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Ventana
Marble Peak FS Frame
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Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago, IL, US
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Superior overall quality, design and execution, incredible rear end stiffness with luxury automobile-type ride quality. Of course the renowned amazing customer service. | | Weaknesses: | No such word exists at Ventana | | Similar Products Used: | Other Ventana's, jamis, gt, giant, specialized, khs, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Medium red with el salt rear triangle (disc) and longer rockers (travel actually 4"), fox vanilla r coilover, trick titanium bushing pivot bolts, marzocchi marathon xc 100-120 fork, magura julie hydraulic brakes, carbon bar, WTB saddle, sram x9, shimano xt/mavic xm wheels with WTB motoraptors, etc. Weight between 29-30 lbs due to the heavy wheels/tires. Could be 26-27 or lower with air shock and xc wheels/tires. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this very heavily used frame at the end of last year (2006)for my wife, to set up as a heavy-duty all mountain/trailbike (hence the weight). I restored it as best as I could without stripping the paint. It is 10 years old and rides better than most if not all brand new high end bikes. It's that good. I have another Ventana, a custom 6" El Saltamontes and the rear triangle is not as tight as the Marble Peak. Another gem from Sherwood, but kindly disregard all of the above, as I plan on buying up all of the used ones that I find, for myself, family and friends. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It looks awesome and rides like it looks: laterally stiff rear end (for a average weight rider) and climbing traction is brilliant. Descending: tracks like it's on rails and goes boing like a boingy thing should. Lovely balance between responsiveness and forgiveness. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major, ocasionally squeaky pivot which is easily fixed with a bit of lube. | | Similar Products Used: | Various other ppl's fs bikes | | Bike Setup: | Got it second hand in very good condition with the 3.5"
rocker and a Fox Alps4 shock. I set it up Bomber Z1 BAMs on the front (with 5" travel). I was initially worried these it would slacken the head angle too much. Was I wrong!,..with an inch of sag on the forks and 10wt oil get the compression damping right and with the rear shock set firm, the thing flies. With some light-ish bits and a good wheelset it isn't too weighty either. | | Bottom Line: | A work of art, and the best general fun trail riding bike I could imagine. Sweet, responsive, won't throw the unwary. There are longer travel rigs around, but for a good balance of weight, response, climbing and descending this is the goods.
And did I mention it goes boing?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Walnut Creek, CA
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Briones Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
weight, cache, looks, welder (Sherwood Gibson), customer service (Charlie Gallagher), design | | Weaknesses: |
a bit dated, bushings | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR-XC, K2 | | Bike Setup: |
XTR build, 8 speed, Selle Italia Gel Titanium Kevlar saddle, Manitou SX-TI Carbon, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals, DuraAce Chain, Mavic 217 rims/GT CNC hubs, Michelin Wildgrippers, Race Face LP cranks, Azonic ORC stem, Azonic 1.5 riser, Thomson seatpost, Serfas grips, Cane Creek C-2, Fox Alps 5R air shock, | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I have to say I'm probably the last HT convert on the face of the planet and I just have one thing to say, why did I wait so long? This is a trailbike, make no mistake about it. People say this can be used for cross country. These are hardcore riders not weekend warriors. I built this up to get it as light as I could within budget. It came in around 25 lbs. That's pretty light, but I also own a Dean Oscar and that weighs around 22.5 lbs. I'll take it on longer trips without missing a beat. Anyway, full suspension is nice uphill and down. Uphill, I feel more secure. The bike really grips the curvature of the path and I feel like I'm making a connection. It's the downhill, where this bike shines. It'll carve a corner and almost make the corrections for you, it's that accurate. The rebound clicker is set to 2 and there is no evidence of bounce. With the four bar design, this baby locks on the uphill and becomes full active on the downhill. Very good design Sherwood! Sure, there's plenty of alternatives out there, but when the dust of time settles, the aesthetics of this bike will take it well into the next millenium. Horst, URT, whatever, those designs simply can't hold a candle to a traditional diamond frame. Call me sentimental, but this thing looks and behaves like a work of art on wheels. I chose the parts selection very carefully and have to thank Cambria Bikes for making this bike a reality. I am building a website for this bike soon, so email me if you would like the address. All the parts mentioned in the setup will have a review, so check em out. I give truthful honest review. Sure, I could've reviewed these products the minute I pieced the bike together six months ago, but I wanted to see how well things held up over time. Read on to find out how the other parts on this bike faired. Peace and 5 flaming chicken grease. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Magoo
