Pinkbike Exclusive - 2013 Banshee Prime

Oct 23, 2012 at 11:39

Oct 23, 2012

by Banshee Bikes

After a long development, Banshee's first full-suspension 29er; the Prime is now available. The 130mm travel Prime features geometry more typical of a 26" wheeled bike and some great features that really set it apart from the competition. It is also the first Banshee model to feature the company's all-new KS Link suspension platform.

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The Banshee Prime is a 29er for guys who don't think they like 29ers. The relatively slack head angle, low BB height and extremely stiff frame makes the Prime ride like no other 29er out there. We took everything we learned from our Paradox 29er hardtail and from our 26" full suspension bikes and combined that knowledge and experience to create an aggressive all mountain 29er that's extremely capable and a huge amount of fun to ride. The stand-out feature on the Prime is the speed that it can carry across all types of terrain. It's noticeably quicker on the climbs and the combination of the big wheels, slack geometry and KS Link suspension allow you to take lines on the descents that a 130mm travel bike has no business riding. If ever there was a bike to silence the 29er doubters, the Prime is it. - Jon Hadfield, Banshee Bikes Sales & Marketing Manager

The Prime features Banshee's all-new KS Link suspension platform that is a lot more supple than Banshee's older VF4B design due to zero pivot resistance and very little DU bushing rotation as a result of direct shock actuation. KS Link gives the rider better traction thanks to the suspension’s ability to react faster to changes in the riding surface and also results in a smoother overall ride. The Prime is extremely stiff and responsive due to the short one-piece forged linkages used and has a low centre of gravity for superior cornering and control. The fully sealed, oversized bearings, combined with the low pivot loads that the KS link achieves result in a very low maintenance system. Banshee have worked extensively with Fox and Cane Creek to offer custom tuned shocks specifically optimized for the Prime.

The Prime also features Banshee's new modular dropout system which offer 3-position adjustable geometry. The dropouts utilize ‘flip chips’ to alter the head angle in half degree increments and also change the BB height in quarter inch increments. Dropouts are available in 135 quick release, 142 x 12mm bolt thru & 150 x 12mm bolt thru.

Other features include a 44/56mm tapered head tube, which allows the use of a zero stack lower headset cup, even with a tapered fork steerer for reduced stack height. There are also ISCG05 chainguide mounts, a Low Direct Mount S3 front derailleur and cable guides for dropper posts. Chain and seat stays are internally ribbed for increased stiffness & 7005 T6 aluminum is used throughout with custom hydroformed tubes and forgings.

FEATURES:
• 130mm Rear Travel
• Interchangeable Dropouts - 135mm QR // 142 x 12mm // 150 x 12mm
• 3-Position Adjustable Geometry
• Hydroformed 7005 T6 Construction
• 44-56mm Tapered Head Tube
• KS Link Suspension - Short One-Piece Forged Linkages & Fully Sealed Oversize Bearings Throughout
• ISCG05 Chainguide Mounts
• Low Direct Mount S3 Front Derailleur
• Dropper Post Cable Routing
• Internally Ribbed Seat & Chainstays
• Fox Float CTD Adjust Custom Tuned Rear Shock
• Optional Cane Creek DBair Shock Available
• Colours: Yellow, Black Ano & Raw
• PRICE: $1999 including Fox Float CTD Shock

GEOMETRY
• Sizes: Medium, Large, Extra Large
• Head Tube Angle: Adjustable - 67.5º // 68º // 68.5º
• BB Height: Adjustable - 336mm/13.25" // 342mm/13.5" // 348mm/13.75"
• Chainstay Length: Varies with Geometry Setting - 448mm/17.6" // 445mm/17.5" // 443mm/17.4"
• Effective Seat Angle: Varies with Geometry Setting - 75º // 75.5º // 76º
• Seatube Length: 445mm/17.5" // 483mm/19" // 534mm/21"
• Toptube Length: 580mm/22.8" // 610mm/24" // 645mm/25.4"
• Wheelbase: 1154mm/45.4" // 1184mm/46.6" // 1219mm/48"

The 2013 Banshee Prime is available now. Contact your local Banshee dealer for more info.

