Phoenix: In classical mythology is seen as a remarkable unique bird that after living fiercely burns itself out and rises from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle
I would like to introduce to you, Phoenix. My first ever, non hammy down or borrowed bicycle. While I am so extremely grateful for all my gently used triathlon and cycling gear given to me by some amazing friends, this is a very proud and special moment.
The road back to being a healthy, fit and a functional athlete is a long and winding one, but worth it -- Even in setbacks I get stronger. #ironmariah
Specs & Thanks: Endurance Nation and Uptown Cycles without whom I would know NOTHING about cycling or triathlon and this bike would still be in the box! Thank you for teaching me and building this beautiful ride.
Ventum a company that regards you as family. This Ventum One will turn heads but their customer service ignites loyalty and pride!
I am having a really hard time getting the straw to the bottom of the bottle. Does anyone have a trick that helps with this?
I have a red and black bottle. Can't see ANYTHING inside the black bottle, but can in the red with a flashlight. Seems the straw is curving up and not laying down in the bottle bottom.
Any tips are appreciated. FWIW I did give the straw a hot water bath to make it a bit more flexible before threading it into the bottle.
I also have a red and black...i was able to get it snaked by feeding it in and using a flashlight to see where it was positioned.
Antother idea.....measure how far it is from the opening to the far bottom corner and mark the tubing. Insert the tubing that far and then leave it out in the sun...the warmth will soften the straw and it will naturally drop to the bottom of the bottle. From there that will be its 'default' position. I usually only put water in mine so I don't have to wash it as often and can keep the tube in place.
@JeremyBehler I did mark the tube so I have a general idea of how much needs to go back in the bottle. I will try leaving it in the sun for a while...if it ever returns to Michigan! Thank you for your tips!!!
I wore out the arm pads apparently on the stock Ventum bars. The pads thinned on centrally making for a painful ride. Anybody else with this issue? I emailed Rachel but they don't sell the pads seperately, only as part of the kit to replace the cups.
I haven't had to change mine yet (on my Ventum) but will need to soon. I used to have the same issue with my Trek Speed Concept and was continuously changing them (twice a year maybe) - they were the Trek brand. I finally got tired of this (poor quality pads from Trek) and found excellent reviews from Cee Gees (I would not be surprised if Jeremy had also recommended them!!) . Since I bought them, I never had to replace them! Cee Gees are very good and I totally recommend them. I believe the Cee Gees are thicker than the ones that come with our Ventum and you may need to make adjustment to end up with the same height.
@Mariah Bridges - that is a good logistical space for your back, but "noisy" via the wind on race day. Todd put mine on top of the hydration container using Velcro.
@Jeremy Behler - which version of those cee gee pads did you buy for your stock them to bars? Hard to tell from looking at the options online what I could get.
@Coach Patrick I ended up returning the Ventum bars as I couldn't get them low enough...so I went with the TriRig Alphas.
I'd call CeeGees. When I was getting pads for a prior aerobar they were very helpful.
BTW....when did you get the Ventum? I have the same setup for my Bento. I just used small wood screws drawn into the hydration bladder. It's not ideal having the bento so far back, but it's the only real option until I can figure out something better in front of the hydration bladder where the wires enter the frame.
@ Coach Patrick. Congrats on the new bike! I have the same handlebar with the original pads and will be interested in finding out what is the recommended CeeGees pad to use on those. On my SpeedConcept, I used the following (purchased via Amazon) Gees Cushy's Aerobar Pads (Original 3T Ventus Team, Older 3T Ventus) CY3T03 and I never had to replace them (maybe 3 years of use!). I also have the same Bento setup (following Jeremy's recommendation) and it works fine but i am sure you already have thought about what is happening when you pee! I used 2 different bladders (one without the bento and holes during training and only use the one with the bento for races. It might help prevent weakening the wood screw assembly. What size is your bike? At IM Boulder, Rachel and Chris showed me a new Ventum bladder with mounting hardware but it was only available on the small frame size. Lastly, I use a
@Jeremy Behler I got the ventum just last week!!! Pumped! I am not sure I will keep the bars either as I might need them to be a bit longer at some point given how far forward I like to sit.
@Coach Patrick - congrats on the bike! what size was your P5? what are you doing with it? I may have a buyer for you if it's a 58... Send me an email with specs/ details if interested.
What is the current WSM gold standard method of filling the tank on the go? For IMMOO I plan to have a BTA. Trying to wrap my head around filling both the BTA and tank in one station. My recollection is you have little time from the time you grab the bottle to the trash heap. Do i need a read bottle cage for the empty? Or just slow way down at the aid station?
I am planning to wear the old fanny pack for food - seems most here screwed a bento into the tank, but seems like that is also were pee goes (?)
I did the screwed bento thing and it worked fine...it's far enough forward to not get peed on.
