Guillame in France has started to translate the blog in Francias http://bansheefrench.blogspot.com
and
Gabriel in Brazil is also translating the some of the blog into Portugese
http://sessionbrasil.blogspot.com
In the future the links can be found on the right column under "Friends"
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Horsefeathers Kozzy Style 07
Last two months I spent lot of time organizing and building track for the Horsefeathers Kozzy Style 07. It was the 3th volume of the most significant and largest slopestyle event in Czech Republic.
Over 80 riders from Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovak took part in this spectacular event.
The slopestyle had everything what good slopestyle should have. 16 feet drop, 40 feet gap, many step downs, wallrides, dirt jumps and so on.
Final runs were realy big show for spectators. We could see clean runs, many huge back flips, three sixties and tailwhips from the drop and also hard crashes. I took the 6th place on my Chaparral. I was the only one who did all the bigest drops and 40 feet gap (with suicide) in one line.
Wojcech Gola from Poland won this contest second time in a row. He showed his skills either on big drops or dirt jumps and added a clean 360 from drop! He rides also on Banshee Chaparral. You can make better image about this event from the videos:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx76RAoRlnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--0jMRoF1g4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyJBhIXtTqQ
Photo galeries:
freeride.cz
dolekop.com
FRbikes.cz
For more check official web sites.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Pyre Mk II Geometry
I have just finished designing the new banshee Pyre (for release in 2008).
Some of the modeling still needs some work before I show you pictures.
With the introduction of the Rune we wanted to make a more definitive distinction from the current Pyre to the MkII design by moving it further into the lighter duty side of things. The first Pyre is a very capable machine but clearly overlaps with the Rune on a number of features, for example the Rune has 6" of travel and the current Pyre is 5.5".
We've also made some improvements such as using an un-interupted seat tube, direct grease injection pivots with polymer bushings, increased the seat tube lengths on the large and extra large sizes to require less seatpost to be exposed making a stronger supported feeling when pedaling, and with 4.5" of travel, down from its original 5.5", it targets more precisely the trail/aggressive XC rider rather then the enduro market that it was originally made for.
With the introduction of the Rune we wanted to make a more definitive distinction from the current Pyre to the MkII design by moving it further into the lighter duty side of things. The first Pyre is a very capable machine but clearly overlaps with the Rune on a number of features, for example the Rune has 6" of travel and the current Pyre is 5.5".
We've also made some improvements such as using an un-interupted seat tube, direct grease injection pivots with polymer bushings, increased the seat tube lengths on the large and extra large sizes to require less seatpost to be exposed making a stronger supported feeling when pedaling, and with 4.5" of travel, down from its original 5.5", it targets more precisely the trail/aggressive XC rider rather then the enduro market that it was originally made for.
The Pyre MkII is going to be a much lighter bike (medium will be definitely be under 5lbs - frame only) than the previous version and lighter means faster. With its great pedaling characteristics it will become a popular choice for those that want a bike that provides them with a high performance competitive advantage.
Here is the geometry chart; as always I am looking for your feedback!
Pics to follow...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Scythe
The Scythe is the new banshee big travel workhorse. If you want fancy new suspension linkages and a bike that is bling to show off to your mates, this is not the bike for you.The Scythe, is replacing the Scream and Chaparral for 2008, and will have the strength attributes of both, but at a lighter weight, and have a more modern geometry perfectly suited to riders who like tight tech steep stuff, but also ride it with flow and skill.
So whats new?...
.. well we are sticking with the faux bar design for this bike to keep it stiff and strong, but have changed the linkage to allow a longer shock (2.75" stroke), to enable better damping and performance. The linkage is still progressive like the Chaparral and Scream to take the big hits.
Weight
The weight is expected to be around 8.5lbs frame only.
Uninterrupted seat-tube
The Scythe features an uninterrupted seattube so that you can pedal up to your super steep hidden trails, then lower the saddle to save your crotch on the big rock rolls.
DH or FR?? you choose the setting
There are 2 travel settings, 7" and 8". and there are two setups for each travel setting, DH and FR. So effectively you have 4 travel settings that only take a matter of seconds to change between. Allowing the rider to set up their bike to suit the type of trail they will be riding.
So what happens when you switch from FR to DH?
-You keep the same amount of travel you were on unless you choose to change this too.-The head angle slackens
-The BB lowers
-The effective chainstay lengthens slightly, which also lengthens the wheelbase
-The Leverage acting on the shock becomes slightly less progressive
to suit the more race orientated riders.
to suit the more race orientated riders.Other big bike features
- 1.5 headtube
- 12 x 150 hub spacing, Rockshox Maxle compatible
- redesigned dropout
- Banshee custom designed 7005 AL hydroformed tubes with integrated gusseting into the shape
- ISCG 2005 chainguide tabs
.
