For those who have never heard this name before... remember it!
Danny MacAskill.
A local to me here in Edinburgh ( Scotland), and possibly the most skilled, and ballsy rider in the world today.
Once again i will let the riding do the talking!
Enjoy!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Banshee on another cover!
Banshee rider and photographer were featured on the April issue of Mountain Flyer Magazine this month. A Rockey Mountain based magazine featured a shot taken by Devon Balet of Banshee rider Linden Carlson in the Colorado desert. We will make our way into the public's eye if we have to force them to look! ***photo to come
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
2009 Banshee Rune' - Downunder in Oz
Well, another Rune' has made it Downunder to Brisbane Australia. Take a look at this smik build undertaken by Darren Bowman of Brisbane Boutique Bikes for me (Harvey Power) 59+ year old father of young gun downhiller, Ben Power (now on a Legend). I did not have a mid life crisis but I think I am having it now and boy, does it feel good!!! Thanks Darren, you are a bloody genius!!
The build on an XL frame includes Fox DHX5 Air shock, Rock Shox Totem Solo-Air forks, NS Hubs laced to Mavic 721 rims and shod with Maxxis ADvantage 26x2.4 tyres, Avid Code brakes, XT cranks & BB, FSA internal intergrated headset with reducers, SRAM cassette, Full Dei'ty Cockpit including 710mm 20/14 bars with Dei'ty lock-on grips and Fantom DH headset, Velo carbon saddle.
This bronc has not been in the paddock as yet but will get its chance tomorrow to tame the mountain at Gap Creek Brisbane, Queensland Australia. If it performs as good as it looks then it will be an awesome machine to partner with for a long time to come!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A tall tale about a bike named RUNE!
I know there have been a quite a few reviews of the rune lately which is a bit annoying, but I guess the world is catching up on what a little gem that the rune is. Well, here is my very long winded experience with it.Intro
First of all, I would like to make it clear that I am not using the bike for intended use. In this article, I am treating the bike as a dh bike and judging it as one. It's a little project that my sponsors and I thought would be interesting to do. The RUNE is supposed to be an all mountain bike with good descending abilities, so what better way to prove that then put it in my greasy little hands. Most of the riding I have done is in the UK, with a bit back home in Malaysia. Many dh tracks from both countries do suit smaller bikes.
Set Up
The frame it self isn't new, it has been used for a whole season as an all mountain bike before it was placed in my care. The build for the bike came from parts from my previous dh bike, just a couple new parts here and there. A couple things work mentioning is that I am running a dhx coil, and a 10mm bolt on rear end.
Suspension:
Up front, the 40s are set at 7 inches of travel. I could run 7.5" or even 8" happily, but just trying to keep it fairly balanced with the 6 inches in the rear. Also, a 40 set at 7 inches is just under the axle to crown height of a fox 36. I didn't want to go nuts and totally screw up the geometry to start with
I am quite a light rider; I weigh 140lbs/10 stone. I am running a purple spring in the 40s and a 300lb/in rate spring in the rear. Ideally I would want a bit more sag in the rear, getting 30% dead right now.
Damping wise, I am nearly running full compression up front, 6 clicks from full in on HSC, 4 clicks from full in on LSC. Rebound 3 clicks from full open. On the dhx, rebound is full open and so is propedal. Boost valve pressure is set at 130psi, chamber size screwed in all the way.
The Ride
Prior to actually riding the bike (or even knowing much about it) I was a bit worried about the geometry, but it turns out its nearly spot on for dh riding. It has nice long chain stays, low bottom bracket, and a fairly slack head angle. I never felt the head angle made the bike twitchy, but a slightly slacker head angle would allow you to get over the front more aggressively, which would be nice.
Excuse me if I do go on a bit about the differences I feel between a single pivot and the four bar system. I spent my last 3 seasons on a well known single pivot dh bike and was very at home on it.
First thing I noticed is how the bike moves forward, it's an absolute rocket. Not that my old bike bobbed much, but that did come down a bit to a pushed dhx which had a load of LSC. The Rune however doesn't bob at all. It was a very different feeling for me, where I was used to the bike squatting under power and staying there, the rune doesn't squat or extend, just moves forward. Lets you sprint very aggressively, weight behind the bb and pulling on the bars.
