|
What to expect from the X-5:
- Frame detail
- Stiffness: lateral, vertical -- from any angle with phenomenal, industry leading tolerances
- Triangles everywhere, more so than on any other frame I'm aware of (triangles are the most stable shapes geometrically)
- Dialed Geometry: everything from stand over to accomodate for short legs or a long 150mm fork, to the perfect head and seat angles
- Better than average compression ratio
This is got to be my most favorite frame to date. I just starting using a Gravity Dropper seatpost along with this frame and now I'm REALLY capable of taking full advantage of this frame! With the Fox RP3 rear shock, this things screams up and down the mountainside like a wild bandit in hot pursuit of an unguarded treasure. With the Fox DHX Air, you basically get an air version of a coil spring, so you lose some of that stubborn ProPedal climbing compression stiffness, but again, you're basically getting a super tunable coil rear shock in air form, that smooths out 4-7 footers with impeccable ease.
Over all (and I hate to admit this, but) my favorite rear shock to date is the Manitou Swinger Air 3 Way. While I'm not even going to get into my issues with Manitou front forks, their Swinger 3 Way has proven to be the most capable of being compliant amongst all of the platform shocks, and yet they over build it to withstand all of the abuse you might dish out to a coil rear shock, up to a light freeride setting.
Getting back to the frame, I recommend setting this bad boy up with a 5" setting, just about no matter what you think you need out of an aggressive all mountain bike. This thing in a 5" travel setting is utterly bottomless with the right rear pressure. I opted for the 5"/6" travel adjustable rocker arm because I absolutely expected to need the 6" travel mode - nope! Think again! But if you simply must, go for it, appease your little heart's desire. How the Ventana X-5 compares to other 5" travel boutique frames:
Features | X-5 | Turner 5 Spot | Ells Epiphany | Price | $1995 | $1895 | $2395 | Rear Travel | 5" | 5" | 5.25" | Rear Shock | Fox RP3 (DSC) | Fox DHX Air | Fox FLoat R | Front Fork | 130-150mm | 130mm | 130-150mm | Head Angle | 68.9* | 69* | 70* | Top Tube | 24" (19") | 23.9 (19.5") | 24.25 (19") | Wheel Base | 44.1" | 44.7" | 44.7" | BB Height | 13.5" | 13.25" | 13.7" | Pivot Points | HUGE double sealed cartridge bearings | bushings | OS cartridge bearings | Frame Weight | 6.78lbs (19") | 6.5lbs (??") | ??lbs |
How the Ventana X-5 compares to other 6" travel boutique frames:
Features | X-5 | SC Nomad | Ells Moment | Price | $2250 | $2008 | $2295 | Rear Travel | 6" | 6.5" | 6" | Rear Shock | Fox DHX Air | Fox DHX Air | Fox DHX 5.0 | Front Fork | up to 160mm | up to 180mm | 130-150mm | Head Angle | 68.8* | 68* | 69* | Top Tube | 24" (19") | 23.8 (18.5") | 24.24" (19") | Wheelbase | 44.1" | 44.6" | 45" | BB Height | 13.5" | 13.7" | 13.8 | Pivot Points | HUGE double sealed cartridge bearings | VPP - OS | 12mm axle bearings | Frame Weight | 7.38lbs | 7.7lbs | 8.45lbs (Float R) |
Now for some of the immaculate frame detail to look for:
 | LEFT: The Ventana X-5's X-Brace is one of those immediately noticeable features. While some riders look at it with perplexing quandry, others grasp the concept without explanation. As an aerospace engineer, Sherwood clearly understands the important relationship between increased strength while maintaining light weight. For this reason, you will see more triangles (the most stable shape geometrically) present on a Ventana frame, than any other frame for maximum strength and stiffness - keystones of Ventana frames. Here we have a dual triangle front. | RIGHT: With such a technologically advanced frame design and concept, this bad boy comes with cable guides specific to hydraulic disc brake use, but you most certainly can also run full length housing for your mechanical disc brakes. |  |  | LEFT: Rocker arm designs are a dime-a-dozen, but again, you see the application of triangles (the most stable shape geometrically) being employed. In order to minimize lateral flex, the triple triangle forms a semi-symmetrical triangle considering the compression ratio and amount of travel. Normally, a 5" travel frame with come with a more pronounced, or more awkwardly disproportionate rocker arm (we're speaking relativey) which permits more flex. | 
One of my personal favorite attributes of a Ventana full suspension is the dramatic but logically functional triangular BB shell. BB stiffness may not be at the forefront of your mind, but Sherwood leaves no aspect neglected, instead exploiting any possible weakness to turn into a strength. Think of another aspect, such as the potential for weakness in locations of welds. With such an enormous, flat inerface for welding, another potential weakness is easily converted into a significant strength. | 
I don't even know what to say about this massive, artistically machined yoke. Perhaps stiff, wide and detailed are the three most prevalent thoughts that arise. What you cannot see from this picture is the manner in which it is drilled out, resembling I-beam construction. Again, massive double-sealed bearings and an exceptional yoke yield tolerances that no other 5" travel frame can touch at this weight - and dare I say, as just about any weight. Also keep in mind for you Clydesdales and hucksters that this frame comes with an option to upgrade to a super beefy chainstay. | RIGHT: Those HUGE over-sized dropout bearings! Bearings add stiffness and smooth operability over bushings. The dropouts are not manicured, they are simple, straightforward cleanly drawn lines that will support the intense abuse that they are about to receive. Rock solid, thick dropouts to support your own solid body frame on a nice drop. |  |  | LEFT: This is actually a picture from the El Salty, but they share pretty much the same headtube and associated area. The X-5 is definitely offers some added gusseting, but I just love the detail of Ventana frames. The head tube is rarely ever a hot spot for discussion, but that just goes to show you how rare of a manufacturer Ventana is. Notice how thick the welds are? Thick, consistent beads that hardly resemble “gobs,” despite their added size and strength. The head tube offers more stiffness than ANY other All Mountain frame due to the brace that wraps under the top tube and then around the front of the head tube, plus additional gusseting. I call this the “arm pit wrap.” Think you’ll get any flex outta this head tube? Nope, I don’t think so Chubby! |
|
