Description:-Legendary Ventana "Electric Sex" TIG welds
-Precision machined side plates with integral “V” logo
-"X-brace" mainframe for increased stiffness and improved standover
-Double seal, quad set, oversized cartridge bearings
-15 mm bearing axles
-Low 2.6:1 compression ratio for lighter springs & longer shock life
-Straight rate shock compression
-Wide stance swingarm pivot points for unparalleled lateral stiffness
-Extra beefy down tube gusset
-Vertical dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger
-International standard disc brake mount
-1-1/8" internally butted head tube
-Fox Float RL rear shock with lockout
-Fits 34.9 mm top pull front derailleur
-27.2 mm seat post diameter
-73 mm, internally butted, CNC machined BB shell and main pivot
-Shot peened & black anodized finished mainframe
-Ball burnished rear swingarm
Submitted by
Mike P
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Shaker Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Comfortable, strong, nimble, and the finish. I have no complaints. This has been one of most reliable bikes I have ever had. Single pivot suspension. I am convinced that two bearings are the best. The more complicated suspensions might offer the occasional advantage but the simplicity of the tried and true single pivot wins hands down.
Weaknesses:
No place for water bottles. It's nice not to have to wear a Camel Back when it's hot.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg Primo, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Bike Setup:
LK two piece crank, Fox Vanilla 100mm fork, Mavic Crossland tubeless wheel set, PAN RACER Fire XC UST tires, LX shifters, XT derailuers
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I have three others and I still consider my Pantera to be old reliable. I intend to ride this bike as long as it lasts. I wish Ventana would consider putting this frame back into production for us single pivot fans.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from charlotte Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007
Santa Cruz: Blur, Superlight, Heckler Yeti: 575 Jamis: Dakar Pro
Bike Setup:
Monkeylight XC bar, SRAM X9 triggers, Avid Ti-levers and Mechanical Disc, Thompson Stem, Thompson Seatpost, WTB Laser saddle, RaceFace Turbine 175 cranks and rings, Chris King head set, Mavic CrossMax SL UST wheel set, Panarace UST Fire Pro, SRAM X9 rear D, SRAM 980 cassette, SRAM 991 hollow pin chain, Shimano XT front D, Time Alum Pedals.
Bottom Line:
I've been MTB over 15 years, owned a lot of bikes and this frame is the best I have ever owned PERIOD! It is the perfect frame for my style of riding. It is fast, nimble, corners like it's on a rail, blazes across roots and rocks like they aren't there, accelerates fast, is awesome downhill, handles great and I have zero complaints about this frame. I only wish Ventana still made them!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willem Boom
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Storm King
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
EBAY Auction
Strengths:
Super stiff frame! Awesome Ventana quality. This is the start of a Ventana collection for me!! No doubt. Most impressed with the service from Ventana as well. Sherwood has been very helpful. I look forward to many more Ventana's in the future.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Lots of different frames!!
Bike Setup:
RP23 Rear Shock Fox Float 130 RLC Fork Chris King Headset Thomson Elite Stem Thomson Masterpiece Seatpost All Shimano XT 2007 Drivetrain with dual control shifters XT 765 Mechanical Disc Brakes Yeti Arc Carbon Riserbar Ergon Grips RynoLite Rims / DT Swiss Spokes / Panaracer Tires WTB Shadow V Seat Salsa Seatpost Clamp (quick release) XTR Pedals (LOVE THEM)
Bottom Line:
GET A VENTANA!
My next addition will be an El Ciclon!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Barneich
a Weekend Warrior
from Arroyo Grande, Ca,USA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005
None that I have found so far. It rides like a dream compared to my old bike(93 M2 FS)
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension owned. Tried Stumpjumpers, hecklers, Kikapus, Enduros, superlights, haros.
