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Submitted by
cosmo06
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City, MO
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Rim job at Landall | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Rbikes.com | | Strengths: | All around great cross country bike! Does especially well on rocky technical climbs...very stable and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | N/A | | Similar Products Used: | 575 Yeti, Ibis moots, trek 4900 | | Bike Setup: | reba race, x-9, avid 5, truvativ 3.3 team noir crank, thomson post, monkey light xc bars, xt hubs with salsa rims. | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful beast that delivers everytime! It took at least a dozen rides before I truly understood and appreciated this awesome rig! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jjs
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | SUnset | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Slippery Pig Bike SH | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat. Tracks well going downhill, easy to keep on line. Nice lateral stiffness. Frame feels very solid. | | Weaknesses: | Stand-over height was a bit of an issue for me (I'm 6'0 but long torso). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1, Titus Moto-lite | | Bike Setup: | WB fluid 29 135 thru-axle fork, x-9 / race face drive train. Mavic Crossmax wheels with Panaracer tires. Hope disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I liked this bike quite a bit. Fun to ride and I was definitely able to clean some areas on trail 100 that usually give me trouble on my moto-lite. The downside was that now that I have the traction to climb those areas, I realize I need to get in better shape!
Suspension felt much more active than my NRS-1, about the same as the motolite.
I liked the WB fork ...felt laterally stiff and didn't seem to deflect very much, however I did bottom it out a couple of times which is surprising given that I only weigh about 190 and have never bottomed out my 04 marathon S. Again, however this may be due to setup rather than a problem with the fork.
I did have some issues with stand-over height, but as there was only one size frame available as a demo this may be correctable with a smaller frame.
This was my first experience with a 29er. Overall I like the concept of a FS 29er as an all day trail bike. I think this bike fits that category perfectly.
I will be demoing some other 29ers for comparison and will update this review with some comparisons.
And a plug for the Slippery Pig...Great shop, wish I had found it earlier. Eric the owner was very helpful in arranging for me to demo the bike and if you're in the Phoenix area, I highly recommend checking the place out. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Glace
a Weekend Warrior
from Nevada City, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4300.00 | | Purchased At: | ventana | | Strengths: | Gorgeous, climbs great, handles like it is on rails, feels very agile. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | own a Redline MC29'r, had a Ventana Marble Peak. | | Bike Setup: | 17in frame, Fox F29 100mm, rp23, King h/s, Avid J7s 180/160,SRAM x9, x7shifters, Salsa rims, Hope Hubs IRD fire 29 xc tires. | | Bottom Line: | I am 5ft 10in, the bike felt just right as soon as I rode it. I use a standard Thompson post, and 90mm stem. This keeps me upright, but my hips/torso feel very efficient,and I feel balanced, ready for anything.It can be set more agro with a laid back post, longer stem, which is the way I have seen most set up. This thing will climb anything seated. On trails with rollers in the big gear, sit down hammer & enjoy. I feel in total control on switch backs. True it is less X/C than last review sounded like he wanted, but is a balanced bike that does all things well. I love it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tbone O'Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | wherever | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | the path | | Strengths: | appeared stiff and durable, cool orange color. Handles pretty well over ruts | | Weaknesses: | rear suspension a real energy sucker, bob, bob, bob. Felt like a tractor trailer in the switchbacks, not very manuverable at all | | Similar Products Used: | spec epic marathon, cannondale F500, KHS comp all in da stable | | Bike Setup: | mostly X-9, nevegals | | Bottom Line: | I would not spend the $$$ for this bike based on my demo. Seemed like a high quality frame but did not sell me on 29er's at all. The handling in the tight and twisty was really slow. The rear suspension was not that impressive in terms of efficiency. Maybe I'm spoiled with my Epic Marathon given it is so light and efficient. If I went 29er I'd probably demo one of the new Spec 29er's that have a Brain. