First Look at the Banshee Spitfire

Jan 8, 2010
by Keith Scott  
A first glimpse of the first ever production Banshee Spitfire.

The Banshee Spitfire is creating quite a stir amongst aggressive trail riders out there who want a lightweight, low and slack singletrack shredding machine. The Prototypes (one of which which was shown exclusively on Pinkbike last summer) have been used and abused and tested hard, and all feedback from that, plus feedback from many bike forums has been taken on board and used to refine the design. This is the result...
photo

The Spitfire is designed to be a very versatile high performance trail bike that will suit freeriders and downhillers alike, as well as those who want to progress from XC riding to more challenging terrain due to the low aggressive geometry and slack head angle.

The frame features Banshee's VF4B highly efficient and active linkage system, a custom hydro-formed 7005 T6 tubeset, internally ribbed seat and chain stays for stiffness, a tapered head tube and adjustable geometry.

Some numbers for you to crunch on:

photo

For more information on the features and development of this frame check out the Banshee blog.

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90 Comments
  • 4 0
 It might just be, but for some reason I have doubts about pinning a DH track with 127mm of travel. Don't get me wrong it's a sick frame, but I'd imagine it would be better for slopestyle or DJ's.

its not made for DH tracks but for aggressive trail riding, designed with modern geometry that is low and slack to make it feel planted at higher speeds, whilst being light and nimble in technical situations

if you want a sick frame for slopestyle and DJs then check out the Spitfire's little brother - the Banshee RAMPANT (100mm virtual pivot)
  • 3 0
 agreed, i think that's the bike the market needed, i can see it as a perfect bike for most of the trails around here
  • 3 0
 it looks like great frame for xc and maybe all mountain but no more than that its nice to see banshee stepping away from the hardcore stuff im not saying their freeride frames are crap or anything as i have nothing but praise for them and all their work they've put in to bring us great frames and heres another masterpiece from them and probably one of many to come this year.

mega props to banshee for kicking off the year with yet another trail blazer.

i love how simple and clean it all looks some if not most frames these days have too much metal in them and more metal means more weight and more weight means room for improvement this frame has no room for improvement (im not saying that as a bad thing) i mean look at it! you couldn't really ask for a better frame for the trails.

thanks to all the people who put input into this frames design work geometry and more importantly for making it happen.

D.T.H

K.S 66
  • 6 0
 fireeye has already this bike name
  • 9 2
 very cool colors
  • 26 1
 I got two ordered up already, one for me and one for the wife. should be here in two weeks!!
  • 7 0
 Very thin looking. Not to say it isn't strong though. I dig it!
  • 5 0
 Unreal job guys. That is one badass looking frame. I'm seriously stoked on that.
  • 2 0
 This Bike is sooo sick. I'm becoming quite the fan of banshee lately. I don't think i can decided on which color I love more though, thier awsome raw, or this. It'll look sooooo good built up. If I run into a bit of money this is the first frame I'll be pickin' up.
  • 1 0
 Most indubitably.
  • 6 0
 I like this frame ALOT.
  • 6 6
 agreed, but the colors don't really click for me though...
  • 1 0
 I kinda wish it had a 12x135 or 10x135 Maxle dropout. Honestly 9x135 QR, even with a bolt-on hub, really isn't stiff enough for the kind of trail riding DHers do.

you really don't need bolt-through axle on virtual pivots frames like the new Banshee's use the rear triangle is one piece (meaning no dropout flex), and rotates on two short triangulated forged links, running on IGUS bushings with big axles

the seat stays and chain stays are made from Banshee's exclusive "ribwall" tubing which has a middle rib running through the section, making the tubing very flex resistant, dropouts are cold forged too.

to give you an idea how "stiff" the Banshee virtual pivot bikes are, I was riding around on my Banshee Rampant (uses the same suspension system as Spitfire and Rune) with one of the main link axles loose, and did not even notice for a few weeks, despite riding pump track and DJs!
  • 3 0
 12 x 135 PLEASE! use a chip system to drop it back down to a 10 x 135, but the option would be nice.
  • 1 1
 An excellent development from Ibis, but it misses a few key opportunities. #1- the tapered headset is incompatible with most modern double crown DH and FR forks . Why not just make it 1.5 upper, you can always reduce it? #2- No chainstay/seatstay protection on the driveside? Check out the Yeti 5 for how a rear carbon end should be protected. #3- No Hammerschmidt compatibility? This is a cheapout, not wanting to redesign the linkages around Hammerschmidt (which would be perfect for this bike).
  • 2 1
 This comment was supposed to be added to the Mojo HD review. Sorry for the confusion.
  • 1 0
 Regardless, the tapered headtube is not incompatible with dual crown DH forks on the market, as long as they're using standard 1 1/8" steer tubes. Secondly, the reason they don't use Hammerschmidt is because the current DW Link setup does not support a standard ISCG 3-bolt configuration. They're not about to "redesign the linkages" as you say just to be compatible with one product. Anyway the 160mm DW and VPP suspension designs do not pedal correctly with a Hammerschmidt crankset.
  • 1 0
 what?

