El Ciclon sits in the middle of Ventana's three trailbike offerings, and that's where we prefer them (not too wimpy and not overbuilt). While the base El Ciclon frame and shock go for $1995, ours was loaded with trade-up options. Spec'ing the Ventana quad bearings (two instead of one sealed bearing at each suspension pivot point) added $75 (and a mere two ounces to the frame). This upgrade more than doubles the bearing life and adds lateral rigidity. The frame color was a $150 upcharge (Super Dust or Red Metallic come at no charge). Ventana will mix you a custom color for a $250 upcharge. The rest of the difference between the stock price and our test bike came from the Fox RP23 Shock upgrade.

Test quote: " All the things that made El Ciclon a delight in the rough backed up its downhill performance. We were never surprised by anything the El Ciclon did. That means it didn't kick sideways, pack up after hitting a flat-edged rock or bottom harshly in a G-out."

Stoked:
A custom bike made in the USA
Bulletproof
Tons of options

Bummed:
Nothing

Bottom Line: 

While the majority of bicycle companies have curtailed making their own frames in the United States, Ventana stands out as one of the few remaining companies who conceive, design and manufacture their bicycles under the same roof. But calling them a survivor is wrong. They are not surviving, they are thriving.
    El Ciclon is nothing short of an amazing trail riding experience. Knowing that you could work with Ventana to customize your El Ciclon to your particular riding requirements makes this bike even more attractive. This bike should last any rider a long time if he rides the inhospitable terrain of Moab or the Pacific Northwest, or British Columbia or Northern California's Sierras. If you ride anything less, it will last an eternity. 
  (See full specs below)

VENTANA EL CICLON
Price...$2345 (frame and shock)
Country of origin...USA
Weight...28.3 pounds
Hotline...www.ventanausa.com
Frame tested...17" (medium)
Bottom bracket height...13.5"
Chainstay length...16.75"
Top tube length...24"
Head angle...68.5°
Seat angle...72.3°
Standover height...29.5"
Wheelbase...43"
Suspension travel...(front) 5.1"
Suspension travel...(rear) 5"
Frame material...aluminum
Fork...Magura Laurin ML130 AM
Shock...Fox Float RP23
Rims...DT Swiss EX 5.10
Tires...Kenda Nevegal (2.35)
Hub...Industry Nine Components Enduro
Brakes...Magura Marta
Brake levers...Magura Marta
Crankset...Shimano XTR
Shifters...Shimano XTR trigger
Front derailleur... Shimano XTR
Rear derailleur...Shimano XTR
Chainrings...Shimano XTR (44/32/22)
Cassette...Shimano (11-34)
Pedals...None (weighed with Shimano XTR)