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I'm in the mood for a frame change and the two frames I am considering are an El Ciclon or a 5 spot. Has anyone ridden both? Which would you recommend?
Have had 2 x X5's and now have a DW 5 spot.
Both bikes are superb, the X5 was brill DH, but not as good up hill.
The Turner just gets on with it, in all situations, the DW link really does work and best way to explain it is that it is composed all the time. Almost to the point that you forget about the bike.
I would have both again, especially as I think the new El Ciclon looks great.
Speak to Alan at riverside to see about a test ride, he is a great guy and very honest.
Best way to know for sure is to test both bikes.
I had a coil shock on my X5 at one point in owning it and I have to be honest the thing was rapid down very rocky DH. The suspension just ate up the rocks, didn't pedal that well though.
I've had owned both, for 2-3 years apiece.
As per Vortexracing (above), I'd agree that the Ventana isn't as good uphill, and that they're probably evenly matched on descents. Both very nice bikes, with a good balance of predictability and responsiveness. What sneaks the Spot into the lead is the DW system, which is a more sophisticated set-up (less brake and pedal influence, more efficient climbing)
You can't go wrong, tbh
My El-Ciclon was really stiff at the back, could really hold its line well.
Quite an active suspension action. Was really precise though. And amazing build quality. Not owned a Turner but sure they are just as good. Have to say though, not a fan of the New El-Ciclon design.
The comments about the Ventana refer to the pre 2012 model type suspension. The pivot locations have now been changed to give a suspension with less squat under hard pedaling and is totally different to the older models. You should ride them both and chose yourself.
It's a shame Ventana has gone down the bendy tube route. The new ones look gopping.
The latest 5spot? Definitely. The 2010 one? No way.
I unfortunately agree with chunky, new bendy top tube ones look awful, which is a shame, as the X5 I had was the stiffest best built bike I've owned, and I'd have liked to have tried the new pivot location version...
Sherwood will build you a straight tubed version. No problems. And the up charge wouldnt be much. In fact, I bet you could have it done for less than the cost of a brand new spot. That's the pro of the Ventana, it's from a true custom builder. Have it as you want it.
I had a El Saltamontes (now with new pivot location and straight TT) and an X5. The Saltamontes absolutely flew over anything - lakes/peak/highlands etc. I wouldn't discount that purely on amount of travel.
Ridden a manner of spots in the past, the original being the best IMO.
2 lovely bikes, good luck!
Another factor you may want to take into account is the frame geometry. The medium Ventana has the same length top tube as the large Turner. I had a large el ciclon (old version) but sold it on as it just felt a little too big for me and I didn't like the way it pedalled. I have recently bought a large DW 5 spot ( thanks Hora!) and it feels just about right. I'm 5'10" and have long legs for my height.