[nhodge]

have you Ventana fans seen that the Ventana forum is about to be cancelled? it's pretty obvious that it doesn't get a lot of attention, but wouldn't it be sad to see it completely dropped? i'm as guilty as any of you, but i would definitely like to see it survive. how about you?

post up something, anything.

 

[Villalobos]

have you Ventana fans seen that the Ventana forum is about to be cancelled? it's pretty obvious that it doesn't get a lot of attention, but wouldn't it be sad to see it completely dropped? i'm as guilty as any of you, but i would definitely like to see it survive. how about you?

post up something, anything.

No way I’ve just bought a new Zeus frame still in its box. This is a substitute to my 11 year el ciclon that it was too old but still in good order

 

[PHeller]

Not surprising.

Much of it has to do with interest in the brand, and if Ventana isn't creating new bikes, or the new bikes they do aren't of much interest to the vast majority of riders, the Manufacturer Specific Forum will be binned into "Custom Builders".

Personally, I think the Ventana seat stay angles are ugly, even if the front triangles do look more modern, but it's also the fact that despite the company keeping up with geometry trends, they aren't really getting into 29+ or 275+ full suspension bikes.

Lenz stays relevant by offering niche bikes. Guerrilla Gravity stays relevant by offering attractive, aggressive designs.

Part of the reason Ellsworth lost so much market was because they didn't update the designs or do market research to determine what consumers thought was a "sexy bike." Meanwhile they were jacking up prices.

Have you seen REEB's full suspension? Terribly ugly.

As much as people hate to say it, looks matter in this industry, and Ventana looks well, dated.

 

[fokof]

Another reason might be that people are very satisfied with their bikes and don't come around here to complain.

I don't think a company has to do 650 , 700 , 650+ , 700+ , FB , gravel , road bikes to survive. Do a couple , do it well.

 

[Sparticus]

Have you seen REEB's full suspension? Terribly ugly.

Specifically what do you find so ugly about it? Personally I think it looks similar to so many other FS bikes out there. That's not a compliment. Bike manufacturers can't expect to bore anybody into buying anything. I just don't see any standout good or bad thing about the Reeb -- seems to me it's an also ran. What do you see?
=sParty

 

[Villalobos]

"Part of the reason Ellsworth lost so much market was because they didn't update the designs"

Personally I did own an Ellsworth Id and had many issues with frame alignment, and brake noise. I spend much time looking for solutions in their forum... not so with my Ventana El Ciclon. I had issues, but for changing suspension bearings after some time of use. I did ask Ventana Service directly, great service really. This is a great brand

 

[Pisgah]

Getting rid of this forum is a mistake. Ventana has been around since the 80s; they still make desirable bikes; and I'm pretty sure Ventana supplies tubing for other bike brands. My impression is that Sherwood/Ventana is one of the pioneer manufacturers of this industry.

 

[Darth Lefty]

It would be cool to own a Ventana. They are local to me. Before starting his business, Sherwood worked at my current employer. Some of the old timers here remember him fondly.

 

[stiingya]

Totally wanted a Ventana back in the day, just couldn't afford one! Would be nice to see some design updates, once piece rockers, updated stays, tire clearance, metric shocks, drop outs, etc.

Ventana is a great brand!!

 

[OldHouseMan]

have you Ventana fans seen that the Ventana forum is about to be cancelled? it's pretty obvious that it doesn't get a lot of attention, but wouldn't it be sad to see it completely dropped? i'm as guilty as any of you, but i would definitely like to see it survive. how about you?

post up something, anything.

Interesting. Where did you see this?

Not surprising.

Much of it has to do with interest in the brand, and if Ventana isn't creating new bikes, or the new bikes they do aren't of much interest to the vast majority of riders, the Manufacturer Specific Forum will be binned into "Custom Builders".

Personally, I think the Ventana seat stay angles are ugly, even if the front triangles do look more modern, but it's also the fact that despite the company keeping up with geometry trends, they aren't really getting into 29+ or 275+ full suspension bikes.

Lenz stays relevant by offering niche bikes. Guerrilla Gravity stays relevant by offering attractive, aggressive designs.

Part of the reason Ellsworth lost so much market was because they didn't update the designs or do market research to determine what consumers thought was a "sexy bike." Meanwhile they were jacking up prices.

Have you seen REEB's full suspension? Terribly ugly.

As much as people hate to say it, looks matter in this industry, and Ventana looks well, dated.

Funny. IMO, Lenz and GG make some of the ugliest bikes out there. I’m not a big fan of the newer Ventana frames either, but they don’t look terrible. I think GG stays more relevant due to the community they have created over the bikes, but I have not ridden a Guerrilla Gravity bike yet.

I wonder where Ventana is with the updated El Capitan that was talked about earlier this year?

 

[nhodge]

fc Ventana comment

Interesting. Where did you see this?


============================
Rider Passion & Stories Forum, Forum Improvements- feedback?, page 2, thread #53, last sentence
============================


Funny. IMO, Lenz and GG make some of the ugliest bikes out there. I’m not a big fan of the newer Ventana frames either, but they don’t look terrible. I think GG stays more relevant due to the community they have created over the bikes, but I have not ridden a Guerrilla Gravity bike yet.

I wonder where Ventana is with the updated El Capitan that was talked about earlier this year?

see above

 

[Ol Bromy]

You working on building up the Zeus, Villalobos? The Zeus is really a fantastic bike.

That would be a damn shame if the Ventana forums disappeared. They really are a great group of people to work with and the quality of bikes that they put out is top notch.

