Ventana El Comandante

[shan75]

Well after much waiting here she is. Barnd spanking one of a kind Ventana El Comandante 29er SS. Build is as follows

20" Ventana Sparkling Pink El Commandante EBB SS 29er
Rockshox Reba Race 29er with Poploc Adjust
Chrisking Headset
Salsa Carbon Bars
Oury Lockons with Cane Creek Ergo Control Barends
Race Deus 130mm Stem -6 Deg Rise
Avid Juicy 7 Brakes with Dirty Dog Gecko 160mm Rotors **Bling**
Race Face Deus 175mm Cranks and BB (Being Upgraded to Middleburn Uno SS Cranks and SKF BB in a few weeks)
Spot Rock Guard
Surly 32 Tooth Chain Ring
ACS Claw 20t (Being Swapped for a White ENO once I determine the right ratio)
Custom Pink, Velocity Zvino 29er Rims on Surly 32/36 hole Hubs QR
Thompson Seatpost (Will also try Thudbuster and Easton EC70)
WTB Rocket V Titanium Seat
Crank Brothers Candy SL Pedals
Maxxis Ignitor 29er Tyres with 26" Ultralite Tubes.
On my inaccurate scale - 23lbs

After taking it for a bit of a work out all I can say is OMFG this is fast. It is very smooth and just a joy to ride. Geometry seems good though not everyone likes a 130mm stem. It accelerates much better than I had hoped but that is probably due to the ratio I am running. Grip is fantastic and you can really push it in and out of corners. Whils the bike seems big it is very manuevrable, really a lovely suprise.

Another thing, It Climbs like a goat. This will almost certainly be what I race on next year. Providing the knee holds up. I am a convert and simply love the 29ers.

I love the colour, not everyone will but I figured if you want to be different you may as well ride a pink 29er SS. Almost as bad as a unicyle LOL. Bag me if you want but I have a child to prove I was hetero at least once, unless my brother had something to do with it. That reminds me, get a DNA Test. No seriously I love this bike.

Negatives, well not really many. It is certainly harder to loft the front end. No worries doing step ups etc but doing wheelies are a real challange.

http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/Pinky%20Drive%20Side.JPG
http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_Pinky%20Rotor.JPG
http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_Pinky%20Seatstays.JPG
http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_IMG_0790%20%28Medium%29.JPG
http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_Pinky%20Drivetrain.JPG
http://http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_IMG_0799%20%28Medium%29.JPG
http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10551/normal_Pinky%20Left%20Side.JPG

I can't wait to get back from OS in a few weeks to get out on it more. I am also getting a Niner 29er Geared as well. In Kermit Green. Let me know what you think.

Look forward to seeing everyone on the trails soon. Feedback and thoughts are appreciated.

Shannon

[orchie]

Nice work... looks like the 29er brigade is coming to Aus.

Grant

[Mo]

holy shit what a stealthy bike.
farken awesome.
you definetely will have some looks from people who have no idea about bikes.

[nick]

Well i know about bikes and i'll be looking, thats awesome. Loving the pink and those rotors are bloody sick. I want one :D Good work man well done awesome build.

[Techno Destructo]

My wife wants those rotors!

Where'd you get them from and how much did you pay?

[Cúl-Báire]

It's very.... Ummmmmm Pink! :D

[shan75]

The rotors are Dirty Dog Mtb. they have a variety of different types and you can see them on . MTB Precision is the Australian importer. It happens to be my little business as well. We bring in Ventana Bikes , Niner Bikes and Gravity Dropper seatposts. We are slowly developing a dealer network and where a dealer does not exist we can sell direct to you. Prices for the rotors RRP are $99 for 160mm, $109 for 185mm and $120 for 203mm. Stock is limited at the moment but we will be fully stocked in early December. Demand has been very high. Feel free to pre order. I will be in the UK for the next 2 weeks but you can email me at shannon@mtbprecision.com.au

Websites are as follows:

www.mtbprecision.com.au
www.dirtydogmtb.com
www.gravitydropper.com
www.ventanausa.com
www.ninerbikes.com

I love the rotors myself and they perform exceptionally well.
See you on the trails.