Now thats good ole time hockey!!!

This was too funny not too share, it's like watching South Park with live actors.


Pee Wee Hockey Brawl - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Techinical details on the VF4B linkages.

I've had a lot of people interested in the suspension attributes of each of the 3 VF4B linkage designs (on the Rampant, Pyre and Rune)

Although they each use similar looking linkages, the geometry and performance is targeted to be optimal for its target market, as the following posts will give you a glimps of the thought that goes into each linkage design.

Axle Paths

You can clearly see that all of the bikes have an initially rearward axle path. This means that the rear wheel will initially move backwards slightly as the suspension compresses. The more rearward the axle path (to a point) the better the suspension will react to small square edge obstacles (for example braking ruts).

(the chainstay lengths are not the same for each bike, this graph just shows the exaggerated axle path from its uncompressed origin)

Rampant :

The slightly rearward axle path adds to the pedal efficiency when combined with a progressive leverage ratio. However it is important that there is not much chain stretch on a 4X race bike to allow for explosive acceleration out of the gate. 4X racers want an agile almost twitchy bike.

Pyre:

The axle path is similar to the rampant, again the rearward axle path allows for good bump absorption, and optimal pedalling efficiency, but the axle path arcs forward half way through the travel to minimise chainstretch and pedal kickback which is of highest importance on an XC style full suspension bike.

Rune:

The rune has a more rearward axle path to make the bike more stable at speed over rough terrain than the other 2 bikes in the VF4B range, as this it more important for a trail riding / light freeride bike. The pedalling efficiency will still be great by using chain tension to help reduce pedal bob, all tho there will be slightly more pedal kickback than the other designs (partially because of having more travel).

Leverage ratios and force curves.

This first graph shows the leverage ratio of the 3 designs. Some people may think that the leverage ratio should be progressive throughout the travel. This certainly is the case for a freeride bike that is designed to take big hits, however with the advancement of suspension technology the curves are changing.

Modern air shocks are both strong and very progressive. If an air shock is used on a constantly progressive design then the design will become incredibly progressive, to the point that you will not be making use of the full range of travel under normal riding. The Pyre and Rune use a slightly progressive to slightly regressive design to optimise pedal performance and suspension 'feel' for trail riding. The result is almost like having a pedal platform between 25-50% the way through the travel where the suspension will have minimal 'bob' even under aggressive cranking on those pedals. (just as any pyre rider how well the bike pedals even over rocky terrain and up tech rooty sections). The Rampant has a purely progressive leverage as a 4X racer wants to bike to work like a hardtail until he needs the suspension to take a big landing. So the leverage is designed to be very progressive and stiff.


The next graph is a graph showing the forces required to compress the suspension at the axle. (although perhaps not too clearly, sorry!) These are not preset by any means as the shock setup controls this. However these were taken with the average settings for an air shock, so that you can make it more progressive feeling, or more linear as you desire.

You can see here that the Pyre is the most linear of the designs, to give a smooth

feeling suspension for all day rides both up and down hill.

The Rune has a much more progressive feel than the Pyre to cope better with taking bigger hits (small drops, rock gardens etc), and will over that more bottomless plush feeling.

Rune Geometry

That is how it stand just now, please leave me your feedback once again so that I can improve it to meet your requirements!

Thanks,

Keith

Some more realistic pics...

These (higher resolution images) might give you a better idea of what the frames might look like in real life (exclude all model edge lines etc...)

Colours are just random, nothing to do with what we are going to spec.

I hope you like...

Rune

Rampant

Wildcard

What's in a name?

Thought it might be interesting to touch on the Rune and let you know that every Rune will ship with a vegvisir on it.
Whats a vegvisir? Well its actually a Norse runic charm that was worn either on the forehead or in the helmet to prevent the user from getting lost. Its basically a compass.
I'll find a cool little spot on the Rune to put the charm and i'll keep it somewhat low key... visible but not in your face.
This will be a perfect little addition for this epic/enduro type of bike especially if you like exploring the back country to get to those amazing spots that people seldom see.
Whether you believe in the magic of the charm or not at least it can't hurt can it?

The long awaited Rune!

Along with a DH race bike, this bike is the bike we have had the most requests for... the Rune.

