Description: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
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!
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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.
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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).
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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.
$
Overall Rating:
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