Standard features like oversized sealed bearing pivots, custom butted 6061-T6 tubing, spacious clearance for 2.4” tires, international standard disc brake mount, wrap-around head tube gusseting, in-house CNC machined suspension linkage with high aspect ratio rocker, and our legendary “Electric Sex” TIG welds yield an XC workhorse that is undeniably competitive at any price. And with trend setting innovations like replaceable bearing axles, optional quad bearing pivot sets, and an optional “3-4-5” adjustable travel rocker set, El Saltamontes is assured its place at the pinnacle of high-end hand built framesets.
Submitted by
blmiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: October 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes, Gatineau, Tremblant
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4950.00
Purchased At:
FHR Trading
Strengths:
Build Quality, Finish, Lateral AND longitudinal stiffness, bomb-proof - tough!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
FOX RP23, FOX RLC32 100, King headset, Thompson stem and seatpost, RaceFace handlebars, SRAM X.0 deraileurs with Gripshift. Price shown was for whole bike, as built. Dave's Wheels (SpeedDream) - NoTubes 355 rims, DTSwiss 240 hubs, mix of spokes and different cross pattern on either side depending on brake-side (front) or drive-side (rear).
Bottom Line:
Rediculous stiffness! Noticed under acceleration right away. Amazing cornering and lateral stiffness. Holds its line where I've been expecting some "give" or "drift". Rides over almost anything. Dave Thomas - SpeedDream wheels are very well put together. I am the limit on this bike. It is way more capable than I will ever be but it means I can always get better and the bike will be there! Simply superb! If/when I try 29er, it WILL be Ventana, no doubt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MCF
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Authorized Dealer
Strengths:
Bike is good, not best in world.
Weaknesses:
Will not use full travel with RP3 shock and can experience horrible brake howling if the pivot points are not kept immaculate.
Bottom Line:
A good bike, but not the best in the world as Ventanaphiles would lead you to believe. Any bike build in the same price range should perform as well without the few aggravating nuisances that I have experienced from the Salt. Also, my first frame broke after only a couple months due to poor heat treatment of a weld. Ventana replaced frame, but it took longer than expected.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vance77
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX Date Reviewed: September 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Nut
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Strong, Fast, Light 26lbs
Weaknesses:
None..
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Carbon, numerous others, and oh yeah REDLINE!
Bike Setup:
Fox RP3, Thompson stay, Cane Creek headest, XT components, monkeylite bars, 717, SRAM
Bottom Line:
Wow Billy the kido, you really reviewed your buddy's bike... That's comical, it's not your fault, it's the moderators for letting you throw your 2 uneducated cents in. I've had this bike for less than a month and taken it down through the rockiest terrain Austin, TX has to offer, and still came out in the top 3 riders of my 35 group, I moved up 8-10 spots since I switched to the Salty, and I havn't even dialed the bike in yet. I do find myself sitting further back on the bike than I would like, but I am sure I can make some adjustments to compensate for the bend in the seat stay. The bike is truly rad, the rear travel adjustment is a great additon! Moderator, please block future posts from Billy Blanks, I almost didn't buy the bike after I read that post but I am extremely glad I did!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deluxe
a Racer
from Gibsonia, PA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything in PA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Scholl's Bicycle Sho
Strengths:
Durability and stiffness.
Weaknesses:
See previous post - nothing worth mentioning though.
Bike Setup:
Fox 100RLC - get it PUSH'ed!!! - Avid hydr. brakes; King and Thomson where it counts; XT tranny...
Bottom Line:
This is the third time I have taken this beast to the new DH course at Seven Springs, PA. All I can say is forget the 40 pounders and take your Salty if ya got one. I weigh 175 and just beat the tar out of this bike - again. It performed like a champ and what made it especially nice was that since it can take the punishment and is still light, cornering and handling, for example on EC1 (Eric Carter 1), was absolutely phenomenal. So, trying not to be too mean, these guys below are absolutely so far off base, that I don't actually believe they were riding this bike. Five 24 hour races later and 3 downhill days later (not even counting the hundreds of local rides and races - and PA and WV are tough as riding goes between rain, mud, rocks and roots), this west coast bike keeps rolling. Totally undeserved and meritless reviews below...sorry guys. But I do think if you had a manufacturing defect (as opposed to design), then perhaps you are owed another frame - I'll give you that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
changeswillcome
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas Texas Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
grapevine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
built myself: frame
Strengths:
New to mt biking: so: I love my bike: Period! I have nothing to compare to. I am able to climb small hills: for a beginner: I believe that is good. I feel safe on my bike: People tell me "nice bike" and I am lucky to have it. I am grateful to start out Mt biking with a great bike: Seriously: at 100lbs, 5'4": female: I will not experience braking the frame: frame was in excellent condition when I purchased from a very experience rider, who rarely used the it.
I love my bike: frame is sexy! Especially in the the bright sun light. I ride with confidence and I have had zero complaints. People always ask me "where did you get that bike?" I was blessed with the frame: rear shock; bad *ss rims: seat post: bars: head set: for $1000; the rest= I purchased and had the bike put together for a total of 3K! www.wrenchscience.com : my bike would cost over 5K brand new. Most all of my parts are brand new! I am 5'4": 100 lbs and the bike fits me great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ventana-rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Kronberg, Germany Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
2003 Frame 19" electric super dust with 5" travel, Romic shock with titan spring, Fox Talas, XTR, Mavic Crossmax, Thomson Seatpost, Chris King headset, Syntace Handlebar, Race Face stem, Hope C2 brakes, Schwalbe Fat ALbert 2,35", Salsa seat clamp, Terry Fly saddle
Bottom Line:
I could not leave bad review on the top and decided to write one of my own. Dear giffsamu and billy, every bike can crash and every tube can bent, I hope you will find some solution with Ventana, but I think, that it is not fair to write TWO reviews for the SAME bike ;-) I will try to prove hier how reliable El Salatamontes really is. I am riding my Salt for already 5 year and I did not have any problem with it. The bike was used under very hard conditions - mud, rain, snow. During this time a lot of parts had to be exchanged - Thomson Stem, Fox Talas, Crossmax XL wheels, XT group, several tire sets, Koobi saddle, a lot of brake pads, 5 chains. No problem with the frame ! I have manage to get 2 small dents in the bottom tube, I had to change decal after first year, since I have scratched it, but that was all. The frame is absolutely great. The ride with Romic shock is very plush. I can easily keep pace with 6" bikes on fast downhill, I am very fast on singletrail and I can climb technical sections, where hardtail riders have to give up. My Salt is a perfect all-round bike with absolutely great reliability. There are other reviews of carbon bikes on mtbr, which also rated very high. Still I want to see, how this bikes will survive 5 years of hard riding conditions. My 5 years Ventana does not differ too much from the actual model. Ventana never comes with "complete redesign" of their products. All modifications are done very carefully - fine tuning. Now I am going to get El Terremoto, since I don't want to change my forks too often - their reliability is far behind Ventana frame. I hope, that new 1,5" 160mm Fox will be more reliable. Ventana builds absolutely no-nonsense frames which are born to last forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
giffsamu
a Cross Country Rider
from LC, NM, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
are they not all good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
Its a beautiful bike
Weaknesses:
Like Billy blanks said its a beer can
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500, Trek fuel
Bike Setup:
fox talus, fox rp23, XT comp,true vativ odds and ends etc.
Bottom Line:
very very very very disapointed in and with Ventana. I'm the dude that took the spill at a xc race last october '07 in NM coming down a gradual hill that then crossed a dirt road. Any who to make a long story short when the dust settled and after I had gotten back into the race I had noticed what seemed at the time as decal peal until I reached down and touched it and felt the ripple (Mother @##$$ piece of #$%@) the down tube was bent. Well like my buddy said I went with ventana because of all of the great and wonderful reviews, how the customer service is wonderful and the bike is great. Well to put it simply its not as great as people have made it out to be. You would think that only being 4 months old that ventana would say "yeah the waranty is still good here is another frame" or "hey send it to us well fix it" (because of the waranty thing) but no I did have to pay out of my pocket to have it repaired which sucks A$$ I had that freakin thing 4 months. any way my friend billy put it in a nice and clear light for everyone. If you are looking to buy a ventana I would look a bit harder, but hey maybe I just got the bad one, or the waranty that ran out in 4 months . Oh yeah Wrench Science the dudes who built it for me it never missed a beat. Your mechanics rock keep up the good work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deluxe
a Racer
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Scholl's
Strengths:
Stiff, durable, customer service.
Weaknesses:
Soft aluminum on rear triangle; clearance between bottom pivot housing and chain.
Similar Products Used:
None really besides previous bike (other ride is SC Chameleon SS).
Bike Setup:
Grinch green wit all da plop.
Bottom Line:
2.5 year review. First, little Billy, metal bends especially when you smack it off a rock - repeatedly or even just once. A fellow rider of mine works in auto metals with US Steel and that is apparent to most metal engineers. He is not sure that either alchemy or the Space Age can cure that problem. Second, I am not on the Ventana payroll. If I was, I wouldn't be living in this dump.
Now, Billy has a good point though. After about a dozen rides back in 05-06, my chain (and I know you shouldn't be in granny) chewed right through, or at least chipped away at, the aluminum chainstay nearby the pivot. The BB and crank were installed per manufacturer's specs (Shimano XT). It has been wrapped with a plastic chain stay guard and electrical tape ever since - no biggie. No structural integrity problems. Also, I am sure I smacked my seatstay off a rock as I endo'ed, but it did not seem that significant and it too bent, but not enough to impact pivots, bearings or performance. Third, the housing for the bottom pivot will get torn up if your chain flies off -which can happen on rocky downhills like Big Bear, WV or Tussie Mountain, PA. Perhaps, a titanium rear triangle would work better as it will be more likely to dent but not bend also? The set-up is already expensive anyway. I don't think it would be overly expensive for those who really want it. What about a carbon fiber option? I dunno.
Anyway, the bad rating in this chain is wholly undeserved. And I haven't gotten any birthday cards or swag for being Sherwood's "special friend." Conspiracies went out with the X-files Bill.
