportunity to ride the new Roubaix yet (as I think very few people will have) but now that the Tarmac and Roubaix share the same geometry at the top end I would struggle to buy a Tarmac. I remain unconvinced about the Future shock but the Tarmac has been left in a bit of no mans land between the Venge and Roubaix.
I disagree. If you you do any amount of climbing the Venge is no good. I’ve done tons of ride on a Venge as well as Tarmac and the Tarmac is a much better all around bike. If you do mostly flat riding, then by all means the Venge is great and is super fast. I absolutely hate how the Venge feels climbing (compared to the Tarmac), especially out of the saddle.
Can’t speak for the Roubaix, but that depends on what kind of roads you ride on. I’m perfectly comfortable on the Tarmac (S-Works SL6). I’ve done numerous rides over 100 miles and I don’t think I would add the extra weight of the Roubaix for a more plush ride. Also depends on how it climbs compared to the Tarmac as to if it’s a worthwhile benefit.
I’ve put over 12000 miles on the SL6 Tarmac Pro over the last year+ and it has been perfect for me. Feels very quick and responsive. Climbs and descends well. I have a friend who bought a new Venge last fall after being on the SL6 Tarmac for most of the year. Three months later he was back on a brand new disc brake Tarmac. He said the Venge just didn’t feel right or handle the way he wanted.
I own a Sworks SL3 and it’s been such a great bike that I’ve only upgraded around the frame for years. I’ve listened to the Trainerroad podcast and was disappointed to hear about getting the Venge. I’ve never ridden the Venge, but assuming it’s very fast. I just like how responsive and quick my Tarmac is in various conditions. Since I still live in the rim brake world, I would likely jump up the the Tarmac SL6 and switch over my parts, which may be the last time i can ride a rim brake road bike! The Roubaix does sound awesome, so I’m also quite sad to see the Tarmac get sort of lost between the Venge/Roubaix.
They discuss the differences between the latest Tarmac and Venge models in quite some detail, frame weights, aero, handling, comfort etc etc. To cut a long story short, their verdict was strongly in favour of the Venge. As a Tarmac owner it was a bit disappointing, but those guys know their stuff!
It was all within the first 10-15 mins of the episode so shouldn’t be too hard to find.
awesome thanks, will do