There are many riders out there who love to ride their pyres, and love to ride them hard. The Rune is the Pyres bigger and burlier brother and is perfect for the rider who wants to ride that bit harder still.

With slightly stacker geometry, more travel (150mm (6") of VF4B goodness) and a longer wheelbase, this bike is designed for the rider who wants to ride up steep technical switchbacks, and yet be able to rip back down through rock gardens and along log rides. With a frame only weight of around 6lbs, you will be able to ride this bike all day long!

The linkage has been optimised to maximise suspension performance under braking (offering just a small amount of brake squat to help balance out the ride). The leverage of the linkage has been specifically designed to maximise pedaling efficiency in all conditions. If you have ever ridden the Pyre, you will know how well that frame pedals, well the Rune follows suit! The slightly rearward axle path will soak up small square edge bumps like they were made of jelly.

With a fatter stronger tube set, and a slightly more progressive beefed up linkage than the pyre, this bike will be able to take a beating and come back begging for more. The 1.5" head tube allows the option of riding the new bread of long travel single crown forks, whilst the uninterrupted seat tube offers room for a front derailleur and a full length seatpost. There is also an ISCG 05 mount for those who want to run a chain guide.

There will be 4 sizes (all the other pictures feature the Large):

S - 15"
M - 16.5"
L - 18"
XL- 19.5"

The Rune is Banshees answer to 'one bike to do it all', (and do it all well!), that will mean you can keep up with your friends on their short travel XC bikes on the uphills, and give you time to admire the views when you have to wait for them on the way back down.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or opinions!

Thanks,
Keith

Vid of Diogo "TY" Teixeira

It may be winter here in Canada but the race season is in full swing below the equator.
Gabriel from Session has assembled a pretty good race team and Diogo "TY" Teixeira wins another race this year putting him on top the junior Rio De Janeiro Cup.

Banshee has seen some small success with the Scream as a DH bike but basically its a freeride frame. Since we've never had "race" frames before it will be exciting to enter into the competitive race environment and bring our skills, concepts thoughts, processes, and designs into this arena. We're still a small company so it will be hard to pay for some of the talent thats out there but make no mistake it won't be because the bikes aren't world cup material.

We do have quite a few riders that are chomping at the bit to get there hands on something that will be more specific to the discipline and we plan not to disappoint.

Anyway here's another vid from Brazi and Ty.

The Ultra Interactive Kung Fu Remixer

I know where Bruce Lee lives.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Hey everyone. My name's Shin and I've been a longtime Banshee advocate. Jay and Keith asked me to contribute to this blog and I'm honored to do so. Hopefully I can add another perspective and entertain you while I'm at it. No better way to make introductions to a bike blog than a bike vid. So here it is. Me on the lower half of A-Line in Whistler's Bike Park. Chainless....



Thanks to my good friends Jay Ju for the footage and Matt aka Coop for editing the vid.

??? from the Rampant comments section

Sick said...

What kind of piviots are going to be used? Bushings? Bearings? INA? Needle?

Is this geared towards a true 4x type track or is it going to be more a do it all type frame that can do 4x.

We're going to go with IGUS Bushings and an easy to access grease port.
The reason is the system will stay stiffer longer, the grease will push any water and grit out of the shells past the bushings. Also we won't need to use heavy steal axles as bearing races, so we could go with lighter ones. [lighter bikes = faster bikes]
This will be a similar system to Turners use of bushings and I haven't heard any complaints from their customers. The system should last a lot longer and be lighter then bearings. However we still feel that bearings are required for the bikes that will take serious impacting loads and thats why all our freeride bikes will continue to use full compliment bearings.

This bike will be a true 4X race bike. No point making a race bike that you will compromise in any area... then you won't have a competitive advantage at the gate. Some people will find other uses for it besides racing, but make no mistake it was made to jump out of the gate, and stay quite stiff [like a platform] when hammering out of the saddle. As soon as you start to coast the suspension will become supple with a nice progressive curve.
When determining the criteria for the bike I was adamant that we stay focused on its purpose as a 4X race bike. We talked to our team guys who race 4X but wanted something more competitive and specific for that discipline and this is how we determined the geometry and spec.
When we rode the Pyre we did find the VF4B suspension system should be applied to a few more platforms because of its intrinsic properties. What you won't find from us, as a company, is sticking with any one type of suspension system... we will define our product by its performance and not by what it looks like, where we decided to put the links, or what the flavor of the month is.
We probably won't sell as many because we're focusing it so specifically to 4by, but I'm cool with that... I just want the fastest damn bike that owns the 4X courses.