It does skip a bit more under power if you don't weigh the rear wheel, but that's down to the bike having less sag then a full on dh bike, meaning less travel to drop into holes to keep the wheel tracking. It was only noticeable when I was sprinting over the front, which isn't the best way to sprint, but is inevitable when you are tired half way down a dh run.
Braking wise, suspension remains active and it tracks the ground well. It just works and it's something you don't really notice it until you really think about it or brake where you aren't supposed to.
catching some fresh tropical air.
Over the bumps, the suspension is very impressive for a little bike. Again, I wasn't expecting it to be on the same level as a dh bike and it definitely isn't for all out ploughing. There is only so much a little bike can do, and a dh bike will definitely do better on bigger stuff just by raw volume of travel. What I did notice is how it suspension does feel slightly 'dead', what I mean is that you don't get as much feedback as you do on a single pivot. Not that there is anything wrong with that, well maybe besides making you feel that you aren't going fast when you really are. Basically it does a very good job, and the more time I spend on it, the more I have confidence to push the limits. It does carry its speed well over bumps, with its rearward axle path in the beginning of its travel.
Again, being designed as an all mountain frame, it definitely doesn't have the ramp up that is needed on a dh bike. I do have the boost valve chamber screwed in all the way to prevent hard bottoming, but it's definitely not the same as having a nice ramp up from a spring that is designed into the linkage.
Summing up, it's a very very pleasant ride. The best way I can put is that it lacks all those little annoying things that will make a great suspension design a mediocre one. It just quietly goes about doing its job with out complaining.
Again, being designed as an all mountain frame, it definitely doesn't have the ramp up that is needed on a dh bike. I do have the boost valve chamber screwed in all the way to prevent hard bottoming, but it's definitely not the same as having a nice ramp up from a spring that is designed into the linkage.
Summing up, it's a very very pleasant ride. The best way I can put is that it lacks all those little annoying things that will make a great suspension design a mediocre one. It just quietly goes about doing its job with out complaining.
At the student champs, cant say the bike held me back.
Stiffness:
At 7.2lbs with shock claimed weight, it is a very light frame. I certainly wasn't expecting it to be as stiff as it is. I did feel some flex when I was running a QR in the rear, but that was only where I was forcing a drift to square off a berm in very grippy conditions. Now that I am running a 10mm bolt on, it has become a non issue. Guess those internal ribbings really do get the job done.
Issues
Bushings:
Two issues I had with the bushings. First one was the bushing between the top link and rear triangle had some play in it. The bushings there seem a bit small, and talking to other rune owners, they are the first to show any wear. Took 5 minutes to change them out and so far after 3 months of muddy UK riding they still are going strong.
Second one was on the bottom bushings, when I took them apart to clean and re-grease them I noticed that they have developed a thread on them, an imprint of the grooves from the axle which is there for the grease to flow. Of course this probably came about from me casing a few jumps that the average trail rider won't be doing anytime soon. I have been told that the legend has done away with the grooves on the main pivot axle so wont have this problem.
As a test of the bushing system, I rebuild them 3 months ago, and haven't touched them since. Banshee does recommend that you squirt some grease in the grease ports every so often or after wet rides, but I wanted to see what it would be like in a 'worse case scenario'.
They did get a bit sticky, probably due to some fine mud caking them up from a previous ride. But that went away as the ride went on. This is only being anal as I could only feel the difference pushing down on the saddle. Besides the two small bushings that I replaced, everything else has been going for two seasons already. There was some wear on the anodizing on one of the axles when I rebuilt them, otherwise, still going very strong. Banshee does include a care package which consists of 4 spare bushings, two bolts for the suspension and a spare hanger. Annoyingly, the only parts I have needed so far were the two sets of smaller bushings that are not included. Overall, they have been very impressive.
At 7.2lbs with shock claimed weight, it is a very light frame. I certainly wasn't expecting it to be as stiff as it is. I did feel some flex when I was running a QR in the rear, but that was only where I was forcing a drift to square off a berm in very grippy conditions. Now that I am running a 10mm bolt on, it has become a non issue. Guess those internal ribbings really do get the job done.
Issues
Bushings:
Two issues I had with the bushings. First one was the bushing between the top link and rear triangle had some play in it. The bushings there seem a bit small, and talking to other rune owners, they are the first to show any wear. Took 5 minutes to change them out and so far after 3 months of muddy UK riding they still are going strong.
