S-Works Venge or Bianchi Oltre

[novetan]

I gotta a good yr end bonus and wish to get myself a good road bike. 2 brands I’m considering. Either a S-Work Venge or a Bianchi Oltre. Both bike cost abt the same and I’m not looking to save a couple of hundred dollars. I’m just a social rider and ride av. twice a week and like to have a bike that I can enjoy riding for the next 5 yrs. (barring not chasing fashion).

I know the spec for each bike quite well. Both are very light, the Venge is made more stiffer and more aero than Oltre, but that isn’t my main criterion in choosing a bike. I don’t need all the stiffness as I’m not into competitive cycling. I like the style of the Venge but the celeste colour of the Oltre caught me. I’m sure both will suit my riding if made to fit properly.

Like to hear your opinion, if any, which may able to make me decide.

Tks.

Specialised Venge
http://www.google.com/search?q=s-wo...DYrtrQe17oDABQ&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=1201&bih=1098

Bianchi Oltre
http://www.google.com/search?q=Bian...2GKYvLrQei8IFQ&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=1201&bih=1098

 

[MattHB]

Blimey that's some bonus

 

[smokeysmoo]

Which ever fits best has to be the only correct answer I suppose.

But why limit yourself so much, there are loads of other manufacturers to go at as well.

I'm not promoting any particular one over another, but IME Specialized leave me cold, and while I've nothing against Bianchi, the whole pale green colour scheme does absolutely nowt for me

I'm sure you'll take no notice, (why should you), and I'm sure you'll enjoy what ever bike you plump for.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Without a doubt the Venge, its a better bike, I currently own two
You must be aware however this is a seriously fast bike, its also very uncompromising if you live in an area with poor roads the Venge will punish you and loosing any fillings in your teeth, the bike is harsh.
You also pay for that high speed performance at low speed where the bike is not as nimble as a Tarmac.
The Venge simply places a smile on your face when pushed hard, its an awesome bike if you can live with it.

The Bianchi is good at what it does, but its like a Volvo IMHO its solid and well put together, but its bland, when have you heard anyone rave on about a Volvo... It's why I no longer own either of these.

If you live in London come to a CC ride and you can have a go on mine if it fits you.

Which S-Works Venge you thinking about?

 

[novetan]

Which ever fits best has to be the only correct answer I suppose.

But why limit yourself so much, there are loads of other manufacturers to go at as well.

I'm not promoting any particular one over another, but IME Specialized leave me cold, and while I've nothing against Bianchi, the whole pale green colour scheme does absolutely nowt for me

I'm sure you'll take no notice, (why should you), and I'm sure you'll enjoy what ever bike you plump for.

Yes, I hv see almost all other bikes and since I'm not sponsored for any competitve riding, I have narrowed down to these 2 brands based on my personal liking in its shape and styling.

 

[novetan]

Without a doubt the Venge, its a better bike, I currently own two
You must be aware however this is a seriously fast bike, its also very uncompromising if you live in an area with poor roads the Venge will punish you and loosing any fillings in your teeth, the bike is harsh.
You also pay for that high speed performance at low speed where the bike is not as nimble as a Tarmac.
The Venge simply places a smile on your face when pushed hard, its an awesome bike if you can live with it.

The Bianchi is good at what it does, but its like a Volvo IMHO its solid and well put together, but its bland, when have you heard anyone rave on about a Volvo... It's why I no longer own either of these.

If you live in London come to a CC ride and you can have a go on mine if it fits you.

Which S-Works Venge you thinking about?

Thanks V.

Thats what i like to hear. So the Venge is very harsh. That will be one of my consideration.

And tks so much for the offer.

Cheers

 

[smokeysmoo]

Yes, I hv see almost all other bikes and since I'm not sponsored for any competitve riding, I have narrowed down to these 2 brands based on my personal liking in its shape and styling.

No worries. I have my favourites too. I hope one, (or both) your choices suit you when you test ride them

 

[oldfatfool]

Blimey that's some bonus

Certainly didn't get it for being literate, the op gave me headache innit

 

[Zakalwe]

Oltre gets my vote out of the two, but I'd probably choose neither if I was in that price bracket. In fact, I was, and I went for a Wilier Cento Uno

Comparing the Oltre to a Volvo is a bit harsh. It's a great all rounder, While the Venge isn't. You won't see the venge too often in a big stage race, it's heavy and harsh. Saying its faster is laughable, that comes down to your legs I wouldn't feel fast on one up Ventoux or after 300km of jackhammering on my jacksie but on a short sharp day race then yeah.

Comes down to your needs, I like to get off after a long day in the saddle feeling like I want to get out again ASAP rather than needing a lie down and an ice pack.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Both bike IMHO are quite harsh. If I was looking for a top performer which is comfortable I would look at the s-works Roubaix or Tarmac which are also an amazing bikes and ones which I really enjoy riding when ever I get the chance.
I'm currently building a Tarmac myself because they are such great all round bikes. I would not discount looking at these.

You can see my S-Works Venge in my album if your interested

 

[Zakalwe]

Oltre just had a test on road.cc by the way, might be worth a read.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Comparing the Oltre to a Volvo is a bit harsh. It's a great all rounder, While the Venge isn't. You won't see the venge too often in a big stage race, it's heavy and harsh. Saying its faster is laughable, that comes down to your legs

Out of curiosity have you owned either of these bikes? -- I have owned both.
I know what its like to live with the Bianchi its a decent bike, its really well put together but at no point did it ever give me a moment where I smiled and thought 'wow that's an amazing bike' to myself, It was capable and well built, dependable but not exciting. So I got rid of the bike and got a Dogma, this equally was a bike which failed to make me think 'wow'..
The Venge is not particularly heavy for an areo bike and I would think that mine would probably match many bikes on this forum for weight or be lighter, but I admit the bike is harsh and uncompromising. Its not nimble at slow speeds and not something I would want to do lejog on... but the bike makes you smile
When I rode the Bianchi over the same route I use for training it came out slower than the Venge on a regular basis, although not scientific my fastest ever times over this route was on a Venge and Look. With the same pair of legs over a five month period while I owned the bike the fact is I was slower on it... I was consistently faster on the Venge and Look

 

[Zakalwe]

Hey, I'm not knocking the Venge, I'm just pointing out that they're different bikes for different purposes. We've all got our opinions and the op asked for them, what you find dull another person might find thrilling, there's no telling. I'm glad you ride a bike you love, that's all that matters

 

[Zakalwe]

Forgot to say, no I've not owned either but ridden them. I prefer a bit of life in a frame personally, I'm not searching for ultimate stiffness or aero benefits. I'm pleased to say I found the right one for me, my Cento1 has the right amount of spring and responsiveness that was just what I was after.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Hey, I'm not knocking the Venge, I'm just pointing out that they're different bikes for different purposes. We've all got our opinions and the op asked for them, what you find dull another person might find thrilling, there's no telling. I'm glad you ride a bike you love, that's all that matters

Agreed,
I'm equally not knocking either bike, they are both great bikes. ( I can knock Dogmas all day though )
Although the Venge makes me smile, It blooming well would not do that If I attempted Lejog on it.. The bike is so uncompromising and harsh I could think of nothing worse.
The OP really needs to think about what he wants from a bike, and what he is likely to want in five years and buy based on that... So many great bikes available at that budget.

Personally If I was looking to keep a bike for five years with a budget like the OP I would be looking at titanium just because its classy and timeless.. I bet the Venge will age in a less dignified manner.