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Ventum One Bike Test

Stephanie WeldonStephanie Weldon
in General Training Discussions
Hey Team!
I know a few of you have acquired a Ventum.  I'm heading to Chattanooga this weekend to take a test ride and seriously look at ordering one.  SERIOUSLY.  Would like some team input of first hand experience with these bikes and/or questions that might be good to ask about the bike while I'm there in front of the Ventum reps.  Any components/wheels/must haves/must avoids??? Did anyone do a custom paint job and if so what's involved with that process? I'm not looking at wind tunnel package or anything of that.  I just seriously need a new bike and wanted to upgrade to electronic shifting/better quality.  This looks like too good of a deal to pass up through EN.  Also, if we have folks racing this weekend I'll be cheering (at swim exit)!! Thank you!!! @tim cronk & @Mariah Bridges

Steph

Comments

  • tim cronktim cronk
    Stephanie, Its a great bike, and an even better deal through EN.... Component must have is Di2.... I am an aluminum brake track wheel fan .... 2 things- In the real world Its not any faster than my old FELT no matter what they say (which is the same about any bike) and I am still not a huge fan of the hydration system and lack of food storage...
  • Stephanie WeldonStephanie Weldon
    Thanks @tim cronk!! Definitely want the Di2.  Appreciate the feedback.  I'll be riding a 46cm and the hydration storage is slightly smaller.  That concerns me.   I've read that they ride a little stiffer like a road bike but a very quiet & smooth ride.  Is that an accurate description?? 
  • tim cronktim cronk
    @Stephanie Weldon yes I would say that is accurate.
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    Stephanie - if you don't have a "super bike" and desire one, the EN deal on the Ventum is probably the best thing out there. As I pondered a new road bike earlier this year a friend gave great advice which is if you love biking, your bike should move you emotionally as well as functionally. Clearly the Ventum does that.
    the most info in the haus is located in the Ventum Discussion thread
  • Trish MarshallTrish Marshall
    Stephanie, I also believe the 46 has the option of a bento box attached to the drink bottle, so one of the challenges of owning a Ventum is solved!  

    I agree with Tim, that the bike alone doesn't make you a faster athlete.  We all know in the haus its the engine.  I have enjoyed riding mine.  It gets a lot of love out on the road.  

    Reading the thread Scott posted has a ton of info on it and helped me (along with Rachael from Ventum) make my up mind and purchase.  Like Tim I rode a Felt (B10) before and had DI2 shifting, so I was spoiled.  What surprised me the most about the bike is its weight.  Super bike does not equal the lightest bike.  It weighs about the same or perhaps a touch more than my old B10.  I went from riding zipp 404 and 808 to the Echo wheel set and I feel like it was a wash there, perhaps a bit better in cross winds.   I really do like the large bottle on the frame.  I don't drink off the course and it makes my life simpler.  The biggest issue I have with the bottle is the screw that holds it in place has come out while riding (crap roads here in Michigan) and I've replaced it with inexpensive screws from the hardware store.  I had the same issue with my Speedfill I used to have on the frame of my B10.  

    I am glad you will get a chance to preride it!  That was the hardest part for me...not to have gotten that opportunity before ordering.  I think that will help a TON to see if the Ventum is right for you!  Enjoy being at the championships and tell Rachel hello from me!
  • Stephanie WeldonStephanie Weldon
    Thanks everyone for the insights.  Didn't get to ride.  Totally bummed but life & family happens.  Thank you very very much!!
  • Jeremy BehlerJeremy Behler
    @Stephanie Weldon lots of good advice here.    I bought two of the hydration bladders and I have a bento box that i screwed into one with small wood screws.   For me it's great as I have zero need for any aid stations in a 70.3 between my bento, the 1.4L integrated hydration, and one behind the seat bottle.   The ride is incredible.   It's not the lightest superbike, but what you give up for a hundred or so grams is a stiff, compliant ride.    I have raced my Ventum in Kona, and four 70.3s and have have set PRs on the same courses.   That said, with any superbike you are really splitting hairs so you need to get a bike you are excited about and that will give you confidence.    Good luck....feel free to call or email with any specific questions.

    Oh, and one thing that wasn't mentioned....the customer service is over the top.   And it wasn't just pre-sale.   It has continued to this day and the ownership/employees take a personal approach.   Earlier this month I stopped by their booth at 70.3 worlds and they all welcomed me by name (after not seeing my in person since Kona last year)
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