The bike has been through several endurance races and local races along with weekly rides over wet rocky terrain and has never failed. I will buy another Grinch again when I can figure out a way to hide it from the wife (Theresa - sorry about the Chameleon but it was given to me!).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yo-Zilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Dem Hills Date Reviewed: April 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dupont
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Tough, reliable, well rounded geometry, quality craftsmanship, great paint AND THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE INDUSTRY.
Weaknesses:
not cheap
Similar Products Used:
Epic, Blur, Titus ML II, Titus RX100, NRS, Trek Fuel, Fisher Paragon, GT Karacorom.
Bike Setup:
X9, XTR, Talas, King hubs and HS
Bottom Line:
Ventana builds great bikes and stands behind them 100%. I broke my seat tube, just below the pivot weld. Boxed up my frame and sent it back. Sherwood calls me up, we discuss and the bike is fixed and shipped back to me at no charge. Wish you could have heard the response from Trek/Fisher, when I tried to file a warranty with them. My bike is set up 5 inch/AM. I ride it very hard, take beefy jumps, drops and lines that have made lesser bikes flex like "Beer Cans". I push my limits as much as I can, and because of this, I wreck often and violently. If I slam my bike on a rock, I am not going to expect the frame builder to fix it free of charge (BTW, I have done this and it did not dent). If my tube snaps out of the blue, that is the frame builders fault, not mine. I might be "atard", but I disagree with the fellow below, reviewing his friends bike... This bike is a joy to ride, every time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy blanks
a Cross Country Rider
from lc, nm, usa Date Reviewed: April 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
chalk up another porc. rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
wrench science
Strengths:
it is made of metal, albeit soft metal
Weaknesses:
bends like a beer can
Similar Products Used:
specialized, trek, gary fisher, santa cruz sl and blur
Bike Setup:
full xt
Bottom Line:
Honesty first: My buddy bought the bike after I mentioned the company and mtbr reviews to him. I heard such wonderful things about ventana. Wonderful customer service, wonderful bike, wonderful construction and everything in between. I almost bought the salty instead of the sc blur. I am glad my buddy beat me to ventana to help persuade me to get another santa cruz. In fact the bike looks good, the welds are very nice, very beefy, the cnc aluminum stuff looks very strong. Too bad the aluminum tubes suck anus. And the more I see the bike and ride it the more I am coninced this is the Trek Fuel part II. So if you like the fuel....check it out.....it looks prettier. So my buddy and I are at an xc race and he wrecks. FYI... wrecking happens as much as mt bike manufacturers would like to convince us this is an anomaly of acutal use....it happens and anyone that reads this and disagrees is an artard. A good mt bike should take a typical wreck with nothing more than some paint scratches. 20 foot hucks are another story. So he wrecked...but it wasn't that bad. He had some slight scratches but his bike was not so lucky. The salty downtube was bent like a beer can. But it is ok right?? He just got the bike like two months ago. Warranty covers it right??!! WRONG! My buddy calls up ventana and gets treated like a downhilling criminal. He ends up having to pay out of his own pocket for a pathetic wreck and a pathetic bike that can't take a normal wreck. And thus we see where the 1 flaming turd for the overall rating comes from. I am tired of seeing these small scale companies with their ten reviews claiming a "best of " rating in any MTBR category because somebody feels special for having an indie bike that no one else has, thus giving it five chilis for uniqueness. It is still just a trek fuel part II people!! There isn't any "special customer service" at these smaller companies. Every company is around to make a profit and that is where their heart lies. Advice: Buy something nice. Buy something with hundreds of great reviews and 20 bad ones and not something with 15 "special people reviews". I also have reason to believe that half of ventana's reviews are by ventana themself. I have spoken my peace. Take it for what its worth. Worth = 1 turd
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: November 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any in Fruita & Crested Butte, Co
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Most importantly, the company behind the ride. I can not say enough good things about them. Build quality, handling, versatile, forgiving, paint is DEEP.
Weaknesses:
Me
Similar Products Used:
Titus RX100, Blur, Epic, NRS
Bike Setup:
XL Frame with quad rear bearings, 5 inch rockers, Push modified Float R and Talas, King HS, X9 shifters and rDr, XTR 960 cranks, Easton AM Havoc wheels, Thomson stem and post, BB7 brakes.
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike. Switched over to the 5 inch rockers this summer after running 4 inch for 1.5 years. Thought I would lose some ability in the handling but this is not the case. This bike is still quick, precise, forgiving and super fun to ride. The extra inch makes the bike feel a little taller but its been a stunning upgrade in dealing with the rocky and rooty down hill sections. Still no problem to flick the rear in tight switch backs and turns and I think this bike climbs as well, if not better, than my Racer X 100. Also had my suspension sent to PUSH for the custom modification to suit my weight and riding conditions. Imagine the best possible bike you have ever ridden getting 20% better. The PUSH upgrades are worth every penny, especially the fork. Its like going from a shot gun to a sniper rifle up front. Ventana stands behind their product. I can tell you this from personal experience and because of this, I will ride a Ventana from here until they go away. Lets hope that never happens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Ukarumpa, EHP, Papua New Guinea Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lone Tree Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3550.00
Purchased At:
E-bay
Strengths:
Best built frame in the business....bar none. Incredibly stiff with the quad bearings. Paint job in top shelf. Geometry is dead on for the type of riding I do, which is XC with some AM mixed in. Four inches of travel on this bike feels much more like 5+, compared to other full sus bikes I've ridden. When the set-up is on, this bike just performs, period. Customer service has been great, based on the experience of some of my riding buddies, but I have yet to have a reason to use it.
Weaknesses:
I was tempted to say price, because they ain't cheap....but for the bike you get, the cost is actually reasonable.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Frame: '06 18” El Saltamontes Shock: Fox DHX 5.0 Coil Fork: '08 Fox TALAS RLC (stays at 120mm 95% of the time) Wheelset: Chris King ISO Mango 32 Hole/Mavic 819/DT Swiss Front Der: SRAM X-Gen Rear Der: SRAM X.O Shifters: SRAM X.O Triggers Chain: SRAM PC-991 Cassette: SRAM PC-990 11/34 Brakes: Avid Juicy Carbon Cranks/BB: Race Face Deus X-Drive Black 175mm Pedals: Time Atac Carbon Headset: Chris King NoThread Mango Handlebar: Easton Monkey Lite Carbon XC Low Rise Seat Post: Thompson Elite silver straight 27.2mm Stem: 110 x 6 Thomson Elite Black Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Front Tire: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 Rear Tire: Schwalbe Albert 2.25
Bottom Line:
This bike handles like a dream and can take everything I have dished out. It descends phenomenally and stays on track. In tight, off-camber turns the lateral stiffness really is evident (a quality I have really appreciated over other full sus frames). I attack steep technical descents/rock gardens with much more confidence than ever and just when I think I'm at my limit, the bike shows me I can do a little more. I have heard a few complaints regarding climbing...and though this may be the bikes weakest point, I still climb better on this bike than on other full suspension bikes. I have the bike built a full 3 lbs heavier than my other (more XC only) bike, and I still am faster and more comfortable on the Ventana. If you want a frame that will exceed your expectations, get a Ventana. You will not be disappointed. This bike just makes riding pure fun again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1950.00
Purchased At:
www.iridecycles.com
Strengths:
Custom drawn tubes to meet Ventana Specs. Perfect beautiful welds. Headtube machined for perfect fitting of headset cups. Solid and stiff frame, no frame flex while cornering. Beautiful CNC machined areas on frame. Best paint job I've ever seen on a frame. Great cable routing. 13.2" high bottom bracket, clears roots and rocks better. Ventana 30% off next frame trade in policy. Climbs Great, RP23 makes it climb better than a hardtail. Descends Great, There's not a line the Salt can't handle. Tracks Great, Point and shoot... it goes where it should. Suspension is amazing, Keeps the tires planted to the dirt. Hand Made with quality and pride in the USA!!!
Weaknesses:
My 16" frame was too small for the sweet Ventana Stainless Steel Headtube logo. Not a big deal... I can live with it.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana Pantera, 2004-till July 2007 Chumba XCL, June 2007 Yeti 575, 2004-2005 Santa Cruz Heckler, 2003-2004 Santa Cruz Blur, 2002-2003 Santa Cruz Superlight, 2001-2002 Jamis Dakar Pro, 2001-2003 LiteSpeed Obed, 1996-2001 GT Zaskar, 1994-1996 GT LTS, 1994-1995 Schwinn Moab, 1992-1994 Ozark Bikes, 1991-1992 Huffy... 1991, My first Mountain Bike, if you could call it that... it was trashed after 5 rides.
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltamontes 16" frame, 4" travel Ventana Quad bearing upgrade Mavic Crossmax SL wheelset Chris King headset Fox Talas Fork RLC 2004 Fox RP23 Rear Shock WTB Laser saddle Time Composite Peddles Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes Easton Monkeylite SL Riser Carbon Bar SRAM X0 triggers SRAM X9 rear D Avid levers Race Face Dues Crank Race Face Stem Easton EC70 Carbon Seat Post Avid Flak Jacket brake cables Jagwire Shifter cables Panaracer Fire XC UST tires
Bottom Line:
This frame absolutely rocks! From the very first spin of the cranks it felt different from every other bike I've ever had... it felt better, felt right. As I began the climb into Dark Mountain, it climbed with perfection, the tries stayed planted to the dirt... it climbed like a mountain goat. At the top we blazed across a ridge with tight twisty rolling turns... it hooked up and navigated everything like it was on rails. We hit the downhills with switchbacks that had 4 to 8 foot burms... smokin fast, carved through the burms like it was surfin a wave and hooked up perfectly in every turn. I was nothing but grinds and was laughing like a mad man... and the whole time I kept thinking "Perfection".
I never could have imaged how perfect this bike would be. I am completely amazed with this frame and for the first time in 15 years of riding I can honestly say... I'm riding a bike that is better than I can ride.
