[Closed] Ventana El Ciclon - Opinions please 🙂

No experience, but plenty of opinions 🙂 I think they're awesome bikes - class frames and something a little bit different to what is commonly seen on the trails here. I've tried a few ventanas back in the day, but never owned one, so can't really say how they currently ride - they're the type of frame that looks fantastic close-up in terms of craftmanship, but maybe doesn't have a greatly appealing overall aesthetic look. They have that gay wee triangle, for example, which I can't stand on any bike. Still, that's just the looks - I'm sure someone will be along to tell you how they ride.

I'm on my 2nd Ventana. both have been the X5, the El Ciclon was made as a more trail orientated bike with a more conventional front triangle. The X5 can take triple clamp forks and as such is a bit heavier than the El Ciclon and in my opinion is not as nice looking as the El Ciclon.

The quality is top drawer, the craftsmanship and build is up with the very best.

They will bob a little bit without the propedal on, but I only use mine on fire roads and tarmac. The descend fantastically, they are very, very stiff, so get a bolt through fork and some chunky tires and you will not look back. I have had my RP2/3 pushed which make the whole thing brill. I'm sure if there is any weakness it's the climbing as I find it tends to 'squat' a little, which of course the VPP stuff does not.

To top it all Alan at Riverside cycles who imports them is one of the nicest and honest guys in the business, give him a ring and have a chat, you won't regret it.

The finish of the paintwork is also great.

I'm sure if you do decide on one then you won't be dissapointed. I used mine in the lakes yesterday and it never fails to impress me how well it copes with rocky drops it just seems to be unphased by them.

Justa off here has had one for a couple of years now and has nothing but praise for it.

They test one in this months MBR...

Thanks guys.

Will give Riverside a call 🙂

I love the lack of hydroformed jiggery - pokery. I must be getting old 😉

All reviews so far are very, very good 🙂

Hopefully the Crimbo bonus will come through 🙂

I've had an El Ciclon for 3 years - was a serial bike swapper before i bought it.

Just amazing bikes - the workmanship is fantastic and the whole buying experience is top class.

Downhill it inspires you and and it just digs in on the climbs - my legs always give in before the bike.

I have also not replaced anything on the frame yet - they are built to last. Like you I love the lack of hydroforming...

In What MTB this month they say that they were surprised at how good it was but only gave the bike 3 & 1/2 stars - strange that as they tested one a year or so ago and raved about it and gave it 4 & 1/2 stars ! I know Guy Kesteven loves them.

I've also owned an Ellsworth Epiphany and there is no comparison, the Ventana is better in just about every way - the Ellsworth is lighter but the El Ciclon is not exactly heavy - mine weighs under 27 lbs.

I echo what chucky says - Alan at Riverside is a top bloke who is passionate about the product, he's honest and isn't in the business of criticising other brands.

If you are near Derby you are welcome to try mine out - I have done this before and the chap went on to buy one...

Here is a picture of mine

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I honestly don't think you would regret buying one - the hardest bit would be choosing the colour 🙂

Justa - That bike is lovely - really like the colour (and the build spec TBH)

thanks mate

Didn't you sell that and get something pish instead, justa? Just a dim recollection of an old thread.

Garry - no mate still got it

oh Andy - the Ventana forum on MTBR is very good for build ideas etc.

what tyres you got on justa?

BTW managed to get my X5 down to just under 28lbs. with the help of some new Rev teams and more importantly stans 355's and some Nobby Nics

hi chucky - specialized purgatory 2.3 on the front and a spesh the captain 2.0 on the rear

did have a captian on the front and it was good but i think you need a bigger front tyre on Ventana's

Also using an oversized DT thru axle on the front now instead of a standard QR..

Justa,

Lovely bike 🙂

Thanks for the offer of a test ride, I'm in the Scottish Borders so a bit of a jaunt 😉

I'm I right in thinking that there is only one hydraulic hose guide on the seat stay? Odd not to have one closer to the caliber mount.

andy

yes just the one - i've never had any issues though.

no idea if Sherwood changed that on the updated version - he added a bit of gusseting around the head tube cos people were running 160mm forks on them - i don't think it caused a problem but thats what he's like.

Interesting and rare interview with him here - http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/interview-ventana-mountain-bikes-sherwood-gibson--17981

Ventana don't really do advertising and marketing blurb - which is nice. I hear he is also pretty handy on two wheels !

Here is a pic of a lighter build showing the routing - a bit over 25 lbs but it rides better now, which is no surprise I suppose.

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That bike still looks as new as the day you first posted a piccie of it.

you must do some polishing Justa

Ha - no polishing just a bit of copter tape - I did say the paint was good

The bike tested in the latest WMB is the same one as they tested in April 09. It now has a lighter wheelset and tyres but everything else is the same.