- fully compatible with all front derailleurs
- Shimano Saint compatible
- full compliment swingarm and rocker bearings
Colors
Anodized grey, ano black, powdercoated white, TEAM with black and hand polished.
This is not designed to be a world class DH specific bike (thats the Legend Mk1), although it will happily take on any DH course out there (will preform best in DH setting) as well as any shore style crazy steep tech trail (FR setting is probably better here were you want higher BB height to ge
t over roots and rocks).
- 1.5 headtube
- 12 x 150 hub spacing, Rockshox Maxle compatible
- redesigned dropout
- Banshee custom designed 7005 AL hydroformed tubes with integrated gusseting into the shape
- ISCG 2005 chainguide tabs
.- fully compatible with all front derailleurs
- Shimano Saint compatible
- full compliment swingarm and rocker bearings
Colors
Anodized grey, ano black, powdercoated white, TEAM with black and hand polished.
This is not designed to be a world class DH specific bike (thats the Legend Mk1), although it will happily take on any DH course out there (will preform best in DH setting) as well as any shore style crazy steep tech trail (FR setting is probably better here were you want higher BB height to ge
t over roots and rocks). This bike is rough and ready! If you want a bike that will get you down anything you put it through and then sit for days caked in mud before being picked up for the next days bike park ride in the rain, followed by maybe a shore ride later that same week (no shuttling needed) then this is your bike... simple, strong, effective and reliable.
Show it no respect but always count on it to get you home in the end after a punishing ride.
Show it no respect but always count on it to get you home in the end after a punishing ride.
Scythe Geometry
Geometry... (changes in angles etc are result of different travels and settings.)
Click to enlarge)
As always I am eager to hear some feedback! Remeber this is not the DH race bike... it is designed as a freeride bike for the likes of shore and bike park riding .
As always I am eager to hear some feedback! Remeber this is not the DH race bike... it is designed as a freeride bike for the likes of shore and bike park riding .
Szwed... prognosis good, lots of work ahead though
Szwed is out of hospital but has a lot of hard recovery ahead of him. He wanted to make sure I passed on this message.
"Hi my friends I want to tell you my story and say a BIG TRUE THANK YOU to the 22 PRIDE.
Almost 3 weeks ago a had huge and stupid atv accident; it wasn't even training or racing, just a stupid ride.
I cant remember anything (i remember few small facts) I was very lucky because a police officer saw me just a moment after the crash and an ambulance was there within 7 min time, and then I was in the hospital 6min after that.
In a total of 20 min time I had lost 2.6 L of blood and i had 2.5 L of liquid in my lungs, my brain was swelling and my heart muscle was cracked big time. That was the main injures, and doctors where doing me operation and reanimation all night.
I had split open my leg with a broken femur ( I was in shorts and the bone was on the ground and I'm so happy I haven't got a bone infection), I have a huuuuuuuuge cut on the leg that looks like a shark bite I've had 2 operations on that leg.
I've also broken ( don't know in English, big bone on back of shoulder ), as well as broken ribs, damaged knee and damaged small nerve in my leg, but it will be ok.
When i was in my coma the priest gave me even last sacraments.
My troy lee carbon helmet was in 6 pieces.
I'm in my house from yesterday.
My Parent's and My Wife are the best, best best family !!!
In hospital i have realized how much pain a human can take and
after coma when i was on intensive therapy f*ck it's hard, I was so damaged and weak , every normal thing was doing by machines , breathing, etc etc etc, it was a big lesson for me that calculated risk is ok but recklessness can kill quick.
JUST WANT THANK YOU I'm so proud that I'm part of the 22 PRIDE and Keith I'm reading this "Szwed... I know you will be reading these comments, and I hope that they make you feel better and positive!"
and it's maybe funny but i have got tears in my eyes.
I did terrible stupid thing for my family they had 3 f*cked up weeks.
I will be walking in 2-3 weeks biking in 2-3 months so 2007 is over for me but in 2008 i will be stronger then ever on my banshee bicycle Thanks"
We'll I know I speak for all of us that we're delighted that you've come through the worst. Big thanks to everyone that helped in saving you... I definitely think you got lucky Bro. To the police officer, ambulance drivers, doctors and nurses we're thankful you were there at the right time, and did the right things to make sure this situation didn't get any worse than it already was.