So now let me explain this comment. I've ridden many different bikes over the years and I'm sure most of you have too, but in my experience there comes a point as you get to know each bike that you reach the bike's limit of what can be done with it and you just can't push it any further without wrecking... the bike simply will not perform any better. Well the Salty's capabilities are so far beyond and superior to the capabilities of any other frame I have ever ridden before, that it has opened many new doors for me to improve my technicals skills and push my skill levels even further and harder than ever before.
I've only ridden my new Salty for about 65 miles so far, I don't even really know the bike, I'm not tuned in to what this bike is capable of and yet with only 65 miles under my belt on my new Salty, my technical skills have already shown huge improvements compared to all previous frames I've owned in the past. I can't wait to see what the Salty will be able to do as I get in sync with the frame. And that's also what is blowing my mind... within only 5 miles of riding my new Salty, I felt more in sync with it, than any other frame I've ever had. I just can't get over how great of a frame the Salty is and how well it performs.
The Salty tracks, climbs, corners, descends and rides better than any other frame I've ever owned before. I was going to wait about 6 months before I wrote this review, but after 65 miles on my new Salty, I see no point in waiting any longer. The Salty is a great frame and I'm amazed at how well it performs!
This bike frame is PERFECTION!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve McCaughan
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch Date Reviewed: February 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Strengths:
Quality of build is outstanding, has held up like new after one year with three rides per week off road, no creaks in bearings yet, versatile in most terrain, pedals effeciently, no chain suck ever, suspension feedback gives great feel in rear, lateral stiffness, ride from centre geometry, paint has held up well, strong solid deralliar hanger, still have not ridden another bike I would rather own.
Weaknesses:
Still none after 12 months of use!
Similar Products Used:
Ridden most 4-5" bikes over the last couple of years.
Bike Setup:
Crossmax SL, full XTR, Thompson straight seatpost, with Talas 90-130 and 06 RP3 med set propedal, carbon oval bars, quad bearings, weight 27.2 lb with pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review now that the novelty of the new bike syndrome has worn off. The frame has lived up to my expectations as being a versatile 4" trail XC bike. It still looks like new thanks to the quality of paint. I have become very comfortable with the ride. The Salty has a short wheelbase and this transmits to a bit of lift on the front wheel on only very steep terrain compared to the newer geometry frames. This also makes the bike slightly more twitchy coming down hill compared to other bikes I have owned. The handling in every other way more than makes up for it being able to negotiate very technical terrain with precision. Now I'm used to it I love this set up which works very well on tight technical trails and fast single track as well as tight climbs. This may be tempting fate but I dont fall off this bike as much like others I have owned and I put this down to the frame offering great handling with enough feedback to read tricky situations. The bike is also highly manuverable for the majority of riding situations, single track, rock gardens etc. The rigidity of the frame is great and is most noticable on climbs. Did I say this bike climbs really well. I love climbing and have a race hardtail and a horst link top end bike (which I never ride now). This is my favourite ride. Theres not a lot of marketing hype behind this bike, just riders in the know who own them. If you want one bike for XC riding on a variety of trails (and money is not a major)then you should test ride one of these. One concern I had was the 71 degree seat angle however this has proved to be unfounded because with a straight seat post I can get over the pedals for max power transfer, no problem. This bike has no pedal feedback either or brake jack, its just as good as my horst link bike. I have never regetted the quad bearing upgrade as the bearings are still like new having the load spread over twice the surface area and for only 75 more grams in weight. Out of saddle effort does produce bob on this bike. I used to be anal about this on other suspension bikes I have ridden. I now realise that you cannot get all the benefits from an active suspension set up and its out of saddle bob is inline with most other full suspension bikes I have ridden that work! On the trail I hardly ever leave the saddle for long so it just isnt an issue. I have ridden some very nice exotic bikes over the last year but for me this is still the best bike I have ridden In the last year I have not been tempted by any other bike. That probably says it all (because if I was honest)if there was better, I would buy it but I have not found it at this stage!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Shutes - Fruita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
All around, the pinnacle of quality.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
RX 100, Epic, Blur, NRS
Bike Setup:
X9, King, XTR, SD7, FloatR, 4inch, RLC110MM
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ridden, period. I have a 05 Titus RX100 that is collecting dust. Both have 4 inches of rear travel but the higher bottom bracket of the Salty makes it feel bottomless. Handling is razor sharp. Customer service, well, they returned an email on a Sunday? Ventana is the best in the business.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Racer
from folsom, ca Date Reviewed: December 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Factory
Strengths:
looks, performance, quality, finish, make a 22 inch frame
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
tracer, c-dale
Bike Setup:
xo, x-max sl, thompson stem, carbon bar, dean ti seatpost, xtr cranks
Bottom Line:
hands down the best bike i have ever ridden. climbs well, descends well, stiff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Midwest/West Date Reviewed: November 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lateral Stiffness, Solidity of frame, beautiful construction, weight
Weaknesses:
Not with this one.
Similar Products Used:
So many FS bikes, I can't list them- mostly boutique frames
Bike Setup:
819s/USt tires, X9, RS Revelation, 4" rockers
Bottom Line:
An amazingly well-built bike. Great balance and the initially tall feeling (high BB) slowly becomes a huge advantage and feels better with each ride. It has no flex and pedals well. Handles even slow techical sections superbly and with great precision. What more can I say? I'm pretty critical too and I can't find any flaws with this bike- not in the construction and not in the ride. I can give no less that five flaming peppers. I just hope I keep making enough money t0 buy bikes like this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Paterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, Indiana. USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs in Michigan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
The lateral stiffness that ventana is know for is even better than I could have ever thought! The build quality and finish on this frame is by far the best in the business...and it's not even close.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
None...A Kona Dawg Primo was the closest but I have never been on a bike this amazing!
Bike Setup:
Full 2007 XTR Drivetrain (and why can't I review that stuff out here yet...it is amazing), Chris King hubs & headset, Thomson seatpost and stem, Magura Louise brakes w/ventidisc rotors, Easton carbon downhill bar, 2007 Fox Talas RLC & DHX 5.0.
Bottom Line:
This was truly a "build my dream bike" project...and after just a week and a few rides it is obvious that my goal has been met and exceeded.
FRAME = This is easily the stiffest frame I have ever been on (laterally). It tracks so well that it is hard to believe. I have always felt significant flex in my frames in the past when things get dicey or when I really need to mash...but this one doesn't have that flimsy feel at all.
RIDE/SUSPENSION = With the new talas on the front giving you quick 100/120/140mm adjustment of travel this bike really becomes a great do everything bike. With the DHX 5.0 coil on the back this bike really pedals with the efficiency of a hardtail...which made the think my setting were off, but as soon as I hit the bumpy stuff the suspension just gobbled it up.
DRIVETRAIN = The 2007 XTR was worth the wait...I have never experienced such amazing precision in shifting (and I used the last generation of XTR as well). Stiff, percise & light...just not cheap!
This is truly my dream bike...and one that I plan to ride for a long long time. I cannot think of a part that I would even be tempted to replace.
I went for a ride on Saturday and while I was getting ready to head out some guys came over to admire my new steed. As they looked at it (it is a little beefier because of some custom upgrades to the frame) they started joking about how I was going to need this bike on the mountains of Indiana. Then they picked it up and it was funny to watch their eyes widen as they realized how light my bike was (much lighter I suspect than their much smaller and weaker ponies).
A do everything bike that is under 30lbs is now more than just in my dreams now...it is in my garage and whenever I want I can go get it and hit the trails!!!
If you have any questions about this frame or any of these components feel free to email me...I would love to tell you whatever I can and show you some cool pictures and a bike that rides even better than it looks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Racer
from Oxford Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Riverside UK
Strengths:
Compliant, responsive and beautifully finished.
Weaknesses:
When you decide to buy a frame like this - buying the best kit becomes adictive. Makes you lust after more technical challenges.
Similar Products Used:
See previous review below
Bike Setup:
See previous review
Bottom Line:
I have had a chance to thrash this around my favorite trails and time to get used to it and swap around the componentry. The build weight is now 31lb due to a FSA crankset - an immediate improvement. With 5/6 inch travel option my abilities are generally matched to 5" travel. The handling is affected in 6" but this may also be due to getting used to it - making you sit high in the saddle is harder to rail into the corners taking the edge of fast single track handling until you are used to it. The Marzocchi fork slackens the head angle making climbing difficult until you slam down the fork ETA adjustment, but I just cannot push this hard enough down hill - I am the weakest link! Bob is limited within 5" travel, but slightly more pronounced in 6", but depending on tyre selection - climbing ability is good. It has improved my riding skills to the all mountain category and the salty has saved my skin a few times. If you want every ride to feel special, turn a few heads and to make you go that bit further, then this is the pay back you can expect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Edwards, CO Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
A10, area51
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
(frame)sherwwod (parts)various
Strengths:
Customizable frame from ventana. Very well built. Decent weight, good handling.
Weaknesses:
Not for the weak of wallet.
Similar Products Used:
I own a titus racer x also.
Bike Setup:
6" rear travel w/fox DHX 5.0air shock. Maverick 150 mm fork,XTR drivetrain,Carbon bars and seatpost, Chris king headset, Time ti pedals,Heyes carbon breaks.
Bottom Line:
Semi custom frame (X5 geometry build for 150 mm fork and lowered top tube for a little better stand over height). Bike fits very nicely. 6" travel bike that climbs like a 4" bike. DHX shock works amazing. Almost no bob on climbs using propedal. weighs in just under 28 lbs.. I would recommend this build if you ride all day on trails that get rough, loose,rooty, or ledgy (and you intend to beat everyone to the bottom).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark brenner
a Weekend Warrior
from northbrook, Il. USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any and all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
dreamride
Strengths:
As in all the previous reviews ..... best swingarm, best finish, best welds, best strength to weight ratio, best materials and best service in the industry.
Weaknesses:
Are you kidding?
Similar Products Used:
Does it matter, unless your on a tight budget
Bike Setup:
2003 in red with 6" custom rockers, quad bearings and Romic DD coilover, Marzocchi AM-1 130-150 fork, Magura Julie discs, xt/mavic 321 with WTB Moto (2.24), FSA Team Issue Carbon cranks, SRAM X-9, Time ATAC pedals, etc. Current weight between 30-31 lbs. My current setup with the very steep head angle, provides a super quick handling all-mountain/trail bike that I can ride and enjoy anywhere under all conditions.
