Utah-based bikemaker Ventum has launched the third generation of its NS1 road bike, replacing the 2023 second generation with a new frameset featuring updated geometry.
The new frame is claimed to be 200g lighter and takes advantage of the current UCI frame-dimension rules to include a revised head tube and fork legs.
Originally launched in 2019, the NS1 was Ventum’s first road bike, with the brand focusing on triathlon bikes since its founding in 2014. At its launch, Ventum claimed the original NS1 was one of the lightest and strongest road frames available.
Deeper, narrower head tube
The reshaped head tube is both deeper and sharper at its leading edge, which extends ahead of the steerer, as per the Specialized Tarmac SL8 and a host of other recent road bikes. The waisted head tube shape is a feature of many of the current crop of lightweight-aero bikes, such as the Factor Ostro VAM, and is designed to reduce the frame’s frontal area.
The fork legs are now deeper for a claimed improvement in aerodynamics and increased stiffness, again mirroring the Ostro VAM's 2024 update.
Another feature shared with many recent road bikes is an increase in stack, which is 13mm higher in a size M/L. Ventum says this should help riders maintain an aero ride position for longer. It’s a trend that Ollie Smith highlighted last year in his piece on five ways race bikes will improve in 2026.
The reach remains largely the same as for the previous-generation bike. The wheelbase has been changed slightly, increasing by 6mm for the M/L, but less for other sizes, which Ventum claims makes the bike more settled at speed, while still offering a responsive ride feel.
Lower frame weight
Ventum claims to have shaved 203g off the frame weight, reducing it to 852g for a size M/L – effectively the same as removing the down tube and half the head tube from the Gen 2 NS1. It has changed the carbon layup and production process, and the redesign has reduced the mass of the frame’s front end and seatstays.
Despite the weight loss, Ventum claims an 11.9% increase in stiffness at the bottom bracket and 7.7% at the head tube. The frame is specced for a T47 bottom bracket and Universal Derailleur Hanger, and offers 35mm tyre clearance. It comes fitted with a 10mm-offset seatpost.
Frameset-only and five build options
The new NS1 frameset is available in three colours, priced at $3,599.
Full SRAM builds include SRAM Rival AXS with Zipp 303 S wheels and Zipp two-piece cockpit, priced at $5,499; SRAM Force AXS with Zipp 303 SW wheels and a Ventum one-piece cockpit, priced at $7,599; and SRAM Red AXS with Zipp 353 NSW wheels and Ventum cockpit, priced at $10,999.
Shimano options include Ultegra with Zipp 303 SW wheels and one-piece Ventum cockpit, priced at $7,899; and Dura-Ace with Zipp 353 NSW wheels and Ventum cockpit, priced at $11,299.
Ventum sells direct to consumers and via dealers. Its range now includes the GS1 gravel bike and the ES1-G electric gravel bike, alongside the NS1 and its tri and time-trial framesets.