There's still a difficult road ahead for both you and your family. Be patient, listen to your body and don't push it too much. Stay positive and be thankful for everyday you've got, even if it gets a little depressing not being able to ride your bike right away. Be patient with your family - I'm sure they're happy that your ok but also angry that you put such a big scare in them. When your a little healthier... they're gonna kill ya - hahaha
From all of us at the Pride we wish you our best!
"Hi my friends I want to tell you my story and say a BIG TRUE THANK YOU to the 22 PRIDE.
Almost 3 weeks ago a had huge and stupid atv accident; it wasn't even training or racing, just a stupid ride.
I cant remember anything (i remember few small facts) I was very lucky because a police officer saw me just a moment after the crash and an ambulance was there within 7 min time, and then I was in the hospital 6min after that.
In a total of 20 min time I had lost 2.6 L of blood and i had 2.5 L of liquid in my lungs, my brain was swelling and my heart muscle was cracked big time. That was the main injures, and doctors where doing me operation and reanimation all night.
I had split open my leg with a broken femur ( I was in shorts and the bone was on the ground and I'm so happy I haven't got a bone infection), I have a huuuuuuuuge cut on the leg that looks like a shark bite I've had 2 operations on that leg.
I've also broken ( don't know in English, big bone on back of shoulder ), as well as broken ribs, damaged knee and damaged small nerve in my leg, but it will be ok.
When i was in my coma the priest gave me even last sacraments.
My troy lee carbon helmet was in 6 pieces.
I'm in my house from yesterday.
My Parent's and My Wife are the best, best best family !!!
In hospital i have realized how much pain a human can take and
after coma when i was on intensive therapy f*ck it's hard, I was so damaged and weak , every normal thing was doing by machines , breathing, etc etc etc, it was a big lesson for me that calculated risk is ok but recklessness can kill quick.
JUST WANT THANK YOU I'm so proud that I'm part of the 22 PRIDE and Keith I'm reading this "Szwed... I know you will be reading these comments, and I hope that they make you feel better and positive!"
and it's maybe funny but i have got tears in my eyes.
I did terrible stupid thing for my family they had 3 f*cked up weeks.
I will be walking in 2-3 weeks biking in 2-3 months so 2007 is over for me but in 2008 i will be stronger then ever on my banshee bicycle Thanks"
We'll I know I speak for all of us that we're delighted that you've come through the worst. Big thanks to everyone that helped in saving you... I definitely think you got lucky Bro. To the police officer, ambulance drivers, doctors and nurses we're thankful you were there at the right time, and did the right things to make sure this situation didn't get any worse than it already was.
There's still a difficult road ahead for both you and your family. Be patient, listen to your body and don't push it too much. Stay positive and be thankful for everyday you've got, even if it gets a little depressing not being able to ride your bike right away. Be patient with your family - I'm sure they're happy that your ok but also angry that you put such a big scare in them. When your a little healthier... they're gonna kill ya - hahaha
From all of us at the Pride we wish you our best!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Friday, July 6, 2007
22Pride Team news
I had posted up an update about Szwed's progress but figured I'd repeat it here. Szwed is out of his coma and the worst is behind him now.
Matt Brooks was injured on his training runs on one of the built up ladder sections at the Crankworx Colorado competition. It looks like he's compressed one of his vertebrae and will be traveling home to Kamloops either today or tomorrow. He seemed ok but was bummed about having to leave before competing, but we both agreed not to chance further injury and just take it easy until a doctor could give him the all clear. We're hopeful he'll be healthy enough to ride at Whistler's Crankworx later this month.
Chris Soinnenen and Alan Hepburn have both won the Crankworx lottery to qualify for entry and Keith informs me that they're woodshedding in the Airdome to prepare. Chris is working on some backflip variation thats never been done before so I'll try to get some more details on that.
Chris will be riding the Wildcard and hopefully we can get Alans here in time but with the clock ticking he may opt to ride his chap which he's comfortable with right now. I think he's got it down around 37lbs so it should work for him.
Nato aka Nathan Kamilla will hopefully be lining up some filming with Rebel Media when they pass through Vernon and Kelowna and they've promised to give me some of the footage.
I'm still waiting for a reply back from Scott Alleyn to see if he also received word he would be able to compete in Crankworx. It would be great if we could have 4 pride pride riders competing this year.
Jarl Jensen has confirmed he will pilot the Rampant at the 4X competition and although we don't have our DH bike ready yet we'll get him on a bike for the DH course.