Bottom Line:
What can I say that hasn't been said. Until I learned about Ventana, I was another bike shop/magazine-influenced clone/homer, ready to eat whatever was fed to me. I have since been enlightened.
Being a hardcore gearhead, I especially appreciate Sherwood Gibson's amazing frames. Without a doubt, Ventana framesets are the standard by which all others must be measured, and all fail to varying degrees when compared directly. Riders over 200 lbs shouldn't even consider any other frame builder, due to the extreme stiffness and strength built into Ventana frames.
Considering their overall superiority, they are a bargain. Don't be fooled by flashy marketing and $-driven reviews, nothing in the world compares to a Ventana frameset. Also, they are performing art that look just as good in the living room or on the wall, just beautiful!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from West Rand, Gauteng, Soth Africa Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
West Rand Cycles
Strengths:
Awesome geometry, great clearance, Paintwork outstanding.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyll, Cannondale Scalpel
Bike Setup:
Manitou Black, Fox Float, SRAM X9 shifters
Bottom Line:
This is the kind of bike you can ride all day every day. Have raced the Crater Cruise (www.cratercruise.co.za), 24hr (www.omni-motion.co.za), Sabie Experience (www.sabiexperience.co.za) and am intending on riding the Cape Epic 2007 (www.cape-epic.com). This bike is a great descender and climbs well (unlike the rider). It is amazingly responsive with the geometry allowing the rider to really get agro at speed. This bike is simply awesome. If you're into endurance this is your choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
superfly7b
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything long and technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
www.mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Incredible Ride!
Weaknesses:
I would like the head angle a bit more slack; it is a tiny bit squirrley on super-steep, technical downhills. Not the most efficient climbing machine.
Similar Products Used:
Intense, Santa Cruz, Turner, Titus, Nicolai
Bike Setup:
PUSH Industries suspension XTR Drivetrain/shifters Chris King hubs & headset Avid mechanical brakes, big old rotors Easton carbon post and bars
Bottom Line:
So I've now got a year of VERY hard riding on this bike and everything is holding up beautifully...
The frame rides beautifully. It is possibly the most neutral, reliable positioning I've ever felt on a bike. Going up is comfortable, down feels safe, going fast is just plain fun. My only complaint with regards to geometry is that I feel the head tube could be slackened out a degree or so. On really steep, nasty descents I feel like I'm right above the bars and prone to endo (though I haven't yet). I rode an Intense for the last 6 seasons and this is the only feature I liked more when riding the Intense (as well as the Santa Cruz Blur 4X).
I mainly focus on endurance riding: 24 hour races, 100-milers, etc. This bike takes the abuse of an entire day in the saddle and maintains comfort throughout.
Out of the saddle, the Ventana isn't the most efficient climber--especially compared to the Specalized or VPP designs. In the saddle, it climbs perfectly and tracks beautifully.
The suspension was done by PushIndustries.com. Darren knows what he is doing. He's essentially the mad scientist of the mountina bike suspension indiustry. The ride he creates is simply perfect. He takes your weight, riding style and local terrain into account when setting up the suspension. I can't say enough good things about his work.
Same goes for Mountain High Cyclery. The owner Larry is who I dealt with there. I had a limited budget (my last bike was stolen and I had to build up the Ventana without going too much over the amount of my insurance check). Not only did Larry build me my absolute dream bike with the absoulte best parts, but he did so at a better price than I would have ever dreamed. There is nobody better in the industry! If you want a Ventana, Turner, Moots, or Sycip, call him!
In the end, this bike is the absolute best on the market if you are looking for an all-around bike that you can race, ride all day, and even tackle some urban assult or light-duty DH (you can get a 6" swingarm and coil shock!). The craftsmanship is amazing and from what I've heard, Ventana's customer service is as good as it gets (but I have had no bike problems and no need to call them up thus far). The two minor annoyances I mentioned above should not deter you from looking at this bike. The climb is still better than anything was a few years ago (and is still among the top today--just feels a hair mushier out of the saddle than a few other designs--but those other designs don't descend nearly as well). And the head tube angle can be mitigated by your cockpit setup.
In the end if you want the perfect do-everything bike, look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycles unlimited
Strengths:
Quality and crafsmanship, welds, super stiff rear. Handleing is spot on. Ability to custom order and speak directly with the builder. Hand built in the US of A
Weaknesses:
Dhx air limits travel (shock problem not frame). Havew to remove upper shox bolt to ad air.
Similar Products Used:
SC Heckler, BLT, Truth, on and on and on........
Bike Setup:
Pushed Vanilla 130, King mavic 519, XT mostly, Juciy carbon 6/7, Gravety post.
Bottom Line:
Custom ordered my frame and received it in 7 weeks. I was told 7 weeks and recived it in 7. Almost unheard of in todays bike world. Because its custom it fits better than any of my over 20 bikes in so many years. No break jack, rails corners and climbs great. I cant be any happier. Not sold on the DHXair yet but will give it time to get dialed. For doing a custom the price is right there with most non-custom rigs. Could go on and on but if anyone has a question just ask, you wont be diapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve McCaughan
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Port Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Locally
Strengths:
Frame quality is amazing, Paint finish, Quad bearings, rigidity in the rear end, active suspension that works, strength,handling and its not common.
Weaknesses:
When I first read these reviews when deciding I could not believe there was no weakness with this frame but there isn't!
Similar Products Used:
I have test ridden, Blur LT and classic, Yeti 575, Titus motolite, Intense spider, Jamis XC pro, VT2, Trance 1 and Reign 1. I have compared all these bikes wanting a strong one bike does all approach.
Bike Setup:
All drivetrain XTR with normal rapid fire shifters with Thompson stem, post and Crossmax SL wheelset, Oval carbon bars, Chris King headset, Laser Ti saddle, Pedro lock on grips. 20"frame I am 6ft 1' and have 120mm 5 degree stem.RP3 and 06 TALAS weight 28lb with pedals.
Bottom Line:
I have read nearly everything in the last 12 months to help me make the right decision for my next bike. I have also spent considerable time test riding various bikes. The lessons I have learned is that you need to ride the bike to make a decision. As can be seen I have checked out several top end bikes. My goal was to have one bike that was flexible for a wide range of trails and still be ok to race in the odd event which I do about five times a year. I love climbing more than downhill so this was also a consideration. I was influenced by mags and after much thought and testing ordered a BLUR LT. The day I ordered it (4 week wait), I met a guy on my local trail with a Salty which I was not that familiar with. I had just test rode the Blur the night prior and quite liked it and also liked the "bling" factor of owning a Santa Cruz. Olle offered me a ride of his Salty and after 250mtrs I loved it. I got off on riding this bike. Reasonably lightweight(28lb), plush and the handling so rigid in the rear end made this bike track like I never thought possible! I have now done 200km on my bike off road on technical singletrack on my new bike. It weighs 28lb dead. It climbs better than the Blur, I test rode, but comes down so much better for me. This bike has an excellent balance of a good bottom bracket clearance, with tight seatstays and good head angle to just make it work. I am 6ft1" and are riding a 20" with RP3 and Talas fork. For me this combination is flexible and suits my riding styles. One last thing is this bike's suspension, while not high tech VPP, XVP etc just works! It is active under braking with no harsh tendency's and also incredibly compliant over small bumps. I would highly reccomend any rider looking at a one bike does all (4"-5") check out a Salty if you can. I have to finish that I am riding with 4" rockers but it feels like 5" plus of travel compared to other bikes I have rode, thats how well the suspension works! Stiff frame gives very fast acceleration and very little BOB on Propedal setting while climbing certainly no more than Blur etc! This is my honest opinion of the Salty from a very keen MTBr who rides off road at least three times weekly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
7 Stanes Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Riverside UK
Strengths:
Strong, sturdy, sharp and precise handling. Responsive suspension, immacculate finish.
Weaknesses:
A little sluggish but this is more down to the "all mountain" build I have used (weighs in at 34lb), and a little high in 6 inch travel mode - but this is good for techno stuff & down hill.
Similar Products Used:
Spesh Ground Control 96 model fully upgraded with BETD linkage set.
Bike Setup:
18" frame with 5-6 rocker & qaud bearing, Marzocchi AM1 6 inch long travel forks, fox DHX5 air rear shock. Thomson seat post & stem, Easton ali risers, hope pro 2 hubs, mavic UST wheel build, Shimano LX discs, WTB stealth saddle, lock on grips, Bonterager Jones tyres.
Bottom Line:
I have only ever owned 1 other full susser (for 9 years) so I spent over 2 years researching the frame convincing the wife not to buy the widescreen TV and researching the kit to build a dream machine. I orignally wanted a 5 - 6 inch travel rig weighing in at 28lb. money no object. Looked at Whyte 46, turner 5 spot and X5 and other non 4 bar designs e.g Santa Cruz. and even another spesh. Enter Lee Bridges "Dreambike.com" web site which pursueded me to my final selection and most of the build - and he seems to have some strong opinions on custom bikes and a lot of his fleet are Ventana based designs. I never even trialled a spot or 46! 6 months down the line given the British Winter is not a fair trial for this machine, but having just tried out the 7 stanes trails in Scotland - I am the only limiting factor. I spent a lot of time holding it back, it goes up like a rat up a pipe, and rails corners - but the tyres limit my confidence a bit. With the pro pedal there is very little bob except in 6 inch mode (what do you expect?). This build is safe for screaming down hill, technical boulder fields, and sharp enough for XC (the majority of my riding). I could build this bike into a 28lb race whippet but this is all about options - I can change the geometry with a shockpump, change the handling to so many combos with the AM1 & DHX5, but all I wanna do is quit work and ride. Note this build does not make it a master of any discipline, just the one machine I will spend a lot of time with. I have a Kenisis Maxlight hard tail for lightweight XC and British winter gloop, the salty is a comfort get-me-out-of trouble all day hacker that looks great (Grinch Green metallic finish with black finishing kit). When I first got this bike the steering was so sharp I fell of on easy stuff. I also had problems with the DHX5 lockdown (see posting), and also the Bonty tyres are sketchy & have let me down a couple of times, so I will get these sorted and post again at 12 months. This is not a comprimise bike and Sherwood at Ventana (he has the designer pedigree behind the original turner designs) and a long history in the quality full susser market, and Alan at Riverside have been more than supportive in developing the perfect companion bike for the selective mountain bike rider! Thanks to Alan for recommending the awesome LX brakes too! I honestly think it would be hard to be disappointed with this frame with a part X change policy from Ventana and expendable kit, you build this bike to what you want it to do. Conclusion: Highly recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Samaha
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The wide open desert
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
Strengths:
Ti Frame version of the venerable Ventana El Salt.. Nuff said.
