|   Custom Ventana El Fuego with a Fuel Geometry? bad move? | KMan
Jan 9, 2004 10:11 AM | | In my quest to have a FS XC race frame that feels and fits me better, one of the options I have come across is the Ventana El Fuego. I have been out demoing several bikes and so far like the geometry of the Trek Fuel and the Moots Smoothie. The Moots was a nice ride, but the suspension seemed to bob a bit too much while pedaling on flats (Fox ava suspension). The Fuel design and handling (kind of the genesis geometry) seem to fit me pretty well.....BUT I have a real concern with breakage issues with the Fuel (even though Trek has a good warranty) and I'm just not much of a Trek fan.
"One" (of the many) of my options is to have a Ventana El Fuego built with a custom geometry that matches more along the lines of the Fuel. In my opinion this would/could solve some of my breakage concerns I have while getting the type ride I like.
Does this seem like a sensible idea or is something that I should just steer away from. One of the remarks I got was if you like the Fuel geometry you should buy a Fuel. Don't mess with the El Fuego geometry as you may not get the ride you want.
Stock 21" El Fuego geomerty: (I fall inbetween sizes, but need the longer TT)
SeatTube: 21.4"
TopTube: 24.6"
HeadTube: 6.25"
HeadAngle: 71.4degree
Seat Angle: 73.7degree
Custom geometry I was considering:
SeatTube: 20"
TopTube: 24.6"
HeadTube: 5.5"
HeadAngle: 71degree
Seat Angle: 73.5degree
Any thoughs, suggestions or recommendations?
Charles from Hammerhead is sending me a shock to try out on My Racer X to see if the shock will be better than the Fox Float I am running. The Fox ramps up too quickly and the ride is pretty harsh. Not getting anywhere close to full travel even with the psi's about 20 psi below the recommended level. If the shock works a custom Ti Racer X is another option.
Thanks
KMan |
| What does Sherwood say? | The Squeaky Wheel
Jan 9, 2004 2:41 PM | | I've emailed him a few times in the past about a custom frame and he's very quick to respond and offers great advice.
I hope a different shock works for you. Switching to the AVA sleeve really improved the ride of my Hammerhead.
Keep us posted.
Squeak |
| re: Custom Ventana El Fuego with a Fuel Geometry? bad move? | Tullebukk
Jan 10, 2004 12:12 PM | | I noticed you didn't include the chainstay length in your specs. The Fuel chainstays are on the short side (16.7") and the El Fuego chainstays are on the long side (17.0"). The different chainstay lengths will change wheelbase and weight distribution a bit, so even with the "same" geometry they may not handle quite the same. I'm not an expert on this, so I don't know if this is a significant difference for you or not, but it's something to consider and maybe to ask Sherwood about, if you decide to go that route.
Another option, may be the new Turner Nitrous. Details are a bit sketchy, but it's supposed to be a lightweight xc racer with 3" of travel, carbon rockers, and a target weight of 5.0 lb. in the small size. Assuming they stick with the same geometry and sizing they are using with the Burner and 5 Spot, but go with the old O2 head angle, the XL frame might be about what you are looking for. I'm just making an educated guess on what the geometry might be based on the current Burner and 5 Spot geometry, so if you are interested you should give Turner a call and get the details.
Seat Tube: 21" (was 21" on older XL XCE and O2 frames)
Top Tube: 24.8" (current TT length on Burner and 5 Spot)
Head Tube: 6.0" (was 6.0" on older 21" O2 frames)
Head Angle: 70.5 deg (was head angle on O2)
Seat Angle: 73.5 deg (SA of O2, XCE, Burner, and 5 Spot).
Chainstay: 16.7" (CS length of O2 and Burner). |
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