"The Godfather ".
You will be the “boss” of the dirt peleton with the smooth rolling quick handling prowess of El Padrino under your control. 29 inch wheels are not for everyone, but for the diehard 29er set, El Padrino is a world-class hardtail with all the rewards that come with big wheels, and more. It is a 29” hardtail built lovingly by Ventana, with proprietary butted tubing, our impeccable attention to detail, and our renowned Ventana Electric Sex welds.
Our lateral stiffness is legendary, and when coupled with the climbing traction and big bump absorption of 29” wheels, El Padrino is the secret weapon we are all looking for to gain the competitive edge in the high speed MTB battlefield.
Submitted by
Sam Wilson
a Racer
from Charlotte Date Reviewed: November 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dark Mnt.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
iRide
Strengths:
Solid frame! Holds it's lines, very responsive, very stiff, nimble, high bottom bracket, perfect geo for me, beautiful welds and paint job! Ventana customer support is nothing less than outstanding!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none!
Similar Products Used:
I haven't owned a hard tail in over 8 years... so I can't comment on this. But out of all the hardtails I have owned... this one is the best!
Bike Setup:
Ventana Complete SRAM drive train SRAM X9 Rear Derailleur SRAM X9 Shifters XTR front Derailleur Hope, DT Swiss comp 2.0/1.8 spokes and Mavic 719 29er rims Bontragar Jones tires Race Face Turbine cranks and chain rings Easton Carbon 70 seatpost Salsa Carbon 11 degree flat bar King headset WTB Laser V saddle Time ATAC old school peddles AVID BB7 disc brakes
Bottom Line:
I've owned a lot of bikes over the years and this one is by far my favorite! I take this one out on every single ride.
I would highly recommend this frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Riesberg
a Racer
from West Bend, WI Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glacial Blue Hills/Ice Age Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Outfitters, West Bend
Strengths:
Beautiful frame and paint job. Very sturdy, rigid frame with very predicatable ride handling characteristics. Excellent climbing machine
Weaknesses:
Decals come off easily and had to send back manufacturer for frame adjustment.
Great bike - the geometry and setup of the bike is perfect. I have had some chain suck issues in the middle ring, may be as much due to rider as bike frame, although the bike has come out fine. Make sure to spec out carefully if you plan to use as XC racing rig as it can get beyond 26lbs in total bike weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcum
a Racer
from Kewaskum, WI Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Iola WORS course
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Outfitters, West Bend
Strengths:
Stiff frame, excellent handling in single track, geometry superb. Get the frame size recommendation, then go down one size.
Weaknesses:
Keep an eye on the wheel alignment on the rear, some have come through heat treating off-center.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana Marble Peak Hardtail
Bike Setup:
X.0/XT, Salsa Delgado rims, REBA SL, Hayes El Camino, Cane Creek HS & BB.
Bottom Line:
As a lower end Expert rider, I rode this bike hard in 14 races this season. It's a great ride for any advanced cross-country rider. This is my first 29 and I'll never ride 26 again. The best thing about the bike is it's predictable handling at or beyond the limits of traction; just the right amount of oversteer. You can put the front within 1 cm of your line and feel like you're on rails in the single track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from New Milford Date Reviewed: October 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Da Valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
The Shop I work at
Strengths:
Very Stiff frame built up with XT, CK etc and it really rides nice. The bike will hook up on anything, legs give out before the bike does. Nice electric sex welds.
Weaknesses:
Wide chain stays, hope ya don't get chain suck.
Similar Products Used:
Surly Monkey
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR, Chris King, Maverick fork.
Bottom Line:
Very Solid frame. Plan on keeping it and trying out a Fisher Super Caliber 29er.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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