of course the dw link is compatiable with 3 bolt iscg, look at the sunday.. its stupid that ibis decided not to allow it

hammerschmidt will work and be fine as long as the bike is ok in the granny ring, which as an allmountan bike it would be ..
  • 1 0
 They say that the Nomad doesn't mesh well with Hammerschmidt, and it's an "all mountain bike" as much as the Mojo HD is. They're in the same boat since they both use virtual pivot suspension designs. Apparently having a Hammerschmidt on the Nomad makes it feel like you're perpetually in the granny gear. Seems to me that the Mojo would behave the same way.
  • 2 0
 Gorgeous! one of the better looking trail bikes i've seen. Nice job banshee doing a more slack HT angle too, catering to DH folk who also ride AM/XC=good idea.
  • 3 1
 I rode it. It was ok, but way too slack for climbing. Maybe it was just me but I'd rather have an all-rounder be steeper.
  • 1 0
 What fork was on it when you tried to climb?
  • 1 0
 I'd get any travel adjust fork, not a lockout though (unless it includes shortening the travel) because that'll steepen it up on the climbs. That is, if you have the remote switch on the handlebars...
  • 1 0
 a pike would be perfect on this bike
  • 1 0
 I would probably run a Revelation XX with the remote hydraulic lockout and a Monarch 3.3 in the back.
  • 2 0
 U-turn Lyrik Big Grin
  • 1 0
 what happened to banshee website have they not updated it cus all the 08 bikes are still up is ther a different url or something?
  • 1 0
 I've heard through the grapevine that it is getting updated now. Keep checking the blog. Maybe they'll let us know when it is up. www.bansheebikes.blogspot.com
  • 3 1
 my cannondale prophet has adjustable geo and can do a 67 HA and 13'' bb, but this will be way stiffer I bet.
  • 1 0
 and of course better linkage vs a low single pivot
  • 1 4
 please explain how its better, because in general the shock is what makes or breaks the bike's performance.
  • 2 1
 it's generally accepted that this type of multi-pivot system is more effective during braking, which translates to more control and faster speeds
  • 2 1
 "it's generally accepted that this type of multi-pivot system is more effective during braking, which translates to more control and faster speeds"

+1
  • 1 6
flag DrSanchez (Jan 10, 2010 at 7:52) (Below Threshold)
 that would be great if it actually transferred over to the real world, but sadly it doesn't. rearward trajectory and a well set up shock is about the best you can do for "speed". The spitfire is a nice bike, but there is no way that design is better than a linkage driven single pivot.
  • 2 1
 You guys have it all wrong. Clearly the main thing that makes or breaks a bike's performance is the choice of 4mm or 5mm derailleur housing.
  • 2 0
 Dude. seraph. That was really funny. I laughed out loud. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 DrSanchez, you are wrong. Have you ever pedaled a Banshee Rune or Spitfire? The Banshee Rune uses the same design as the Spitfire and it pedals better than any linkage driven single pivot I have been on and also brakes better. The Transition Covert is a linkage driven sp and it doesn't pedal as well as the Rune. The Covert Bobs more and doesn't brake as well over rough terrain. If you don't believe me, take a Banshee vs a "linkage driven" sp back to back. Make sure you switch off the pro pedal on both bikes. (The Rune doesn't need pro pedal) and you will figure it out.
  • 1 0
 Actually the Spitfire is the bike I am directly talking about, and yes I have ridden it. Nice bike but too slack for an AM bike in my opinion. Go ride a Cannondale Moto - a linkage driven SP. Doesn't bob but is super active from ground forces. Don't believe me go ride one. Not much of a C-dale fan but that was the best pedalling bike I have ever ridden and I've ridden a lot of bikes.
  • 2 0
 You claim you have ridden the Spitfire eh? How did it pedal and react to bumps? How did it brake on the bumps? Did you notice how stiff it was compared to similar bikes? You are full of shit and it is obvious when you say that crap like it is the shock that makes or breaks a bike's performance. Put the same shock on two bikes. One with sp suspension and the other a multi link, and the difference is very noticeable.

