Weekend Ride Report: Santiago Oaks, Sette Venom, walking up the 3Bs and a newbie crash
This past Sunday I headed back to Santiago Oaks, one of my favorite trails in So Cal. Meeting me were RL, Val and our friend Khoa (this would be his first time at S. Oaks).  RL was riding his recently built Sette Venom, a 7†travel bike. The night before RL had some reservations about riding the Venom. Built for FR/DH, he didn’t have the right gearing for the 3Bs.  At some point I was able to convince him to bring it and I’ll walk up with him, if I had to…
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Onto the trail – Most of the time, the ride into the park and the climb up the 3Bs is uneventful. Just as we reach the base of the 1st B, I started shifting to a higher cog to be ready for the climb and SNAP! The right thumb shifter was super loose with no tension what so ever. Looking at my chain, it was positioned at the middle of my cassette, unable to go any higher. We stopped and tried to fix it but no luck. The cable was not loose and it appears there was something broken internally within the right shifter pod. So what happens next? I did end up walking with RL.Â
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No biggie as the 1st B, is really the tougher of the three. Reaching the top of the 1st B, we rested for a bit and tried to tinker with my rear derailleur. Still no luck! The good thing is I can still drop down to my granny. Val and Khoa went ahead on the climb while RL and I stopped at the top of the 2nd B. Here were some boulders that look like a fun spot to for the Venom to jump over .  RL took a few runs which you will see in the video below.
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Dropping down into Chutes is always a blast. RL and I went down the first section fairly fast. However, since there were other bikers on the trail we slowed down a few times just so we can stay together as a group. Khoa was riding fairly well for a newbie. As we reached the bottom of Chutes, RL was behind Khoa. Not exactly sure what happened next but as we continued to descend, the trail narrowed and all of a sudden Khoa crashes. RL stops to his left and I continue to go forward towards Khoa. Not wanting to run him over or go OTB I veered to the right into the shrubs. We got up, gathered ourselves and finished the ride. Scratches were the worst of it… a good breakfast after and we were all good. Below is a video of our ride.
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Show CommentsGreat video Joe! I like the vantage point of the chest strap cam.
Cool camera angle. Let me know next time you hit Santiago Oaks. I’ve never ridden there.
Ya it was fun RL!
Dan – I’m there several times during the weekday. If you can make it around 5/6pm letme know. Otherwise we’ll shoot for a weekend.
Joe- Probably can’t this week (during the week), but I’ll let you know.
Nice!
What is the rear spacing on the Venom? Will it accept 135mm x 10mm or 150mm x 12mm? Or?
Nice build, thanks for the insight as I just bought the Venom frame to replace my unused DH frame. The SETTE Venom is more versatile.
Ride on.
Wildman,
135x10mm…
Yes I love this bike. I could have installed a front derailleur, but chose to run a chainguide since it will be used for DH.
When did you pick it up?
Bitchin’! I do not have to buy/swap wheels after all.
I got bored at work last night and scoped it out on PricePoint.com. It had all the same lengths as my Azonic Eliminator, but with more usable geometry. The front deraillure post is a bonus for rides with the wife and the less slack headtube and 2″ shorter wheelbae is welcome for those tight trails around the house. I should have it built by next weekend as soon as it arrives. I will share my experience here.
Thanks!
Have you been happy with the RS 5.1 so far? I looks like it is QR ready? Did you use QR or bolt?
Been happy with the RS 5.1. I’ve yet to bottom out, and I’m about 206lbs…
QR? Do you mean for the rear wheel? If so, yes I’m using QR.
I’m really considering installing the front der. that way I can pedal up the hills.
Yes, rear quick release hub/wheel.
This will be a STF build with older DH parts to get it rolling. I was thinking of adding a Fox 36 160mm and dropping the rear to the advertised 6″, might be even more of an all around ride then? For now the ‘ol Boxxer will keep me happy.
I should have it on the wrok stand 8/27/09!
Let us know how it goes. Send me photos of your build and we can even feature it on the site, infoATmtnbikeridersDOTcom
Just checked UPS tracking and it’s in, just gotta wait till they drop it off! I will send pics.
Got it 85% built and getting very anxious. It’s tough with 12hr. work days and my parents in from AZ, so wrench time is down. It only took me 35mins. to unpack the frame, strip the DH rig and get the Venom to a roller. I need to install the RF crankset, dial the drivetrain and give it the once over. I’d rather be awake and take my time with the important stuff. As I hoped, everything from the donor bike swapped over without complaints. I downsized tires from 2.7/2.5 to 2.5/2.35. The Boxxer Team looks happy and feels right, so it just might stay on.
AWESOME color! The welds are nice enough to be proud of and the finish is top shelf. Very slick and very stout! Talk about buttery smooth action. The rear suspension feels way smoother than my Eliminator with Fox Van R. So far I am very happy with this purchase. Pics to follow.