Rampant Geometry

I realise that it was a bit stupid of me asking you to comment on the geometry without posting what it currently is, so...

I have already made a few tweaks (principally made the TT slightly longer for both sizes), but am still very open (infact encouraging) suggestions for possible improvements to my design. I want to make bikes that you will want to ride after all.

Thanks,

Keith

The Rampant...The newest weapon in the Banshee arsenal!

I have been working away hard at my computer recently and have now reached the point on one of my designs to show you... the Rampant 4X.

I'm not going to give you geometry just yet, as I still need to design the new pivots and tweaks may have to be made here and there so that everything is accessible and compatible.

The Rampant is designed primarily as a 4X race bike. With short chainstays, low standover and aggressive angles this bike will be very nimble. It will be light weight and yet strong enough to case the odd 'woop'(not that you will cos this bike will accelerate like a cheetah on speed). The low BB and centre of gravity combined with the slightly rearward axle path will enable this bike to corner like it is on tightly cambered rails!

The 100mm travel VF4B linkage is designed to work progressively with an air shock for fast efficient acceleration and minimal pedal bob or kickback. With a 100mm fork this bike will have a 69 degree head angle for maximum responsiveness and control.

I personally plan to also use this bike as a jump rig, and maybe as a short travel slopestyle bike when the course is smaller and smooth... or I get smoother, hahaha.

I also think this bike may suit some shorter riders as a trail bike, just put a 5" fork up front and the low stand over and long seat tube allow for a lot of saddle height adjustment. While the linkage suppies efficient pedalling even over rough terrain.

Please let me know what you think so that I can use your feedback while making final adjustments.

Thanks,
Keith

Greasy Hamsters

22Pride

So I just hooked up a buddy with an older Chaparral. He's not a great rider by any stretch and is pretty much new to the whole sport. He comes back from riding and he's all stoked that people were checking out his bike and commenting about it. The whole time he's talking about it he's got this huge grin on his face.
If you ride and have a pretty nice bike you've probably been there and felt that same feeling... doesn't necessarily need to be a Banshee.
I was talking to Gab from Brasil and we were discussing his upcoming trip to Taiwan... We then talked about when his sponsored rider, Kheblinho, went to the downtown Lisboa [Lisbon] race and how Sergio and Miguel treated him like royalty when he was there.
I can probably guess that if you roll up on someone anywhere in the world riding a Banshee they'll acknowledge you. We are all connected in a certain way, and share a common outlook on life and things... its what drew you to want a Banshee in the first place. I've yet to meet a Banshee rider that didn't, at their core, completely rebel or have contempt for the pretentious bullshit that sometimes accompanies people who are riding for all the wrong reasons - I know you know the type.

What my buddy felt that day was Pride.
The H.A.'s have "support your local 81" where H = 8 and A = 1.

So Banshee will have its


I'm gonna get some stickers, clothing and stuff made and put them in all the frame boxes and get a bunch to give out to help you show your colors.
Most people won't know what it means but if your core then you'll know and if you see someone wearing a T or other clothing with the 22Pride on it you'll know they've got a Banshee and are part of the Banshee Pride [groups of lions are called a pride].

It's too soon for 2007 but I'm hoping to start laying the ground work, once we finish all these bikes, to start focusing on a team. We've always been about the product first, and that will never change, but a lot of people like to see the company have some high level riders. We have some great riders outside of North America but we need to bring it home and get some local talent on our bikes again.
Think we'll be looking at a few different categories and not just freeriders as we'll have some race bikes coming down the pipe. No details yet but you'll hear about it first here.

We do plan on sponsoring a few firefighter/riders for the Policemen/Fireman world games held in Vancouver in 2009. My bros a figherfighter in Surrey, BC and I know a couple of great riders that work there, that will clean up the medals - yeah Perry, I'm talk'n about you Rothy and Deli-sandwich [if you're a FF they never use your real name].
We'll do some special bikes with Surreys logo and colors which will be pretty cool.