Second one was on the bottom bushings, when I took them apart to clean and re-grease them I noticed that they have developed a thread on them, an imprint of the grooves from the axle which is there for the grease to flow. Of course this probably came about from me casing a few jumps that the average trail rider won't be doing anytime soon. I have been told that the legend has done away with the grooves on the main pivot axle so wont have this problem.
As a test of the bushing system, I rebuild them 3 months ago, and haven't touched them since. Banshee does recommend that you squirt some grease in the grease ports every so often or after wet rides, but I wanted to see what it would be like in a 'worse case scenario'.
They did get a bit sticky, probably due to some fine mud caking them up from a previous ride. But that went away as the ride went on. This is only being anal as I could only feel the difference pushing down on the saddle. Besides the two small bushings that I replaced, everything else has been going for two seasons already. There was some wear on the anodizing on one of the axles when I rebuilt them, otherwise, still going very strong. Banshee does include a care package which consists of 4 spare bushings, two bolts for the suspension and a spare hanger. Annoyingly, the only parts I have needed so far were the two sets of smaller bushings that are not included. Overall, they have been very impressive.
life is better horizontal (or as closely you can get to horizontal)
Mud clearance:
With 2.5 wet screams on the back, there isn't much space left there. With most tracks, its fine, but it just so happens I have a local track which is hell for bike with little clearance. With 2.5 high rollers on, it's not a problem. Not that this is ever going to be a problem for any trail riders.
Dhx:
Well, no surprise here, tuning range of the rebound damping goes from fairly fast to insanely slow. Of course most of that range is useless and going to be way too slow anyways. It's at full open already, but I want it faster. It does pack down on very fast sections with fairly big bumps, will probably crack it open and reshim it when I have the time. Again, a non issue for most riders.
Geometry:
IF and that's a big 'if' I had it my way, I would drop the bb just a bit, and slacken the head angle a degree or so. I have raised my 40 crowns an inch to slacken the head angle and raise the bars up a bit and that has worked very well. I might try out some offset inserts to slacken the head angle out and will see how that goes.
With 2.5 wet screams on the back, there isn't much space left there. With most tracks, its fine, but it just so happens I have a local track which is hell for bike with little clearance. With 2.5 high rollers on, it's not a problem. Not that this is ever going to be a problem for any trail riders.
Dhx:
Well, no surprise here, tuning range of the rebound damping goes from fairly fast to insanely slow. Of course most of that range is useless and going to be way too slow anyways. It's at full open already, but I want it faster. It does pack down on very fast sections with fairly big bumps, will probably crack it open and reshim it when I have the time. Again, a non issue for most riders.
Geometry:
IF and that's a big 'if' I had it my way, I would drop the bb just a bit, and slacken the head angle a degree or so. I have raised my 40 crowns an inch to slacken the head angle and raise the bars up a bit and that has worked very well. I might try out some offset inserts to slacken the head angle out and will see how that goes.
doing my share of shady overtaking manoeuvres in the xc sport race at the student champs, its all about getting the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Conclusion
The RUNE, set up the way I have is not going to be replacing a full on dh set up anytime soon. Big tracks require big bikes, simple. Where it does come in is in not so 'manly' tracks, and maybe tracks that lack elevation. I have been on a few xc rides, along with a xc race, and already know of its all mountain capabilities, my experience on it for the past few months goes to show that it also shines when you are ready to take it down hill. What I can say for sure is that it's a very fun set up, a very light bike which is easy to throw around, yet still very capable. I for one am not going to be replacing my RUNE anytime soon.
BRAAAP!!
Adam.
Fakawi | Banshee
The RUNE, set up the way I have is not going to be replacing a full on dh set up anytime soon. Big tracks require big bikes, simple. Where it does come in is in not so 'manly' tracks, and maybe tracks that lack elevation. I have been on a few xc rides, along with a xc race, and already know of its all mountain capabilities, my experience on it for the past few months goes to show that it also shines when you are ready to take it down hill. What I can say for sure is that it's a very fun set up, a very light bike which is easy to throw around, yet still very capable. I for one am not going to be replacing my RUNE anytime soon.
BRAAAP!!
Adam.
Fakawi | Banshee
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Dean does it again!
Our friend Dean who is one of the legend test riders, and well as a very active and hardworking trail builder from the woodlot, sent me this:
Hi Keith,
I remember you telling me that you would like to see the linkage of the Legend in action on a trail. This past weekend I mounted a camera and shot some footage with 2 cameras. One on my helmet and the other watching the linkage.
