Van Nicholas Ventus SE review

Can Van Nicholas’s entry-level model retain titanium’s legendary ride quality?

Van Nicholas Ventus SE

Cycling Weekly Verdict

Titanium was once the sole preserve of very high-end bikes. A ti frame and fork package could easily have cost the same as the entire Van Nicholas Ventus SE — and still can. Sometimes when you make something to hit a price, it’s at the expense of quality. In the case of the Ventus SE it just doesn’t feel like a bike made with compromise — to the point where you wonder whether Van Nicholas may be doing itself out of selling some of its higher-priced models! The ride quality is remarkably smooth, and at this price a full Shimano Ultegra groupset, including chainset and brakes, is a bonus. The Mavic Aksium wheels may be slightly under-specced, but they are reliable, no-nonsense wheels nonetheless.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Smooth ride quality

  • +

    Full Shimano Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain

  • +

    Well priced: titanium with Ultegra for under £1800

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Slightly 'old fashioned' looks, but for some that is a plus point

  • -

    Deserves better wheels, but at this price that's nitpicking

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Nigel Wynn
By Nigel Wynn
published

Dutch firm Van Nicholas is doing more than most to make titanium bikes accessible, and the Ventus SE is its best value model.

Frame

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Nigel Wynn
Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed. 

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