Ventana Solos to Victory in Winter Series!

Oliver 'gets his berm on' in preparation for the race
(Photo: Vaughan Watson)

Team rider Oliver Whalley aboard his faithful Ventana El Toro recently completed a clean sweep of the single speed grade at the Christchurch Winter Series.

The final round, held at McLeans Island on a stunning winters day was indicative of the domination Oliver displayed. Coming in with a minute and a half lead and winning the entire sport grade in the process!

No doubt part of his success can be attributed to the dialed handling of the El Toro frame. Oliver reported that during his final two laps around the fast, flowing course he felt as if he was no longer riding a bike while speeding around the course!

The eccentric bottom bracket central to the Toro's design made setting up the big gears required on this fast course a doddle, with none of the faffing about required with other chain tensioning systems.

Gone in a flash, such is the speed of the El Toro!

(Photo: William Kelton)

Look out for Oliver aboard the El Toro at the HQ Underground SS races to be held in late September. With power to burn and the skills to pay the bills, expect Oliver to be 'putting it in the hurt bag' in a quest to secure the cash on offer.

Incidentally, this race winning bike is available for test rides, so get in touch if you fancy a spin (or grind) on your favourite trail.

Mountain Pedaler out...

Stolen El Rey

In tragic news, Alistair B. has just reported his cosmic orange El Rey stolen. Taken off the roof of
his car between 9.30 & 12 on Thursday the 16th (in Christchurch city), this dream bike is now on the hands of a light handed person of questionable moral fibre (or as Alistair called him, a fucker!)

The Stolen bike; a Ventana El Rey (29er)

Please keep your eyes peeled out there for this stolen bike, and report any sightings to the local police. They have had success with recovering stolen high end bikes in the past, and with a bit of vigilance Alistair may not have to claim for it under his insurance.
Key identifiying features include:

• Cosmic orange paint
• 29 inch wheels
• Reba 29er fork
• Avid juicy brakes
• XT cranks and derailleur

Mountain Pedaler out...

Spangler on the loose...

In exciting news Will Kelton, NZs newest Ventana owner has just completed an amazing bike build around the shiny Ventana El Fuego frame. Coming in at a svelte 4.5lbs, and in a mirror-like ball burnished finish, this El Fuego is a showcase of Ventana's attention to detail. With 3.5" of rear travel and race honed geometry, Will chose the frame for its sharp handling and of course the shiny finish!
Will was also the first customer to build the frame up up with components from Mountain Pedaler NZ's newest supplier; WH Worralls. This allowed Will to spec the latest SRAM X9 drivetrain, Juicy brakes, Truvativ cranks and cockpit and Continental tires.
First ride on this sub 24lb build, and Will reports that the bike handles his favourite rocky descents with aplomb, mastering the tricky Captain Thomas descent without a whimper! Easily confused for a low flying fighter jet, Will and his new Ventana (aptly named 'Spangler') will be shredding the hills till the cows come home.

Mountain Pedaler out...