Bike Setup:
Truv stylo team cranks, xt hubs laced to mavic 517s, xt rd,Avid BB7 disks, easton EA50 bars & post, EA70 stem, WTB progel seat, Velociraptors, Marathon SL 105 forks
Bottom Line:
I researched a new bike for 3years.(had some time because of young kids at home). This bike is incredible. I love the single pivot simplicity and the craftmanship that the people at ventana put into their product. This bike is so well balanced (both in design and build). I am lucky enough to live close to the SLO cambria bike store. I highly recommend the people that work there. They helped me build the perfect bike at the price point I was at. The Marathon SL 105 fork is a perfect companion to the fox float RL in the rear. This is my first full suspension bike, and I can't express enough how well made this bike is. I climbed trails I never would have made on my old hardtail, and technical singletrack is this bike's strength. I have never had this much fun bike riding. $1900 for a complete pro-build ventana was an incredible deal to me. The ride seals the deal. This bike is great for the trail rider that is out to have fun. If you like to climb, do technical singletrack, and cruise in comfort and control on the downhill, then this bike is for you. I came very close to buying a Heckler, but I am not a hucker, or downhiller. This is a super strong, laterally stiff trailbike closer to the XC end of the trailbike rainbow. Travel is 4"(feels like just as much as a heckler or enduro) front and rear if that is important to you. I couldn't get the thing to bob even in the small ring. Don't know if that is because of the propedal or the frame design. I got some 4 bar bikes to bob on the parking lot test rides. Get a pantera while they last!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LoneStar
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: January 10, 2005
After looking at a number of bikes, going through the endless information on mountain bike suspension, and speaking with Sherwood at Ventana, I finally elected to go with the Pantera. I was looking for a bike with at least 4 inches of travel (check), better standover than most medium travel bikes (check), and a durable, bullet-proof frame (check). The fact that I could get a Ventana at my price point made it a no-brainer, although the Turner Burner definitely had caught my attention.
I am very satisfied with the decision to go with the Pantera. After three months of riding it on southern Appalachia trails, it has helped me become a much better rider. Technical downhills are no longer the white knuckle affair they used to be and this bike just eats up typical singletrack in this area. Many of the trails I ride are ridge hugging singletrack that this bike just devours in the middle chainring. The bike climbs very well, and I can't say that I feel I have really missed anything by not getting a more complex suspension design. To me, it is definitely a better climber than my previous Manomano.
I have friends that I have let take the bike for a test spin, and they have been very impressed with the feel of the bike. First thing they note is the lateral stiffness in the frame and they have also commented on how plush the bike is. As others I said, it feels like more than four inches.
All in all, I am very satisfied with this bike and would highly recommend it to others.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ricky
a Racer
from pleasanton,ca Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
northstar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
real bikes
Strengths:
limited amount of bob, it is apretty good cliber compared to my hardtail
Weaknesses:
swingarm is kinda wierd feeling
Similar Products Used:
yeti 575, litespeed hardtail
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla 125, fox float rear, sun rhino rims, xt and hope mini disc brakes
Bottom Line:
it is a great bike for cross country riding and racing. it doesnt bob to much and climbs faster then my hardtail. i like the feel of a single pivot. the yeti i rode felt a little soft had to much bounce. the pantera is flawless on the dowhill at 35+ so if you are interested in a great bike made custom right here in america then this is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Richards Hollow, Logan UTAH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$859.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike.com
Strengths:
High Quality Frame Great singletrack handling GREAT Tech support Value
Weaknesses:
Swingarm is flexy when using V's
Similar Products Used:
2000 Santa Cruz Heckler (old design with Fox RL)
Bike Setup:
Fox RL ProPedal, Fox Talas, 517's, XT V's, SRAM X9, Race Face
Bottom Line:
Out of the box you know you are dealing with something special. This frame is a true work of art. I agree with one of the previous posts – this frame is a joy to build. I have always liked the Panteras – and at $859 I could resist no longer.
My last bike was a 2000 Heckler (the old design with a Fox RL) so I was used to a little pedal bob. However the Pantera has MUCH less bob than the Heckler. How much of this is due to the straight rate compression, and how much is due to the ProPedal I don’t know (the one I got from Cambria had a 2004 Fox ProPedal RL). But I like it! – It is better than most of the four-bars I have ridden.