Weaknesses:
Price is more than the regular Ventana made frame, which itself is not cheap.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar, Trek EX7
Bike Setup:
Moots Cinco Ti frame Fox Float 32 RLC front shocks Fox Float RP3 rear shock X9 Chain XO rear derailleur / XTR front XTR Crank / Cassette SRAM XO shifters SAINT Brake Levers / Res. XTR Brake Calipers Goodridge Metal Breaded brake lines Hope 2-piece floating Discs Chris King Titanium Headset Thomson Elite X4 stem Easton Monkey Lite XC Carbon bar Pedro Grips Moots Laidback post WTB Diva saddle
Total weight 28lbs.
Bottom Line:
I wanted just one bike... I planed to spare no expense. I actually ended having to cut a lot of expenses because I realized that the sky is the limit when it comes to top of the line bikes.. with the buildup I chose, and this frame, I believe I have the ultimate bike for all seasons.. a sort of bike version of the modern SUV.. I can ride it on the street, the dirt trails, and up a mountain trail all without any regrets. The 5" travel means I can take trails that are certainly beyond my level of skill, and the RP3 Float rear shock's adjustments allow for great pedal efficiency for the street...
The Moots workmanship is also second to none in terms of Ti frames. I think Seven may be the only other company that can weld Ti as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve A
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: December 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Brisbane Forest Park / Daisy Hill Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Paint – Awesome. Very strong, in fact I don’t think I’ve noticed a single chip in it yet after around 6 months of very regular riding including several endurance events. There’s probably some there but my previous bikes would be blasted by now. The colour range is short but very sweet. Exciting bright colours that stand out in the sun. Build Quality – Simply put … it’s the best. No other bike I’ve ever seen or heard of is better. The painting is particular even inside tubes. The welds are Ventana’s ‘baby’ …they called ‘Electric Sex’ Welding and like the rest of the build process it’s a handmade, quality ensured job. Extra gussets are where they need to be and the bottom bracket area is reinforced with a clever design that spreads the load but doesn’t add weight. Balance – Very few bikes I’ve ridden are as balanced as this bike. It seems to leave a jump or water bar knowing how you want to fly and lands sweet every time. Some bikes are twitchy in the air but the El Salt seems to stay very solid. The same is said for the cornering. The bike seems to almost squat into the turns rather than bouncing or skipping through them … it feels very planted. Geometry – I find that the geometry seems to suit a fork around the 100mm best for general flat riding but loves the 115mm the Reba gives it when the descents hit or the going gets bumpy. For me it suits perfectly as I do lots of both … racing and general trail riding. I do think having an adjustable fork of 80- 85mm for climbing and out to 115mm – 130mm for descents is a must with this frame though. Climbing – Like most 5 inch travel bikes the front end becomes a bit sketchy on the steeper climbs so good technique is needed there. I use my 85mm setting on the fork regularly to help with this and find I climb as well as most people when I do. The SPV 3 Way Swinger shock is awesome on all climbs, eliminating the pedal induced bob but still allows the travel to let the tyre crawl over rocks without losing traction. Descending – As I said above, wind out the fork to 115mm or better and the bike handles beautifully. VT’s and other similar bikes I’ve descending quickly on tend to skip around but the Ventana rarely does. All bikes move around a bit on fast, rutted descents but this bike seems to soak it up and give plenty of time to feel what’s going on. I’ve always been a reasonable descender but the Ventana has made me quicker. Braking – Different designs can produce different braking characteristics. The Ventana runs what is essentially a 4 bar setup with the rear pivot on the seat stay rather than the chainstay. Some say this produces a virtual single pivot action. It doesn’t bother me what it does because works well. I do find on some rare occasions that I will get a bit of chain feedback when braking hard on descents and the suspension is compressed. It’s a momentary thing so again no bother to me. I did find when I first got the bike built up that I was locking the rear wheel too often in single track corners… something I like to avoid at all costs. It took a bit of conditioning to breed this out of me after the same automatic braking habits I’d developed on my last bike weren’t causing this. Same brakes on the other bike as well. Now though I find no problem and others who have ridden it haven’t mentioned it so I think it was just me. Suspension – I’ve pretty much mentioned the suspension enough throughout the review so no need to re-hash here. Simply put, it works perfectly for me due the mating of the SPV shock and the 4 bar design. When I put the power down the shock locks up and the bike shoots forward but still responds to the tiniest of bumps on the trail. The sag settings (of between 20 – 30%) seemed excessive at first to me but I’ve found quickly Ventana know what they are doing. Although Ventana put out better bikes for the purpose of downhill racing it’s conceivable to do even light DH with this frame. Not sure what the warranty conditions are in that case though.
Weaknesses:
I do find the 115mm a bit sketchy in corners if the terrain is flat and dry. The geometry is a bit more relaxed giving you a slightly more upright seating position than something more race orientated like a Specialized Epic or an NRS. However it’s not as high as something like the VT’s, Hecklers etc are.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumpers, Hecklers, Superlights, VT's, Epics, XC FSR's, KHS 704's, NRS's, Blur's and a few I forget just now.
Bike Setup:
Frame – 05 Ventana El Saltamonte Large with upgrade options of Quad Sealed Bearings in suspension pivots, Manitou Swinger 3-Way rear shock and 5 inch travel rocker.
Other Options Available – 3, 4, and 5-6 inch adjustable rockers, Std single sealed bearings, custom welding, custom paint, custom tubing.
Build – The bike is running Velocity Zvino Wheels, Rockshox Reba SL Fork, Sram drivetrain excluding the XT Hollowtech cranks, Avid cable disk brakes, 2.35 Syncros Point&Shoot tyres and nothing else that really matters a toss about the basic performance of the frame.
Weight – In the current build it varies around the 13 kg – 13.3 kg depending on if I have my carbon bars on it or what tyres I’m running.
Bottom Line:
Summary – The Ventana frames are not cheap but then you get what you pay for in this case as well. They are still comparable to the likes of Santa Cruz and other boutique brands in quality and pricing and in many cases Ventana offer more in the way of upgrades. The EL Saltamonte frame and shock we are talking about here is an awesome choice for the person who wants 1 top quality bike to do all their riding on. In the build up mentioned above this bike serves me for both endurance racing, endurance/ epic rides, general trail bashing and next year will probably do some short track racing on it as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deluxe
a Racer
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Forbes Regional State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1709.00
Purchased At:
Scholl's
Strengths:
Climbing, diving, cornering, just about everything that can be done on or said about a mountain bike. Colors are sweet too.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Pro Sommet (haha, well not really similar, but that's what I rode before).
Bike Setup:
Fox 100RLT and RP3, Avid mech disc brakes, Mavic 717s, DT Swiss Onyx hubs, XT drivetrain, Thomson stem and post, King HS, Titec Pluto saddle, Nevegal 1.95s, and EC 70 bar (Dangerboy Maltese Cross bar end caps add a nice custom touch)
Bottom Line:
In the words of Jeff the Drunk: "Oh my god." Words can't describe what it's like to pedal this rig. Climbs like a billy goat, dives like a falcon, and corners like a bat...and it draws a lot of stares.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mahatma grande
a Cross Country Rider
from vancouver island,british columbia Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
a tiny bit on the short side,but nothing to get too worried about.
Similar Products Used:
ibis szabo,santa cruz superlight,heckler,moots smoothie,and many steel hardtails over the last 15 years.
Bike Setup:
king headset,hubs,nixon platinum,xt,xtr,raceface deus cranks.
Bottom Line:
i can not tell you how much i enjoy this bike. from my very first ride,the salty felt like home. it climbs like a cross country bike(although not as well as my smoothie,but they are apples and oranges), and descends with authority...lots of confidence. the company,as stated by many reviewers,is a joy to deal with,and it is very nice to know that your dollars are not supporting sweatshop labour...fit and finish are top drawer. i am an aggressive xcountry rider,go out about three times a week,and ride in westcoast conditions,and take regular trips to the moab area...the salty is at home anywhere. an exceptional bike at any price.if you ride lots,ride hard,this bike will serve you very well.if you are just starting out,you will have purshased a machine that you will be able to grow with for years to come.plus,it has a huge cool factor cause it is so goodlookin,and not run of the mill in any respects.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
State Natural Area, Tx
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Ventana via the customer appreciation policy
Strengths:
Stiff, responsive and rock steady. The quality is fantastic, the paint excellent.
Weaknesses:
I have not found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana Pantera, Ionic Steelhead, Trek 8000 are the most recent.
Bike Setup:
The frame is a large and has a 105mm Zocci Bomber MX fork, Manitou Swinger 3 way shock with the suspension at 4 inches and uses the quad bearings. Tompson 100mm stem and offset seat post,XT M750 crank set with 180mm cranks, Sram everything in the shifting, chain and cassette. Mavix X717 wheels with Wheelsmith straight pull spokes, Maxxis weight weenie Rancheros front and rear that have been stansed.
