The third-generation Ventum GS1 is an unapologetic gravel racing bike designed for high-speed efficiency. Rather than chasing the adventure market with cargo hatches and excessive mounting points, Ventum stripped the frame down to its essentials. This iteration eliminates the previous generation's fork flip-chip and bottom bracket accessory mounts to save weight and simplify the chassis. The revised carbon layup increases stiffness at the head tube and bottom bracket, reinforcing the bike's aggressive, road-inspired identity.
Despite this rigid focus on power transfer, the frame now accommodates massive tires, clearing up to 50mm in the rear and 56mm in the front. This combination of a stiff, lightweight platform with high-volume rubber positions the GS1 as a specialized tool for competitive gravel athletes and fast-paced group riders who prioritize forward momentum over technical trail capability.
| Stack | 570mm |
| Reach | 393mm |
| Top tube | 562mm |
| Headtube length | 150mm |
| Standover height | 841mm |
| Seat tube length | 550mm |
The GS1’s geometry closely mirrors Ventum’s NS1 road bike, featuring aggressive stack and reach figures that put the rider in a low, aerodynamic posture. Short 420mm chainstays across all sizes keep the rear wheel tucked in tightly, contributing to the bike's snappy acceleration and rapid initial steering response.
While the rider positioning is consistent, the handling geometry varies significantly across the size run. Because Ventum uses a single fork with a fixed 50mm offset for all frames, the trail figures shift dramatically. The smallest frames exhibit a high, mountain-bike-like trail of 86mm, which can feel slightly unsettled on winding singletrack. Conversely, the largest sizes drop down to a steep 62mm trail, placing them firmly in quick-handling road territory.
Most builds feature Ventum’s CR5 integrated carbon handlebar and stem, which provides a stiff platform for sprinting and a visually clean front end. Riders can specify their preferred bar width, stem length, and crank length at purchase, ensuring the aggressive fit can be dialed in without requiring immediate aftermarket swaps.
Frameset
Frame
Ventum GS1 V3 gravel frame | Full carbon fiber construction | Internal cable routing | T47 threaded BB | Flat mount disc brake | UDH
Fork
Ventum GS1 fork | Tapered carbon steerer | Internal brake routing | Flat mount disc brake | Carbon dropouts
Groupset
Shift levers
SRAM Red XPLR AXS | 1x13 speed | Electronic shifting
Rear derailleur
SRAM Red XPLR AXS | 1x13 speed | Electronic shifting
Cassette
SRAM Red XPLR | 10-46T
Chain
SRAM Red 12-speed chain
Crankset
SRAM Red XPLR Crankset | 42T chainring | Power meter included (XS/S: 165mm; M/ML: 170mm; L/XL: 172.5mm)
Bottom bracket
SRAM DUB T47
Front brake
SRAM Red AXS | Hydraulic
Rear brake
SRAM Red AXS | Hydraulic
Front rotor
SRAM Centerlock Paceline X | 160mm
Rear rotor
SRAM Centerlock Paceline X | 160mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
ZIPP 303 XPLR SW | Tubeless, disc brake | Carbon
Rear wheel
ZIPP 303 XPLR SW | Tubeless, disc brake | Carbon | XDR Driver
Front tire
Goodyear XPLR Inter | 700x45c
Rear tire
Goodyear XPLR Inter | 700x45c
Cockpit
Stem
VENTUM CR5 Integrated Cockpit (XS/S: 90mm; M/ML/L/XL: 100mm)
Handlebars
VENTUM CR5 Integrated Cockpit (XS: 38cm; S: 40cm; M/ML/L: 42cm; XL: 44cm)
Saddle
Vento Argo R5 | 150mm
Seatpost
Ventum carbon post | 0° offset
Grips
FSA Powertouch, black
The GS1 lineup spans five electronic-only builds, ranging from a SRAM Rival XPLR entry point to a premium Shimano XTR Di2 configuration. Ventum utilizes a direct-to-consumer model, which keeps pricing competitive given the high-modulus carbon frame.
Mechanically, the third-generation frame adopts universally appreciated standards, including a creak-free T47 threaded bottom bracket, a standard 1 1/8-inch steerer tube, and the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger. These choices simplify long-term maintenance and ensure compatibility with modern drivetrains.
The build ladder emphasizes race-ready components out of the box. The mid-tier Force XPLR and top-tier Red XPLR and XTR Di2 models all include power meters, a valuable addition for data-driven athletes. Gearing choices also reflect the bike's fast-paced intentions; SRAM 1x builds ship with a 42-tooth chainring paired to a 10-46T cassette, offering a higher top speed than the 40-tooth rings commonly found on competing gravel bikes. Rolling stock is similarly aggressive, with most builds featuring Zipp 303 XPLR carbon wheels wrapped in 45mm Goodyear XPLR Inter tires, maximizing the aerodynamic and traction benefits of the frame's generous tire clearance.
Reviewers consistently characterize the GS1 as a highly responsive machine that excels on fast, open courses. The frame's rigidity translates directly into acceleration, with one tester noting that "every bit of energy you put into the pedals went into forward momentum" (Velo). At speed, the bike maintains excellent straight-line stability, making it highly effective for minimizing fatigue during long, rolling races.
Opinions on the bike's comfort are slightly mixed, largely depending on how testers attribute the damping. One rider found the rear end "so plush that I'll often look down to see if my rear tire is going flat" (YouTube). Conversely, another reviewer argued the frame itself is quite rigid, suggesting the high-volume tires and seatpost extension do the heavy lifting for vibration reduction.
When the terrain turns tight and technical, the bike's road-racing DNA becomes apparent. Cornering behavior was described as a "story of two halves" (Velo), characterized by a very quick initial turn-in that slows down toward the apex. While this requires a brief adjustment period, it reinforces the consensus that the GS1 is essentially a "road bike stretched out just enough to fit a big gravel tire" (Velo), rather than a drop-bar mountain bike meant for navigating rough singletrack.