Downhill performance is great – and the primary reason I like the Single Pivot designs, They are simple, tough and can do everything with no creaking complaints! The frame is bomb-proof and very stiff, with one exception – the swingarm is flexy when using V’s. Not a big gripe since most people will be using discs (and I can use a booster) but the Heckler was much stiffer here (probably the little mud catching brace they use). Also if you are a big guy or big dropper you will want the Super-Link option.
I am running a Fox Talas up front. I live in Colorado so if you are not cranking up – you are bombing down – not much in between. With the Talas you can wind down for the climb the wind back up to 5” for the downhill. It is a great compliment to the do-anything nature of the Pantera.
Weight on my large frame (with the Fox RL) is 6.5 lbs, same as my 2000 large Heckler. Total bike weight is right at 27lbs (with V’s). Which is not bad. I wanted a bike I could use on 24 hr races and also throw on the ski lift for a day of grins! You could probably cut a couple pounds with a SID, Max SL’s and a carbon bar – but that’s not the purpose of this frame (buy a Superlight for that).
Hey one other big plus – the people at Ventana are GREAT! I called with a couple of build questions and got a real live bike dude! It is very rare to call a company’s tech support and have the person say, “Well we were in Moab last weekend, and we found that…” These folks are doing it! They are not slapping their stickers on some Taiwan frame and putting you on hold.
Hey I’m not a bike snob – but at the trailhead there are two kinds of mountain bikers – those who know what a Ventana is – and those who don’t
See you on the trail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Grande Cache, AB Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$859.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Build quality Lateral rigidity Good suspension performance Great downhill handling Exclusivity
Weaknesses:
Mediocre climber Not a flyweight
Bottom Line:
I was shopping for a single pivot frame, and had nearly settled on the SC Superlight when I came across the Pantera. The Superlight is a great bike, but I never personally liked the appearance of the frame. The Pantera is much more appealing visually. Priced at $859, the Ventana was a much better deal than the SC.
After riding the Pantera for a few weeks, I have a few comments. First, as an experienced bike builder, it was a pleasure to put this machine together. The bottom bracket went in the shell like butter, as did the headset cups - a sure sign of attention to detail. The first ride revealed this bike's strength - it's one hell of a descender. The rigidity of the frame, the relaxed head angle and the longish wheelbase make for a downhill rocket. It also handles well in the tight singletrack, and despite the fairly hefty overall weight of the bike, it's easy to pull the front end up to launch over obstacles. With the Fox Float RL dialed to the right pressure, bob is minimal.
Climbing performance is OK, but not great. The long chainstays demand that you keep your weight back to maintain traction, which ultimately limits the grades you can pull. If you're a climber, this may not be the frame for you. For me, the downhill handling and suspension performance make up for the climbing limitations. If I want to impress people with my ascending skills, I use my hardtail.
The icing on the cake is the exclusivity of the Ventana marque - I have a higher probability being hit by lightning than meeting another Ventana on my local trails. It was great to go into a couple of bike shops, looking for a chainstay guard, and have them say "Ventana...never heard of it."
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$869.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike
Strengths:
- Rigid, unfalteringly cornering
- Trail-bike geometry
- Superb build quality
- Made in the USA
Weaknesses:
None observed so far
Similar Products Used:
Previous bikes - KHS Team ST, Interloc Steel Hardtail
Bike Setup:
2003 Float RL Rear W/remote lock-out, Talas RL, Team Stylo Cranks, Hayes Mag Disk Brakes, XT/Mavic 317 Wheelset, Full-XT drive train, King head set, Thompson stem, Syncros post, Panaracer 2.1 tires.
Bottom Line:
The Pantera has exceeded my expectations. At the close-out price of $869 it was a ridiculous bargain. Out of the box I was impressed by the finish and superb build quality of the frame. Customer service from Teresa and Sherwood was a significant departure from my previous “bike company” experiences.
I weigh 195# without gear and this bike is super stiff (I’ve got the super-link option). If you’re a big guy or an aggressive xc rider, this is the rig for you. This bike is not for the serious light weight xc racer, but I suspect this would be a good race bike for the Clydesdales.