Bottom Line:
I traded the Pantera frame in for the El Salt. I hit the trails 5 times a week weather permitting and am 6'2" and 215 lbs and ride aggressively. I have always had been able to ride a hard tail one day and the fs the next. I had been able to appreciate the Ionic and the Pantera equally but this changed with the Salt. I have ridden the hardtail 4 times since I have built the Salt (about 6 mos). The frame gives a ride that makes me want to push it faster on trails than I have been doing on other bikes. The cockpit and handling are differnent that on my other bikes. I am at a more upright position. For the turns,I have to set up earlier, but it is dead on, subtly sweet and responds to corrections quickly. The fore and aft stability is fantastic allowing me to keep the power on were before I was backing off a bit or lofting the front end to stay on my feet. Nice bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEVE ORNELLAS
a
from SANTA CRUZ,CA USA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wally World, 420, Old Cabin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Dave's Custom Bikes SC
Strengths:
Spot on Geometry.Excellent craftsmanship. Super strong and stiff.Climbs like crazy,Descends with supreme confidence.This bike can go anywhere you point it.Been riding off road since 1980,started with a customized Schwinn steel cruizer,then on to handbuilt Jeff Hoover Rigids,then an Orbea Xcr4 and finally The Ventana El Salamontes with quad bearings and 5" rear travel.From Santa Cruz to Moab and beyond this bike delivers everything as promised.The Quad bearing option produces a super stiff rear end that does not flinch under my 230lbs.All mountain Rider? This may be the perfect bike......
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Old school Schwinn, Custom built Rigids, Orbea XCR4 Cross Counry.
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas Fork,Fox Float Rear shock w/propedal,King hubs and headset,Ritchey OCR rims,Thomson stem and post,Avid Mech.,Sram XO rear-XTR front, Race face Atlas cranks,Eggbeaters,Hope quick-release seat clamp,Avid Ultimate brake levers.
Bottom Line:
My Orbea was my first Full Sus. It was a good bike.I have been riding this bike for over a year now. The El Saltamontes is a GREAT bike.Whether climbing technical single track or decending rocky sections this bike will not let you down.Invest in quality...quality craftsmanship...quality ride...quality fun!!! Sell your Plasma TV, get a Ventana and live the good life.I cannot speak too highly of the folks at Ventana, great customer service and they build every single part of their bikes right there in Rancho Cordova.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Nolte
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: September 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This is a follow up to my initial review. I now have four months of riding experience on my El Salt. The bike continues to amaze me. I can bomb through rutted, rocky downhill single track sections without a second thought as to trail conditions -- just point and go. The El Salt climbs exceptionally well, with excellent traction. Provided I have the legs and lungs, I can roll over roots, steps and rocks that I used to have to steer around with my old bike. I just upgraded to a 5" rear rocker, and took my first ride with this setup a few days ago. I noticed a small amount of rear end bob when I stood and hammered, but nothing excessive. This did not occur when I was running the 4" rocker. I plan to send my Fox Float R shock to Push Industries this winter to get it platform valved. That should eliminate the small amount of bob that I get with the 5" rocker. The good news is that the rear suspension now feels virtually bottomless. It just floats over everything.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Used to ride a steel hardtail -- it really can't compare.
Bike Setup:
SRAM X.9 triggers/X.9 RR Der/XT FD; Avid mechanical discs with Avid Ti levers; Thomson seat post; Easton MG60 stem; WTB Laserdisc wheels with Weirwolf tires; Race Face riser bar; FSA Mega Exo crank; FSA Orbit II headset; Shimano SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
The El Salt just keeps getting better and better. I recently had a guy on a Giant NRS catch up to me on a local single track trail. I asked if he wanted to pass, but he declined and rode behind me for several miles. At every downhill I would pull away from him, and then he would reel me back in on the uphills (he was a lot younger and stronger rider than I am). The point is, when it was bike vs. bike on the downhills, there was no way the NRS could hang with the El Salt. Had I been as strong a rider as he was, I would have steadily pulled away from him. If you prefer aggressive trail riding, or even light freeride, buy this frame and build it with the appropriate components. You can build it with 4, 5 or 6 inches of travel. If you are an XC racer type, take a look at the Ventana El Fuego -- same great craftsmanship and aesthetically pleasing frame, but lighter and more XC oriented.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M C
a
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Ventana "1 of the Family" Trade In Deal
Strengths:
'05 El Saltamontes with lower stand over height is what I was waiting for. Well built and gorgous to look at and (oh yeah) rides like a dream.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana Marble Peak '98. Mantis Profloater '95.
Bike Setup:
4" rockers, XTR 8 speed, Avid BB7 brakes, '05 Marathon SL, Bontrager Race LIte Tubeless Disc, MG60 magnesium stem, Easton carbon bars, Titec carbon bar-ends, Syncros seat post, Terry Fly ti saddle, Panaracer XC Pro tubeless tires.
Bottom Line:
Out performs my old Marble Peak. That was a great bike -- the El Salty is better. In the first weeks I was running with an Atom Race 100 and riding through stream beds filled with baby head sized rocks (amazing) and riding all over the trails at Bootleg Canyon. If I was in a rut, all I had to do was think about poping out and the bike would do it. Now with the Marathon SL it isn't as plush on the downhills -- but I can climb with very little bob (I like a firm fork). After 9 months I'm really getting the suspension dialed in to my 230lbs weight and this bike is sweet. Oh yeah, the Grinch Green metallic paint is awesome! Haven't seen another like it in Nevada.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Lim
a Weekend Warrior
from centreville, va. USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
wrench science
Strengths:
its a solid fs bike,workmanship on the bike is excellent,no flaw.i have nothing much to say on the bike cause everything they said about the bike is very true,it climbs and descend better than other bikes i have ridden.like i said its a solid bike it feels like a one piece frame.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
05 specialized stumpy fsr expert 100 disc.
Bike Setup:
05 16" salty red w/ 5" rocker,rp3,talas 130 rlc,el camino,xo g shift and rear der.xtr crank,f der,cogs.Ckings headset,iso hubs w/ mavic717.thomson stem,seatpost.answer pro taper os.kenda nevegal dtc 2.1
Bottom Line:
its a sweet salty.like what everybody say you get what you paid for...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank N.
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1175.00
Purchased At:
On line - used
Strengths:
This is my initial impression after 5 weeks of riding: The El Salt is a rock solid, confidence-inspiring frame that loves to be ridden hard. Craftsmanship and aesthetics are absolutely top notch. The ride is very forgiving and predictable. I am riding my favorite trails faster than I ever have (e.g. lowered my best time on one loop from 35 minutes to 32 minutes). It climbs extremely well, and just flies on the downhills. Every time I ride, I love this bike more! The folks at Ventana are terrific as well.
Weaknesses:
None identified so far.
Similar Products Used:
Rode a steel hardtail XC bike for almost nine years. This is my first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
SRAM X.9 Rear Der., cassette & trigger shifters; XT Frt. Der.; WTB Laserdisc wheels with Avid Mechanical Discs w/Avid Ti levers; FSA MegaExo crankset; Thomson seatpost; Easton Magnesium stem; RF Air Alloy low rise bars; WTB Weirwolf tires (terrific); Manitou Minute 3 fork; Fox Float R rear shock.
Bottom Line:
All the great things that you may have heard about Ventana are true. This is a rock solid, laterally stiff frame that just gobbles up anything that you can throw at it. You will find yourself looking for bigger challenges, and cleaning sections that you used to struggle with. It's not cheap, but it is definitely worth the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Reed
a Cross Country Rider
from Roodepoort Gauteng South Africa Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4700.00
Purchased At:
West Rand Cycles
Strengths:
Control and feel on descents is confidence inspiring – it begs you to go faster, climbs really well – you can even stand & pedal with control on fairly steep inclines, tight direct steering – just look where you want to go & it takes you there, nails rough terrain, has a responsive frame, is very comfortable and has great pedaling efficiency.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche - hard tail,Giant NRS - dual suspension,Fuji, Mt Fuji – hard tail, K2 SL Team issue – dual suspension
Bike Setup:
S Ram X 9 Grip Shifts, Race face Dues Cranks, Fox Float Vanilla 100mm RCL Fork, Fox Pro Pedal rear shock, Juicy Avid 7 disk brakes, Mavic Enduro tubeless rims, Hutchinson Python tires, WTB rocket seat,Crank brothers titanium egg beater pedals Weight approx 24.2 Lbs
Bottom Line:
I have a small Cosmic Orange Ventana El Salamontes 2005 mountain bike. Eben from West Rand Cycles introduced me to these awesome mountain bikes and he has set up my bike perfectly, given me great service and I can recommend them for anyone considering buying a Ventana bike in South Africa. For me this is by far the best bike I have ever owned and it is the Ferrari of mountain bikes. When you swing your leg over to ride it you know you are riding a very special bike and it is brilliant as a cross country bike. The quality of the frame and aesthetic appeal can’t be rivaled and if you own one of these you have reached mountain bike nirvana.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wolf
a
from Bend, OR Date Reviewed: May 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bike Setup:
Marz. FR SL fork, 5th Element Air shock. XTR, XT wheels.
Bottom Line:
This is my third of fourth review of this bike. I haven't posted since last Summer (no riding in winter, here. For me, anyway). After having great times on my El Salt (check previous reviews), I ended ripping the bottom bracket shell off of the downtube riding up the face of a very small jump. Had to stuff pinecones in the rear suspension to make it home. Sent the bike back, and Ventana took good care of me. Returned the Salt with a beefier seat tube. No problems since. I weigh 165lbs, and I'm not that 'radical', but ride very hard in wide variety. I've broken at least 5 frames in 25 years, mostly road bikes. These things happen - no 'high performance' frame is 'immune'. What matters is how they take care of you when it happens.
Now in my 2nd year of ownership, the El Salt and it's fork and shock are still excellent. I have no envy of the current crop of bikes out there. The Prophet (cannondale) looks good, and lighter than mine (I'm at 29lbs in 5" guise). I can absolutely rage on this bike, though, so I don't know why trade it in. The fun part is just trying to continually push the envelope with the bike. The frame demands more from tires. I switched to 2.4 dual slalom tire on the front in order to get the front to carve as hard as possible because of the speeds I'm going on normal trail rides. I climb ok on it, but it's not like being on a real XC racer, obviously. 29lbs is 29lbs and it's not gonna be as spunky as 24 no matter how firm the suspension is.
