Tarmac or Venge

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Kermithimself
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by Kermithimself

Tried using the search, but couldn't find anything conclusive.

This isn't a which is better of the two, but which is better of the two for my needs.

Tarmac SL5 or Venge.

About me: Riding 25-30 races each year, 100-130 kms, mostly flat terrain with the occasional hill. Puncheur/sprinter type of rider producing 1400-1500 watts a peak. Races are usually won in a sprint or in a small group. 80% road races and 20% criteriums(1 hour). So I want a bike that has a good snap/acceleration and that handles well.

Which of the two would you choose?
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eric
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by eric


Briscoelab
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by Briscoelab

Keep in mind the Tarmac will ride better. That could be a concern if your roads are on the bad side. I also the the Tarmac is stiffer in the bb and head tube.

I'd try and get a longer ride in on both.


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eric
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by eric

See the discussion here: http://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bike- ... s-non.html
especially the post from the guy who has both frames.

Valbrona
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by Valbrona

I believe the Venge is soon to be phased out and replaced by another model, so you might be able to get a good deal on one. People dunna like riding a bike from a 'deleted' product line.

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53x12
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by 53x12

Not sure we will see a new Venge until TdF.
"Marginal gains are the only gains when all that's left to gain is in the margins."

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BRM
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by BRM



The Aero differences in roadbikes are so small that you can do nothing with it in the real world.
The Aerodynamics of a roadbike is only a fraction of the totally aeropackage (rider + bike)
Aerodynamics of a roadracebike is an odd discussion because its totally unimportant.

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53x12
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by 53x12

"The Aero differences in roadbikes are so small that you can do nothing with it in the real world.
The Aerodynamics of a roadbike is only a fraction of the totally aeropackage (rider + bike)
Aerodynamics of a roadracebike is an odd discussion because its totally unimportant."

Wrong.


http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... -aero.html

http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... amics.html
"Marginal gains are the only gains when all that's left to gain is in the margins."

seanblurr
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by seanblurr

I was in the same dilemma, except I am in a very hilly part of California. I race both crits and RR, some flat, some mountainy. I went with the Venge because the weight difference isn't all that much, the geo is identical, yet the Venge has a bit of an aero advantage. I see no reason NOT to go with a Venge... True, some say it's rather stiff and uncomfortable over long periods, but it is a race bike after all.
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duvivr6
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by duvivr6

Ride and decide! There has to be a specialized shop close to you, they are everywhere....

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BRM
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by BRM

53x12 wrote:"The Aero differences in roadbikes are so small that you can do nothing with it in the real world.
The Aerodynamics of a roadbike is only a fraction of the totally aeropackage (rider + bike)
Aerodynamics of a roadracebike is an odd discussion because its totally unimportant."

Wrong.


http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... -aero.html

http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... amics.html


You trapped in marketing shit. Cervelo is king in marketing shit.
Use your brain and understand real world principles.
Only in time trials aerodynamics of the bike can give you a very small advantage.
However in normal road racing a race is build up in different stages where there is no constant 100% energy used by the rider. A race is divers with slower and faster stages. That pushes the little advantages of a aerobike to the background, to levels of nihil.

Time trial = fastest time set
Road race = about who finish first

Frame has only small resistence especially related to you on your bike. The pperson on the bike needs to sit aerodynamic as possible. there you can win. A roud race bike with conventional round tubes or made more aerodynamic is hardly different. The influence is soo small that it is no factor when riding a road race.

1 rider on an aerobike or you on normal. When you make yourself angry for a moment and push the pedals harder for that moment you will benefit already more than earodynamics on that road bike can do.

goodboyr
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by goodboyr

What if I make myself angry sitting at the computer and reading this silliness?

Butcher
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by Butcher

Not again, we have all heard and read about it. Search Aero and you decide. Let's not rehash it again on this thread. PLEASE!

Ahillock
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Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:30 am

by Ahillock

^ With an open mind I'm not sure there is much to decide. The data is clear about the benefits of aero. Any topic that has Tarmac or Venge is bound to discuss aero. As it should. Made by same manufacturer. Same stack and reach. Same carbon used. S-Works frame sets within $200 of each other. Other than ride characteristics and aero, not sure there is much else to discuss. Aero is bound to come up in these topics. At least any worthwhile answer to the OP's question and if there is to be decent discussion. Subjective ride quality and handling only goes so far.

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