This is a great bike for single track carving. The handling has greatly surpassed any previous bike that I’ve ridden. Climbing is good and overall I’m a faster rider on my familiar trails. Having ridden a single pivot design like this I’m willing to live with a little bob for the fully active compliant suspension. I’ve got the remote lock-out for the Float RL and if I ever feel the need to hammer out of the saddle I simply flip the switch. I’m interested to try the Romic shock after reading the various reviews, but for the time being I’m very happy with the Float RL. Sad to see the Pantera discontinued, but I’m glad to have gotten one for myself. My next bike will be another Ventana. If I didn’t have a family to support I’d buy an El Chamuco for my trip to Whistler this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
still searching
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Only comes in Black.
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
black elite, easton, thomson, avid disc, xt
Bottom Line:
I came from a 5 inch travel bike and this bike handles everything that I through at it. It handles very well and I am very pleased with this frame. I do not notice the weight but I came from a heavier bike so it actually feels very light and nimble to me. It has improved my climbing and overall performance of the bike. I am very pleased and would recommend this bike to anyone looking for an all around great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kev
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno/Tahoe Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe's Flume... Nevada Side
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cambia Bikes
Strengths:
Any sex is good at my age. The Electric Sex welds are great. Alot of attention to quality and a passion for bikes go into a Ventana frame. I've heard about them, researched them, and are now a happy member of the cult. Stiff, agile, stealth like, tracks and climbs great, and still at around 26lbs (or less). I have no problem with the black. All my buds say it looks like a hot rod. Straight cable routing makes for some very smooth shifting and good brake leverage. At $859, I feel like I stole it.
Weaknesses:
Left over guides for brake lines. Universal options for cable routing are wonderful, just don't need those extra barbed wire like guides looking to snag any meat. Frame configuration only allows for water bottle cage on the bottom side of down tube. Don't like to carry a back type hydration pack if I don't need to, but not really any other options for this frame. A bit of brake flex in the rear swingarm, but spend more time trying to accelerate and will probably forgo a booster.
Similar Products Used:
SantaCruz/Weyless clone/Jamis
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR, the new XTR cranks, XTR/517/pana wheels, Fox Float 100 RLC.
Bottom Line:
Despite any apparent critisism, I've updated my will to be buried with this frame. It flat out rocks and I will probably buy an X5 next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tryin2B
a Racer
from Highland Village Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Flatrock ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Mad Duck Adventure Sports
Strengths:
Follow-up review:
Great handling, great set-up. Super fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Are there any?
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Romic Coilover, superlink, Fox Vanilla set at 80mm, Thompson/Thompson
Bottom Line:
Close to 1000 miles on mine including a super hard race series in Texas. 2 mud races plus 6 additional races. No problems. It is classified as a trail bike. I changed the fork setting to 80mm from 100mm. Wow! The handling went from OK to beautiful. Switchback climbs were easy. Me and the bike hit the podium 2x and finished 2nd overall for the series. So, yeah, it can be racy! Most of all it is just a pure joy to ride. Cruising is fun, going fast is fun. Downhill? You bet. Trail heading straight up? Let's go. People always ask about it being heavy. I never really notice. It is durable, super stiff (which I love), no pedal induced flex, tracks true. I haven't a single maintenance issue since I purchased this bike. You gotta love that.
If you're thinking Ventana, do it. If you're thinking Pantera, do it. You'll not be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slim tree shadow
a
from Oregon Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
North Umpqua
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla RLC coil fork, Romic shock, XT/Mavic wheels with Avid Ball Bearing discs and 6.5" rotors, Thompson post/stem, King headset, Full Metal Jackets for the brakes, Laser V saddle, Odi lockjaw grips, MonkeyLites, Velociraptors for rubber. Also with SuperLink option from Ventana.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a dependable, strong, great riding single pivot. I also wanted to support a smaller, lesser known builder and appreciated being able to call the person who built my bike (Sherwood Gibson) any time with questions. For me, the Pantera was the perfect choice.
