Sherwood poses next to a 25" El Rey. Midgets need not apply to ride this monster!
The folks at Ventana have just returned back from the mega-bike-monstrosity that is Interbike, held in Las Vegas. For the first time in several years, the crew decided to grace the outdoor demo day with their presence, putting together a kick ass fleet of bikes for the press to enjoy. Old favourites like the El Saltamontes, El Rey and El Terremoto where all on show, as well as some tasty new treats.
A fleet of El Reys ready to shred.First up, the hotly anticipated El Bastardo, a 650b full suspension rig which looks set to lead the industry into this new standard. 650b gives smaller riders the benefits of 29" wheels that can be too much for them to handle.
The El Bastardo 650b in fire engine redEqually exciting was the El Chucho ('The Mongrel'), which combines the benefits of a 29" front wheel with a 26" in the rear to give a unique bike with exceptional handling. Again Ventana is leading the charge, producing the first 69er fully while the rest of the industry just cottons on to the benefits of the 29" revolution!
Expect to see one of these mongrels in the Mountain Pedaler test fleet when they are officially released in the new year.
Expect to see one of these mongrels in the Mountain Pedaler test fleet when they are officially released in the new year.
El Chucho '69er; rollability in the front,snappy acceleration in the back.
By all accounts the outdoor demo and subsequent trade show where a rip-roaring success. The ability to deliver exciting and refined new frames in mere months never ceases to amaze me. Coupled with the old favourite frames that have established Ventana's reputation for quality and performance, the future is definitely looking bright!
