Ventum goes all in for mountain bikes, and it appears they aren’t messing round with “previous tech”; they look like main with very giant wheels and a really aggressive silhouette.
However what does an organization that has primarily produced drop-bar TT, highway, and gravel bikes learn about off-road racing? Possibly greater than we expect!
Ventum 32″ Mountain Bike? 32/29 MX?
Forward of this weekend’s Leadville Path 100 MTB, Ventum Racing teased what seems to be a 32-inch full-suspension prototype by its social channels. The sneak peek was met with pleasure, trepidation, and chuckles, however that’s factor, as everyone knows, social media rewards drama.
To be honest, we don’t know for certain that this can be a 32″ bike. However the selection of an inverted fork, the prototype tires, and the final angles with a really low, detrimental drop stem all level in direction of the bigger platform. Given the break up picture, it’s onerous to inform, nevertheless it nearly appears as if this can be a mega MX bike with a 32″ wheel up entrance and a 29″ wheel out again. That will make it simpler to package deal the rear finish and suspension journey whereas offering the advantages of the bigger 32″ wheel up entrance.
Why? In its 11-year historical past, Ventum has by no means produced a mountain bike. Nevertheless it appears annually the model provides extra tire clearance and extra off-road-friendly designs.
Plus, now that 32″ appears to be the wave of the long run for Life Time Grand Prix (or not less than a few of them), why not give it a go? They’ve a seat on the very entrance of the 32″ race bike launches, and it’ll hold their athletes from racing different manufacturers for the MTB Life Time Grand Prix races.
What Are We Trying At?
From the teaser photos, the bike in query appears able to roll, and prefer it has already been ridden. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a Ventum athlete on this throughout the Leadville 100 race.
From what’s seen, the Ventum prototype appears extra like a marathon or XC race bike than a path bike. The flex-stay format is sensible for maintaining weight down, and it’s confirmed for light-weight XC work. The FSA wheels are for certain new, however now that we will count on extra 32″ manufacturing bikes, OEM gear will comply with.
The inverted fork selection additionally matches the present state of 32-inch growth. Fork availability remains to be one of many more durable items of the 32″ puzzle, however possibly not for lengthy. The tires are a thriller, however rattling in the event that they don’t look WTB not directly to me… however I’ve been approach off earlier than.
Why Leadville?
If there’s a place the place a 32-inch mountain bike is sensible, Leadville is excessive on the record. The race is lengthy, quick, and extra marathon XC than technical World Cup observe. Sure, there’s a large climb on the course that can most positively be a downside for anybody on a heavier bike with huge wheels. However Leadville rewards momentum, staying on high of the gear, and basic plowing by the course. The lengthy gravel sections, doubletrack, and lengthy descents might be a bit of examine mark within the 32″ wheels nook.
Why 32″ Wheel Once more?
The fundamental pitch is a decrease angle of assault, smoother rollover, and presumably much less fatigue from repeated bumps. We’ve heard all of it at this level apart from X quantity of watts saved. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply 32-inch wheels are routinely quicker. Nevertheless it does imply Leadville is a good way to get some real-world testing completed, chum the water, and do it on a course that may match the bike’s model.
For now, that is nonetheless a teaser. However man, it’s a good one. Ventum could also be new to mountain bikes, however selecting Leadville as the primary public proving floor for a 32-inch full-suspension prototype is a good bit of promoting know-how. If the purpose is to indicate that huge wheels can carry pace, clean tough floor, and make sense over 100 miles, Leadville is a reasonably trustworthy place to attempt it.
Ventumracing.com