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122 Comments

Score Time Who Faved

+ 26

aedubber (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:49)

Damn I can actually now say that's a sick 29er!! Love the adjustable dropouts and BB height and a 67degree HA is not too shabby . Throw on an adjustable HA set if you want more slack , great design here but wish it was more like 150-160mm rather then 130mm .

kinkmister (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:06)

Having a 150-160 29er would be cool, but I find with 29ers is they can take a lot more cause of the increased surface area on the tires, which helps lessen the need for more suspension.

Fix-the-Spade (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:22) (Below Threshold) show comment

But that completely misses the point Kinkmister! A 29in wheel rolls better than a 26in wheel, what possesses designers to immediately hobble their bike by chopping off travel and trying to make it ride 'like a 26er'?

It's madness, if that's the aim why don't I just go buy a 160mm 26er (oh wait, already got one)? I want this thing to weight 30lbs and have 160/160mm travel front rear and then I want it to ride like a 160mm travel 29er, as in charging towards rock gardens like I'm on a V10.

kinkmister (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:09)

Have you ever ridden a 29er? I feel people look at 29ers and say oh, thats wimpy cause theres only 130mm of travel, or because of the big wheels. In the end it comes down to personal prefernce though.

strahan (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:22)

Prime = crushing machine. It's such a capable descender that it caused me to look at some trail sections in a totally different way (such as the line in this video). 130mm is right balance of all-mtn performance that can dabble in cross country or downhill shuttles if required.

thekaikaico (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:39)

Try to get a test ride on it. I was a bit sceptical too but as soon as you sit on it the 130mm feel really pretty capable! AND you can still pedal home as fast as the spandex guys ;-)
Perfect ride-to-work-and-ride-after-sizing!

abzillah (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:05) (Below Threshold) show comment

If it was a 26er I would buy it.

nikoniko (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:20)

They have the same bike as a 26model its called the Rune! I think the new Prime sounds perfect! RideOn!

driftboatdan (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:31)

I currently ride a spitfire. I'm curious how this compares in terms of the descent. The spitfire is super quick in the corners but it can be a bit of a harsh ride with the bushings and only 140mm of travel.

Fix-the-Spade (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:28)

@Kinkmister. Yes I have ridden several 29ers. I never said it was wimpy, just that making bikes with 29inch wheels then reducing the travel is daft. It's taking the 29ers greatest strength and then actively working against it. Sure it's good with 130mm travel, but how much better would it be with 160? Missed opportunity.

+ 10

Timmy2stroke (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:53)

I'm not 100% sure on this, but i think the issue which arises with designing a long travel 29er is working the extra travel and wheel space into usable geometry... as i said, I maybe wrong, just going off word O'mouth

Fix-the-Spade (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:06)

It's more to do with lack of imagination and will than any physical constraint. Lenz already make 150mm and 180mm travel 29ers, other custom builders have been chucking them out for a long time too. There are people modifying Dorados and White Bros forks for 160-180mm 29er up front. The technology and expertise already exists, but it's much easier to define a bike by what's gone before, compare it to what's been around before and market it against what's gone before. A mass produced, 160mm 29er would be quite something, but judging by the - clicks I'm getting it also challenges too many people's idea of what an 'all mountain bike' should be.

jimithng23 (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:32)

^This. I have a Lenz Lunchbox and it is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Currently, I'm at 140mm f&r - I had Devin spec shorter levers to better match the available fork options. The frame is capable of 160mm f&r but I'm not 100% into modding a $1k fork...yet ;-) The problem I see is that manufacturers are jumping on the 650b bandwagon for the 140-180mm segment so it's likely we won't see anything from Fox or RS to satisfy this need.....

44/56 headtube, super short chainstays, ISCG tabs, routing for dropper posts, direct mount FD, etc.....all have been done by Lenz since what, '06 or '07 when the Lunchbox was first developed?

All this said, at 140 f&r my Lunchbox flat out rips.

It is nice to see manufacturers taking notice and realizing what 29ers can do!

rattpoison (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:36)

I agree. I came off of a 160mm Nomad and loved it until I road a 29er. I love my 130mm travel sb95, but I feel like it can use a little more travel to be more comparable to my Nomad and utilize the speed and rolling abilities of a 29" wheel. I feel like manufacturers aren't jumping the gun on a true all-mountain travel 29er because of marketing reasons and a demographic that isn't "ready to buy" these bikes in big numbers. I believe all will change in 5 years. I'm waiting for my Lenz Lunchbox 150mm.. I ready for a all-mountain 29er right now and my terrain can definitely utilize all that travel.

