Banshee Announces Updated Prime, Phantom & Spitfire Frames

Nov 15, 2019
by Mike Kazimer  
photo

After a couple of relatively quiet seasons, Banshee is back in action for 2020 with a completely revamped lineup. The details of the new Titan 29er and updated Rune were announced in September, and now the Prime, Spitfire, and Phantom have been revised as well.

All of the bikes are constructed from 7005 aluminum and share a similar silhouette, which is based around Banshee's new KS2 suspension layout. That dual-link design has a trunnion mounted shock located in a forged “cage” just above the bottom bracket. The design is intended to keep the higher forces that occur during big impacts contained in the forged section of the frame, along with maintaining a low center of gravity. The KS2 design also has the benefit of providing room in the front triangle for a water bottle, something that wasn't possible on the previous generation of these models.

The frames may have gained features like internal cable routing and chainstay protection, but they haven't lost any of the adaptability that Banshee is known for. There are two geometry positions that are adjusted via flip chips where the dropouts attach to the frame, along with multiple dropout options, which allows riders to choose from 142 or 148mm rear axle spacing, and between compact and long, which provides room for running 27.5+ or 29+ wheels.

All of the frames are priced at $2,199 USD – it's simply a matter of picking your preferred wheel size and amount of travel.


photo

Prime

• Wheel size: 29"
• 135mm rear travel
• KS2 linkage with custom tuned Fox DPX2 Performance Elite 185x55mm metric trunnion shock
• Progressive linkage with low 2.45:1 leverage ratio
• 65.5° - 66.0° Head angle
• 76.7° - 77.2° Effective seat angle
• Adjustable geometry via modular dropouts (also enables optional 27.5+ and 29+ setups)
• Mullet compatible (27.5” rear / 29” front)
• 140-160mm fork travel
• Ability to run bottle cage inside front triangle
• Internal cable routing (also works with moto-style)
• Colors: raw, black
• Frame Weight: 3.7kg (8.2lbs) - size medium black with Fox DPX2 shock, dropouts, rear axle, and seat clamp)
• Frameset MRSP: USD $2199 / €2199


photo



photo

Spitfire

• Wheel size: 27.5"
• 135mm rear travel
• KS2 linkage with custom tuned Fox DPX2 Performance Elite 185x55mm metric trunnion shock
• Progressive linkage with low 2.45:1 leverage ratio
• 65.0° - 65.5° Head angle
• 76.5° - 77.0° Effective seat angle
• Adjustable geometry via modular dropouts (also enables optional 26” setups if so inclined)
• Mullet compatible (26” rear / 27.5” front, or 27.5 rear and 29” front)
• 140-160mm fork travel (130-140mm if running 29” front wheel)
• Ability to run bottle cage inside front triangle
• Colors: raw, black, green
• Internal cable routing (also works with moto-style)
• Frame Weight: 3.55kg (7.8lbs) - size medium black with Fox DPX2 shock, dropouts, rear axle, and seat clamp)
• Frameset MRSP: USD $2199 / €2199

photo




photo

Phantom

• Wheel size: 29"
• 115mm rear travel
• KS2 linkage with custom tuned Fox DPX2 Performance Elite 185x50mm metric trunnion shock
• Progressive linkage with very low 2.3:1 leverage ratio
• 66.0° - 66.5° Head angle
• 76.7° - 77.2° Effective seat angle
• Adjustable geometry via modular dropouts (and enables optional 27.5+ and 29+ setups)
• Mullet compatible (27.5” rear / 29” front)
• 120-140mm fork travel
• Ability to run bottle cage inside front triangle
• Internal cable routing (also works with moto-style)
• Colors: raw, black
• Frame Weight: 3.55kg (7.8lbs)- size medium black with FOX DPX2 shock, dropouts, rear axle, and seat clamp
• Frameset MRSP: USD $2199 / €2199

photo


photo
Prototype testing in British Columbia.

