10 Bikes of Freeride Fiesta

Jan 21, 2022
by Alicia Leggett  

While the riders of Freeride Fiesta share the common purpose of hitting big jumps, they've shown up to Mexico on a variety of bikes. Here are 10 random ish ones. Expect another batch of bikes in the coming days, as there are lots of interesting ones out there!

Thomas Genon's Canyon Torque CF

Singlespeed, single crown.



Jan Perse's Commencal Furious

Jan is the organizer of Flat Out Days, the jump festival in Slovenia.



Yoann Barelli's "Rally Like Barelli" Signature Guerilla Gravity Gnarvana

Yoann's signature bike is available to anyone who wants to ride the same build as Yoann.



Johny Salido's Transition TR11

Johny's bike is kitted out with all kinds of custom, festive bike protection, plus those rainbow I9 spokes.



Chelsea Kimball's Specialized Demo

Chelsea is short, so she sets up as many of her bikes as possible with mixed wheel sizes.



Cody Wilkins' Banshee Rune

Cody's Rune is set up for bar spins.



DJ Brandt's Commencal Furious

DJ Brandt's bike is styled out with Errant parts.



Dylan Cobern's KHS Six Fifty

Dylan is a Virgin, UT, local who has brought his desert skills down south.



Alex Chay's Banshee Legend

Alex's Banshee is set up for heavy-hitting.



Cami Nogueira's Commencal Furious

#FERDAGIRLS indeed! Cami is following up her win at Proving Grounds with plenty of airtime in Mexico.




Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Bike Checks DH Bikes Freeride Fiesta


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156 Comments

  • 173 0
 Don't worry Dylan, with those monster skills you won't be a virgin for long.
  • 152 2
 That KHS is gonna be a virgin for a long time
  • 28 1
 @idecic: Its ugly that bike.
  • 7 1
 Doesn't the KHS and Mondraker have the same rear suspension design?
  • 2 0
 this is going down south quickly...
  • 5 0
 @idecic: if only the top tube didn't have the stupid curve, it would look sooo much better
  • 5 0
 @Thirty3: I believe you are correct. However, they do not have the same level of attractiveness. Luckily for Dylan, level of send and level of attractiveness aren't tied together.
  • 2 0
 Hold on a mo was that a game to spot the carbon bike?
  • 1 0
 @getmiked: Too true!! Anyway no wonder Jans Commencal is Furious it’s wearing snidey Deathgrips!!
  • 2 0
 @Beaconbike: the angled suspension linkage is really ugly too
  • 2 1
 @Thirty3: I believe its KHS that owns the factory and produces many other bike brands' frames, probably including Mondraker...(?) so I could see there being an agreement of sorts to utilize the suspension platform...
I could also be completely wrong!
  • 1 0
 @idecic: Looks like a Vitus Dominer but a hell of a lot uglier!
  • 78 1
 Whoa, two Banshees. I'll be honest I was not expecting that.
  • 115 1
 If you had just written, "I was not expecting that," no one would have suspected you of dishonesty.
  • 10 0
 Was stoked to see that, too!
  • 16 2
 We need new Darkside, longer reach.
  • 10 0
 @lwkwafi: the colour of the Banshee raw is sublime. It doesn’t get better.
  • 1 0
 @DuelingBanjos: I second that!
  • 2 0
 @elliotgoesfast: i know it will never happen but a hybrid between legend and darkside would be amazing. Basically legend look, with slightly shorter cs, head angle at 63.5 and 180-190 travel. Wet dreams
  • 1 0
 More than two actually, 2 french riders are also riding a Rune and a Legend
  • 1 0
 @DuelingBanjos: a modern day Tranny TR250
  • 32 1
 TIL KHS still exists, though that bike looks like it was designed when I last heard of them in 2005
  • 7 0
 I knew they did because some US national champs have ridden them (but never did world cups). Seriously, can't someone just sketch up a nicer looking frame design even if they keep the same suspension setup since they seemt o be cheaping out on a full redesign.
But they are like Hyper, sponsoring people riding rad shit while making crap bikes for the public.
  • 6 1
 @lwkwafi: Maybe I misunderstood, but KHS does world cups. Or at least they were at the Snowshoe one. Not the prettiest bikes, but was hard not to appreciate Kailey Skelton's Stars and Bars themed one.