As far as rehydration...I have an Xlab aero pouch behind the seat (primarily for gear storage) but will use that as a holder for empty bottles if I don't have time to dispose of prior to the aid station. In my experience the aid stations are long enough though...my best practice is open the lid and have the stopper out....grab a bottle squeeze it out, and then at the end usually grab a water to wash off any spilling to minimize stickiness. On a HIM I don't need any replenishment and in an IM I needed support from maybe 2 stations.
@ coach Patrick. My original pads on my ventum or now falling off and as mentioned before, I loved the cee gee pads on my Trek SC. Did you ended up buying some and if so, which models? Thanks
I realize this thread is so 2016, but I am seriously considering taking the Ventum plunge. I am ready to upgrade to a bike with Di2, and I really can't see how I could find a better deal than this. With the discount and considering I do not need wheels or power meter. I also like the integrated hydration and it seems like you all have found fixes for bento box placement. I plan to use my P1s pedals, so I would not get the PM or the wheels.
I am going to my bike shop today to get updated measurements and also check out some other options to compare pricing. I am sure I will have some questions.
We will see where this goes, but I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
@JeremyBehler I was on the phone with Rachael when I saw this. The new bladder is sweet. I am also interested in the 53/36 you mentioned. I did not know that was possible. I would probably need an 11/28 with that, but I'd like to have the 53 back.
@Brian Hagan I have a Ventum you can check out live and in person. Obviously this horrid weather needs to improve for you to take a spin outdoors. I think you could get a feel for the ride though before purchasing, even on a trainer.
If you are going to Fraser for your fit, Taylor has all my data and he can let you know if you'd be able to give my steed a whirl.
Taylor at the Fraser location, but he tweaked my original stuff from Tony V from 2010. I think I have the info on my computer somewhere. my cell is 248-376-7048. I'm doing a ride in a minute, but available to talk after 3:30 if you'd like!
Comments
I would like to introduce to you, Phoenix. My first ever, non hammy down or borrowed bicycle. While I am so extremely grateful for all my gently used triathlon and cycling gear given to me by some amazing friends, this is a very proud and special moment.
The road back to being a healthy, fit and a functional athlete is a long and winding one, but worth it -- Even in setbacks I get stronger. #ironmariah
Specs & Thanks:
Endurance Nation and Uptown Cycles without whom I would know NOTHING about cycling or triathlon and this bike would still be in the box! Thank you for teaching me and building this beautiful ride.
Ventum a company that regards you as family. This Ventum One will turn heads but their customer service ignites loyalty and pride!
Shimano-Road Ultegra di2
Stages Cycling Power Meter
Zipp 808
Cobb Cycling Jof
And of course the perfect Retül fit by Chris Sheehan
I am having a really hard time getting the straw to the bottom of the bottle. Does anyone have a trick that helps with this?
I have a red and black bottle. Can't see ANYTHING inside the black bottle, but can in the red with a flashlight. Seems the straw is curving up and not laying down in the bottle bottom.
Any tips are appreciated. FWIW I did give the straw a hot water bath to make it a bit more flexible before threading it into the bottle.
Antother idea.....measure how far it is from the opening to the far bottom corner and mark the tubing. Insert the tubing that far and then leave it out in the sun...the warmth will soften the straw and it will naturally drop to the bottom of the bottle. From there that will be its 'default' position. I usually only put water in mine so I don't have to wash it as often and can keep the tube in place.
any alternative ideas?
This is what the LBS put together for "where to stash the tool bag" issue. Thoughts?
I'd call CeeGees. When I was getting pads for a prior aerobar they were very helpful.
BTW....when did you get the Ventum? I have the same setup for my Bento. I just used small wood screws drawn into the hydration bladder. It's not ideal having the bento so far back, but it's the only real option until I can figure out something better in front of the hydration bladder where the wires enter the frame.
@Frederick Guesneau - I ride a 56...must be getting shorter....
Send me an email with specs/ details if interested.
I am planning to wear the old fanny pack for food - seems most here screwed a bento into the tank, but seems like that is also were pee goes (?)
As far as rehydration...I have an Xlab aero pouch behind the seat (primarily for gear storage) but will use that as a holder for empty bottles if I don't have time to dispose of prior to the aid station. In my experience the aid stations are long enough though...my best practice is open the lid and have the stopper out....grab a bottle squeeze it out, and then at the end usually grab a water to wash off any spilling to minimize stickiness. On a HIM I don't need any replenishment and in an IM I needed support from maybe 2 stations.
I am going to my bike shop today to get updated measurements and also check out some other options to compare pricing. I am sure I will have some questions.
We will see where this goes, but I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
Also...they just released a new integrated hydration and storage bladder for the top tube which is super slick. I’m getting one to update my Ventum.
-Sent from my iPhone
If you are going to Fraser for your fit, Taylor has all my data and he can let you know if you'd be able to give my steed a whirl.