More information: www.bansheebikes.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Trail Bikes Enduro Bikes Banshee


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181 Comments
  • 143 4
 Raw aluminium is a shining beacon in an era of odd pastel coloured hues..
  • 16 16
 To each their own!
  • 3 0
 So stoked on my raw Commencal Meta AM with orange accents. Fucking bad ass bike.
  • 1 0
 @skycripp: have you got the 2019 brushed AM 29? The limited one? That’s a sick bike..
  • 4 0
 Yes! That and the 142/148 drops!
  • 1 0
 @skycripp: Are you happy with how your Meta rides? Would you recommend that bike?
  • 1 0
 @klondike08:
  • 1 0
 @melias24: I have a 2019 meta am 29 too and I absolutely recommend it, awesome bike.
  • 1 0
 @tobiusmaximum: Yes I do. Smile I9 Wheels w/ hydra hubs, Deity bars/stem/seat.
  • 1 0
 @melias24: Very much so. I can't say you'll be nabbing any KOMS on the uphill, but I still manage ~15k feet of climbing every week and it just opens up on the downhill. Super awesome bike.
  • 39 9
 Spitfire 1 -possibly the the first Down Country bike ever - now AM/trail. Love Banshees. Lord knows how much I drooled over the Rune
  • 16 0
 Couldn't agree more; got hold of a V2 Spit in 2011 and it is still my favourite bike....
Just over 2000 USD for the frameset? Prices still similar as in 2011 then....
Bargain people, bargain.
  • 4 1
 @WAKIdesigns
You are correct, it was even marketed as the downhillers XC bike. I still have my V1 Spitfire as window ornamentation alongside my prototype Legend.
  • 7 0
 I had the V2 Spitrife, oh my... that bike was unbelievable, could easily outperform bikes with more travel like Specialized Enduro and others. With a right suspension setup the thing could smash thru anything with a grip of DH bike
  • 5 0
 @WAKIdesigns I have never agreed with you more. Except for the rune part. I'm droolin over the Prime. I had a spitfire v2. Such a good bike. Miss it.
  • 4 0
 Had a Rune in 2012-13ish...still riding a 16 Spitfire right now. Love them both. Wish I was a better rider so I could really make the Spitty perform to what it’s capable of but it does everything I need it to. Perfect bike for someone who doesn’t want to drop 4k every year or two for a new one.
  • 6 0
 Dude I’m with you. Had a Chaparral (mini-Scream) back in the free ride heyday. Now on a V2 spitfire for the last 5-6 years and just love it. It never gives me any problems from bikepacking the Chilcotins to my local daycrides it’s just solid. Banshee and I share a similar philosophy of simplicity, no frills, stiffness/sturdiness and fun.
  • 1 0
 @orientdave: Decent Geo as well. Could have a 2XL and it would be perfect option to GG.
  • 1 0
 Also had a V2 spitfire, it was such a capable bike for 140mm. I’d look at banshee again if the did a 150-160mm 29er.
  • 1 0
 Wait, Titan! That slipped past me. The Sight I had my eye on for next year now has competition.
  • 1 1
 @rstokes: why no just go for a prime. You could still feel the trail and pump features.
  • 2 0
 @dglass: you can still feel the trail with a 155, or even a 200mm bike...you just need to go faster/steeper/rougher etc! I’m lucky that I live in a place where a 160mm bike isn’t ‘too much bike’.
  • 1 0
 @rstokes: this!
  • 1 0
 I'm on a second generation Spitty. Overall I love the bike. I've owned a V1 and V2 Rune as well. I'll be looking to swap out to the V3 soon.
  • 25 0
 Still waiting for a new Darkside...
  • 2 2
 Yes!
  • 1 0
 Lets just hope they keep the shock right where it is on the Darkside
  • 1 1
 you guys brought it to my attention and now I feel like I want that frame, even as it is. Seems like it is designed to play around in the big chunk or on big jump lines. Can anyone who owns one PM me?
  • 17 0
 High quality aluminium, frame only option, adjustabllity, decent looking geo. Bike industry please take note.
  • 2 21
flag Swervsroundsquirrels (Nov 15, 2019 at 5:09) (Below Threshold)
 Specialized made the Stumpjumper Evo available over a year ago. Maybe they took note and travelled back in time?
  • 11 2
 @Swervsroundsquirrels: right but the Evo comes in 1 colorway, 2 sizes, is manufactured with an alloy closer to 6061, and is restricted to a single amount of travel,

