Ventum is dressing the all-new GS1 up for a gravel battle. We noticed the new gravel race machine at the Ventum booth at Sea Otter Classic. While it might not look like a wild departure at first glance, plenty of subtle tweaks suggest Ventum is fine-tuning this race-ready gravel rig for even more versatility and speed.
The stars and stripes frame in question? That’s current gravel national champion Lauren Stephens’ frame, with some bits that aren’t 100% sponsor correct. It seems that Ventum had it on loan until her race.
Ventum GS1 Gravel Race Bike – What’s New?
The head tube—that’s for sure. The front end seems to have undergone a facelift (aero face slim?), and it looks more like the modern gravel machines we’ve seen from Trek and company.
Flicked Flip Chip
The flip-chip seems to be gone. In our review of the current model of the GS1, we liked the optional longer/short chip option, especially if you’re rolling between gravel on some weekends and cyclocross on others.
No Dirty Water Bottle Mount
The updated Ventum GS1 lacks the under-downtube water bottle mount, and I’m glad to see it gone. I’m not a fan, and I never used it in our review of the current model. It seems to only get bottles dirty. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s one less mount to rattle loose mid-race, and two fewer holes in the frame.
Clearance for Days
Tire clearance is getting a notable boost. The prototype frame we caught had Schwable Thunderburts 2.20″ mountain bike tires, both front and rear. This bike is on trend with what we see unfolding in the gravel race scene with “drop bar mountain bikes.”
Out back, the chainstays look slightly more sculpted, with a thinner profile. But that could be wishful thinking. No matter what, I know they have a larger tire clearance, especially to fit those Burts.
More to Come
We’re excited to see if our speculation on the new Ventum GS1 is true. One thing is sure: It looks fast, and with riders like Lauren Stephens piloting it, it will win races.
Check out the current Ventum GS1 here.