After lots of waiting and some headaches getting her built (not the fault of Ventana - the shop that sold me the bike sent the wrong front d.), we were off on a 3 day / 3 night mt bike trip along the North Umpqua trail system. This would be the first real ride on my new bike.
First sizing: I decided on the large frame. I normally ride a smaller sized bike than I probably should (18-19"). I'm 6' tall with a 33 1/2" inseam and the large fits me perfect. It's nice to have a bigger sized bike on technical sections (I used to think the opposite). On steep climbs, the longer top tube made me really have to hunch down and lean way over the front to keep the front tire on dirt.
From the first couple miles I knew I was riding a special bike. We were commencing about 75 miles of brutal singletrack, on our way to the trailhead via fire roads. On gradual inclines it climbed steadily and felt stiff, sure underneath me. Ruts on the road didn't faze the Romic and I could pedal right along, a far cry from my Salsa hardtail.
Once we hit the trails I felt the bike come alive. It craves steep singletrack, especially of the downhill variety. Cornered through switchbacks amazingly quickly for a large, burly bike. Actually I was oversteering it like crazy for the first 30 miles or so of riding, not used to the quickness in handling. This caught me by surprise -- pleasantly. Once I got dialed into its behaviour it really felt good carving through turns.
Amazing downhill feel. No brake jack whatsoever. The rear triangle felt stiff. I'm sure lots of this feel is due to the Romic. Also to the very efficient Pantera design.
Frame felt stiff. It's beefy, what can I say, I keep repeating myself here. This frame would be killer for the clydes. I'm only about 180 with my bike stuff on and it suits me, too. BUT that's not to say it feels heavy. Not at all, it feels lithe, supple, very manageable underfoot.
Okay we've covered the downhill, how about flats? It tracks pure and straight. No hands riding is easy. It loves undulating singletrack, flats with roots, rocks, etc and short rollers. You feel like you're 'inside' the bike because of the dropped top tube and that gives off a really flowing feel on the trail.
How about the climbing? Excellent. Really, I mean it. It was stiff uphill, the Romic held beautifully and I was able to stand up on the less steep sections of trail as long as I kept my weight back. If I tried to stand up and lean over ala my steel hardtail the rear tire churned the pine duff.
More on climbing: steep stuff took a new technique I have never needed to learn before. First of all, I had to stay seated if I wanted to make the steeper climbs. Next, I really had to hunker down on the bike - elbows in and parallel with the frame, pulling down on the bars and opposing the legs, taint right on the nose of the saddle, my face practically kissing the front tire. Way over the front.
If I didn't get enough weight up there the front tire would rise off the trail, start fishing around, etc. Also, when tired and I wasn't able to stay over it enough it became a real bear. This is not the fault of the bike - I need to get stronger and better at climbing this new way.
Finally how the bike looks: incredible. Welds are beefy, consistent. Lots of machined parts on the frame, including the BB shell, headtube, rear triangle. The SuperLink is sick - fully articulated yoke - sealed bearings - machined clamps.
I highly recommend getting the SuperLink.
This bike is insane. It's exactly what I need for the all day and multi-day epics we regularly do. It's a straight up trail bike. Plus it's got a cool name ("A new level, of confidence, and Power!" -Pantera)
I'll post another review in the fall after more time on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Illinois Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Mt. High Cyclery
Strengths:
Flawless, tough as nails construction. Versatile trail bike for a Clydsdale. Made in USA!
Weaknesses:
Although it's not really a weakness, I would pay extra for laser engraved logos on the frame.
Similar Products Used:
I also own an FSR Pro but that's apples & oranges IMO.
Bike Setup:
This is a follow-up to my earlier review. Please see that post for parts spec. The only change is that I have gone with Stan's No Tubes system.
Bottom Line:
My first review was after only owning & riding the bike for a few weeks in wet weather conditions. I have since put 500 hard miles on it and this is my conclusion.
The bike has done nothing to change my absolute happiness with my buying decision. It is rock steady in the decents, climbs well for a 30 lb. bike and takes the turns even better with the lower tire pressure allowed by the No Tubes system.