RatHunter83 (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:58)

A 180 inverted 29er dual crown sounds a little sketchy. wouldn't there be a flexing on that?

mynameiskoko (Oct 23, 2012 at 23:52)

For anyone who care to view a test done to compare long travel 26er vs short travel 29er...
mpora.com/videos/AAd8ype2sykr

I'm impartial, as I've never tried a 29er before.

[Reply]

+ 11

TotesRidic (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:09)

That's the sexiest 29'er I've seen yet!

The-Medic (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:47)

Agreed... I'm not sold on it, nor do I think I'll EVER go to 29 (except maybe for XC), but it sure is a sexy lookin bike aye.

jimithng23 (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:33)

well that's a shame. you don't know what you're missing.

colethompson (Oct 23, 2012 at 19:45)

29ers probably more geared for downhill than xc anyways. who cares how your wheels ride when the trail is smooth, when it gets rough is when you need the big hoops. i see my hard tail 29 keeping up with bigger bikes in rough terrain because of the large wheels and then i can pedal past them when they start pushing heavy 26ers backup

The-Medic (Oct 23, 2012 at 23:27)

Jimithng23: you're in Iowa bro...nothing wrong with that, but your riding terrain couldn't possibly be ore different aye. I'm telling you that in the tight twisty, rooted, STEEP terrain of the Pacific Northwest they just don't hang when it comes to handling and playfullness. I know all about bigger wheels rolling over things better but untill you can have a "long-travel" 29r with chain-stays short enough to make it manual and be suitable for a rider who rdes "off the back" then I'm not missing anything... They are gerat for some kinds of riding, and I can see having a 29r HT for general trail exploration being great, but for some disciplines they just don't cut it. 650B is the future of "hard-charging bigger wheels" IMO. The Norco Range 650B is at the top of my list and if Specialized would make a 27.5 Enduro Evo I'd have bought one by now... I don't hate 29" wheels, just that the don't fit my riding style as well.AS I said esewhere, with Dropper posts making a true "full length seat tube" less and less nessescary, maybe we'll see some 29r's with shorter rear ends since the seat tube getting in the way of the back end could be gotten around aye. I'd love to see it bu then there's the issue of slow acceleration when you run a big enough tire for the truly rough stuff. I think that it's awesome to see progression and new ideas come into the bike building world, but the 29r is being touted as the "way of the future" as if it does everything better then a 26" wheel (reading an interview withe Niner's owners/engineers is an exerscise in blind faith and a level of denial only seen in American poiticians.) Nothing wrong with 29rs, they just don't suit my needs in their current form. Would I enjoy the chance to be "proven worng" with a rip on one of these new Banshee's??? Dam straight, looks like a FUN and dam sexy bike, but I haven't had that chance to try it yet so...

jimithng23 (Oct 24, 2012 at 7:33)

@The-Medic: I hear ya about Iowa's terrain bro. However, that doesn't mean we haven't built our trails and features for how we want to ride! We may not have the terrain to build crazy long climbs or descents, but there is plenty of elevation change to make some pretty dope technically challenging trails, trust me. You'd be pleasantly surprised if you ever made a visit. That said, I'm in no way saying it's the same as the PNW. Just trying to get a little bit of cred ;-)

My raving on the Lunchbox has more to do with the week I spent in Moab and Grand Junction earlier this month, the type of trails I had in mind when I put the build together. Short chain stays? 17.3" on the LB - the shortest of any FS 29er, at least I haven't found one spec'd with shorter. I built the bike burly to handle the chunk for when I travel - 35mm rims, 36h front, 150mm x 12 rear, 2.5" WTB tires...nothing weenie about the build - . Great thing about the LB frame is its versatility. This winter, my project is to convert it to a XC-trail killer - lighter wheels, prolly a set of Flows, with lighter tires, slightly narrower bar (I'm running the Spank Spike 777 now), the thing will rip up any terrain I'll ride here in the Midwest. Then, a simple wheel & bar swap, and I'm ready to take on nearly anything short of a full-on DH run.

One thing I want to make sure is clear - I will never tout 29ers as the way of the future. But, what I will do is work to debunk the myths and overall negative attitude towards 29ers in the AM segment. There are 29er frames available that flat out rip, and meet the "All-mountain" criteria you're looking for, you just have to look for 'em. Oh, and when you find one, ride it!!!