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding a Marble Peak FS for almost 4 years now and love it just as much as when I first got it. I have White Bros SC 90's and the 3.5 travel kit on the rear and thru careful choice of components got the thing to 24.00 LBS! With the ultra stable rear end(yes they had some evolution with different bushing materials, but at least they were always willing to repair it for free. They inspected my frame after my first bearing replacement, and found a crack in the downtube/head tube junction. They never hesitated to replace, for free, the front tube set!) Now they have a material that is to last a while. Other large companies would not respond that way, thats for sure. Besides, the owner, Sherwood Gibson personally welds all tube sets! What a commitment! I very much LOVE this bike! In fact, I just got thru building a brand new EL Fuego. Think of this bike as an even MORE Responsive, but ONE POUND LIGHTER Marble Peak! By the time I get my soon forth coming White Bros. UL 90's and Mora-Ti Crank, I will have a ride that weighs 22.25 LBS! Do you know how to spell awesome!!!VENTANA RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slim
a racer
from Milwaukie OR
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I believe the Ventana Marble Peak is one of the best bikes made. The frame is fairly light, has excellent suspension action, and is very simple and reliable.I had an El Habanero that I sent to Ventana to get the bushings replaced for free, and they called me to say that the frame was cracked. After I finished freaking out they told me they would warranty it and send me an upgraded frame for nothing, oh how I love small companies that stand behind their products. I've put over 1500 miles on my new frame with no problems and virtually no bushing wear, and the powder coat paint still looks like new. All in all a great frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slim
a racer
from Milwaukie OR
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ventana makes some of the best bikes in the world. Well at least thats my opinion. I started out with an El Habenero in '96. I raced it for a full year and beat it up in Moab, but sure enough it started getting a litle loose in the rear end. I called Ventana and asked about it, they told me if I sent it to them they would replace them for free and pay to ship it back. A few days after they received it they called me to say the frame was cracked. After I finished freaking out they said they could send me a new Marble Peak for a couple hundred bucks. I've been riding my new frame for over a year now and the bushings are still like new. It's amazing the customer service you get from small companies,and I really enjoy supporting the little guy. The frame is stiff, has excellent ride characteristics, is fairly light, and all around kicks ass. I'd recommend this bike to anyone who is serious and has the funds for a custom frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob S.
a cross-country rider
from Claremont, Calif.
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just finished building a Marble Peak. I got it on a deal, but it's a 20 and I'm sure an 18 would fit better. So no crotch room - but does it ride nice! Yes. I am very pleased. Downhills way better than my old Manitou FS. Climbing is very similar with slight rear movement and a plush feel. Cornering is excellent. Way better than the Manitou. I didn't realize the difference in newer suspension technology. Probably shocks and dampening are the most important. I put good stuff on:
White Bros 70 UL fork
Race Face Crank
XTR derailers
Bontrager Mustang rims, Chris King Hubs
Total weight 24.25Wasn't cheap. Would I do it again? Yep.
I like it alot. I might trade someone for a shorter frame size.
I give it a five. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a Marble Peak at the begining of last winter(Dec 1997)
Needed to get a dualie because I was recovering from a broken back and could not ride a hard tail. WOW.... this has been a great bike! It climbs very similiar to a hard tail and when you go down hill, look out!!!
The only comment on the negative side is the maintence issue of any dualie, you have to keep them clean to expect the best from them!!BTW...I am selling mine, a 20 trans purple with 4.5 travel kit, and Sachs front derailleur...$950(why am I selling? Two reasons, one my wife bought it for me as a getting better present and we have since divorced and it is a painful reminder, and two, the damn thing scares me on the down hills-having broken my back I tend to be pretty careful now, however this bike makes it feel like you are going slowly even when you are blowing past all your ridding buds on every descent!A great bike!!!
e-mail jkellogg@bcn.net if interested | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a racer
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is awsome, I am a clydsdale rider and after breaking several different manufactures frames this one has been bullet proof. Two full seasons of riding and still haven't had pivot problems, will probavly send it in this winter just for preventive reasons. The ONLY flaw that I can find with this bike is on steep technical climbs the front end gets very light. I raced it ten times this season and kicked ass on many a hard tail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie
a cross-country rider
from kinnelon, nj, usa
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i got to ride one of these bikes at dirt camp and i have to say that i am still impressed by it. my friend now has one and he has been riding it for more than 2.5 years, and he still has had no problems. as for my own riding of it, it is the greatest thing on two springs, if you think that the bike should be suspended and not just your butt, this is the bike for you, climbs, corners, flies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a cross-country rider
from Bruettisellen, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Awesome bike! The frame is very stiff, the suspension is always active but still it does not bob. The built-quality seems to be very good. Never had a problem until today (only half a year but I ride often).