Being a big guy, I chose some heavier parts (Romic shock, Fox Vanilla fork and disk brakes) but the bike does not feel heavy or sluggish to me. It's not what a true racer boy would choose but I'm nobody's racer boy!
500 miles by no means is a long term durability test, but this frame looks like it will be with me for a long time or at least until I lust for another ride.
I also think that it's a great deal. An American made frame built in a small shop with a Romic shock for under $1400.00 is great value in my book. Keeping a few more jobs stateside is always worth spending a few extra bucks, but when it costs little more (in some cases less) than a mass produced product from a Tiawanesee factory then the choice is clear. I also like NOT owning the same thing that 100,000 others are riding.
Another treat was being able to pick every part on the bike instead of accepting what the factory decided to slap on the frame. Larry Mettler at Mt. High Cyclery in Colorado was great to deal with and he comes highly reccomended by many others.
This is a great choice if you're a big guy or just need a durable trail bike. I considered the Santa Cruz Heckler before deciding on the Pantera and after seeing a few Hecklers in the shops I am glad I chose the Ventana. Not to dismiss the Heckler, but the quality of Ventana blows the SC out of the water when you look at both frames up close.
There are a LOT of great trail bikes to choose from these days and I would never say the Pantera is the best, but it certainly should be considered if you are looking at any single-pivot frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Innocent Bystander
a Weekend Warrior
from Presque Isle, ME Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Maine Winter Sports Complex
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Boutique
Strengths:
lateral stiffness, active rear suspension, flawless construction, neutral geometry... with the Vanilla set to 5", it sits back a bit, but I like it that way.
Weaknesses:
black, black, and don't forget that you can get it in black
Similar Products Used:
None.. ordered a Heckler that has yet to make it here.
Bike Setup:
XT drivetrain, Hayes hydraulics, Fox Vanilla RLC, Easton carbon bars and post and Easton EA50 stem, Yeti lockon grips, Titec Ithys Gove saddle, Time Control Z pedals.
Bottom Line:
This thing is an amazing bike. I got mine with the Romic and the Superlink, so I can't say how the plain old Pantera frame with Float rear shock performs... but set up as I have it set up, the thing just drills through the rough stuff. It only has 4" in the rear, but it feels like more. If I have bottomed the rear suspension, I wouldn't know it. It soaks up the stutter bumps well, or can be launched without ever complaining or trying to pitch you off the bike.
The quality of the frame is like all of Sherwood's bike.. a genuine work of art. The welds are flawless, and the attention to detail is far beyond what one would expect. There is not a stamped piece on the frame, everything is machined, even the rear swingarm.
Other than occasional chainslap from a big hit, the frame rides almost silently. There aren't any creaks or groans or other odd sounds. It sounds as solidly built as it appears.
It's a bit pricey set up the way I have it, and keeps my value rating down to a 4, but otherwise, this bike is a great all around bike that can not only climb, but come back down with ease. It has inspired confidence in my riding that I have been lacking since a nasty header that required shoulder surgery back in 1999. Not that riding was no longer fun, but this bike has brought back that element of chance taking that had been missing for a few years.
If you value the customer service of a small shop (Ventana has no peer in this arena), the flawless craftsmanship of a truly handbuilt bike, the simplicity of a well designed single pivot and the ride of a rugged trail bike... then the Pantera may just be that bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tryin2B
a Cross Country Rider
from Lewisville Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Flat Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Mad Duck Adventure Sports
Strengths:
Beautiful construction. Suspension can be adjusted for different trails - Super stiff for racing, less stiff for epic rides. The owner/builder will talk to you, email you, answer your questions until a normal person would tell you to shut up. This bike soaks up the bumps! Going up and down hill is soooo much faster than on my hardtail. After a 2 hour hard ride you still feel fresh and ready to go. I built mine up with the Romic coilover and the superlink to increase the lateral stiffness. Well worth the $ when you are a clydsdale!
Weaknesses:
Henry Ford coloring. You can have any color you want as long as its black.