The-Medic (Oct 24, 2012 at 11:32)

Oh I'm not saying you guys haven't buit trais, don't get me wrong, you gtta be riding SOMETHING right Wink

I'm just VERY lucky to live where I do, so good on ya for working with what ya got. I know it's not ALL flat pancake land out there aye...

I'll have to look at the Lunch Box cause all I've seen from Lenz is their 29" DH platform. SOunds like you've specd out your bike for some serious riding. That was one HUGE issue I had with 29r's a few years ago was the wheel/tire selection just wasn't up to the task of heavier riding, but they've finnaly come out with proper high-volume rubber and the wheels seem to not be exploding like the early adoptee's wheels did.

I' all for 29" AM bikes, I think the added traction and rol-over ability of the big wheels has some serious benefits, I just haven't gotten on one wthat's ade me say "Wow I've GOT to hve this"... Actually, We've got this tril here called Syncline in the Gorge that I think would be a PRIME place to let this Banshee take it's head and run, it's nice and open and VERY chundery at certain times of the year aye...Travel ammount doesn't bother me much as I've ALWAYS been a proponent of shorter travel rigs (Hell I used to rip past people on VERY nice DH bikes on my Norco 4x4... it's more about line choice and riding skill then all out travel IMO) and I think 130MM is PLENTY if you've "grown up smooth" (I started racing BMX at 5). I will FULLY give a 29" AM bike a chance, I'd LOVE to be proven wrong in my feelings, like I said I don't hate the idea, just haven't found one to suit me yet aye Wink

Thanks for your review and the info mate, keep on rippin. Hows the weather out your way these dys, goten the snow and frost yet??? Were getting our typical Oregon DOWNPOURS so riding is pretty much out of the question in some areas... All the best to ya mate.
(Please excuse my spelling, this new keyboard is giving me the FITS!!!!!)

geephlow (Oct 25, 2012 at 14:14)

Dunno -- my personal preference is 26; but a buddy in our crew's had a proto prime for a while now and he's shredding the WA gnar pretty righteous. And didn't seem to hold him back up in Squamish/Whistler/Pemby much either...

Still not drinking the kool-aid, though -- I'm holding out for a carbon covert 26...

The-Medic (Oct 25, 2012 at 18:52)

That's interesting to hear (SOME -not all- folks who arent from/have never been to the PNW seem to have no dea how bad some of our trails can e in terms of "turn a 100deg. corner INTO a root garden, uphill in the slop... that is no fun on any bike, but the 29r could be really nice just like the 33's on my Toyota are nice... I guess it's all about gearing combos for that type of stuff) ... I know that NSMB has been touting some 29rs as "SHORE XC" but I'm not fully convinced as Ive not had that reat an experience YET... I'd LOVE to throw a leg over one of these rigs though and try it out. I can't wait for the Rune II 650B cause to ME, THAT is the way of the future for me I think... iF they can start making 29" rims that cn handle what 26" rims can handle then I think we wll see some more converts aye...

The-Medic (Oct 25, 2012 at 18:53)

... So far I've seen QUITE A FEW taco'd 29" wheels at places like Blackrock and PPost Canyon where guys are scratching their heads going "the guy at the shop said it'd be able to do EVERYTHING better" What I really love about Banshee is they're not putting "all their eggs in one basket" and trying to force any ONE heel size on us... People need to understand that all wheel sizes have a use and that no ONE wheel size is truly "best" for everything (I won't ever buy a Niner bike cause the guys seem to want to bash 26" bikes at every turn yet they haven't exactly solved the problems of the 29" wheel IMO yet they just ignore those kind of questions and stick to their guns... what re these guys politicians???) On the other side of the coin, I don't want to rush to judgement and miss out on a sweet rig just because I "theoretically" don't like it on paper aye... I'll try any bike, but if I don't like it, then "I" don't like it... There are gonna be people on both sides who always stick to their guns, but a healthy bit of experimenting should be part of any ealuation process IMO... Time will tell, but I'm looking forward to trying out all wheel szes sometime. problem is getting a chance to ride them on the same trails back to back to back is hghly unlikely... maybe next year at a demo day up at Post Canyon I'll get lucky enough to try them ALL out aye...

cuban-b (Oct 26, 2012 at 10:14)

I agree - this is the best looking (in terms of AM aggressiveness) 29er i've seen yet. but for dh i still prefer 26" front / 24" rear - on the west coast you really gotta ride off the back! I'm only 5'6" so I need all the reach and short chainstays I can get.