It's a joy to ride the Marble Peak up- and downhill. It is light and nimble and it looks cool.
All I can say: Get one!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a cross-country rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my second season on my Marble Peak and it is without a doubt, one of the best full suspension bikes around. It climbs with the best hardtails, handles the downs with great aplomb and craves technical singletrack. You will amaze yourself with the difficult terrain you will be able to ride once you get used to the bike. Make sure you give it some time to get used to, especially you hardtail converts. Yes, I had problems with the bushings freezing up, but Russell at Ventana was great. He recieved my frame on a Friday and it was on it's way back to me on Monday. Can't beat that for service. I highly recommend this frame to anyone. . . it takes a licking and keeps on. . . well, you know. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from v.a
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
tHIS BIKE RULES !!! This bike outclimbs anything and devours singletrack here in Virginia. What I can't understand is why I'm the only one around here with one. People around here seem content with spend 4000 on Cannondales with sloppy swing arms. Oh well. As for those who want to complain about the cheesy stickers; Is'nt it nice to know that instead of your downtube looking like crap after a few downhill runs, it's just your stickers that are galled. I'd say Ventana was thinking ahead to just how bad bikes can looks after their permanently embedded logo's start spelling out strange words. I also believe Bontrager did the same thing come to think of it. As for bushing wear, Ventana offered to send me a hundred of 'em free. And as for the ride, nothing else compares. I'm stopping now and going riding | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie
a cross-country rider
from southport, ct
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is a follow up to my review below. still love the bike after almost 2 seasons of riding, however, the pivots do wear out at least every 12mo.s and thats not hardcore daily riding either. Ventana is very good about replacing the pivots free of charge but you have to send the bike to them which for me means 2 weeks of downtime (unless you pay mega bucks to overnite your bike to CA). I think that its time for those engineers at Ventana to come up with a pivot that is replacable by the owner, at least with my old GT LTS I could do it myself and be back on the trail. Has anybody else tried using some type of boot etc. to cover the main pivots from dirt etc. or is it just the friction that wears the bushings out so quick? Let me know cause taking the bike apart, mailing it to Ventana and then road riding for 2 weeks is beat.... | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Burns
a racer
from Upland, CA 91786
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To be honest, I hated this this bike for the 1st 3 months I owned it. I have the 4 1/2 inch rockers & FOX 5R on the rear and Z1 Bomber on the front. I built it with super hi-end components & it came in at 26 lbs. Not a bad weight so I expected it to climb like the wind but it didn't. I could not stand the monkey motion while climbing. The excessive movement drove me crazy & made me much slower adding as much a 7 min to my normal 6 mile Time Trial (hardtail) time. I had to send my Noleen shock in to K2 to get rebuilt on my FS Giant team 990 which took 4 months, so I started riding the Marble Peak. With some setup changes, I got it to perform very nicely. Heavy springs in the Z1 and massive preload on the FOX. It is not very supple on the small stuff but will take large hit very effectively. After 6 months of riding it, I have learned to spin and climb smoother and absolutely love it. I just put my Giant back together (3 1/2 inches of travel) and it feels like a hardtail by comparison. If you set the Ventanna up soft it will downhill like a dream but climb poorly. Stiffen every thing up, and most hard core riders will love this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Bainbridge Island
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
initial review. ive had it for about 3 weeks/400 miles. so far i love it. the climbing traction is almost a religious experience. this bike craves technical single track. the craftmanship is impeckable. eaisly replaced pivots are a definate plus, nothing lasts forever. very beefy thuss it is a bit on the heavy side, ~6lb for frame and coil shock. pogo? none noticable thus far and i am an x hardtail retro grouch on my first fs. also no noticeable flex in the pivots, i'm ~165 lb. for now i'm in love. i'll keep you updated | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C.Main
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a Clydesdale, This bike's soaked up 2+years of hard New England bone-yard singletrac and ANY downhill I've pointed it at. Rear is rock stable and eats everything. This bike is like a ripcord, It'll save yer ass from being flattened from unplanned falls. Whats better, The SERVICE and attention to detail the company gives every buyer. You buy their bike, they care that you are 100% happy. Hard to find these days. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a racer
from Lake Tahoe, CA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I wanted to love this frame. Really. For the first 3 months it was great.