Where as the Banshees come in at least 2 colorways, have a standard range of sizes, are a 7000 series alloy, and offer a variety of travel/wheel size options
  • 2 2
 @EgoLicentia: is there really a difference between 7005 and 6061 alloy?
  • 3 0
 @granjak: From the Banshee website highlighting the difference between the two alloys.
www.bansheebikes.com/7005-t6
  • 3 0
 @Swervsroundsquirrels: They also used to make quality aluminium bikes at reasonable prices but now they make overpriced plastic sh*t with useless spec options & flashy paint jobs
  • 2 3
 @zyoungson: they still make aluminum bikes that are, optionally, frame only. The Evos were offered in black anodized and raw. Just because plastic and flashy are there, metal and muted didn’t go away
  • 5 0
 @granjak: 944
  • 1 1
 @Swervsroundsquirrels: like I said earlier the Evo frames are offered in one color grayish blue, Assuming you haven’t checked their site in a while

And while I can’t speak for certain likely one of the only reasons the big S keeps alloy frames around is for a greater market share in lower income target markets. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but don’t pretend it’s S being altruistic for the good of all riders
  • 1 0
 @granjak: The doc Mike posted hopefully helped explain but basically 7000 series has a better strength to weight ratio than 6000, it’s a little harder to work with in general, **but typically the Metal characteristics of 7000 feel part way between alloy and carbon(this is my opinion don’t take it as gospel)**
  • 1 0
 @Swervsroundsquirrels: metal and muted aint belong in the same sentence smh
  • 15 0
 Love the green on the new Spitfire!
  • 15 3
 It doesn't look like a Session, it looks like the old Reign.
  • 9 0
 true but the reign was actually pretty good looking and riding, so nothing wrong with that
  • 3 0
 Definitely Lookin like A Giant Bike in 80% of that geo! I'd love to give one a test ride & compare it to how my 2018 Reign SX felt!
  • 1 0
 We'll have to cast a Pole on that.
  • 8 0
 I rode the 2019 BCBR on a 2015 Phantom. It was all that and a bag of chips. I felt very confident on the Phantom and rode out of a few places where I was probably over my head. I really liked my Phantom before that ride, and now it will be a life partner.
  • 6 0
 @straight6rocks your such a Phanboy
  • 7 0
 I love those split tubes. Mondraker has them too, and my son's old Giant Pre run-bike had one. How do they do that? Is it saw down the middle, roll the ends over and weld the seam, or is it formed as a two-tube piece?