The-Medic (Oct 27, 2012 at 19:24)

@CubanB: I'm with you... I'm 5'11 and I'm a commited "off the back" kinda guy although I'm teaching myself to get forward more to carry more speed through fast corners. In the tight Tech. stuff we have up here though you HAVE to ride off the back. I fI can't maual a Bike it's next to unridable for me. I remember when an old riding buddy got tis new DH frame from like Canfield or someone... can't remember now, but he was about 5'6 in heels nd the back end of this thing was SO LONG that he couldn't do anything but "plow through". That's how I've felt on most 29r's... I'm really anxious to try this rig out if at all possible to see if they've solved this little 29r dilema for me...

@geephlow : FYI AFIK the Covert Carbon IS a 26" wheeled bike is it not??? Looking at their site now it sure doesn't say anything about it being a 29r... Or did you mean you;re holding ut for a Cover Carbon 29???

geephlow (Oct 29, 2012 at 14:58)

@The-Medic: Nope...Covert 26". Like I said, people are rockin' the 29"; but it's not my thang.

The-Medic (Oct 29, 2012 at 18:00)

@geephlow... REALLY???? Dam I'm cornfoosed now aye... I was pretty sure the Covert was a 26" bike, but I've been wrong at LEAST 10 times today so it's not a surprise to me that I'm wrong again aye Wink

The-Medic (Oct 29, 2012 at 18:31)

SUper confused now... Lust looked at the site... the ALUMINUM version is DEF. a 26" bike (unless there's a Fox 36 in 29" flavor I've never heard of) but I see the Carbon runs the Fox 34 which certainly COULD be a 29r fork... They litteraly say NOTHING about wheel size or what not on the site...

[Reply]

mrjcl5 (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:43)

Wow that looks really nice I like the lime green

dvp8 (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:49)

ya i was going to say that too. Lime green looks great! i also would have prefer to see this in 27.5 wheel size..

crividh (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:53)

26 till I die

+ 20

deathmetaldownhill (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:35)

26 is too young to die.

Stralov (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:36)

for 27.5 you have the Spitfire or Rune with possible Dropouts for that. Brilliant what Banshee is delivering with the KS-Link Frames.

HairwaytoSteven (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:21)

Its actually yellow not lime green.

Railgunner (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:03)

Hairway is right, people always call neon yellow neon green whats up with that they are two different neon colours

The-Medic (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:50)

@Stralov: REALLY??? I had not heard tht the Spifire or Rune were 650B compatible... that is pretty awesome, good to know aye.

hubbz (Oct 23, 2012 at 18:09)

@crividh - im a hardcore 26'' fan myself, but as far as 29'ers go this thing is just too damn sexy to hate...if i were to buy a 29'er this would be it hands down

[Reply]

Budi-san (Oct 23, 2012 at 18:38)

I guess you could say that the frame looks... Prime.

stolennick (Oct 24, 2012 at 1:13)

YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH....

had to be done Wink

bolmaing (Oct 24, 2012 at 14:42)

*puts glasses on

[Reply]

beeboo (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:04)

This frame looks amazing! I really like the clean lines on it. I wasn't a big 29er fan but after seeing this I now want to try it!

[Reply]

panzer103 (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:09)

That finished silver bike at the top is COOL AS F***! And I think we all share that opinion.

[Reply]

Jhou (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:50)

That black one with the white decals and stripes.......That's just damn sexy!

[Reply]

BDKR (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:13)

Finally!!!! Someone has put out a 29" to be enjoyed by people other then dirt roadies!

justincs (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:40)

HA HA " dirt roadies"

[Reply]

qbert2000 (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:53)

wonder why manufacturers keep saying they have a custom tuned ccdb. there is no such thing from cane creek.