All you say about the Spitfire is that it is too slack for an am bike? What a joke. What fork was on it? What was the travel set at? Did you check out the adjustable geometry on the frame? LOL. Thank you, come again.
  • 1 1
 Um... you know that white prototype Spitfire that is floating around? Yea, that one. Awesome bike, just too slack for me and what I would want in an all mountain bike. It pedalled well, the suspension was good while seated. It had a Fox fork on it, which was too soft, which definitely had something to do with the overall 'feel' of the bike. Thank you come again.
  • 1 1
 It might just be, but for some reason I have doubts about pinning a DH track with 127mm of travel. Don't get me wrong it's a sick frame, but I'd imagine it would be better for slopestyle or DJ's.
  • 2 0
 its a trail bike, for riding trails. singletrack, crosscountry, exploring on the moors type riding.
  • 1 0
 I kinda wish it had a 12x135 or 10x135 Maxle dropout. Honestly 9x135 QR, even with a bolt-on hub, really isn't stiff enough for the kind of trail riding DHers do.
  • 1 0
 Nah, a bolt on or a 10mm solid is definitely solid enough
  • 2 0
 I love my rampant, i'm sure this bike is just as sick!
  • 2 0
 cool bike, neat concept. is that a dent in the chain stay?!
  • 1 0
 No, it's where the stay changes direction to make it to the dropout area.
  • 2 0
 I want. Perfect trailbike? I think so.
  • 1 0
 this looks sweet!
but its very light with dh fr geometry, so is it strong for tons of riding?
I love looks very clean!
  • 1 0
 1.5" headtube, ISCG tabs, reinforced down/seat tube junction, box chainstays; yeah, I'd say it's plenty strong.
  • 1 0
 Thanks man, yea I would also say it should be plenty strong. Its a banshee which I have never heard anything bad about.
Its just any frame thats been a do it all frame has either broke or cracked within a year in the past.
So, I wonder if this should be my next bike or should I go with the wildcard which I know will suit my riding 100%.
but as a lighter freeride frame this looks wonderful!
  • 1 0
 Lightweight short-travel freeride. Call it what it is. 66 degree HA says it all.
  • 1 0
 Damnnn Banshee does it again. looking good.
  • 1 0
 My Wildcard is PRIMO this bike will be just as sicK!
  • 1 0
 What be the leverage ratio?
  • 2 1
 linkage looks the same as RUNE...eee
  • 4 1
 Mythic and Banshee are the same company.
  • 1 6
flag Unhallowed (Jan 11, 2010 at 16:06) (Below Threshold)
 I'm pretty sure everyone and their dog knows this, Seraph.
  • 5 1
 I don't think the guy whose comment I was replying to knew this, hence my reply.
  • 1 6
flag Unhallowed (Jan 11, 2010 at 17:22) (Below Threshold)
 He said nothing even remotely close to what you are talking about though.
  • 5 2
 I commented because he said that they have the same linkage. The reason why they have the same linkage is because they're the same company. Seriously, do some thinking next time you comment.
  • 2 5
 Yea. And how does him mentioning it looks like one of their other bikes all of a sudden equal him somehow saying it looks like a Mythic, or that Mythic and Banshee aren't the same? I don't see the word 'Mythic' in his post. So I really have now idea why you would assume he doesn't know this. And personally I think you should get off your high horse.
  • 5 2
 Because Mythic makes the Rune?

The only person on a horse here is you. I was simply trying to inform the guy. No need to jump down my throat for trying to be helpful.
  • 1 5
flag Unhallowed (Jan 11, 2010 at 17:41) (Below Threshold)
 No. Mythic and Banshee both produce the 'Rune' model... The entire lineup is shared between the 2 names. The only difference is the name, all models, colours, options, geo, etc are the same. So once again, I see no reason why you jumped to the conclusion that he did not know this fact.
  • 4 0
 If someone said "Hey, that GMC Sierra looks lot like that Chevrolet Silverado" I'd say that it was because they're both basically the same truck, on account of both companies being owned by GM. That's why. I don't understand why you feel the need to comment.
  • 2 4
 He said nothing like that though. He said Rune. He didn't say the Mythic Rune looks like a Banshee Spitfire. Or anything like that.
  • 3 2
 He said that the linkage looks like the one on the Rune. I was merely stating that the reason for this is that they're produced by the same company, in so many words. I don't understand why you're dragging this out.
  • 2 3
 You implied he didn't know Banshee and Mythic were the same. He said nothing at all to indicate that fact. It is fairly safe assumption he knows that the Rune is made by Banshee/Mythic. And since neither name was used there is really no reason on your part for your condescending statement.

I have time to kill, I'm stubborn, and I think you are a jerk. Understand now?
  • 4 1
 Blah blah blah I'm really not reading your replies anymore. Have a nice life.
  • 6 0
 Unhallowed you just got shit on by the almighty Seraph
  • 1 0
 looks like a fun hardcore trail bike, i like the look of it a lot.
  • 1 0
 sweet looking ride. i would love one
  • 1 0
 I liked the name! should have a paint job remarking the plane...
  • 1 0
 for freeride i'd prefer a scythe, but i like the colors, looks mint
  • 1 0
 that looks sick!
  • 1 0
 Sooooo nice, I must have
  • 5 8
 Dude, is it just me or do Banshee bike graphics look the same as the bikes of Walmart? I've hated them ever since they left the old english style lettering...
  • 5 0
 The cool thing is if you don't like these color is that it will also be released in white and grey.
  • 2 1
 What's even cooler is that if you don't like any of the colors you have a few options: 1. get it painted; 2. don't buy it.
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