Interbike Day 2 - A closer look at what's coming up!

Day 2 of the Outdoor Demo is done and dusted, tomorrow we move inside to the great expanse of the Sands Convention Center. There will be lots more to see but for now, have a look at what we came back from the desert with today! Inside you'll find pictures and info on both Yeti's 303 RDH and the new for 2010 ASR5 Carbon all-mountain bike, Banshee's Legend makes another appearance and is backed up by their new Spitfire - do it all bike, X Fusion 6" travel forks, and Commencal's 6" travel carbon swingarmed green machine!

More inside,
2010 Yeti 303 RDH

Designed to be a lighter and livelier version of it's big brother, the 303 RDH is at home on tighter or smoother tracks. A stiffer feel to the suspension lets the bike pop off lips more and the shorter wheelbase results in a more playful feel. For a lot of us, the 303 RDH is the sort of DH bike that we will benefit from.

A new gloss finish for 2010

• Single linear rail to control shock rate
• Adjustable geometry without affecting suspension settings
• Built in molded chainstay protector

The single rail controls the Fox RC4's rate

Yeti headtube badge

2010 Yeti ASR5 Carbon

A new machine introduced for the upcoming 2010 season, the ASR5 Carbon could be the 5" travel mountain killer that I've been waiting for. Probably the most interesting bike I've seen so far, the ASR5 Carbon frame has a fighting weight of just 4.5 lbs, is this the lightest 5" travel frame out there? Since we all know that weight isn't everything, Yeti managed to make it the most beautiful product at the show as well.

The white version was sharp but be sure to check out the gloss black model as well

• Full carbon frame, including stays
• Carbon flex chainstay pivot
• 5" of rear wheel travel
• 4.5 lb frame weight

Tapered headtube

Carbon flex pivot

The yeti is still around!

Yeticycles.com for more info.

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Banshee Legend Mk1

It's always great to run into some good 'ol Canadian folks while out here in the dessert. The guys from Banshee were in attendance and brought with them the ever elusive Legend DH bike. The Legend has been in the works for some time now and things must be getting close to perfection. The rear end uses Banshee's VF4B suspension and is built with stiffness and COG as primary concerns. When the Legend does hit the shops it should be a winner.

Banshee's Legend with the full Manitou treatment. This bike got a lot for attention.

• Frame weight of 8.5 - 9.0 lbs
• 8.5" of travel
• 1.5" headtube
• Internally ripped seatstays and chainstays for improved stiffness

The Legend has a look like no other

Banshee Spitfire

It's a simple idea that makes a lot of sense: sometimes the DH'ers out there want to get nasty on a XC bike and this the bike that is capable of that. A slightly slacker Headtube angle keeps us feeling confident at speed, and a short and stiff rear end keeps things in line at speed. Compatible with chainguides, a lot of riders will set this rig up with a single 32 tooth ring and have a blast on trails that would otherwise be less fun on a longer travel machine

Adjustable travel and a load of standover clearance

The Spitfire uses Banshee's VF4B suspension system

Head over to Bansheebikes.com to see more of their bikes.

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X Fusion suspension

X Fusion had some of their forks and shocks out in the dessert for people to see a suspension alternative to the big players that you may be more familiar with. With the same adjustments as far more expensive forks, competitive weights, and even more competitive pricing, X Fusion is making some headway in the suspension game.

X Fusion Vengeance HLR

• 160 mm of travel
• 36 mm stanchions
• External high and lowspeed compression adjustment
• External Rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 4.9 lbs

X Fusion Vengeance HLR

X Fusion Vengeance RC

• 160 mm of travel
• 36 mm stanchions
• External lowspeed compression adjustment
• External rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 4.9 lbs

X Fusion Velvet RC

• 80, 100, 130 mm of travel
• 32 mm stanchions
• Lockout adjustment
• External rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 3.35 lbs

X Fusion Velvet

Go to the X Fusion website for more info on their suspension goodies.

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Commencal Meta 6 VIP

Andorran company Commencal has a strong presence at the races with all three Atherton's piloting their bikes to victory, but it also looks like they can put together a great all around fun machine. The Meta 6 is a 6" travel bike that can be built to do nearly anything under the sun. A popular machine for marathon DH races or general bombing around, it should have enough versatility to please anyone.

Commencal Meta 6 VIP is stunning green

• 6" of rear wheel travel
• Headangle adjustable from 68.5 to 67.5 degrees via sleeve
• Rear dropouts can be swapped out from 9 mm QR to 12 mm thru-axle
• Cable guides for telescoping seatpost
• VIP model is equipped with carbon swingarm

Commencal's contact system

Adjustable headangle

Looking for more info? Commencal.com is the place to go.


Check out the entire Interbike 2009 gallery and check back often as photos are updated daily!

Mike "Kakah" Levy

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