I synced them and the result is the following video on Pink Bike.
The video also has some regular helmet cam footage as well and me sessioning a jump. I just thought you would be interested in seeing the linkage in action on the trail. I found it interesting to see all the compression in corners and not just in the rough stuff.
Have a good one.
Dean
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/69372/
Thanks a lot Dean. Thats a really cool video showing how the legend works on the trail. It shows how hard you are railing the berms, as the suspension compresses then shoots you out. I also like how it shows how little the bike bobs while you are cranking it.
Hi Keith,
I remember you telling me that you would like to see the linkage of the Legend in action on a trail. This past weekend I mounted a camera and shot some footage with 2 cameras. One on my helmet and the other watching the linkage.
I synced them and the result is the following video on Pink Bike.
The video also has some regular helmet cam footage as well and me sessioning a jump. I just thought you would be interested in seeing the linkage in action on the trail. I found it interesting to see all the compression in corners and not just in the rough stuff.
Have a good one.
Dean
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/69372/
Thanks a lot Dean. Thats a really cool video showing how the legend works on the trail. It shows how hard you are railing the berms, as the suspension compresses then shoots you out. I also like how it shows how little the bike bobs while you are cranking it.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Muzzler's AMP
the guys at Freeborn hooked up this Scottish dude Muzzler with a great promotional deal on an AMP frame, he is going to be helping to represent Mythic in the UK during 2009, and onwards!
Here's his new AMP build, expect to see some pics and videos from him during this season
Cheers!
Rob C
Here's his new AMP build, expect to see some pics and videos from him during this season
Cheers!
Rob C
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sickining news
Pavel Řežábek lost his fight with Cancer.
He had battled so hard and so long and it looked like he had turned the corner but Jirka, his father and our Czech distributor informed me via email that the fight was over.
My heartful sorrow and support goes out to him and his family.
Jirka is not just a customer but is also a good friend and to lose a son is unimaginable and I hope that he finds strength from those around him to get through this terrible time
RIP Pavel I'm glad i got to know you just a little
He had battled so hard and so long and it looked like he had turned the corner but Jirka, his father and our Czech distributor informed me via email that the fight was over.
My heartful sorrow and support goes out to him and his family.
Jirka is not just a customer but is also a good friend and to lose a son is unimaginable and I hope that he finds strength from those around him to get through this terrible time
RIP Pavel I'm glad i got to know you just a little
Friday, April 3, 2009
Guillaume Bossu helmetcam
Guillaume sent me a couple of links to some helmet cam footage of him riding his local trails on his Scythe that he made with his new camera. Looks like a lot of fun G! I also like the different camera placement, gives you a bit of a better feeling for the trail I think.
The very known Gambas from guillaume Bossu on Vimeo.
The phenix from guillaume Bossu on Vimeo.
Keep ripping!
The very known Gambas from guillaume Bossu on Vimeo.
The phenix from guillaume Bossu on Vimeo.
Keep ripping!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mandatory BC Bear bell law causing uproar on local mountains
With last falls increases in bear sightings and cougar attacks BC's 
environment minister Barry Penner, in a move for harm reduction to both bears, cougars, and users of the mountians of BC, will be required by law to carry with them bells to reduce any possible confrontations.
Many riders in BC already use the bells and to some degree it makes sense but does the minister seriously think that we'll have to use it at places like Whistler and Silverstar. There is already discussion of having a park ranger on duty in the lift lines ensuring everyone is in compliance.
I was already talking to Greg at Straitline who was watching this come down the pipe. They have already been prototyping a system to warn bears. Its still a bell but with their own spin.
Greg sent me this press release
“Straitline Components and Ryan Berrecloth to Release Bear Systems TM”
Straitline Components of British Columbia Canada have teamed up North Shore Local Ryan Berrecloth to launch new safety measures for the infamous North Shore and Whistler regions of BC.
Controversy has been stirring over new safety measure for all mountain bikers as mandatory bear laws come into effect as early as this month, banning all lift and trail access to those not compliant.
Straitline Components has just released a promo video to educate people on the product and new Law that will be in effect all across BC.
