27 September 2014

Rohloff SPEEDHUB XL & Ventana El Gordo Belt Drive Fat Bike Packages - Fall 2014


We've worked with Ventana Mountain Bikes USA to create a special Cycle Monkey edition of their US-made El Gordo fat bike frame. The Cycle Monkey edition will feature dedicated cable routing for the Rohloff SPEEDHUB and stealth dropper seatposts. These frames are also belt drive compatible through Ventana's clever adjustable dropout system for the most maintenance-free fat bike drivetrain available. Options are available to build the bikes up with a suspension fork and dropper seatpost for trail use or with a rigid fork and post for sand/snow use.

Contact us at info@cyclemonkey.com or 510-868-1777 to place an order.


Ventana El Gordo Build Kit Options

The new SPEEDHUB XL (left), and the original SPEEDHUB 500/14 (right)

Rohloff SPEEDHUB XL features

  • 14 gears with a 526% overall change in gear ratio offers the same range as most three by nine mountain bike derailleur systems.
  • Same proven hub internals as the SPEEDHUB 500/14 provides 100,000+ miles of reliable service.
  • Shifting mechanism is completely protected within the hubshell and sealed from the elements.
  • Shift reliably in sand, snow, mud, and other riding conditions that are harsh on traditional drivetrains.
  • Shift between gears at any time, even when coasting or while stopped.
  • Hub needs no maintenance other than an annual oil change.
  • Large diameter, symmetrical hub flanges build into strong wheels.

    Ventana El Gordo frame features

    • Ventana tapered head tube (1-1/8" to 1.5")
    • Ventana proprietary three bolt swinging adjustable dropouts
    • Belt drive compatible - drive side dropout separates from seat stay to insert belt into rear triangle
    • Cycle Monkey edition has dedicated cable routing for Rohloff SPEEDHUB shift cables and stealth dropper seatposts
    • 170mm rear axle spacing
    • Symmetric frame can be built with any fat bike rim size, including 29+
    • Chainstay yoke provides ample clearance for large volume tires (4.8" tires on 100mm rims)
    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (see geometry chart here)
    • Custom geometry available upon request for additional charge.
    • Carbon Black or Mango Tango
    • Additional colors available for additional charge

    24 September 2014

    Ventana El Comandante Bike Packing bike with Rohloff SPEEDHUB and BeltDrive


    Riding the Divide is one of the most awe-inspiring and grueling cycling challenges in the world. The 2,700 mile, 200,000 foot elevation gain ride goes from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, traversing the whole length of the United States along the Continental Divide. The Divide is also the route of the annual Tour Divide, a famous unsupported endurance race. The record for the race is 15 days, but the ride is also done at a more leisurely pace by non-competitive riders who want to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery along the way. We built this Rohloff SPEEDHUB-equipped Ventana El Comandante for a customer who is planning to ride and train around his home near Columbus, OH with the goal of eventually gearing up for a Divide ride of his own.