[RoundRockTJ]

I have been riding an 02 Racer-x 80. It is an awsome bike to say the least. I just sold the bike because I want something less racey with more travel. I was looking at the Motolite and 5-Spot. I went to hammerhead to talk about it and he threw in a Third bike, the El Saltamontes. The three bikes were so close that you just had to look at the little things to decide. Price: Advantage Motolite and Salty. Leadtime: Advantage Salty and 5-Spot. Travel options: Advantage Motolite and Salty. Bearings: Advantage Motolite and Salty. Everything else is a wash for the most part. All 3 bikes are top notch. I picked the Salty because the 04's have a monstor price cut; Extra 5" Rocker; 1 week Leadtime. Below is what Charles and I picked for the setup. Once it is built I will take some poser shots and add the bike to the Setup Thread.

Frame: '04 Saltamontes 17
Color: Cosmic Orange
Options: Quad bearings
Shock: Fox RP3
Fork: '05 Fox Talas R
Wheelset: Chris King ISO Black 32 Hole/DT Swiss XR 4.1 Rim
Seatpost Clamp: Stock
Front Der: None, running a 1x9
Rear Der: SRAM X.9
Shifters: SRAM X.9
Chain: SRAM PC-99
Cassette: Shimano XT 11-32
Brakes: Magura Marta SL
Cranks/BB: Race Face Deus Black 175mm Bash/34
Pedals: Egg Beaters
Headset: Chris King NoThread Black
Handlebar: FSA K-Force XC Riser 31.8
Seat Post: 27.2 Thomson Elite 410mm Black
Stem: 120x 5 Thomson X4 Black 31.8
Saddle: Terry Dragonfly Ti Saddle
Grips: Salsa Juegos Des Fuegos Lock-on Grips
Front Tire: Kenda Tomac Blue Groove 2.35
Rear Tire: Kenda Tomac Blue Groove 2.35
Accesories: 5” Rocker, N-Gear Jump stop
Weight: We will find out
Future changes: Extra light weight wheelset with light weight tires for the easy stuff.

 

[D-Rock]

Welcome to the sicko ward.

I was in a similar situation as you when I was deciding on a new bike. I also considered a Spot and a Moment w/air until I got wind of the Salty. I rode all 3 and needless to say, I'm now a Ventanaphile.

Round Rock must be a fairly flat place to run a 1x9 with a 34 chainring and 11-32 cassette on a 5" bike. That or you are a badass!

Congrats on the new rig.

D.

 

[RoundRockTJ]

Round Rock must be a fairly flat place to run a 1x9 with a 34 chainring and 11-32 cassette on a 5" bike. That or you are a badass!

Congrats on the new rig.

D.

Round Rock is Austin Texas and no it is not flat. I ran a 1x9 32x32 on my racer-x and never had any issues. BadAss? Not exactly to say the least. But I did ride up the Windser at Santa Fe, Broken Arrow at Sedona, and that one long climb at Flagstaff that goes to the Antennas. It might be differnet on a 5" but I guess I will find out the hard way. More than likely I will end up with the stock 32 up front and a 34 out back. I will follow up with some Salty 1x9 trailride reports.

 

[DrDon]

I'm thinking of buying a RX100

Round Rock is Austin Texas and no it is not flat. I ran a 1x9 32x32 on my racer-x and never had any issues. BadAss? Not exactly to say the least. But I did ride up the Windser at Santa Fe, Broken Arrow at Sedona, and that one long climb at Flagstaff that goes to the Antennas. It might be differnet on a 5" but I guess I will find out the hard way. More than likely I will end up with the stock 32 up front and a 34 out back. I will follow up with some Salty 1x9 trailride reports.

I'm not going to sell my X5. My wife generously offered to buy me another bike, but I find myself balking only because I can with the flick of two levers stiffen up the suspension of the X5. Racer it is not, but then again I'm not a racer either. My X5 would only weigh approximately 2-2.5lbs more than a RX100 if I were to spec it similarly.

 

[sherwood]

and that one long climb at Flagstaff that goes to the Antennas

That would be Mt. Elden, tops out at over 9000 ft., if I remember correctly. Love that climb...Ventana almost moved to Flagstaff in the early 90's when my wife was in the running for an engineering job at W.L. Gore. Rode up Elden on our check-it-out road trip, and haven't been back since...sheesh, I gotta get out more.

 

[TomFL]

Having spent the last few years on a Titus

A few switchblades, Racer-X's and FCR road, I think you'll be happily suprised by the quality, attention to detail, and customer support that the Ventana has over the T-brand.

I still have my Racer-X, but it's got about 1" of dust on it since I bought a Ventana.

Good luck with the build and enjoy the new ride.

-T

 

[icegeek]

That would be Mt. Elden, tops out at over 9000 ft., if I remember correctly. Love that climb...sheesh, I gotta get out more.

Well yes you do. I know, how about a Ventana gathering? Flag would be a fine place for it, no?

Oh, and congrats TJ. You're gonna dig it.

 

[Enel]

Yes

Well yes you do. I know, how about a Ventana gathering? Flag would be a fine place for it, no?

I'd definitely be up for that.

 

[AllRounder]

Once it is built I will take some poser shots and add the bike to the Setup Thread.

I want to see some poser shots of this bike in action at Emma Long! With the 1x9 and bash ring your Salty will be the perfect bomber bike for that trail. BTW, I mis-spent some of my youth in Georgetown, riding my Schwin Stingray around by the N. San Gabriel River. That whole area is awesome. Man, I miss that place.

-AR