Straitline Bear Bell Technology from Eric Peterson on Vimeo
“For in-depth information on this new law read up on it here. “
http://straitline.blogspot.com/2009/03/controversial-bear-law-long-over-due.html
environment minister Barry Penner, in a move for harm reduction to both bears, cougars, and users of the mountians of BC, will be required by law to carry with them bells to reduce any possible confrontations.Many riders in BC already use the bells and to some degree it makes sense but does the minister seriously think that we'll have to use it at places like Whistler and Silverstar. There is already discussion of having a park ranger on duty in the lift lines ensuring everyone is in compliance.
I was already talking to Greg at Straitline who was watching this come down the pipe. They have already been prototyping a system to warn bears. Its still a bell but with their own spin.
Greg sent me this press release“Straitline Components and Ryan Berrecloth to Release Bear Systems TM”
Straitline Components of British Columbia Canada have teamed up North Shore Local Ryan Berrecloth to launch new safety measures for the infamous North Shore and Whistler regions of BC.
Controversy has been stirring over new safety measure for all mountain bikers as mandatory bear laws come into effect as early as this month, banning all lift and trail access to those not compliant.
Straitline Components has just released a promo video to educate people on the product and new Law that will be in effect all across BC.
Straitline Bear Bell Technology from Eric Peterson on Vimeo
“For in-depth information on this new law read up on it here. “
http://straitline.blogspot.com/2009/03/controversial-bear-law-long-over-due.html
Saturday, March 28, 2009
On the up!
Hey Guys!
Firstly I want to say thank you so much for all your kind words and healing vibes. It has helped a lot knowing that you guys have my back. That is why I love the bike community!
Well, after that last post, things went downhill fast again. I ended up being rushed back into hospital in an ambulance at 4am the next morning after a visit from an emergency doctor. Basically I felt like death and was getting worse. I could hardly stand up and felt so sick and was in a lot of pain.
Within 12 hours of being in hospital being pumped full of yet more fluids I was already feeling better. It later transpired that while in hospital previously I had contracted one of those killer hospital super bugs (C Difficile). and basically it was hitting me while I was down. In the 8 days I spent back at home I had lost another 9lbs in weight, and my body was being drained of all fluids and salts.
I'm home again now after a week of hardcore antibiotics, fluids and mind altering painkillers, and I can finally say that I truly feel like I am on the road to recovery. Each day I am feeling just a little bit stronger and can eat a bit more. Hopefully I will be back on a bike in a couple of months, although will not be able to hit the freeride scene for a long time yet (need more surgery before my body will be able to take the hits).
I am actually really looking forward to getting fit and healthy again, and doing a lot of all day epic all mountain riding in the beautiful highlands of Scotland on the prototype frame I will be receiving soon.
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed me or left messages for me here. They have meant more to me than you might think!
I also want to wish a fast recovery and send strength and healing vibes to another young member of the Banshee family, Pavel, who is currently bravely fighting cancer. Hold in there mate, we are all thinking of you. Be strong!
Now please please please go out there and ride your bikes and make the most of life if you possibly can!
Firstly I want to say thank you so much for all your kind words and healing vibes. It has helped a lot knowing that you guys have my back. That is why I love the bike community!
Well, after that last post, things went downhill fast again. I ended up being rushed back into hospital in an ambulance at 4am the next morning after a visit from an emergency doctor. Basically I felt like death and was getting worse. I could hardly stand up and felt so sick and was in a lot of pain.
Within 12 hours of being in hospital being pumped full of yet more fluids I was already feeling better. It later transpired that while in hospital previously I had contracted one of those killer hospital super bugs (C Difficile). and basically it was hitting me while I was down. In the 8 days I spent back at home I had lost another 9lbs in weight, and my body was being drained of all fluids and salts.
I'm home again now after a week of hardcore antibiotics, fluids and mind altering painkillers, and I can finally say that I truly feel like I am on the road to recovery. Each day I am feeling just a little bit stronger and can eat a bit more. Hopefully I will be back on a bike in a couple of months, although will not be able to hit the freeride scene for a long time yet (need more surgery before my body will be able to take the hits).
I am actually really looking forward to getting fit and healthy again, and doing a lot of all day epic all mountain riding in the beautiful highlands of Scotland on the prototype frame I will be receiving soon.
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed me or left messages for me here. They have meant more to me than you might think!
I also want to wish a fast recovery and send strength and healing vibes to another young member of the Banshee family, Pavel, who is currently bravely fighting cancer. Hold in there mate, we are all thinking of you. Be strong!
Now please please please go out there and ride your bikes and make the most of life if you possibly can!
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