The Ventum NS1 is now available in the UK through Merlin Cycles, bringing a fresh approach to modern road bike performance. Combining aerodynamic efficiency, low weight and race-focused handling, the NS1 is designed for riders who want one bike that excels everywhere – from mountain climbs and fast club rides to sprint finishes and all-day adventures.
As road bike design continues to evolve, brands are increasingly seeking the perfect balance between lightweight climbing performance and aerodynamic speed. The latest NS1 embodies that philosophy, blending cutting-edge carbon construction with aerodynamic shaping and modern geometry to create a road bike built for today’s riders.
Formula for Speed
Ventum describes the NS1 with a simple mission: create a bike that riders will reach for every time they head out the door.
Rather than specialising in one discipline, the NS1 is engineered to perform across a wide range of riding scenarios. Whether you’re attacking steep climbs, pushing the pace on rolling roads or sitting comfortably in the wheels during a fast sportive, the bike is designed to deliver speed with efficiency.
The result is a road bike that combines the responsiveness of a lightweight climber with the aerodynamic advantages expected from a modern race machine.
A New Aero Front End
The most striking feature of the NS1 is its redesigned aerodynamic front end.
Drawing inspiration from Ventum’s Tempus time trial platform, engineers reshaped the leading edge of the frame to improve airflow where it matters most. The head tube features a distinctive hourglass profile that narrows through the centre, reducing frontal area while helping air flow more efficiently around the bike.
The fork has also been completely redesigned with deeper airfoil-shaped legs that help channel airflow around the front wheel while increasing stiffness under braking and cornering loads.
Together, these developments create a cleaner aerodynamic profile that helps riders maintain speed with less effort, particularly during long rides and fast-paced racing.
Lightweight Carbon Construction
While aerodynamics often dominate modern bike design discussions, weight remains a crucial factor for performance.
The NS1 frame weighs just 853 grams in a size M/L, placing it firmly among the elite category of lightweight performance road frames. This impressive figure has been achieved through a refined carbon layup schedule, improved manufacturing techniques and careful optimisation throughout the frame structure.
The lightweight design delivers tangible benefits on the road:
- Faster acceleration
- Improved climbing efficiency
- More responsive handling
- Reduced rider fatigue over long distances
For riders seeking a true all-round race bike, low weight remains one of the most effective ways to improve performance.
Stiffer Where It Matters
A lightweight frame is only effective if it can transfer power efficiently.
The NS1 has been engineered to maximise stiffness in the key performance areas of the frame. Ventum claims a 7.7% increase in head tube stiffness and an 11.9% increase in bottom bracket stiffness over the previous generation, helping create a more direct connection between rider input and forward motion.
On the road, this translates to:
- Sharper acceleration
- More precise steering
- Improved sprinting performance
- Greater confidence during high-speed descents
The result is a bike that feels eager to respond whenever the pace increases.
Modern Race Geometry
One of the biggest challenges facing modern road bike designers is balancing aggressive performance with real-world comfort.
The NS1 addresses this with an updated version of Ventum’s Race Geometry. The frame features a slightly taller stack height across the size range, allowing riders to achieve and maintain an aerodynamic position more comfortably over longer periods.
Importantly, Ventum has maintained the bike’s race-oriented character. Reach measurements remain largely unchanged, preserving the responsive handling and direct feel expected from a performance road bike.
The result is a bike that feels:
- Nimble through corners
- Stable at speed
- Comfortable over long distances
- Efficient when riding aggressively
Ready for Modern Road Riding
Road surfaces aren’t always perfect, and today’s riders demand more versatility than ever before.
The NS1 offers clearance for tyres up to 700x35c, significantly expanding the bike’s capabilities beyond traditional race-day duties. Wider tyres allow lower pressures, increased comfort and improved grip, making the bike equally capable on rough roads, endurance rides and mixed-surface adventures.
The frame also incorporates several modern standards that improve compatibility and ease of maintenance:
- Full carbon frame and fork
- Integrated cable routing
- T47 threaded bottom bracket
- Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility
- 10mm offset carbon seatpost
These features ensure the NS1 is equipped for both current and future component standards.
One Bike, Every Ride
The best modern road bikes are no longer confined to a single category.
The NS1 has been developed for riders who want a bike capable of excelling in multiple environments. It’s light enough for mountain days, aerodynamic enough for fast group rides and comfortable enough for long-distance events.
For cyclists seeking a premium road frameset that combines modern aerodynamics, low weight and genuine versatility, the NS1 presents a compelling option.
Available Now at Merlin Cycles
The Ventum NS1 Road Bike and Frameset is now available through Merlin Cycles in a range of striking colourways.
With its lightweight 853g carbon frame, aerodynamic front-end design, modern tyre clearance and race-focused handling, the NS1 is built around one simple goal: helping riders go faster.
Whether you’re chasing personal bests, lining up for your next sportive or simply looking for a road bike that delivers exceptional performance across every ride, the Ventum NS1 is ready to become your new favourite bike.
Train. Race. Rest. Repeat.