Now I attribute that to the new bike blindness I spent almost
1800 bucks for this frame. After 5 months of average agressive riding, I noticed
some play in the rear triangle. After an inspetion, I was told I needed to replace the rear bushings. DAMN! I did it and 6 months later, I had to do it again. I spoke with others at races, and they admitted to needing to do the same.
One guy who over heard me talking about it said that he neglected to do this
nessesary replacement, and he wore the aluminum cup that the bushing sits in
and literally ruined his almost 2K frame. I now have 2 bikes, a high end
steel hardtail (YO EDDY) and the Ventana. I find that for almost all of my riding,
I'd rather be on the YO! The Ventana is now a 4 thousand dollar dust collector.
I take it out every once in a while, but when I'm on it, I keep hearing myself say, I wish I had my YO! on this trail
This is a specialty bike that just isn't practicle for everyday riding.
Especially at the price. For those of you who have them, Rebuild those bushings every 6 months at the LEAST or that chunk of money will be worthless.
And while you're having downtime rebuilding the frame,
I'll have a less crowded trail on my good old sweet feeling steel hardtail.
Cruuuuuuuzin' | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charles coker
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For anyone checking out a Marble Peak (which is a GREAT bike)I got a new frame last week, it's a Rocky Mountain Element full
suspension. It uses the tried and true (as in on the Ventana Marble
Peak) linkage setup where the shock is mounted horizontally under the
top tube, right in front of the seattube.I looked long and hard at FS designs, I really, really dug the
Ventana's setup, it was light and quick, fully active (meaning always
working) but did not pogo when you hammered, felt very responsive and
quick. Unfortunately, the geometry wasn't quite right for me, I have
been riding and loving Konas for their agility in tight, technical
singletrack.So..
I came across the Rocky Element, same EXACT geometry specs (angles,
headtube length (very important to me) toptube length, chainstay
length, etc.. but with the Ventana linkage setup.I have done a few rides on it and LOVE it.
I can clean rocky technical climbs better than on my Ti hardtail.
and it does NOT feel like a big mush pig when I accelerate...I am replacing the coil over shock with a Risse Terminator air shock
which is signifigantly lighter and (from several experiences) will
make the bike accelerate even quicker...Frame construction is top notch, handbuilt Easton Elite butted front
triangle with a 6061 rear triangle, priced VERY good.(I won't say what I got my frame for, it was a demo model with about
10 hrs on it, and I got an insane price)If you are in the market for a FS that handles quick and responsively
and is setup for singletrack, the nastier the better... check it out.Charles Coker
Austin, TX
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Wow,
I can agree with everything everybody has said but I do have one complaint. When I spend $1700 on a frame I do NOT expect it to come through with stickers for the brand name!! The only other thing that I have noticed is that the Z-1 and 4.5 travel on the back make it a little interesting when going down some of the really steep sections around here. It tends to through you forward, not the desired effect. However, I have everything set up extremely soft as I am recovering from a broken back!! Enough complaining.
The diving problem is a function of the set up and the fork.
The stickers are just plan cheesy
BUT I wouldn't trade this bike for anything!!! I don't have enough miles in to attest to the durability of pivot points but I will tell if any problems develope. For those of you who are not familiar with Aaron L. If he says something is good you can put money on it!!!Jeff
PS Supergo is selling these on sale right now!! and many shops will match there prices!! Wow, wish I had waited a couple of months!! $1249!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrik Etschmayer
a cross-country rider
from St. Gallen, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I loved this bike so much, I started importing it. Really. I tried a lot of F/S and there are a lot of good designs out there. But the Marble Peak combines stiffnes where it counts (BB-Area, steering response) with a plush, fully active suspension. Sweet ride, cool looks, great quality. What else is there to lust for? I am completely happy with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a racer
from Denver,Co
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently had my GT Zaskar stolen and was in the market fo ra new ride. I struggled with the choice between full suspension and a hardtail. My big concern was loss of climbing speed and maneuverability.
This bike ROCKS!!!!