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock, Telluride, Womble, Syllamo, Vista, Red Star, Devils Den, Hobbs, CAMP, Burns | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Competitive Cyclist | | Strengths: | Beautifully built, incredibly stiff laterally, highly customizable, climbs like a billy goat yet very stable inspires lots of confidence in all types of situations. Very plush, yet you can stand and hammer without any lost efficiency. Lots and Lots of tire clearance. Very solid bike, let light enough to race. | | Weaknesses: | The bike comes standard with a Float R rear shock, I highly recommend going with the Fox Float RP23. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 120, Gary Fisher Rig, Gary Fisher 293, Turner Five Spot, Ventana X-5 | | Bike Setup: | Fox F29 Fork, Fox RP23 rear shock, Chris King Headset, Formula Oro K24 Brakes, SRAM XO and Shimano XT mixture, Industry Nine and spokes with Stans Flow 29er wheels, Polar CS100 Computer, Time Atac XS Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike. If you want a very well constructed bike that climbs, decends, and just rides very well overall, and/or if you are a cross country/trail rider that enjoys 29" wheels then I can't see why you wouldn't love this bike. If you are looking at buying one, I highly recommend talking to any of the folks at Competitive Cyclist. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan Capistrano
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan...or the trail I'm riding. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | The Path Bike Shop, Tustin, CA | | Strengths: | Quality in every aspect, welds, paint, geometry, stiffness, handling, climbing, everything that is important to a mtb enthusiast. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Paragon 29er, Giant Reign, Fat Chance Yo Eddy | | Bike Setup: | X-9, Thompson stem, Syncros Bulk CF bars, Easton E90 post, Bontrager RaceLite rims, Bontrager Race cranks, Juicy 7's, RP23, Reba 100mm, Weirwolf 2.55 F, Exiwolf 2.3 R. 29.4lbs | | Bottom Line: | Probably have read every article and review on high end 26's and 29ers, ridden most of them, and I can definitively say this is the finest bike frame available. It feels quicker and more nimble than the best 26'ers yet has all the benefits of the 29'er. Leans more toward a trail bike than XC racer. Glorious. If your going to buy one, buy it at The Path Bike Shop in Tustin, CA. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix,AZ. US of Frikin A..
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Slippery Pig Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I am 6'3" and Clydesdale sized..I love this bike. It fits like it's made for me. I gives me plenty of pedal clearance yet better overall balance. The transition from sitting to standing pedal is the best I've experienced. I can use my whole body on this bike. I can keep the front end down and the rear stable while climbing. I had never experienced the "pulling on the bars", while throwing the bike back and forth, that I had seen, until I test road one for the weekend. Now, it's a comfortable skill. It feels like climbing a ladder! My last build was a Santa Cruz Blur LT. I loved that bike too. After a weekend test ride on the El Rey in Flagstaff, I sold all my 26" bikes and wheels. | | Weaknesses: | The rider! | | Similar Products Used: | I've had Fisher Sugar 2, Haro EX 3, Kona Stinky Dual Crown, my last build was a Santa Cruz Blur LT. | | Bike Setup: | XT Drivetrain, Rock Shock "REBA" SL, w/Lock Out, RP3 shock, Thomson Stem, RaceFace Seat post, Monkey Lite riser bars, Chunky Fuel grips, wheels are Bontrager Rythum Elite, Chris King headset. Burnt Orange paint. | | Bottom Line: | I have witnessed changes in technology, "neon powder coat, suspension stems, bar ends", every time a change comes along traditionalist have protested and I have been called a traitor in the past. I rode some of the 1st 29er hardtails and was waiting for the bugs to get worked out of the Dual Suspension. Ventana has done it. Bottom Line!!!