"Banshee have worked extensively with Fox and Cane Creek to offer custom tuned shocks specifically optimized for the Prime."

c25porter (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:59)

Maybe they mean initial settings. Maybe they got CC's help to figure out the right number of clicks. It is also possible that CC changed the shim stacks, even though they seem infinetly adjustable, there is still more adjustment that can be made inside, or maybe it is a custom length or stroke or combination.

bikebert (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:00)

I think they just used "Cane Creek Base Tunes" website and called it "custom tuned" Smile

www.canecreek.com/products/suspension/double-barrel/base-tunes

+ 12

Banshee-Team (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:05)

With Cane Creek shocks, the 'tune' refers to the stock setting that the shock will be supplied with. It is also possible to fine tune the feel of the shock with volume spacers. We worked extensively with Cane Creek to ensure that each DBair shock is supplied fully optimized for the bike which helps to take any guess work out of the set-up & gives our customers the best possible performance 'out of the box'.

[Reply]

Matt76 (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:52)

Shame they don't have a Uk importer anymore unless they are using someone else other than Freeborn. I really hope they have sorted the unrealiabiility problems too as I had nothing but trouble with my Rune and know of problems with other people's Banshees too. Still it wouldn't put me off buying another as they ride great and this looks awesome and so does the new Rune. Oh and good for Banshee to move away from bushings!

Banshee-Team (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:13)

Stand by for news on a new UK distributor. We hope to have Banshee bikes back in UK bike shops early next year.

Matt76 (Oct 24, 2012 at 2:30)

That's great news!

hampsteadbandit (Oct 24, 2012 at 8:34)

@Matt76

yeah, I used to work for Freeborn and dealt with the brunt of the 'issues'

however, I truly believe Keith and the Banshee guys have turned those problems into positives with the move to the KS Link suspension and sealed ball bearings, this can only be good news as far as Banshee dealers and Banshee customers are concerned

easily one of the sweetest 29'er FR frames I've yet seen - having huge fun riding my carbon fibre 29er hardtail, but if I get the mood for suspension again, know who I am calling Wink

I've also heard from a source that 'Mythic' may be finished for the UK, with a move back to 'Banshee' for the UK market, would be a great move if true as 'Mythic' just caused confusion...

Matt76 (Oct 25, 2012 at 11:11)

That's sounds good I never liked the fact that they had to be called Mythic in the uk thanks to Halfords. I'm really glad to see and hear that their bikes have improved design and quality wise. I was really impressed with Keith Scott as I spoke to him direct about my problems and he was extremely helpful. I have to agree that the Prime is certainly the best looking 29er I have ever seen. It's about time there was a more hardcore 29er out there. The new rune looks amazing too. Out of interest how come Freeborn stopper importing them or are you unable to say.

hampsteadbandit (Oct 25, 2012 at 11:37)

@Matt76

Keith and Jay are the guys behind Banshee and both super passionate about the brand. I was also lucky enough to meet one of the original founders Pippin Osbourne in 2005 on a trip to North Vancouver, Canada, where Banshee's old HQ was located.

Keith has always tried his best to help out riders that had problems with the bushing pivots and other issues on the Mythic bikes in the UK, but he lives in Edinburgh and then dealing with the factory in Taiwan, so it was always tricky to get things sorted quickly.

From what I understand without divulging sensitive information, Freeborn did not commit to Banshee for 2013 (they are very busy with Devinci), and Banshee wanted a new distributor with the committment and passion to drive the brand forwards

best of luck to Keith, Jay and all the Banshee crew

Matt76 (Oct 26, 2012 at 7:12)

That all sounds good. Probably a good thing for both parties to part ways. I must admit I wasn't happy with the service from freeborn as they wouldn't accept there was a problem with my frame and it was Keith who spotted the issue via emal and authorised a replacement for me. I'm sure they have many happy customers but I felt the after sales support wasn't great, may have been a one off! It was lucky that I could go straight to the designer as with most bike companies I wouldn't have stood a chance. I would seriously consider this bike for next year as its a 29er I now want. Cheers for the info.

hampsteadbandit (Oct 26, 2012 at 11:17)

@Matt76

I am well aware of the issues you mention with the previous distributor, I believe there were also issues with supply of warranty frames and spare parts which affected their ability to sort these issues in a timely manner, which of course does not benefit you, the distributor or Banshee

many customers have been very surprised to be able to talk to Keith directly, its pretty rare for that kind of conversation in the bike industry

[Reply]

superbikes (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:11)

Dammmm you pinkbike you just had to show shiny frames I'm like a magpie mmmmmmmmmm

[Reply]

gavind (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:38)

I know we are not at the end of October yet (and you guys did say released in Oct) - BUT WHEN IS THE RUNE COMING??? Sorry Keith and John - but I have money burning a hole in my pocket waiting for the bike!

