Rigid Baby

Spent 3 hours going up 305 to the top of Smith Ravine. A good solid climb and fast descent.

Took the rigid El Comandante Set up nearly identically to the Zion. Same fork, and tires, different wheelset. This is the same ride I demo'd the Zion rigid on last week, just went about 45 minutes further. Not expecting much except a rougher ride.

The difference was dramatic. The El Comandante is simply a better frame in all respects for my riding style. All the flex I was feeling with the Zion in retrospect was coming from the frame. All the nervousness under heavy braking and hard cornering was gone. What was left was sheer exhilaration. Great ride, and I am spent.

No doubt about it, the Comandante will remain my main trail SS ride. Don't know what to do about the Zion. Loaner? Fixed? Commuter? It has clearly been established that it is the back up bike at this point.

Conclusions: The price difference does buy you something. Probably not as much as you would think as they are both fine bikes. If you never stress the Zion at high speeds, or under hard cornering, it might be the preferred ride due to its comfort (flex). As speeds (and forces) increase, the Ventana clearly comes into its own, and is the better frame.

So if you want to ride slowly and carefully, ride the Zion, and save $600. If you go hard and want ultimately reliable handling Ventana all the way.

I would compare the Ventana's steering feel to some of the finer German cars I have had a chance to drive. You dial in where you want to go, and it does it. Very precise, very predictable, very gratifying, no slop. You can put the bike anywhere on the trail you want it to go.

Good work Sherwood.