www.pinkbike.com/news/video-the-khs-pro-team-take-on-the-2021-snowshoe-world-cup-double-header.html
  • 5 5
 @yoimaninja: I meant save the most recent US world cups. Sure it is sweet to be USA paint scheme, but bike is still ugly. Also, Stars and Bars usually has more relation to flags of the Confederacy, not US.
  • 2 0
 @lwkwafi: ah TIL I've always just thought it was the same as stars and stripes but sounded better since it rhymed
  • 2 0
 @yoimaninja: Interesting, looks like 2 different frames in those pics. The one without the interrupted seat tube looks suspiciously like a Session, (like actually looks like a repainted one)
  • 1 0
 @spudsmtb: Ha ya I noticed that too. That one doesn't look bad! Maybe bc its a clone.
  • 2 0
 @yoimaninja: Kailey Skeltons frame is actually in Pinkbike buysell rn
  • 3 0
 It's not a clone. It literally is a Session. KHS gets frames from Astro, IIRC. They're a catalog bike reseller. The pricing is typically extremely competitive, and they seem to put a ton more money into grassroot teams and race events than they do into advertisement and hype. I think most brands could take a page from their book and be better off for it.
  • 3 0
 It would be a lot better if they just straightened the top tube imo
  • 3 0
 @wburnes: yeah it's the double kink that looks really dated, and the colors, and the tall rear triangle
  • 2 0
 @wburnes: well would you look at that! Missing the sweet USA livery tho.