 

[Villalobos]

You working on building up the Zeus, Villalobos? The Zeus is really a fantastic bike.

That would be a damn shame if the Ventana forums disappeared. They really are a great group of people to work with and the quality of bikes that they put out is top notch.

Hey! Yes I am building my Zeus I just hope to have it ready for jan-19. I am a bit concerned about the brand and all my friends have more expensive carbon bikes...I have seen a couple of them broken but due to abuse. I came from an old M Ciclon but Sherwood suggested a L for the Zeus...

 

[Ol Bromy]

Hey! Yes I am building my Zeus I just hope to have it ready for jan-19. I am a bit concerned about the brand and all my friends have more expensive carbon bikes...I have seen a couple of them broken but due to abuse. I came from an old M Ciclon but Sherwood suggested a L for the Zeus...

Don’t be concerned...since you also own a El Ciclón as I do, you know Ventanas are solid. My 2011 Ciclón is great, so I ultimately decided to buy a new Ventana when it came time to build a new bike. I wouldn’t worry about the new frame size either since the Zeus has a lower stand over height. My 21” Zeus is an inch shorter than my 21” Ciclón. My Ciclón felt a bit tall to me at first, but the Zeus is a beautiful fit. I finished building my Zeus a few months ago and I’m really loving the bike.

I demoed some really high end carbon bikes when I was choosing my next build. I rode the Ibis Mojo 3 & HD4, S-Works Specialized Enduro, Yeti SB6, Transition Sentinel and Patrol among others, but I’m really happy with my decision. The frame is VERY laterally stiff and seems to climb better than the majority of the bikes I was considering. I really think you’ll be happy with your new frame.

 

[Villalobos]

Don’t be concerned...since you also own a El Ciclón as I do, you know Ventanas are solid. My 2011 Ciclón is great, so I ultimately decided to buy a new Ventana when it came time to build a new bike. I wouldn’t worry about the new frame size either since the Zeus has a lower stand over height. My 21” Zeus is an inch shorter than my 21” Ciclón. My Ciclón felt a bit tall to me at first, but the Zeus is a beautiful fit. I finished building my Zeus a few months ago and I’m really loving the bike.

I demoed some really high end carbon bikes when I was choosing my next build. I rode the Ibis Mojo 3 & HD4, S-Works Specialized Enduro, Yeti SB6, Transition Sentinel and Patrol among others, but I’m really happy with my decision. The frame is VERY laterally stiff and seems to climb better than the majority of the bikes I was considering. I really think you’ll be happy with your new frame.

Nice orange color of your Zeus. I would add a word for the service. First I really got a very good deal with the frame and secondly Teresa handled options with the patience of a saint...I am really happy with the quality of the frame, paint, etc.

I want to ask you, how wide are your rims and tires. Do you know how far I can go with fat tires with the Zeus? Thanks

 

[Villalobos]

Nice orange color of your Zeus. I would add a word for the service. First I really got a very good deal with the frame and secondly Teresa handled options with the patience of a saint...I am really happy with the quality of the frame, paint, etc.

I want to ask you, how wide are your rims and tires. Do you know how far I can go with fat tires with the Zeus? Thanks

 

[Ol Bromy]

Good looking Ciclón, man!:thumbsup:

My Zeus’s got 31mm inner/38mm outer width rims with 2.35” tires. I’ve only had the bike for a few months, so haven’t tried fatter tires, but I’m loving the way it’s set up now. There does seem to be a great deal of clearance in the stays, but the tire contacting the seat tube with chubby 2.4’s or bigger would be something to watch out for on your Zeus. Running the frame in 140mm mode and the shock with more high speed compression might help minimize any problems. People were very helpful on another Zeus thread when I was building mine with regards to choosing a tire size. Internal14 had run larger tires than I’m running now with good results.

 

[milehi]

It's not a disposable Giantrekspecialized. I ordered this in 12/09.

 

[Ol Bromy]

It's not a disposable Giantrekspecialized. I ordered this in 12/09.

...and it’s still a great bike that’ll last years.

 

[bingemtbr]

Not sure if this forum is getting deleted or not. If it is getting the ax, then that is a MAJOR mistake. I am not certain how the traffic (or lack there of) is causing any strain on MTBR's server.

For the record and in my experience, Ventana is one of the pillars of the mountain biking manufacturing community. Everyone has their own taste in design so if their style isn't for you, move along. However, consider:
1. Designed, manufactured, and serviced in Rancho Cordova. Not China. Just outside Sacramento.
2. Privately owned. Not part of a conglomerate. A business owned by people with passion for the sport and their customers.
3. Outstanding customer service. When you call, either Teresa or Sherwood answer. Those names might not mean something to you, but let me tell you, they are Ventana. They listen. They offer solutions. They work with you.
4. Their frames are GORGEOUS. The lines of the tubing to the consistency of their welds. Utterly fantastic.
5. They offer custom. Want a special size? You got it. Want a special color? You got it.
6. Tandems. Holy cow. Ventana tandems are the holy grail of tandems. I do not own one. I know several who do. A Ventana tandem is more sought after than a unicorn on the Crazy-Hot matrix.

What do I know? I've been riding Ventanas since 2003. While my stable includes 5 bikes, my primary ride (currently a custom Ciclon) is always a Ventana. My wife has 6 bikes, she also has an El Salts. Our youngest son has an El Terramoto, he loves it.

I cannot recommend and endorse Ventana LOUD enough. They are real. They love riding. It will be disappointing if this forum goes away. MTBR will lose a resource which represents one of the quietest more reliable well engineered brands ever.