[Reply]

TheStig04 (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:59)

I love raw finish on bikes! Manufacturers should offer it as an option more often.

[Reply]

The-Medic (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:45)

"The Banshee Prime is a 29er for guys who don't think they like 29ers. The relatively slack head angle, low BB height and extremely stiff frame makes the Prime ride like no other 29er out there..."

I'm sure that this is another FINE bike from Banshee, but the above statement is NOT what I don't like about 29r's... It's the wheels diameter and it's sluggishness and reluctnce to be "playfull" that have turned me off to this point. So in this sense, this bike will still ride JUST like EVERY other 29r. I'm sure slacker geo and what not will make for a better rig overall, but for ME, 650B just makes more sense... There are riders for whom this bike wil be the pinacle of what they're looking for, but it's not me unfortunatly. Come on Banshee, give us a 650B option with some more travel and we'll talk Wink

EDIT: Apparently the Rune and Spitfire will run 650B??? If so then I guess I SHOULD go have a talk with Banshee... The new Rune looks SICK!!!!!

freddiehg (Oct 23, 2012 at 20:30)

I personally hate the feel of a fs 29er at low speeds, they're ungainly and slow, but once you get going faster than a crawl they handle amazingly well. Would love to try a slacker 650b as a bit of a compromise between the two established wheel sizes

The-Medic (Oct 23, 2012 at 22:14)

yeah my thoughts exactly, the few FS-29s I've ridden just felt like they were wallowing in "too much wheel" at slow speeds (add in a little bob and they just felt like they had flat tyres in some cases) , but once they were flying the were just really smooth over the chatter (reminds me of going to 33's on my truck, REALLY smoothe out the ride)... I know the benefits of bigger wheels, but I just hate how 29r's don't manual as easily as I'm def. an "off the back" kinda rider who turns off my back wheel and "carves" more then an "over the front'er". maybe it's just time for me to learn to ride right aye Wink

I've yet to ride a 29r with short enough CS to make me happy in that way. Maybe some kind of "dog-bone" link so the picot point could be insde the wheels circumfrance making for an effectively horter CS... but it's nearl impossible to design a 29r with "long travel", short CS's and a full length seat-post, although dropper posts mean that you don't NEED a full length seat post to get full extension anymore so maybe there is some hope. I've got my sights set on the Norco Range 650B...looks like one AMAZING bike aye.

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Angryham (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:42)

That's one sexy bicycle

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cathar (Oct 23, 2012 at 23:49)

In the video it looks to me like he misses a couple of turns and just bulldozes over everything instead?

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thekaikaico (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:55)

The PRIME is awesome & it doesn't feel like a 29er on the trail ;-)
PS: All other 2013 Banshees with our German Graphineering:

thekaikaico.com/sports_banshee.htm

freddiehg (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:09)

The thing is you want it to feel like a 29er not a 26er.

thekaikaico (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:34)

Yep, but it's still jibbable!

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fugazzi (Mar 18, 2013 at 19:35)

I think what wakaba means by saying it looks so Lance Armstrong is that he Prime looks like its on steroids and the bike could win several races for a very long time

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kev1n (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:14)

anyone thinkin to just say fuck it and throw 26in wheels on this. would make it such a low bike

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thekaikaico (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:27)

If you like the Bike you might like us too. We do the paintjobs ;-)

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kaikai-Company/187739457915439

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MtbAdams (Oct 23, 2012 at 19:24)

Is it just me or does the guy in the video ride everywhere but on the trail?

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ralbisurez (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:02)

this thing looks smoking hot!!!

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seraph (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:42)

Needs moar dropper post. But looks like sick trail bike! Might have to consider for my 29er project...

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santacruzy (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:03)

The lime green paint job and decal design look almost identical to the Transition Covert Carbon, wow

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browner (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:38)

I like that dropout, that is going to save some poor chump a ton of monies

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pmpete (Oct 28, 2012 at 10:30)

When I took my Prime down Goats Gully all the 26ers were over at A-Line but I don't hate them

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pedalhound (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:48)

Whoever is riding that bike is so dreamy! Razz

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Lone-Wolf (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:30)

Smaller Scythe on bigger wheels Wink

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dtsabas (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:09)

Wonder how this compares to the Covert 29er. Both look very interesting.. which one has shorter chain stay?