www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3232469
  • 2 0
 @lwkwafi: I used to hate hyper sponsoring solid riders as well until
I heard an inside line podcast with them and learnt they’re all about getting as many as possible kids stoked on bikes and getting them on bikes. Hence the since rider portfolio and cheap/affordable bikes
  • 1 0
 @JLutzy: I figured it would be something like that. But, like, maybe I want Bas' dual slalom bike. Also their dh bike looked more like a session than KHS and thus passable.
  • 2 0
 @yoimaninja: you do know that “Stars and Bars” is referencing the Battle flag of the state of Virginia right? Aka The Confederate Flag.
  • 1 1
 KHS is now the largest manufacture of frames. They don't really need to go compete with their own customers.
  • 19 0
 Every time I see a Legend I'm amazed how perfect the frame looks. Year after year
  • 14 1
 Yeah, I feel the same when I look at my mirror every morning. Smile
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: maybe later when it gets worse I will swap my civic hatchback for some cabrio, that always helps
  • 12 2
 If I had to choose one purely on frame shape looks (rather than reliability, brand coolness etc) it would be a toss up between the Canyon and the Banshee Rune. Canyon really have hit the mark with the design aesthetics, and the Banshee Rune, although not a super clean design, just somehow works...
  • 30 0
 Banshee, definitely, especially for the spirit, which is kind of the opposite of Canyon's
  • 2 2
 I like the canyon personally, but how do you service the seat post linkage? The hidden bolts look aesthetically pleasing but practically is is a pain to service?
  • 2 0
 @deepcovedave: Ask Canyon's customer service... and good luck Wink
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: yea agree, I did say design aesthetics only...
  • 2 0
 The canyon looks super clean, but that almost translates to the most boring for me. There are some sweet bikes on here, with the exception of the khs looking like it came straight from Walmart
  • 2 0
 @danstonQ: And I can tell you the Rune is an absolute machine. Banshee has a tendency to make confidence-giving and grin-inducing bikes. I have a 2015 Legend and a Rune V3, both just scream "open the brakes and shred!!" and can take anything without flinching
  • 1 0
 @SendyMcGnar: You're preaching a convinced Wink
I used to have a V2 Spitfire and I loved it. A friend of mine's got a V2 Prime and it's a great bike as well.
Banshee bikes have a strong personnality, and they are not for everyone...
Cheers!
  • 14 0
 Chelsea’s short so she run a 29er mullet in freeride !
  • 4 0
 Doesn’t have a choice when spesh makes only that. Altho it’s a GREAT freeride rig
  • 4 1
 @freeridejerk888: I think you could do a 27.5/26 setup without messing up the Geo too much
  • 1 9
flag freeridejerk888 (Jan 21, 2022 at 10:30) (Below Threshold)
 Definitely not lol @wburnes:
  • 11 0
 How do these compare to the Spur?
  • 9 0
 Very interesting to see a oval chainring on Jan's Commencal. Wondering what't the benefit of that on a big freeride bike?
  • 5 0
 One reason could be to bring the chain closer to the main pivot and remove as much pedal kickback as possible (and have like a 38-36 or 38-34 chainring)
  • 2 0
 I run an oval on my Supreme 29 aswell. No advantage for a regular Chainring for me.
  • 2 0
 Especially on a dh bike, where if you pedal it’s mostly not smooth and low cadence, so it does really help there
  • 1 0
 @juliuskliemmtb: doesn't an oval chainring negatively affect the suspension?
  • 1 0
 @wburnes: Probably it plays with the pedal kickback/anti squat in some way or another. But as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t affect my bike in a way that I would notice
  • 6 0
 what's that for on Dylan Cobern's fork??
  • 1 2
 Fox 40...
  • 1 0
 Maybe his fork has inappropriate tattoos that needed to be covered for the photo shoot.
  • 5 0
 I don't think it's protective tape for shuttling, as that could be clear or matte, and there's none lower down. Is he doing some kind of superman grab there or something? Does look kinda like clear grip tape
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: That is where one would hold the forks for the most aero speed tuck possible. Not that one is likely to do that at this event...? Maybe it's to get grip on the side of his shoes while doing a cliff hanger?
  • 1 0
 I’m pretty sure it’s to protect the upper stanchions from ‘shuttle f*cking’
  • 1 0
 @leviatanouroboro: why would you need to protect the upper part of the stanchion on a dual crown?
  • 1 0
 I didn't read the question properly... It could be to protect the upper stanchions from lift hooks, or to soften knee impacts
  • 1 0
 @wburnes: when you are shuttling on a truck rig like this all the brake levers get nice and scratchy!
  • 1 0
 @kcy4130: I obviously don't know my big air tricks (my airtime can normally be measured by a very small number of hockey pucks!) - if it is clear grip tape, it would be perfect for cliff hangers (now I know what they are!)
  • 5 0
 Tyre clearance on the Banshees looks so tight!! Id love one but the mud here would clog so bad!
  • 4 0
 Almost makes you wonder if that bike was designed by an actual scot(t)...
  • 5 0
 thats just because the side angle where the strut site outside of the rear tire. There is way more room than the side angle makes it look.
  • 3 0
 I have a Rune and haven’t had any issues with clearance. The side profile makes it look tighten than it is
  • 2 0
 On the trail bikes they have two different dropouts you can use. The short ones are pretty tight. Def had some rocks scraping the chainstay yoke with spec eliminator tire 2.3 on my Phantom. Contemplating longer, even if the CS are already on longer end of the spectrum.
  • 1 0
 The mud clearance struggle is real, I had one completely clog up and stop rolling a couple years ago during a race. I had to reach in and pull mud out and then jump back on the bike a couple different times.
  • 2 0
 My Spitfire has gobs of clearance. Definitely not an issue with the current line of Banshee frames.
  • 1 0
 @privateer-wheels: The pictures of current banshee frames on this page would disagree. If you have the long dropouts, then it isn't an issue. it looks like you need longs to run 27.5.
But I'm skeptical of their claim that you can fit 2.6 in the rear of any with the short dropouts, like my v3 phantom.
  • 1 0
 Then just buy a Titan and make a mullet with it, like I will do! Wink (with short dropouts as it is already stupid long!)
  • 6 0
 Is it just me, or do the stanchions on Tommy G’s Z1 look fat?
  • 2 0
 compared to the spaghetti on Yoanns GG
  • 5 0
 Commencal must be smug AF, so many at these events and they look so good
  • 4 0
 they love themselves some freeride and DH - their bikes work great for it, but shame about the META, its too big for enduro racing, the SX fixes it a bit though now.
  • 2 0
 @noideamtber: their freeride bike are too long for short freeeriders too
  • 1 0
 @NoahJ: i test rode the clash and it was huge even tho its technically freeride incl 27.5 wheels.