I'M SOLD!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Heckl
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Yes | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Path - Tustin CA | | Strengths: | Bike fits me. I'm 6'1" and the 29er geometry feels great. Bike is nimble and rolls over items as descibed in numerous reviews. Traction difference coming from 26ers is a marked positive. | | Weaknesses: | Standover height. I have about 1.5" of clearance between my "you-know-whats" and the top tube. Still a tenor so all is good. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Allez - Roadie, Softride Powerwing - Roadie, Specialized FSR, Ellsworth Evolve, Gary Fisher HT, Schwinn Stingray | | Bike Setup: | Sram x-9, Bontrager wheelset & hubs, Avid Hydr. brakes. Kenda Nevegal Tires, RP23 rear shock and REBA fork. Weighs 29 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. No reservations. It is stable downhill, climbs well and is nimble & fast on XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Morris Cty NJ USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Ruby | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Path Bike Shop, Tustin, CA | | Strengths: | Stiff, well built, gorgeous paint, plush on descents, firm on climbs (RP23 shock) | | Weaknesses: | some brake jack in firmest RP23 settings. Feels sluggish when climbing in full open RP23 mode, but might be because I am currently running heavy wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo Canzo, various 29'er hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Reba 100mm, XT 2X9 drivetrain, Deore/WTB wheelset (slightly heavy), NEvegal 2.2 | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I have ridden horst link bikes (Tracer, Epic) for 6 years prior to moving on to 29'ers and was afriad I'd be giving up some performance by moving away from that design. However, other than the brake jack in the firm setting, this bike performs better all around than any of my prior FS bikes. I have found myself making steep climbs I could never do on my older bikes. Part of that might be the 29'er set up, but the El Rey climbs like a fiend. I would recommend getting the RP23 upgrade over the standard Float R...gives you MUCH more flexibility. Check out The Path in Tustin, ask for Tani. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | www.hammerheadbikes.com | | Strengths: | Climbs like a goat! | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Hammerhead 100x, Demoed the Intense Spyder 29er. | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X.9 drivetrain, Reba, I-9 wheels, Martas, RP23, stock geo, quad bearing upgrade | | Bottom Line: | This bike is flat out awesome.
You point it uphill and pedal. If you lose traction, it is your own fault. Sometimes, I feel like I am cheating. It just smooths out a lot of the rough stuff.
The El Rey is also incredibly stable. On the 29er Spyder, I didn't get that feeling and it also felt 'twitchy' to me. The El Rey instills confidence in the downhills and you can still hit the corners hard.
I also considered the Niner RIP9, but I have no regrets about going with the Ventana.
I was skeptical of the 29er "fad" at first, but I am fully behind it now. I could see how a freeride type wouldn't jump to a 29er, but for an XC person, it is great.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Racer
from Alberta
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | pro1imports | | Strengths: | It's a Ventana, in a name that speaks volumes about the quality of the build. Awesome welds, perfect paint, lateral stiffness approaches a hardtail. Ventana as a company sets the bar really high for customer service, You can phone them up and even speak to Sherwood directly, that is if he's not in the process of laying a fine bead on your frame. | | Weaknesses: | Riding this bike makes me want to sell all my other frames and buy more of his, which I will. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first 29er. I have nothing to compare it to. 29ers in Canada are few and far between. I got the first El Rey to cross into this land. | | Bike Setup: | 4", quad bearings, custom geo, 970 with ceramic bearing upgrade, WB magic 100, RP23, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I jumped at the 29er thing from talking with the guys on the MTBR forums who ride these big wheels all the time. Thanks, it was money well spent and you get what you pay for. If your going to b!tch about the price, get lost. I've spent the same amount of money on other 26er bikes to only keep them for a month or less because of poor quality, this is a keeper plus if I want I can change it into a 5" trail bike with a new set of rockers. At 6'2" the riding of a 29er is as advertised, you sit between the wheels and not above them so cornering is stable and I ride my local trail faster than I do on my Ellsworth or my 5.5 26 bikes.
I was going to get a custom El Saltemontes, sure glad I didn't because the 29er thing is friggin' awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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