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misspent-youth (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:19)

It might be just me, but those quick change drop-outs look like a severe weak point

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Schmitty (Oct 24, 2012 at 6:35)

That frame is sick looking! ISCG-05 tabs? Horray!!

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atala (Oct 24, 2012 at 0:52)

we were faster in FRance....

www.pinkbike.com/video/254975

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Varaxis (Oct 23, 2012 at 20:39)

Nice honey badger line at the end of the vid.

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a-r-c (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:43)

So I don't see any mention as too how much this unfluid formed, welded pile of aluminium weighs WITH shock.

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enrico650 (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:31)

No 29er or 650b has been able to reach the podium at Enduro events in Europe .
So until one does?, 26 still the best !

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LynnBike (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:03)

Stoked to be a new Banshee dealer!!! We will have these Prime 29ers in soon. Sick ride for sure... Come by Lynn Valley Bikes when you can or give us a call 778.340.3001

matteosignorelli (Oct 24, 2012 at 21:23)

I hope you can sell a bike or two but I'm going to buy my new Banshee at North Shore Bike Shop since they have been a dealer for over 3 years now...

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Alexthemtbr (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:00)

Why do companies not care about hydration anymore. Bottle cage placement? Under the down tube is an awful place for a bottle

Mtnrider001 (Oct 23, 2012 at 15:46)

Thats what a camelbak is for.

Alexthemtbr (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:03)

Camelbacks are just annoying. When you don't have extra weight in your back, it brings a whole new world to ur riding

BikeTrials (Oct 23, 2012 at 20:03)

How about for a two hours local trail ride and you don'twant to carry a bag

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ReformedRoadie (Oct 24, 2012 at 9:51)

"29er" in teaser = 4x the comments.

(some of them actually intelligent)

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remone (Oct 26, 2012 at 15:37)

the most beautyfull 29er until now congrats banshee keep it going

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Railgunner (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:48)

looks great!

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Bashment (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:03)

wow that green one looks so good

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thecrackhead (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:13)

why he had to make the frame in red and with that more spezalized. chromed its epic

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GoDownFast (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:47)

Did you check for Buckling on the top tube? You know when the frame is over loaded?

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jgottya1 (Oct 24, 2012 at 8:55)

Yellow looks sweet !!

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shredlightly (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:28)

Spec'ng 3x cranksets. Why Banshee?

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Mtber125 (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:53)

Looks a lot like the rampant

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lazymuf (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:28)

waiting for the new rune

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newtoDH (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:46)

This is the best lookin 29'er ever. But I'll take my 26 to my grave

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madmon (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:00)

another cheater bike for people that think road bikes should rule the forrest.....just sayin don't be hatin

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Jacko6793 (Oct 24, 2012 at 10:41)

no XS or S

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BikeTrials (Oct 23, 2012 at 20:01)

I'll still be on my 26 when you guys are riding on some 32 inches few years from now

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gtruckus1 (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:11)

I think Bandit 29 from Transition is a better offer - $400 less

Railgunner (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:49)

400 less for 90s single pivot maybe, this dual link system is pretty sick

gtruckus1 (Oct 24, 2012 at 6:01)

Not 90s single pivot, but standard four bar.

Railgunner (Oct 24, 2012 at 9:54)

www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94837 Cool story bro and back in 98 I'm sure you wanted a kona "four bar" (single pivot refering to wheelpath) stab too

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wakaba (Oct 23, 2012 at 16:03)

Looks so Lance Armstrong

zholmes (Oct 23, 2012 at 17:01)

Ouch!! harsh....

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FLY1NGF1SH (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:25)

WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT ... i want one

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Enduro27 Plus (Oct 23, 2012 at 14:46)

lame cuz its a 29er

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parallaxid (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:44)

who cares what the TT length is, this isn't a road bike! need reach and stack!

themountain (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:53)

Tell that to the guys from Mondraker Razz

rgretchen (Oct 23, 2012 at 12:49)

Following Intense's lead with the interchangeable dropouts ala the G3 system... great idea.

BDKR (Oct 23, 2012 at 13:13)

@rgretchen: Or Mountain Cycle?

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bikebert (Oct 23, 2012 at 11:42)

Nice... paint-less version! Although modular dropout system seems unnecessarily complicated.

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