Very nice looking.
  • 3 0
 The ones on the 2017 and newer Banshee's are hydroformed, so formed into that split shape, no weld.
  • 1 0
 @MikeBuell: Cool. Thanks for that. It looks really good!
  • 12 3
 1. I'm glad super boost is dying a slow and painful death 2. Please bring back the mint Spitfire
  • 1 23
flag nouseforaname (Nov 15, 2019 at 11:28) (Below Threshold)
 It's not dying, it's coming hard. Banshee are nobodies of the bike world (sorry Phan-boys) what they do is never a reflection of wider trends or what the future holds. Which is fine if you like that kind of thing.
  • 5 0
 So I emailed Banshee about Super Boost a while back. Straight from them, they'd be able to release a Super Boost G2 dropout if they ever had a real need.
  • 11 0
 @nouseforaname: I don't think Banshee is an nobody in the bike industry. Actually, if you know anything about they bike industry, they are pretty OG from the freeride era and have withstood all of the years and changes and are still making bikes. I had an RM7 then went to a Banshee Scream, then over the years cycled through lots of bike companies, and am now back on a Banshee. It was one of the bikes/companies that ticked all of the boxes for what I wanted in a new bike. As well, their customer service is top notch. I've had a lot of meaningful conversations with those guys and they always reply quickly and take care of what I need. If that's being a nobody, I'm fine with supporting, well, nobody!
  • 2 0
 yes, that mint spitfire was maybe my favorite paint of all time
  • 6 1
 As much as i loved me spitfire v2 it just kept cracking. Banshee replaced it both times but the frame had issues with strength and it also went through shock hardware like butter too. Now a mate has just cracked his rune as well. Such a shame as the frame rides real good. Lets hope the new frames are stronger and straighter.
  • 3 0
 sad but true. 4 people in my crew had spitfires, 3 cracked, mine included. best part was an answer from banshee to a friend that went like: well, if you ride that hard, you should have gotten a rune. as much as i liked my spitfire, that somehow ruined the brand for me.
  • 2 0
 @amanite55: well the rune ain’t much better tbh. My mates just cracked his and it’s only 6 months old. I’m sure it’ll be replaced under warranty but they need to build both the spitfire and rune a lot stronger. The geometry says it’s a bike that can be ridden fast but the design is weak and cracks appear pretty soon in my experience. Maybe they’ve sorted it with this new model but I’m put off now with the brand also. It’s a shame because on paper they’re the perfect bike and they do ride really well.
  • 1 0
 @mikelee: That sucks!Banshee must ship all the duds across the pond.
  • 2 0
 All this stories about cracked frames...
@BansheeRiders do you have any comments about it. are the new frames stronger? You write about the strong forged parts on your HP, but what about the tubes and welds?
  • 1 0
 @nug12182: i know haha im reading comments here about lads still riding the v1 spitfire. On the uk forums there's loads of pictures of cracked banshees. I must stress that banshee were brilliant regarding replacing the frames but it has put a lot of people off the brand over here.
  • 1 0
 @mikelee: That sucks theyre cracking.All my Banshees have taken a beating and not a thing wrong.Sucks to hear all the problems youre having
  • 1 0
 @nug12182: This new frame design especially the rear triangle looks much better,it actually looks like my old Sunday which was an amazing and strong bike. So maybe the re-design has fixed the issues. I hope so because everything else is perfect for me.
  • 2 0
 @nug12182: Some people just break anything.
  • 4 1
 @mikelee: maybe you guys should learn to ride and not case half of your landings.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • 1 2
 @opignonlibre: lol yeah that’ll be the cause!! All those cracked spitfires,runes and legends are from us all casing jumps. Strange I’ve never cracked another bike in the last 15 years! Or it could be they’re not very well built bikes. Google cracked banshee and you’ll see loads of cracked frames and all crack in the same areas. The rear triangle was poor on all those models. The new frames look different so they obviously started from scratch. Fingers crossed they finally release a strong frame. Do they still only offer a 2 year warranty? That should have been a warning sign to be honest but luckily they crack pretty quickly so you’d be unlucky to be out of warranty time. They do ride really well though and won many a race on them so can’t complain. Was replaced twice as well no problem regarding warranty.
  • 4 0
 I've heard that the new frames have tested twice as strong as the Version 2 frames. Apparently where other bike companies provide 1 frame per EN strength test, Banshee did all 3 tests with one frame - passed with flying colours. It's all in the Shock Cage apprently! Also, warranty period is now 4 years if the bike is registered with Banshee.
  • 1 0
 @dirtydawgnz: that’s good to hear. The old frames cracked on the swing arm and also at the lower seat tube,down tube junction so the cage would help that area and the new swing arm looks much better. If the warranty is now 4 years I’d consider the new rune or spitfire as my new frame. Like I’ve said,they were really fast bikes.
  • 3 0
 @mikelee: you can google cracked frame with any bike brand and find pictures of broken bikes.

As I said earlier, some people break anything.