Similar Products Used:
Tested the Chamuco. The Yeti AS-R. Blur was too light and too much hype. Heckler was disc only. I wanted V-brakes
Bike Setup:
Full XT drivetrain and shifters, Fox Vanila 125R set @ 100mm, Thompson seatpost and stem, Koobi saddle, EA70 Bar, Avid Arch Rival Brakes and SD-7 levers, Mavic 519 wheels, Mosquito Airlights, Shimano 747 pedals. Full build 29.5lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is a great handling, riding bike. Descending and jumping is a breeze. You never notice the weight while riding because of the suspension. No noticable bob while pedaling especially climbing in small ring. This bike will let you ride comfortably much longer and that makes riding more fun. I can't wait for the fall race series!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Houston, Tx Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anthills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes
Strengths:
Quality construction and finish. Good stiff frame. Single pivot eliminates pedal induced bob.
This frame is excellent. The Manitou set to 100 mm balances it perfectly. In the short time I have had it, it has sold me on full suspension. I have had two FS's in the past that made me go back to hardtails. This one climbs like a hardtail.
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Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Illinois Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything Dry!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mt. High Cyclery
Strengths:
Build quality, reputation of builder, no compromises in design. MADE IN USA by a small shop. Great individual customer service from Ventana and Mt. High Cyclery.
Weaknesses:
None yet, I've only owned it @ two months and trails have been wet. I will post a follow up review later when I have more time on the bike.
Similar Products Used:
I own and ride a 2001 Specialized FSR Pro, a great bike but it's really a different animal than the Pantera
Bike Setup:
21" frame. Fox Vanilla 100R fork. Romic rear shock. Avid mechanical disks and speed dial levers. Mavic 219 rims with XT hubs. XT shifters. Race Face riser bar. Thompson stem & seatpost. CODA Ti rail/leather saddle. Oury lock-on grips. Truvativ Stylo cranks and gigapipe BB. Egg beater pedals. Bike weighs in at 29 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I was concerned that my FSR would one day die a quick violent death under my 240 pound weight and although the FSR is great, it IS a light weight race bike and I wanted a heavy duty trail bike that would not groan under the strain of my size and last for several years of XC use.
So far I am very pleased with my choice and although the Pantera weighs three pounds more than my FSR, I knew that before I bought it and part of that extra weight comes from the parts spec I chose.
I specifically wanted a single pivot design because of fewer moving parts and the maintenance that comes with it. I know the FSR is supposed to be a "better" rear suspension design but I honestly can't tell much differance in pedal induced "bob" and I believe the Romic shock has much to do with this. I highly recommend the Romic if you're a big guy like me.
The Fox Vanilla is stiff and performs just as advertised. This is my first Fox fork and I am impressed. Same said for the Avid disks, great product at a fair price.
Since I have limited saddle time on my Pantera, I will wait until I have more mileage on it and post my opinion in my next review.
However, I can say after the few rides I've had that this bike with it's 4" of travel in front & rear feels more like 5" or more. It's very smooth & plush (I hate that term) and although it's not a downhill machine, it just floats over stuff that my FSR would be beating me to death. It's no downhill machine but I feel much more confident on the decents with this bike than with any other bike I've tried.
More to come on this bike this summer.
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Submitted by
Racer X
a
from Auburn, WA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great bullet proof paint job, beefy swingarm, light and simple to set up. Float RL with lockout is great. Nice design and build quality. Electric Sex welds are nice!
Weaknesses:
Single pivot bobbing for those who hammer out of the saddle. Not as much clearance under the bottom bracket as would appear.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Scareb Super fork, Raceface bottom bracket, Raceface XC cranks, Answer hyperlight carbon bars and post, Avid ballbearing brakes. Under 25 lbs
Bottom Line:
Oh my god what a great bike. It does everthing well and is well worth the money. Keep up the GREAT work Ventana! This bike can be used as a trail bike (a very plush 4 inches in the back) which will hold it's own with some expensive long travel bikes, or with the right mix of parts, you could race XC with no problem. Not a big hit bike, but a great all around bike that can do 85% of everything in the right hands.
$
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