Why do commencal insist on making their bikes so massive
  • 5 0
 I want to learn more about that sweet looking shuttle rig!
  • 3 0
 ex-military deuce and a half, most likely. Not even that expensive on the surplus market. Something like 3-7k, at least according to the guy I know who restores those.
  • 2 0
 @EdSawyer: really expensive to run; only gets 8-11 mpg.
  • 2 0
 8 to 11?! That’s not bad seriously!@wburnes:
  • 1 2
 @masonskis: Ford maverick gets like 40+ MPG tho
  • 6 1
 Those Banshee frames are just so pretty.
  • 1 0
 Honestly one of the cooler bike checks i've seen. First time i've seen a number of riders using Box components, mixing brands of tires, TRP brakes, etc.. It's like these guys actually tried different components and picked the ones that worked best for them. Now we just need to get them to try some better suspension and they'll be all set (except for you, Yoann...I see you're on the best!).
  • 1 0
 Honestly one of the cooler bike checks i've seen. First time i've seen a number of riders using Box components, mixing brands of tires, TRP brakes, etc.. It's like these guys actually tried different components and picked the ones that worked best for them. It looks like Yoann and Cody have even discovered what good suspension feels like!
  • 3 0
 Commencals ftw? Absolutely love there bikes.

And yoanns bike is beautiful go yoann goo
  • 4 0
 What about the lift truck? I would like a walk around!
  • 3 0
 Basic North American Mall Crawler.
  • 2 0
 Looks like a retired old US military "Deuce and a half".
  • 3 0
 Interesting that we have 2 bikes with TRP drivetrain, and 2 bikes with Box drivetrain.
  • 2 0
 Interesting to see two Big Betty's as front tires. Love these bike checks, so much variety - way more fun to look at than DH bikes!
  • 1 0
 Why are so many of these bikes running Marzocchi forks?
Isn't Marzocchi is suposed to be a budged version of Fox? You would think proffessional athletes could afford to use the more expensive Fox stuff.
  • 1 0
 Marzocchi is cultivating a freeride image, Fox is cultivating a racing image. There is really very little difference between the two other than aesthetics.
  • 1 0
 Fox sponsored freeriders run Marzocchi, and Fox sponsored racers run Fox - for marketing reasons. Fox is trying to create more perceived differentiation between the two brands, I'd imagine
  • 2 0
 Thomas Genon running super soft in the back and soft in the front for maximum grip during manuals
  • 4 0
 THAT RUNE THO
  • 5 2
 Transition ... give us back the old TRs! This one is ugly
  • 2 0
 I really wanna rally like Barelli but I barely bike the fauna and I’m smelly
  • 1 0
 "Dylan is a Virgin", UT, local who has brought his desert skills down south. Seems a bit unnecessary to phrase it that way. Or perhaps PB couldn't help themselves?
  • 3 1
 That GG really does it for me. So clean, so stealth and yet so loud. Goals.
  • 3 0
 Agreed, it looks dialed but the GG logo is amateur hour - its like something you'd see on a whey protein label!!!
  • 3 0
 Banshee Raw and mirror polished, that's all you need!
  • 2 0
 Love seeing the Banshee's! I'm obsessed with my murdered out spitfire mullet!
  • 1 0
 All of these bikes look like they’d be fun to ride.

Never found a DH play bike I’ve been happy with since my TR500 was stolen
  • 1 0
 I think I'd probably ride a shopping cart with a steering wheel over Cody Wilkins' Banshee Rune. Wouldn't be able to barspin it, but at least it would stay in one piece.
  • 2 0
 Would love to see Erik Fedkos bike on this!
  • 1 0
 same
  • 2 0
 Cody Wilkins' banshee rune, the tire is touching the frame??
  • 2 1
 Most likely not.