Now give us numbers and stats, that would be more interesting than "anecdotal evidence".
  • 1 0
 @opignonlibre: totally agree however banshee are a small company and if what they say is true. They don’t produce or sell that many frames. So in my group of friends of which 3 had spitfires and 1 had a rune only one of us hasn’t cracked his frame. The lad in question is pretty slow and steady and his bike doesn’t get ridden a great deal. The rest of us have all cracked our frames,myself I’ve cracked 2 and sold the 3rd straight from warranty. I’ve been riding bikes 25 years and was good standard racer back in the day riding in the pro/elite field at the uk nationals. So I’m not a hack who cases jumps and can’t ride a bike. Back in the day we broke frames all the time but I haven’t broken a frame in recent years. The fact the spitfire cracked in exactly the same place on all our frames says there’s an inherent weakness. Looking on line there’s loads with the exact same crack on the swing arm and join above the bottom bracket. You’re right that some people break any frame but I’m not one of them. I’m now riding my 2014 orange 5 frame that I kept in between warrantees and it gets hammered for a little trail bike and 5 years on it still rides like the day I bought it. Not a crack in sight. The fact these new frames look nothing like the old speaks a thousand words. As I’ve said all along banshee were brilliant and replaced my frame twice. It appears they’ve found a way to strengthen the frame with this new cage and the rear end looks stronger too. Only time will tell I guess.
  • 2 0
 @opignonlibre: name checks out.
  • 1 0
 @dirtydawgnz: Thanks - that's helpful.
  • 4 0
 @squarewheel: They are a LOT stronger in lab testing. Our old frames still exceeded all standard loading tests 3 times over, so are stronger than most frames out there, but Banshee riders tend to ride a lot harder than most riders out there also (dentists don't tend to be bike breakers! haha). The shock cage on the V3's removes most the loads from weld areas which is a significant reason for the gain in strength. If the new design wasn't a huge improvement then we wouldn't release it.
  • 6 0
 Gotta lot of love for banshee. My rune has served and is still serving me well. It’s been used and abused and has just taken it no issues.
  • 6 0
 Lovely, purposeful looking bike! I'm imagining the raw frame built up with lots of purple Hope bits and bobs...
  • 3 0
 These bikes are beautiful. I'll be curious to hear ride reviews - I'd say especially comparing to similar bikes from Pivot or Ibis, because I'm seeing some really long chainstays on the Banshees compared to those (and they seem to have set the benchmark for fast/fun bikes). Either way, the design and finish on these looks really nice!
  • 1 0
 I wouldnt say that. Many of modern frames on 27 or 29" wheels use the very similar chainstay length, that Banshee used on its Rune V1 10 years ago! That time it was longer than most of its competition. I am very surprised that now, on 27 or even 29" wheels some bikes have even shorter chainstay than 435mm.
  • 1 0
 Doesn't look to be much tyre clearance, presuming they're the compact drop outs (?)
  • 2 0
 @Chris-Brown23: clearance for up to a 2.6" maxxis with room to spare... the photos don't really show the shape of the rear triangle struts, lots more room than it looks in sideview)
  • 1 0
 @BansheeRiders: Cool - thanks for the reply!
  • 3 0
 I've been riding a Titan for the past month and I'm super impressed. I'm coming from a few other long travel 29ers, and this one has by far been the fastest. Didn't know if I'd love the chainstay length, but it's been all positives. The suspension action is on point too. I'm sure these ones are killer too! Plus that raw looks so good in person!
  • 3 0
 @Banshee-Team is absolutely killing it with every model. My v2 rune takes a beating in every discipline and treats me well. That bike even holds its own in some treacherous steep gnar ideal for a true dh rig. This new lineup looks great.
  • 4 0
 As a Titan owner, I can say that Banshee has knocked it out of the park with the new designs. The quality is also pretty ridiculous, the forged shock canoe is gorgeous in person.
  • 5 0
 Well I just did it... Ordered a New Phantom Frame.. Fingers crossed, coming from a Trek Fuel 2017
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to ride the shop demo one too ????
  • 5 0
 love the changeable dropouts. 142/148mm, long/short chainstays. wish more brands did this
  • 3 0
 Love my banshee prime but wish I could use a water bottle for shorter rides. Would also like to go back to 29+ sometimes. Looks like the new one would be a nice upgrade for me.
  • 5 0
 We missed the titan in this year’s field test, I wonder if they’ll include any of the new Banshees next year.
  • 2 0
 They probably did not have any space left for an other aluminium bike in the test. More than one might just be too much metal. I also would have loved to see the Titan in the test.
  • 21 0
 It wasn’t available in time to be included, but there’s a long term review in the works .
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: I figured that may have been the case. I picked up a Spitfire last spring and wonder how these compare.
  • 2 0
 The prime V3 may be my next bike. The finish looks incredible.

Does anyone know if the Fox X2 can be ran 185x55 for this bike? Or any other shock options for this bike besides the DPX2?
  • 1 0
 I have an X2 on my V2 spitfire. Doubt that helps you but just sayin
  • 1 0
 The float x2 and DHX2 both fit and work well with the prime suspension linkage.
  • 2 0
 Love the subtle finishing, especially all the raw! Looks like Banshee has a pretty well rounded lineup.. Haven't had one since my V1 Rune but would consider them for my next steed.
  • 5 0
 We love our Spitfire with 26''!!
  • 6 1
 Longer reach on Darkside please.
  • 5 0
 Banshee rule, had a Phantom and loved it. These new ones are rad.
  • 5 0
 Phantom is fantastic, love every ride, short or long, flat or steep , it is so versatile
  • 2 0
 Excellent and respectable brand Banshee. I used to have a Spitfire V1; very funny bike.