Update: July 8/07
Matt called me today and the doc gave him the all clear so we'll be sure to see him at Crankworx.
Matt Brooks was injured on his training runs on one of the built up ladder sections at the Crankworx Colorado competition. It looks like he's compressed one of his vertebrae and will be traveling home to Kamloops either today or tomorrow. He seemed ok but was bummed about having to leave before competing, but we both agreed not to chance further injury and just take it easy until a doctor could give him the all clear. We're hopeful he'll be healthy enough to ride at Whistler's Crankworx later this month.Chris Soinnenen and Alan Hepburn have both won the Crankworx lottery to qualify for entry and Keith informs me that they're woodshedding in the Airdome to prepare. Chris is working on some backflip variation thats never been done before so I'll try to get some more details on that.
Chris will be riding the Wildcard and hopefully we can get Alans here in time but with the clock ticking he may opt to ride his chap which he's comfortable with right now. I think he's got it down around 37lbs so it should work for him.
Nato aka Nathan Kamilla will hopefully be lining up some filming with Rebel Media when they pass through Vernon and Kelowna and they've promised to give me some of the footage.
I'm still waiting for a reply back from Scott Alleyn to see if he also received word he would be able to compete in Crankworx. It would be great if we could have 4 pride pride riders competing this year.
Jarl Jensen has confirmed he will pilot the Rampant at the 4X competition and although we don't have our DH bike ready yet we'll get him on a bike for the DH course.
Update: July 8/07
Matt called me today and the doc gave him the all clear so we'll be sure to see him at Crankworx.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Bike Logos
So these are the logos for each bike.
Each actually has a bit of a story behind it and directly relates to the bike.
For example the Scirocco logo signifies the wings of the thunderbird. A Scirocco is a wind that
gains power as it crosses from the Saharra over the Meditaranean Sea and frequently turns into a storm in southern Europe.
The Thunderbird is a mythological bird that inhabited the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. The Squamish and Salish Indian nations had lands that included the Whistler and North Shore mountains where they believed the thunderbird lived... specifically Black Tusk in Squamish. It was
said that the thunderbird would flap its wings creating thunder to warn them that they were coming to close to the thunderbird. The bird was enormous in size and could also shoot lightning from beneath its wings.
The thunderbird's wing is a good icon for the Scirocco which is a powerful wind, sometimes turning into a storm storm, that ties in nicely with Banshee Bikes being born from the shore. It also honors the first nations and their lands that we have so much fun riding on.
Each actually has a bit of a story behind it and directly relates to the bike.
For example the Scirocco logo signifies the wings of the thunderbird. A Scirocco is a wind that
gains power as it crosses from the Saharra over the Meditaranean Sea and frequently turns into a storm in southern Europe.The Thunderbird is a mythological bird that inhabited the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. The Squamish and Salish Indian nations had lands that included the Whistler and North Shore mountains where they believed the thunderbird lived... specifically Black Tusk in Squamish. It was
said that the thunderbird would flap its wings creating thunder to warn them that they were coming to close to the thunderbird. The bird was enormous in size and could also shoot lightning from beneath its wings.The thunderbird's wing is a good icon for the Scirocco which is a powerful wind, sometimes turning into a storm storm, that ties in nicely with Banshee Bikes being born from the shore. It also honors the first nations and their lands that we have so much fun riding on.
Really quickly tho:
The Rampant is the Scottish Lion Rampant
The Legend will be a spartan but we're still deciding on the specific graphic
The Pyre is the rear view of a missle turbojet
The Rune is the vegvisir - a nordic compass charm
The Scirocco is the wing of a thunderbird
The Viento is the V surrounded by a laurel wreath
The Scratch is a stylized skull
The Wildcard is a Banshee playing card
The Scythe is 2 scythes in an X shape.
The Morphine is a mean set of brass knuckles
Each bike will be adorned with its specific logos, and when I get the 08 website up it will provide
more details on each name, and how the icon represents the bike.
I felt this year it was important to really work at representing the bikes character. A big DH bike is a different machine then a quick, light and fast XC/AM bike like the Viento and I really thought it would be a disservice to the bike to just be lazy and throw on a set of decals that were the same for every single bike in the line up. We spent a great deal of time working on the actual designs and performance characteristics so it was only right to finish them off and give them a little bit more "life".
Huge props go to Ran Berko and his creative team [you know who you are] for turning my concepts and incoherent ramblings into exactly what I was looking for. You must have some crazy, climb in my mind, and figure out what the hell he wants, voodoo.
