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Banshee Spitfire (MSRP $1550) - Spitfire
Have you ever craved a bike that had the low, slack geometry of a DH bike but with the pedaling efficiency of an XC bike, and a weight to match? I certainly have. I've often wanted a bike that carves up the single track like you are racing downhill on your DH bike, but is a breeze to pedal uphill, and efficient enough to ride for a whole day without sapping unnecessary energy.
I designed the Spitfire to be a slightly different bike. Most bikes with 5" travel have quite traditional and steep geometry... but times have moved on as riding styles have changed. The Spitfire can be easily adjusted to be higher and steeper to feel more like a regular trail bike, or it can be dropped down to the slack and low setting to become the high speed fighter jet of a bike. I thought that this adjustability was important to have, as the low and slack geometry is not suited to every trail, as you all know. Sometimes it is more important to have that pedal clearance that comes with a slightly higher BB height, and the more nimble feel of steeper geometry when riding slower and more technical trails. But it only takes a moment to switch the shock mount and transform the bike into a low slung speed machine.
Too many people believe that slack head angles result in less control while climbing... well, I challenge you to ride the Spitfire to realise that this is not the case. The truth is, what's important is how a bike is balanced around the rider. I spent a lot of time studying body dynamics and ergonomics and developed the Spitfire to feel well balanced while in the saddle climbing with the slacker geometry. I've been riding prototypes for a while, and have never had an issue attacking steep climbs, as the combination of geometry and anti-squat in rear suspension helps me find traction whilst also remaining completely in control of the front of the bike.
If you are a good rider who wants to push the limits of what is possible on a lightweight trail bike, then look no further, the Spitfire will out climb the competition, and leave them for dead when you point down hill.
Keith Scott
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