Description:"The Commander".
El Comandante, our 29” wheeled rigid single speed with eccentric BB and international standard disc brake mount is our most capable offering ever in Ventana’s renowned heritage of one speed racers. Smooth rolling in the rough, and unbelievable traction are the two main attributes of 29” wheels, and El Comandante exploits them to the fullest. Full wishbone seat stays and S-bent chain stays with integral yolk yield unmatched lateral stiffness. Sloping top tube-seat tube extension gusset allows for optimal standover height.
Submitted by
robotkiller
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: August 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
Looks cool, pretty welds, rides great, EBB just works
Weaknesses:
Stickers. Downtube clearance issues.
Similar Products Used:
Indy Fab Steel Deluxe, Santa Cruz Heckler, Turner Burner
Bike Setup:
Single Speed, Fox F29, AM Classic wheels
Bottom Line:
Basically, this is the best bike I have ever ridden -- even better than my custom IF. Alot of this has to do with the huge advantages of 29" wheels. The bike builds up light, carves nicely, is stiff as hell and is beautifully welded. It's the first bike I've ridden that just feels perfect. I literally wouldn't change a thing about how it rides.
It isn't completely perfect though....
I wish the stickers were clearcoated b/c they tear easily.
The biggest problem I had was with downtube clearance -- I had to modify my fork to clear. I think they may have remedied this with newer models. When I bought my frame, gussets were an option, so 80mm is the max travel that can be used. This, however, is not a problem for me, as 80mm is my preference.
The paint color (Superdust) looks cool, but the paint doesn't compare to the IF. This is not a surprise at all, so I wouldn't count it against the Ventana.
The EBB works well, has not budged and is a clean solution. No complaints there.
Whether it's design or the 29 inch wheels, I can't say, but this bike rides better than any hardtail I've tried. It's so smooth over terrain that I swear it reminds me of riding full suspension. There isn't a trace of harshness, contrary to conventional wisdom about Al frames. To top it off, this is probably the stiffest frame I've ridden, with tremendous efficiency and control.
The combo of a stiff frame, 29 wheels and perfect geometry adds up to bike that makes you feel invincible. This is the only hardtail that is as fun to ride as a FS with greater efficiency and quickness than any FS could ever hope to match.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
willem3
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
North Fork
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Ventana Direct
Strengths:
Where do I begin!! This frame is superb. I have ridden many hardtails and this is the best by far. The geometry, stiffness, quality, finish, welds, etc are all incredible. The support from Ventana was great as usual. Thanks for designing a great singlespeed 29er frame Sherwood!
Weaknesses:
None. Bullet proof!
Similar Products Used:
Jamis, Other Ventana's, Kona, etc.
Bike Setup:
18 inch frame, 2008 Fox F29 80mm RLC Fork, Chris King Headset, Thomson (Silver) Stem and Post, Salsa Carbon Bar, Cane Creek Ergo II bar ends, ODI Lock On Grips, Shimano 2008 LX Disc Brakes, 2008 XT Cranks, Salsa 32T Ring, Mavic 29er Rims with Hope Hubs and DT Swiss Spokes, WTB Rocket V Titanium Seat
Bottom Line:
Superb!! I have another Ventana, an X-5. This bike is the perfect compliment. I am a happy man! Highly recommended. I bought the frame from Ventana directly. It is a 2007 18 inch Superdust El Comandante.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny
a Racer
from Sanford,NC USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4050.00
Purchased At:
Storm Endurance(formerly Fit to Be Tried)
Strengths:
Light,stiff,Ventana craftsmanship
Weaknesses:
It causes you to overtrain since you want to ride it all day every day, it is making me not want to order a FS geared frame
Similar Products Used:
Have ridden or owned too many to list
Bike Setup:
970 XTR cranks,BB and pedals, Thomson post and stem, Aerus carbon bar, American Classic wheels, Magura Marta SL's, Reba SL
Bottom Line:
By far the best bike I have ever owned(and I have owned many over the years i.e Litespeed, Merlin, Intense, C'dale, Fat City, IF, and other Ventana frames) to name a few. There is really nothing I would change about this bike. Climbing is seemingly effortless and the bike inspires the confidence to descend like a FS bike. I can't really explain it except that I start riding and four hours later I can't believe I have been riding that long. The 29er wheel really makes a big difference in smoothing out the ride of an aluminum hardtail. For those looking for a geared 29er hardtail, the El Padrino is the geared version of this bike although you don't get the beer bottle opener that was put to good use tonight after riding. Mr.Gibson really outdid himself with this frame. It is expensive thus the 4 chilis for value, but like they say, you get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Juan
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Foothills North
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
Light Weight, 29" wheels, great colors, matching forks,fun to ride
Weaknesses:
seatpost needed reworking to fit in poorly reamed seat tube insert.
Similar Products Used:
Niner Sir 9, One 9, Fisher RIG, Karate Monkey, Ventana El Padrino
Bike Setup:
Rigid fork, Avid Juicy 5 brakes, Am Classic Wheels, CK Headset, Maxxis Ignitor tires
Bottom Line:
I have enjoyed the geared version, the El Padrino, so much that I had to convert my single speed (a Niner S.I.R. 9) to Ventana! This bike is fast, comfortable, stable, and nimble. If you are looking for a great single speed bike, I highly recommend!
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