The Salt is now tempting me to take bigger drops. This is what a 'great' trail bike is supposed to do. Allow you to make the climbs, maybe not like a race bike, but not much worse, than allow to be creative on the descent - and do it again and again all day long.
Ventana El Salt is still #1 in my book. I'll let you know if that changes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sukotto
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
MRT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
Versatility, stiffness, handling, durability, built quality, customer support!
Weaknesses:
Maybe price? But, you get what you pay for. I would prefer fewer stickers....also, my brother now owns one as well.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Scalpel, Jekyll, Kona Dawg, Fisher Cake
Bike Setup:
05' TALAS, 05' Float RP3, X819 wheels/Big Jim UST tires/240 Hubs, Marta brakes, XT shifters and M752 cranks, XT cassette and XTR Rear Mech; Thomson post/stem (100mm) and Maxim carbon riser bar.
Bottom Line:
For the hardcore trail rider that simply wants the best available (cost no object), simply look no further than the Saltamontes. This is the bike to have.
I work at a shop, and researched basically every "hot" trailbike on the market: Turner 5-spot, Yeti 575, Ellsworth ID, ect. I pulled the trigger on the Salty, due not only to the ride quality (unbeatable) but also due to the excellent service that the folks at Ventana provide. If you have any questions, Sherwood will answer them personally for you, and try to get you set of to handle your needs. In fact, I asked him if was worth upgrading to the new '05 Salty (mine is a 2004) and he said "since you don't currently have standover issues, and assuming you have money burning a hole in your pocket, don't buy another: the '04 is basically the same bike". Not many company owners would turn down a sale-most would tell you how their latest iteration was the "latest and greatest"!
You can set it up the Salty with either 4" or 5" of travel (swapping out rockers is not a big deal, and there is an adjustable travel version available). 4" rockers and a 100mm travel fork gives you a crisp-handling, XC-oriented trailbike that has a very stiff rear end. The new RP3 has very little pedal bob and sucks up everything. You can still ride any trail with this setup, yet not give much away to the racer rigs on flying singletrack.
In the 5" mode (which I primarily run) the bike is a burly trailbike, made to tackle anything. Technical descents at speed are nothing for this machine-just point it and it guides you through the roughest terrain smoothly and confindently. I like to run the TALAS at 115mm for all-around riding in the 5" mode, and drop it a bit on really steep climbs. Handling is nice and neutral with this setup, though a touch more sluggish than the 4" mode. In the 5" mode, this feels like a superhero bike-I can do no wrong at it, and can take trails at higher speed than I have before on any other bike. This bike climbs as well, descents better, and is stiffer than any other 5" FS rig I have tried.
The Salty is the perfect balance between XC quickness and plush, no-mistake all-mountain rig. This bike left the other 5" bikes I was able to extensively ride in the dust (Kona Dawg was too sluggish and heavy, Fisher Cake an unstable descender, Jekyll sluggish but solid feeling). I would suggest an adjustable travel fork (like the TALAS) to find the sweet spot in terms of handling for the Salty.
Don't discount what this bike is capable of-it may only be a 4" rig stock, but is very durable, with the stiffest rear triangle on the market (I have the double-bearing version). It can easily handle anything thrown at it, especially with the longer travel rockers, but really is most at home as a hardcore trailbike. For those looking for more of a light FR rig, check out the X5 (which I also was looking at, but it was more FR and slacker than I prefer for all-around use).
Bottom line-if you want a 4" or 5" trailbike, look at the Salty first! You would be very hard-pressed to find a dissapointed customer, but may uncover many fanatical Ventanaphiles!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy Dyke
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin,Texas Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
rattlesnake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Hammerhead Bikes
Strengths:
plush, stiff, quick handling, convertible to 5 inch+, work of art,excellent company,good climber and decender.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz superlight
Bike Setup:
electric red El Salty,Fox, Marta, King, XTR, Sram, Thompson, yata,yata,yata
Bottom Line:
Rockin' Bike. Coming off the noodle Superlight this bike is a world of difference. Wheras the Superlight limited me, I now limit the El Salty. I had no idea what difference a stiff frame really makes. I'm still getting used to the bike, but I'm already cleaning stuff I wasn't making on the SL. I'm gaining more confidence every time I ride this bike. I like this bike as much or more than my buddies new Hammer Head, and that says ALOT. In fact, Charles @ Hammerhead help me select the El Salty. I like my Salt a little better as a technical trailbike, which is what I ride the most. Charles and Lonnie have been great. Maybe I'll ride like them someday.(definitely not a poser though) At least now I have the right bike! RIDE ON!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WZL
a
from Abq, NM Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
This is a one year update and since Ventana's are not model year specific I am putting this update under '04 because most of the parts are '04 models.
This bike rocks. Period. I have beaten the crap out of this thing and it is still solid. I rode it back down the Amasa Back trail in Moab in a thunderstorm last Thursday and this bike handled so well I didn't even notice that it was pouring rain, the trail/road was actually a stream, and that all the rocks were slippery wet. This is a testament to the bikes good temper, not my skills. I was able to instantly flick around rocks and cactus, and then fling myself off of small ledges without hesitation, even in the nastiest weather. Did I say this bike rocks?
Weaknesses:
Uh, you still have to pedal? Nothin with the Ventana but... Actually, the Mavic CrossMax wheels I got with the bike seized up after about 6 months of use. The freehub body, that is. Mavic does not warranty this part so it cost me about $60 to replace it.
Also had problems with my Hayes brakes. They never seemed to develop much power, they ate through pads way too quickly, the carbon levers get real slippery when wet, and those damn reach lever adjustment screws just keep backing out.
The Romic coil sprung an oil leak but this was a known and stated manufacturing problem. I sent the shock back to Romic to get it fixed under warranty but UPS lost it and I ended up with a brand new one. Romic has fixed their manufacturing error so any new shocks should not see this issue. I got a Manitou 3-way and Fox Talus as spares cuz down time sucks.
Similar Products Used:
I own many, many Kona's. Then I discovered Ventana. Test rode some Ellsworths but everybody's got one and I am not really into Goth, or tatoos for that matter.
Bike Setup:
3-4-5 rocker. Quad bearings. XTR drive train where it counts. Thomson parts where it counts. Zoch Z1 sl set up with about 30 psi positive and about 150 psi negative. This setup makes the fork truly plush and gives excellent small bump sensitivity. Big hit sensitivy on a Z1 is a given. Romic twin tube rear. Also have a swinger 3-way and a Fox Talus as back ups. CK hubs laced up to Mavic 717 disc rims with Hope M4 200/180 mm rotors.
Bottom Line:
This bike can be a chameleon. For high altitude Colorado single track I go with the 3-way for pedalling efficiency and 4 inches of travel. For Moab like terrain with lots of rocks and drops I go with the Romic coil in the 5 inch mode because it is far more plush. After a year I finally developed a small creak in my drive train so I took the crank off to grease it up. Talk about attention to detail, even the inside of the bottom bracket is painted! Source of the creak turned out to be my left Candy pedal but then a little bit of grease fixed that as well.
If you have been looking at Ventana's then by now you have realized that they are truly special bikes. Others try hard and others build great bikes but in the end the Ventana El Saltamontes is the best frame for all around trail riding. It excells at everything from fast flat twisty single track to long slogging climbs to rippin fast down hills. I left a guy riding a Truth in the dust coming down Silver Creek and the Rainbow outside of Salida and I wasn't even trying.
Bottom line: if I could buy one for each of my riding buddies I would.
One final statement-try this on a bike you are considering: Roll down a steepish hill and apply only the back brake. A Ventana will dig in and squat. Some others that are supposedly such efficient pedallers will jack up and tilt you forward. When I am applying my brakes going down a steep hill I think I want the rear end to sit, not stand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Palatine, IL Date Reviewed: September 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Solid stiff frame. Great climber! Awesomse service from Ventanan
Weaknesses:
none really.
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 100 rl, Romic Shock, shimano XT hydrolic brakes... Here..you can see the parts list and pics! http://richardsbicycles.com/site/showitem.cfm?searchtype=Keywords&Catalog=39&Description=ventana
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this bike is what everyone say it is. It's a solid bomb proof great looking bike that soaks up everything on the trails. I've been riding mine since April and love it. The bike realy excels on techincal climbs. Being new to mtbinking I've had my fair share of serious falls/wrecks this year. I've come out with scrapes, bruises, stitches,ect and the bike frame comes out undamaged(which is nice since it's not cheap!).
If you thinking of buying just call Ventana yourself to get you questions answered. The're a super company with great customer service. I bought mine at RichardsBicycles.com. The provided great service, answered all my questions and had my bike built up within a day of receiving the frame. If you call them ask for Richard. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Adman
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Park, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Backbone - Kanan to Corral
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sundance Cycles
Strengths:
The build quality is exemplary. The linkage is very well thought out. The quad bearing option makes the back end feel as tight as a hard tail. Fit and finish is some of the best in the industry
Weaknesses:
Being more of an XC rider, it could be a little lighter. However, the quad bearing option added about a pound but was worth every ounce. I would hardly call that a weakness seeing that I'm not racing.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth
Bike Setup:
El Sal with Fox AVA ProPedal, Fox TALAS in the front, Full XTR Disc and Mavic CrossMax with Mythos Tubeless. Bontrager carbon post, Easton EC70 stem, Easton EC90 Bar and WTB Pure V Gell saddle.
Bottom Line:
This was a long-time decision made between the Ellsworth Truth and the El Sal. They both offer quite a bit and both have their strong points. All full suspension designs offer compromises in certain areas. The Truth that I test rode for about a month was super efficient and a great climber, which I loved. The El Sal is a little more active so subsequently it doesn’t climb as efficiently but it does soak up the little bumps as well as the big hits really well which makes it handle great. After riding the El Sal for a few months now, I feel that it does just about everything a little bit better and was the smarter choice in the long run. They are both incredible all-around bikes and you can’t loose with either one but I think the quality of the build, the design and the way Ventana stands behind their products and the people who ride them is what won me over.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a
from Preskitt Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Mtnhighcyclery.com used
Strengths:
Great performer, Strong, Beautiful powder coat and lines, Shock options, travel options
Weaknesses:
None really
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Jekyl 600 for 3 years
Bike Setup:
3,4,5 rocker and Quad bearings, Talas fork, Push air shock, Speeddream wheels, thomson stem and post, Maxm MX5 bars, X-9 twist shifters and Der.