I'm able to climb over large drops that used to bounce me off. I climb much more smoothly than with my hardtail. The geometry is such that I'm much more nimble on this ride than on the Zaskar. I have the Bomber on the front and a mixture of raceface/XTR/XT components throughout. My rides are certainly more comfortable and enjoyable. More importantly to me is that in the rocky big climb/big descent trails we have here in Colorado my times have improved.I couldn't be happier--I got great help from Bikeshop Bill's...and the most competitive price in town and on the WEB. (located in Conifer, CO and on the WEB--I think the address is Bikeshopbills.com) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Soignier
a weekend warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame far exceeded my expectations beyond any other bike parts I've used previously. I switched from a GT Team LTS frame, and the Ventana is lighter, more rigid, beautifully finished, and handles better. It seems to climb and descend great, and feels very light and responsive. The price seemed high before buying it, but now that I've had the opportunity to ride it, I can't complain. While not quite as plush as the LTS, it still is very comfortable, yet feels much like a hardtail while pedaling off the seat. This is the first FS bike I've ridden that gives me no justification for keeping a hardtail around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky J
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Any full-suspension bike will benefit from an intelligent
approach to bike setup...I got help from Ventana and other
owners, and this thing just gets better and better! Build
quality's beyond reproach, and it's plain FUN to ride...it
has improved my riding, with more to come! Easy 5 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dana Brown
a racer
from San Anselmo CA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
TALK ABOUT A FLOP!!! I used the marble peak for a half a season of racing and the main pivot points bearings have worn out already. this is not a bullet proof bike like my Outland Vpp5 FS. the ventana was shaky on quick turns and did not provide the plush feel that I expect from a FS. Another thing I noticed is that the frame felt unstable when riding on loose dirt single track. I definatly do not reccomend this bike to any serious rider | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Leighton
a cross-country rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Marble Peak is only a few months old, but even with that limited exposure I can say that this is a masterfully engineered design. I've never seen such attention to detail (i.e. stainless steel plates at the rear dropouts) as is evident on the Ventana. I ordered the long travel option (4.5 inches) and I have been rewarded with an extremely confidence inspiring ride. The Marble Peak swallows anything I happen to run over and does so with grace. The Fox Alps 5R definately works well with the design. Its range of adjustability is wide from near lock out to very active. I am also very impressed with the pivots which have yet to make a sound or develop any play. I opted for the transluscent blue finish which is absolutely beautiful as well. Lastly the people at Ventana are extremely helpful and answered all my questions before and after the purchase. Kudos to Mr. Gibson and a wonderful staff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
charlie
a cross-country rider
from Southport, CT
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just sold my GT LTS after reading all the rave reviews in the magazines about this bike- they were right! It's lighter,(with the same components from my GT) and handles so much nicer. It also seems to be much more efficient. There is much less up and down motion and when you standup to sprint it feels almost like a hardtail. The traction is great up the steep rocky stuff and downhills are just as fast as the GT. The Alps 4 that it came with has been replaced with the new Cane Creek AD 8 which is a little more plush and much more tunable.
Kudos to the tech service guys at Ventana who answered my questions re frame setup and tuning etc.
Great full suspension bike for those who are not swayed by all the advertising hype of other wanna be designs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Perry
a cross-country rider
from Santa Clara, California
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
EXCELLENT! This bike is five chilli peppers in anyone's book. It is fast downhill, as well as uphill. I utilize roadie techiques
to prevent the dreaded pogo. This machine also provides thrills and confidence while performing technical feats.
I have a friend who is going to purchase one of your Mt. Bike tandems. I look forward to this as much as I look forward to
every ride on my own Ventana. Thank-you for the fun! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Calub
a cross-country rider
from Fremont
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is way awsome!! The fellas at Robinson's Wheelworks built it up to my exact specifications. I decided on XT, R/S SL, and a Chris King/217 Wheelset. This bike is about as light as a hardtail which makes it very agile through switchbacks and singletrack. I just wished that the bottom bracket height wasn't so high. Climbing and descending on this rocket is a blast! The best thing is that I don't come home from a grueling ride with swelled joints no longer!! Which also results into riding longer and more often.
Can't wait for the Sea Otter Classic! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.W.
a cross-country rider
from Burlington, M
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one awesome frame. It weighs 28.5 lbs fully built for a 20 in frame with XTR, Magura, Bomber Z2 etc. (exactly the same weight as the Cannondale Delta V 900 it replaced). Anyone who claims that a hard tail climbs better in the technical stuff than a full suspension mount obviously has not ridden this bike. I have made it up several climbs that were much more difficult on my old hard tail. With the Ventana I just point it and pedal over all the small stuff and just concentrate on the larger obstacles (the increased BB clearance doesn't hurt either). I could have built the bike a bit lighter by using a different fork but I wouldn't trade the Bomber for anything. Overall this is a great frame, good handling, climbing and of course descending. I should have bought one of these sooner and avoided all the lower back pain that I endured for so long. | | Overall Rating: |
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