I went on their website, and beside those updated models, their new long travel 29er Titan is a beast of a bike. Love it Smile
  • 3 1
 Does it tell a lot of jokes or does it have more of a dry sense of humor?
  • 1 0
 I think it’s a common French-English mistake, using Funny instead of Fun @wmoody54:
  • 2 0
 @wmoody54: Both connard.
  • 4 0
 Banshee is not really a brand that's on my radar (so many brands!!), but that Prime looks spot on...
  • 2 0
 Makes sense...I haven’t seen a ton on trail. 2 of the 3 bikes I’ve owned as an adult have been Banshees. I was initially attracted to them because of their relative affordability (I was in 18 and earning minimum wage) and emphasis on free-ride in the earlier days. Now I’m on a Spitfire which, as a stiff, slack, shorter travel little piggy feels almost as playful as my DMR hardtail.
  • 2 0
 I love my prime, it was really ahead of its time 4 years ago. if the new one is an update its going be brilliant.
  • 1 0
 I have been on the Rune V3 for about a month now, and I'm loving it! The bike has a very centered feeling and I'm definitely able to carry more speed through loose corners. Awesome seeing the KS2 design carried throughout the line.
  • 1 0
 still love my v2 Spitfire! Banshee figured out great geo years ago, and the adaptability with the interchangeable rear dropouts and flip chips make it difficult to ever justify upgrading.. well, maybe until now. I wonder if the leverage ratio has changed significantly with the new trunnion design? Glad they're still running the DWesque pivot at the BB. Great no-nonsense bikes!
  • 1 0
 Intrigued with the Prime. Does anyone know if the routing is tube-in-tube where you thread the cable near the head tube end and it comes out at the chainstay? I've known Yeti and Evil owners who complain about internal cable rattles and having to go through hell replacing the cable and housing.
  • 1 0
 There is a sandwich clamp on the downtube insert by the headtube, then where it exits by the bb and under the rear shock a handy zip tie secures everything down. I haven't heard and obnoxious noises yet on my Titan.
  • 1 0
 @Banshee-Team lovely looking bikes. I’d like to learn more about your geometry philosophy. Reach figures are pretty conservative nowadays, heck even Norco has gone full craze. I’m not suggesting that’s the end all just wondering why you chose not to do this?
  • 2 0
 Just a perspective here, and I appreciate them not going super crazy on the reach. In riding mostly our area trails, I discovered that long reach and super short stems caused some unwanted understeer for our trails. So reach numbers allowing a 44 to 60mm stem have proved the best option for extra some weight on the front wheel in situations that are not super steep. For reference, I am 5'9 and found reach between 440 and 455 to suit myself and my various riding situations best. For super steed days, a quick stem swap is an easy change.
  • 1 0
 Just a year too late. Was on the fence about getting a Phantom this spring but chose a Radon Skeen in the end. Some of the details of the Phantom, along with brand philosphy, definitely made up for the difference in component value. But for me, a bottle mount is an important difference, probably it was a deciding factor. Not anymore.
  • 1 0
 Aluminum is the new carbon. Get me on a solid alu frame with premium suspension dampers, a high engagement rear hub, and a dumbed down drivetrain and you've got a solid bike spec for those of us that don't find themselves looking in their wallets and wondering where all that extra money came from.
  • 4 0
 Oh man I want a spitfire frame in raw.
  • 3 0
 Long live small builders with great frames. Must be a bear to compete against the giants. I would love to own any of these.
  • 4 1
 27.45 new rear wheel size on the spitfire, because 27.5 is just to big.
  • 4 0
 woops, my bad. Ahhh lets face it no tires that mountain bikers run at 27.5" Example... even a maxxis 27.5x2.3 has 23.0" bead diameter and 28.2" outer diameter.
  • 2 0
 Damn it banshee ???????? I was just starting to get some savings and you go and release a new prime
  • 3 0
 Any chances for a revised amp?
  • 3 0
 Love my '17 Rune! Like a cockroach it is. Can't seem to kill it.
  • 2 0
 I still bring out my 03 Scream for a spin every summer.
  • 3 0
 Glad to see the Phantom updated... would like to see a review on that one!