Bottom Line:
I was able to get a great deal on this frame and build from Larry at Mountain High Cyclery. This bike is actually his personal used bike, so it is probably a 2001 model with 3,4,5 rocker and quad bearings. I have now ridden it 1-2 times/week for one year. I honestly did not expect to like this bike so much. It clearly does EVERYTHING better than my 3 year old Jekyll. On technical climbs, it just hooks up. Descending is a breeze, and it is every bit as plush as the Jekyll. It built up about 29 lbs. I am impressed with the punishment it can take, expecially considering it was used for two years before I got it. It is three years old, ridden hard, with basically no real issues other than scratches in the finish. I enjoy the options you can have with various shocks (I have tried a Romic coil, and fox air before deciding on the Pushed Fox float).
You can also adjust the rear travel. I find the 4 inch front and rear setting to work well on tight, smooth single track and the 5 inch setting better in the rough stuff, or for just cruising and exploring on the trails. I generally ride in the 5 inch setting, and like the fact that I can crank the Talas down to lower the handlebars and steepen the geometry for steep climbs. It makes a huge difference. The Talas has been trouble free, and is a nice compliment to the rear suspension in plushness.
I also really like the classic double diamond shape of the bike. The lines are clean.
If you ever have any trouble, you can call or email the designer and builder of the bike and get an answer fast!
I recommend the bike with no reservations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn M
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Revolution
Strengths:
Incredible traction, strong, yet very light weight. Incredible geometry really works for climbing and with the Manitou Minute 3 shock in long travel is superb at steep decents.
Weaknesses:
Stick on graphics are not what you would expect for a bike of this price.
Similar Products Used:
The Saltamontes replaced a Trek Fuel 90 with similar kit. The Salt is about the same weight to the Trek, but better handling and suspension feel meant I could beat the Treks best time on my favorite trail on the 1st ride even without proper tuning. Others tried and demo'd include Ellesworth, Turner 5 spot, Yeti 575, Gary Fisher Cake, Trek Liquid, Intense 5.5. This bike is lighter, better handling and Big enough for me. Many of the others do not make frames large enough for a 6'4" rider. Or, they were to flexy or not supple enough for a 5" ride.
Bike Setup:
2005 Manitou Swinger 3 Way shock, XTR cranks, disks, and derailers. Mavic Crosmax SL, Continental UST tires, Easton EA70 bar and Stem, Thompson seat post, King headset, and Fizik Aliante seat.
Bottom Line:
This bike really improved my riding. The large frame lets me breath and really put power down. I switched to 180 MM cranks, and it really helped my pedaling efficiency. The move to UST tires is awesome. The geometry of this bikes is wonderful for both up and down. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a light weight yet still strong and hardcore backcountry trail tamer. Of course, I specced it out with great components, but, the specs are similar to the Trek Fuel it is replacing. I was planning to keep the Trek and make it my race bike, and the Salt a backcountry bike, but, the Salt is faster and more capable. Now, I guess I will use the Trek as my winter bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Dodson
a Weekend Warrior
from Jupiter, Florida Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
So far Black's Canyon Wyoming, bring your high altitude lungs!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4100.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
The Frame is solid under my 275 lbs fully loaded body
Weaknesses:
Had a mishap with the derailer hanger, but Wrench Science shipped me a new hanger and derailer overnight and I was back on the trails the next day. Big thanks to Chris and Zack at Wrench science.
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension bike I've owned. Never trusted them because of my 6'6" 275 lbs fully loaded frame. Was riding older Cannondale hardtail prior to this bike.
Bike Setup:
Extra large Ventana Salty with full XT components, Manitau Sherman Firefly front fork, ROMIC rear shock, Mavic 823 disc rims. Weighs in at 32.5lbs.
Bottom Line:
The first time I sat on this bike was to ride up an advanced trail in Wyoming. Nothing like jumping head first into the shallow end of the pool. I have to say the bike kicked butt and felt completely solid under me going both up and down the trails. Other than a bent derailer hanger and needing to replace the rear derailer (which I blame on the trail we where riding not the bike) the bike has exceeded my expectations. When I ordered it from Wrench Science I explained that I wanted the M1A1 Abrams tank of mountain bikes and I am pleased to say they delivered. Yes it's expensive but if you want a SOLID bike frame I can't see it getting much better than this. I can't say enough good things about the folks at Wrench Science, no matter who I talked to they were always friendly and super helpful. Will update as time goes on and I start pounding it on the palm tree roots down here.
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Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything, anywhere, anytime!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dreamride.com - Moab
Strengths:
Super stiff frame, Plushhhhh ride, Great climber, Will descend as fast as your balls will let you, Perfect ride.
Custom "Fully" frame based on the El Saltamontes, 'Zoke FR SL fork, Romic rear shock, FSA Cranks, Magura brakes, and every last thing you can think of to make this baby supa-dupa trick! If ya gotta know, then go to: www.dreambike.com/secrets/graubics.htm
Bottom Line:
I searched long and hard to find a bike that would be my "Brass Ring". I found it. Lee, at Dreamride, is THE MAN when it comes to bike knowledge. Everything he told me about frames and parts were EXACTLY right. The bike handles like a dream. It sucks up EVERYTHING on the trail. It does it so well that you end up going faster and faster, to the point of getting dangerous if you're not really carefull! With the high BB, you can laugh at all but the most monsterous obsticles. And the frame is so laterally stiff that you will NEVER feel any flex. Yet, with the help of the Romic and 'Zoke, you are floating on a cloud. I could not be any happier with this bike. It's not cheap, not by a mile, but the old adage of "you get exactly what you pay for" could not be more true. If you're looking for the ultimate trail bike, look to Dreamride and Ventana. Both will give you the best of the best.
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Submitted by
Antonio
a Weekend Warrior
from Bilbao-Spain Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any long singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
mtnhighciclery
Strengths:
Design, climbing, descending, adjustements, colors, looks a beauty.
This is a perfect bike for me, it has everything with the adjustable rocker, from a xc bike to a freeride with 6". With a new fork of 100-140mm could be a ligth downhill bike able to climb as a hardtail. Paint and colors, materials are perfect. If you add a good racer it is inbeatable.
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Submitted by
mitch
a Cross Country Rider
from torrance,ca Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
backbone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
bicyclebanana
Strengths:
this frame is the perfect balance of stability and handling.abit overbuilt-will last a long time
Weaknesses:
hard to find used
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth truth, wild hare, sugar 1
Bike Setup:
fox rlt 100 forks, formula bplus disc brakes, stans, daves's dreamwheels with stans rims, 4' rocker on rear,riser bars,xtr rear derailer, ritchie 172.5 cranks,action tec small and middle chainrings
Bottom Line:
I wanted something alittle more cross countryfriendly than my 95 ellworth fs2xc. this bike climbs almost as good as the ellsworth. The Ventana El Saltamontes is much better for me at everything else. Its great through loose stuff. there is not hint of flex. I called ventana to ask questions about the bike and someone knowledgable always answers the phone. The bike weighs 25.9 pounds with the light weight wheels and fire pro xc 2.1 with stans. There is plenty of ground clearance and the relaxed head angle is less tiring on long rides. After three rides I got used to the disc brake power. The extra bit of weight over vee's is worth it. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a great plush 4" travel x-country bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Porc Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Direct from Ventana
Strengths:
Lateral Stiffness, Build Quality, Company Support, Versatility
Weaknesses:
Versatility comes a a price
Similar Products Used:
Too Many, Hammerhead 100x, Racer X, Turner XCE, Ellsworth Truth (broken), 00 Saltamontes
Bike Setup:
Float 100 RLT, King , Thomson, XT
Bottom Line:
The new platform shocks have really transformed the rear end of the Saltamontes. While they have always been the stiffest in the business, I felt the lack of a horst hindered accleration a bit, leading to a sluggish accleration feel. NO MORE. I'm currently using a PUSH industries modified Float R. However, I've ridden a float R (on my 00 salty), pro-pedal, romic, and 5th element air on this bike. All of the platform shocks transform the accleration in my opinion. Combine this with the cornering stiffness and you have a bike that just handles like it is on rails. The build quality is unparalleled in the industry. The best Aluminum builder out there with Titus.
I've got the double bearing option, I always thought my bushing salty was plenty stiff, but this takes it up a notch.
The ability to convert the bike at any time to more travel with different rockers is a nice benefit. I'm currently running it at 4 inches front and rear. Perfect for me. I suggest using a 0 rise stem to keep the front end down if you do a lot of XC.
For those worried about the lack of a horst link.
1. The accleration is awesome wtih a platform shock.
2. Between sherwoods manipulation of the rockers, and the stiffness I feel it brakes fine. Particularly when going into a downhill turn that is bumpy, that stiffness more than makes up for any brake jack that may be there (I don't notice it), plus the rear will not waggle around the corners. A two stage platform like the PUSH industires helps even more. I've ridden horst bikes for years. I seriously would NOT make that your deciding factor. Fit and set-up mean a lot more than a pivot. Trust me.
Bottom line - one of my two favorite all time FS MTB's. The El Saltamontes, and Hammerhead 100 x. Ventana's customer support is just awesome. A bike you can't go wrong with.
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Submitted by
markus
a
from Fremont Ca Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
frame only - ebay
Strengths:
strong frame. solid rear end w/ quad bearings
Weaknesses:
the quad bearings do add some weight, but performace is well worth the extra weight.
Bike Setup:
2004 17" el salt. fox float 100 RLC, fox R, monkeylite bars, next LP race face w/ti BB, X.9 trigger, XTR front, XO rear, thompson stem and seat post, king hubs w/ Marta SL disc brakes
Bottom Line:
have only had this bike for a week so far it rides great i just got the hardware to put on the manitou 3 way swinger rear shock. ill leave another review in a few weeks. the bike is set up with the stock 4" rocker and weighs in just over 25 1/2 LBS. so far its a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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