Tempus RED AXS

The Ventum Tempus marks a structural pivot for the brand, abandoning its signature Z-shaped frames in favor of a UCI-legal double-diamond silhouette. Designed for both time trials and triathlons, the Tempus prioritizes weight reduction and mechanical simplicity over the massive surface areas and integrated hydration tanks typical of modern superbikes. The frame utilizes 6:1 airfoil sections alongside notably wide-set fork legs and seat stays to channel air around the wheels. By adhering to traditional geometry and standard component interfaces like a T47 threaded bottom bracket and a Universal Derailleur Hanger, Ventum positions the Tempus as an accessible, highly modular race platform. It suits athletes who want a modern aerodynamic profile without the proprietary complexities of ultra-integrated superbikes, serving equally well in technical time trials or long-course multisport events where a lighter, more conventional chassis is preferred.

$11,499
Ventum Tempus RED AXS
Build
Size

Inventory

Stack502mm
Reach417mm
Top tube488mm
Headtube length86mm
Standover height826mm
Seat tube length559mm

Fit and geometry

The Tempus geometry is built around a steep 82-degree seat tube angle across all four frame sizes, pushing the rider into an aggressive, forward-rotated posture optimized for power delivery in the aerobars. A stiffened front end and a consistent 61mm of trail yield sharp, responsive steering that rewards active handling on technical courses.

Rather than developing a proprietary cockpit, Ventum partnered with Profile Design to supply the front end. Every build utilizes the Wing Ultimate S carbon base bar paired with either 52 A or 52 ASC extensions, depending on the tier. This non-proprietary approach provides extensive modularity for stack and reach adjustments, allowing fitters to dial in the rider's position using standard hardware. While the frame is only offered in four sizes, the highly adjustable cockpit helps bridge the gaps between them. The frame also features clearance for up to 30mm tires, allowing riders to run higher volumes at lower pressures to smooth out the aggressive posture over long distances.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Ventum Tempus TT & Triathlon frame | Full carbon fiber construction | Internal cable routing | T47 threaded BB | Flat mount disc brake | UDH

Fork

Ventum Tempus TT & Triathlon fork | Tapered carbon steerer | Internal brake routing | Flat mount disc brake | Carbon dropouts

Groupset

Shift levers

SRAM eTap AXS Wireless Blips (Extensions), SRAM eTap Blips (Base Bar)

Front derailleur

SRAM Red AXS | 2x12 speed | Electronic shifting

Rear derailleur

SRAM Red AXS | 2x12 speed | Electronic shifting

Cassette

SRAM Red AXS | XG 1290 E1 | 10-36T

Chain

SRAM Red E1

Crankset

SRAM Red Crankset | power meter included | 48/35T chainrings | S: 165mm, M: 165mm, L: 170mm, XL: 170mm

Bottom bracket

SRAM DUB T47

Front brake

SRAM S900

Rear brake

SRAM S900

Front rotor

SRAM Centerlock Paceline, 160mm

Rear rotor

SRAM Centerlock Paceline, 140mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

ZIPP 858 NSW carbon fiber front wheel | Tubeless, disc brake | 80mm rim depth | Hookless | 23mm ID

Rear wheel

ZIPP 858 NSW carbon fiber rear wheel | Tubeless, disc brake | 80mm rim depth | Hookless | 23mm ID | XDR Driver

Front tire

Schwalbe One | Performance RaceGuard | 700x28c

Rear tire

Schwalbe One | Performance RaceGuard | 700x28c

Cockpit

Stem

Profile Design A3A Risers | 30mm of stack

Handlebars

Profile Design Wing Ultimate S (Base Bar), Profile Design 52 ASC (Extensions)

Saddle

Fizik Aeris SD R5 135mm

Seatpost

Ventum carbon post | 0° offset

Builds

The Tempus lineup spans four electronic-shifting builds, ranging from $5,799 to $11,499. The ladder is heavily weighted toward SRAM AXS groupsets, with a single Shimano option at the top end.

The entry point is the Rival AXS build, which pairs a 2x12 wireless drivetrain with FSA Team 30 alloy wheels. This tier serves as a high-value foundation for riders who already own a set of carbon race wheels. Moving up to the $8,599 Force AXS model introduces a significant upgrade in rolling stock with deep-section Zipp 808 Firecrest carbon wheels, alongside an integrated power meter.

At the top of the range, the $11,499 RED AXS and Dura-Ace Di2 builds offer flagship shifting performance. The RED AXS model includes a power meter and swaps the wheels to Zipp's undulating 858 NSW profile, while the Dura-Ace Di2 build utilizes Zipp 808 Firecrest wheels and a slightly larger 52/36T chainring combination. All builds share the same full carbon frame, flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, and a Fizik Aeris SD R5 saddle equipped with a rear bottle mount to offset the lack of integrated frame hydration.

Reviews

Reviewers view the Tempus as a highly capable, refined machine that trades the extreme straight-line stability of non-UCI superbikes for a more agile, road-like ride quality. The transition to a lighter double-diamond frame makes the bike a much more competitive climber than its predecessors. Testers found the acceleration to be "predictable and somewhat energetic" (Triathlete) when powering over rollers or standing out of corners. The frame also delivers excellent vertical compliance, aided by generous tire clearance that effectively dampens high-frequency road chatter during long efforts.

However, the traditional tube shapes and lighter weight introduce a handling tradeoff in adverse weather. While the bike corners sharply, testers noted that it can feel "a little on the twitchy side" (Triathlete) in heavy crosswinds at high speeds, requiring more active rider input to maintain a straight line compared to heavier, slab-sided triathlon rigs.

Despite the crosswind sensitivity, the consensus is that the Tempus is a "massive step forward" (Slowtwitch) for the brand. Evaluators praised Ventum for utilizing "solid materials" (Slowtwitch) and standard interfaces rather than complex proprietary parts, resulting in a reliable, quiet chassis that is easy to live with and maintain across a long racing season.