  • 1 0
 Yes, me too..!
  • 1 0
 When the snow clears and I can get some good rides... I will pop one out.
It is as #moreawesomer as the Titan I have been riding, the new Phantom should be amaz-balls
  • 1 0
 The Prime stats and finish are almost identical to the new Reeb Sqweeb V3. Which is making the new bike build even harder to choice from. Nice job Banshee!
  • 1 0
 Im in the same boat. The Prime has a longer chainstay 450 compared to Sqweeb 434. I'm on a Nukeproof mega 290 right now that has a 450 chainstay and I can tell you it is very stable but not very playful. For a shorter travel bike I think I'm going with the shorter chainstay. Would love to ride them back to back to decide.
  • 1 0
 I love the raw aluminum with a simple yet effective suspension design. And these beasts are in an affordable price range. Props to Banshee!
  • 1 0
 I’m an oldtimer, I can’t see banshee with these gourmet-nutella frames. I’m from the time their xc frame was a morphine. ????????????????????
  • 3 0
 Ahhh the days of the Morphine. Hardtail with a dual crown.
  • 1 0
 @krashDH85: now they're all about looking neat on a tuxedo while using a fullface, drinking freshly squeezed juice while on a gourmet trail
  • 2 0
 @flaviotsutsui: I dunno, I don't think that's what my Legend portrays at all...
  • 1 0
 I debated Rune or Warden for a long time. Went with a Warden. I'm thrilled with the choice but whenever one sees something tasty it makes you want to try a bite.
  • 1 0
 They ride amazing but after breaking 4 in 4 years (2 spitfires and 2 runes) I had to draw a line and move on to something stronger.
  • 1 1
 I just bought a new prime a year ago, now iam gonna have to find a way to get another one. 20mm more reach and a water bottle. I wonder what the weight difference is.
  • 3 1
 Everyone please welcome the Iron Horse Sunday to 2019
  • 2 0
 Anyone know where that last photo was taken?
  • 1 0
 Hi Banshee - I'm 250 lbs. Is the V3 Prime BB area as stiff as the V2 Prime? This is a beautiful machine - congratulations.
  • 1 0
 The V3 prime is significantly stiffer around the BB due to new forgings.
  • 1 0
 Hey Banshee, how much does the long dropout config change the chainstay length by? A 29+ Phantom could be my next bike.
  • 1 0
 Adds 10mm, like on the Spitfire and Rune.
  • 2 0
 Correction, 9mm! ;-)
  • 1 0
 Seems like an aluminum frame for the cost of carbon. Regardless I like the design.
  • 2 0
 Well, it is more expensive to make than a carbon frame... get what you pay for.
  • 2 0
 These bikes look awesome
  • 1 0
 They're just so damn good looking, I cant wait to hear about how they ride
  • 1 0
 So hot! Loved my Prime...
  • 1 0
 26 option......I love you Keith
  • 1 0
 that prime looks nearly perfect!
  • 1 0
 Those sure are lookers. Putting in mental bank for future bike.
  • 1 0
 Looks like an old giant styling to me which isn't a bad thing
  • 1 0
 those are some nice looking frames
  • 1 0
 that Prime is looking mint, might replace my raw stumpy evo....
  • 1 0
 All these look sick butt.....titan FTW!!!!
  • 1 0
 Why no small Phantom/Prime? Short people like to go fast too.
  • 2 0
 The spitfire and rune are crazy fast and better balanced for smaller riders. You cam always run a 29" front wheel on them and go mullet.
  • 1 0
 Updated geo on the Darkside would be awesome.
  • 3 2
 Is 27.45 a thing now?
  • 3 0
 I see @jeffweed shredding the hell out of 27.5s and I sit and wonder about what I'm missing with 29s. No doubt 29s are faster in most situations but I'm not as concerned about being the fastest anymore. I want to have as much fun as possible during a ride now and 27.5 might be the ticket. Fast acceleration and deceleration, easier to jump and jib. The only thing I know for sure is that I need to demo some of the newer 27.5s...
  • 3 0
 @mtbgeartech: smaller wheels have always been more fun because they’re more agile. Common sense, this.
  • 1 0
 Come to think of it...would a 26” wheel be even moar fun and poppy @mtbgeartech:
  • 1 1
 Something something session joke Dead Horse
  • 2 2
 Heavy frame. My old bullit (2002) with spring shock (950g) weight 4kg
  • 1 1
 Heavy comment
  • 1 0
 Looks like a giant
  • 1 0
 yup. old trance/reign hybrid
  • 1 2
 So basically they are making giant bikes?
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