Hopefully your work network doesn’t block this post as I am about to show you a legal way to 69. Last week, I came home to find a very unique ride from Ventana Mountain Bikes USA on my doorstep. This review bike is unlike anything that has graced the pages of Mountain Biking by 198 in the past. What is so different about this 5.5 inch (140mm) travel frame from Ventana? The wheels don’t match! That’s right…this El Chucho frame is designed around a 29 inch front wheel and a 26 inch rear…hence the term 69er. The idea is to gain the roll over and traction of the 29 inch wheel while still keeping the travel and acceleration of the 26 inch wheel.
More on the El Chucho from VentanaUSA.com
“The Mutt”
Can’t decide between 29 inch and 26 inch wheels? No worries! Get both with Ventana’s 69er, El Chucho, our all mountain attack dog.
The stable handling and big-bump rolling performance of a 29 inch front wheel coupled with the quick acceleration, gearing, and suspension travel afforded by a 26 inch rear wheel, make our 69er the perfect combination for the ultimate trail bike. El Chucho gets a generous dose of Ventana lateral stiffness and features our super low-compression ratio rockers, with 5.5 inches of progressive rear suspension travel to yield a confidence inspiring and versatile package.
Where quick accelerations and cornering are at a premium, a 100mm fork unleashes El Chucho’s fast single-track lineage with aplomb, and a 120mm fork transforms Chucho into a rock hound with a rabid nose for the rough stuff.
Standard Features
- Handcrafted in-house by Ventana
- Legendary Ventana “Electric Sex” TIG welds
- 5.5” rear travel with Fox RP23 Pro Pedal air shock
- Oversized precision sealed cartridge bearing pivots
- 120mm fork compatibility
- International standard disc brake mount
- 1-1/8” internally butted head tube with wrap-around gusset
- 73mm width internally butted BB shell
- Fits 34.9mm top pull front derailleur
- 27.2mm seat post diameter
- Colors: Cosmic Gray or Grinch Green
Options/ Upgrades
- Additional colors, custom & semi-custom geometry
Initial Thoughts On The El Chucho
As with all Ventana mountain bikes, the El Chucho build quality is fantastic. I should note that one of my personal rides is a Ventana El Terremoto and I have owned a El Ciclon in the past, so this El Chucho review bike is the 3rd Ventana frame to grace my garage. Given my past history with Ventana Mountain Bikes, I already knew what to expect as I opened the box. Sherwood Gibson puts together a very solid frame with some of the best welds you can find. He is known throughout the industry for putting out a quality product that can take abuse over and over again.
This review is really going to be two fold.
- 69’er Platform – Is there any truth to the 69’er platform or is it just another gimic for the bike industry?
- The El Chucho – Can’t have a review bike in without reviewing the actual bike.
Since this bike is only available as frame only (unless the retailer offers a build option), I am going to change out a few parts to get it trail ready for my liking. Stay tuned to Mountain Biking by 198 for more on this unique ride from Ventana Mountain Bikes USA.