The Rampant is the Scottish Lion Rampant
The Legend will be a spartan but we're still deciding on the specific graphic
The Pyre is the rear view of a missle turbojet
The Rune is the vegvisir - a nordic compass charm
The Scirocco is the wing of a thunderbird
The Viento is the V surrounded by a laurel wreath
The Scratch is a stylized skull
The Wildcard is a Banshee playing card
The Scythe is 2 scythes in an X shape.
The Morphine is a mean set of brass knuckles
Each bike will be adorned with its specific logos, and when I get the 08 website up it will provide
more details on each name, and how the icon represents the bike.I felt this year it was important to really work at representing the bikes character. A big DH bike is a different machine then a quick, light and fast XC/AM bike like the Viento and I really thought it would be a disservice to the bike to just be lazy and throw on a set of decals that were the same for every single bike in the line up. We spent a great deal of time working on the actual designs and performance characteristics so it was only right to finish them off and give them a little bit more "life".
Huge props go to Ran Berko and his creative team [you know who you are] for turning my concepts and incoherent ramblings into exactly what I was looking for. You must have some crazy, climb in my mind, and figure out what the hell he wants, voodoo.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
On Top Demo Day and an update
Had a good turn out despite the Canada day long weekend and the opening of Garbonzo, for our On Top demo day. Weather was good and the trails weren't totally dry but weren't all that wet either... for me thats perfect trail conditions. On Top wants to do another one so if it happens I'll post it up her
e.Yeah thats Dan from On Top sleeping in the Van... he was full of poison dulling the pain of his broken ribs sustained early in the week on the same mountain.
He was the designated driver for the shuttles.Me and Keith managed to put together the last prototype medium Rune. Personally I think it looks great and we did manage to get a few rides in down Cypress mountain - it performs just as well as it looks. We've been able to get a few rid
ers under the bike so far and all of the comments have been great.We also had Keiths Wildcard there and got a lot of questions and a few confirmed sales so we just need to hurry up and get some in.
Chris and Alan are in Whistler right now and Chris has one of the prototypes. Keith is also at Whistler with the Rune proto and the Rampant so if you are up there and want to throw a leg over one to 
take for a burn send us a message. We've been lending the bikes out to get feedback from everyone.Shin rode the Rampant at Whistler this weekend and clearly loves it. He says it tears up Aline and Dirt Merchant. I'm waiting for Jarl Jensen our new Aussie DH racer to ride it in the Crankworx 4X... its too bad the DH bike isn't done yet.... oh well. He's been racing on the US National circuit and is excited to be on our race program we're putting together. In addition Linden Carlsons our Colorado rep is putting together a Banshee team for the Colorado mountain states cup - he'll be racing too.
Theres a ton of stuff going on right now its crazy. We've got Rebel Media from Germany out in K
amloops filming then heading to Vernon and back to Vancouver then Whistler. Spent all day building their rides - 3 dialled Chaparrals that I know they're gonna love. They're Wicked Wheels program is popular in Europe so don't worry if you haven't seen them on your local channels... they're working on North American syndication.I'll be putting up some more info on who we have riding for us but for now
we've got new on the program Matt Brooks. He's currently at CrankWorx Colorado competing and then will be back to compete in the Whistler CW. He's on a Wildcard and weeks ago finished filming with Freeride Entertainments NWD8 which he rode a Chap in because we just received his Wildcard and needed to get it to him.Scott Alleyn... the dude that did the 720 on a broken P3. He had duct taped it so that he could compete and win to boot... well he's apparantly gone through a few more. His Wildcard is on the way and I know him, Chris and Alan are all in the Crankworx lottery. I
just hope they get a chance to compete because they're all pretty talented
. Scott's moving to Whistler and will be working with Keith this fall to redesign the Calango into a tight little Dirt Jump bike.Also we have Nathan Kamilla who rides out of the interior, He'll be one of the first with a Scythe as he goes massive... he's also about 6'5". Scott and Nathan are both on Straightline components and thanks goes out to Greg for getting a line on them for us, they really seem like great dudes.
I'll get some more info up about them but its nice to finally get some BC boys under our rigs again.
So heres a bunch more pics and I'll be working on some video as well but I need to get up to Whistler and Squamish to get the bikes in their elements. Seems all our riders are up there right now.The Scythe should go online pretty soon
One last thing... Happy 4th of July to our friends down South, I'll be down there again this year for the ride across to the Sturgis motorcycle festival in South Dakota, as well as Interbike in LV.
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