The piece you're seeing as close to the tire, is actually to the side of the tire (kind of like an "I" beam). So the actual tire clearance is more in the center where the tire is, while the sides protrude another 5-10mm or something like that.

Source: I've got a Titan frame in the garage that just arrived, and I'm starting to build out Big Grin . Super stoked Big Grin . And afaik, all of the frames have the same rear triangle design.
  • 3 0
 @ocnlogan: thx Big Grin
Have fun
  • 2 0
 Plenty of room! I run a 2.4 trail boss and haven’t had any mud build up. It looks tighter than it is in that photo. I’ll swap between drop outs but high and low settings also change chainstay length. If it was rubbing I would be casing all those big ass jumps…
  • 2 0
 Commencal for the win, I like the Banshee except for the down tube.
  • 1 0
 On est loin des bikes personnalisés de la rampage, le bon gout n'est pas à la fiesta...
  • 1 0
 Will that rear tire even spin on the Rune? Or am I just not seeing straight?
  • 1 0
 Looks pretty tight.
  • 1 0
 They’re the short dropouts for 26 inch wheels, makes it super tight with a 27.5. I had to go and check my Rune to be sure.
  • 1 0
 Plenty of room! I run a 2.4 trail boss and haven’t had any mud build up. It looks tighter than it is in that photo. I’ll swap between drop outs but high and low settings also change chainstay length. If it was rubbing I would be casing all those big ass jumps…
  • 1 0
 good to see that KHS still takes the crown for worst paint jobs ever, 30 years in yad think they'd figured it out by now
  • 1 0
 Man I thought the Orange E-Bike took the cake recently for biggest eyesore, but that KHS frame...omg....
  • 1 0
 My rune v3 is far more capable than its rider. Mine has the same raw frame. Its just a pretty bike love that pic
  • 1 0
 I like how almost everyone runs beat up 5 year old saint parts along with brand new everything else
  • 1 0
 interesting how out of 4 riders with fox x2, 3 use the 2021 version with rvs valve. Is there a reason in particular?
  • 1 0
 Really put in a lot of effort with these 1 sentence descriptions lmao I get it guys save the effort for the cool guy racers
  • 1 0
 I'm loving the amount of graphics on Johny Salido's Transition TR11 I'm sooooo over plain bike frames.
  • 2 0
 I love the white TR11.
  • 1 0
 Smile Damn ItSmile
  • 1 0
 Whats with Yoann's preload?
  • 2 0
 That’s the look of the shock
  • 2 0
 The total length of the spring is just fairly short, doesn't mean it has a lot of preload.
  • 1 0
 @m-t-g: I wonder the short spring then Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @Sambolo: That's a big reason the spring is lightweight.
  • 1 0
 Theme "Ride or Die" headset cap.
  • 1 0
 What brakes are those on Jan Perse's bike?
  • 2 0
 Avid Code
  • 2 0
 @veljko: old ones
  • 1 0
 Yoann not running the GG carbon rear triangle...I wonder why?
  • 2 0
 He does have the Rev chainstay on it.
  • 1 0
 Anyone know the model of SS tensioner?
  • 2 0
 SB One. Either the Boner or the G3
  • 1 0
 why does jans bike have such old brakes
  • 2 0
 GG Barally.
  • 1 0
 Nailed it!!
  • 1 0
 That Torque is insane - looks bullet proof.
  • 1 0
 The component choice is clearly driven by sponsorships.
  • 2 0
 I run box because it’s affordable! Haha for the dh stuff it’s solid, looks good and is a fraction of the price of other brands. I Try hard to run different set ups and components to really know what works! Sponsorship definitely plays a role but all the components you see work pretty darn good, couldn’t ride that stuff if anything was lacking…
  • 1 0
 Crazy, not a single SRAM drivetrain.
  • 1 0
 6:4 for air shock
  • 3 3
 Canyon wins the looks contest.
  • 1 1
 Yoanns GG Takes it





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