Matej Charvat has had a great year onboard his banshee Legend MkII this year... here is a little overview of how his WC season whent down.
World Cup Season 2010 - Overview_en
Next year Matej will be teaming up with Adam Brayton on the 2011 Banshee factory team. I can't wait to see what these 2 talented and driven guys can achieve next year.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Banshee Prime
The Banshee Prime will be a new addition to the Banshee range probably for 2012, although testing will start as soon as we feel ready to run a full batch of 50 frames to be tested. This frame will go through a similar testing and feedback program as the Legend MkI was used for.
If you want to be a tester of this frame, keep an eye on the blog over the next few months. I'm not going to start taking names until we have some prototypes made and tested to make sure we have no major issues. So please don't send me e-mails yet!
There are a number of full suspension frames with this range of travel (130mm) out there, but I feel that most of them are too steep and often flexy to give you real confidence when riding aggressively or on steep technical terrain.
The Prime is a strong, stiff and planted 29er designed to excel in all elements of true all mountain riding. 29ers don't need as much travel as 26ers for coping with square edge hits due to the larger wheels rolling over obstacles easier, so the 130mm travel of the Prime will generally 'feel' like more travel (150-160mm) if you are used to riding 26ers.
Some details on the frame at this stage (subject to change before production as a result of testing and feedback).
Geometry.... the aggressive seat angle and relatively short chain stays make the Prime a bike that is playful, but with optimised weight distribution for control during technical climbs and the slack and low geometry offers stability and control on high speed descents.
The suspension linkage I've used on the Prime (which I may call the KS link...) uses the best elements of the VF4B link, but almost eliminates the rotation at the shock DU bushings for a more supple suspension action, and can be more finely tuned and offers more space for geometry manipulation for less compromise. The pivots will all run on fully sealed INA bearings on grade 5 6Al4V titanium pivot axles and bolts.
The linkage for the Prime has been optimised to work well with smaller chain rings for the 29er user, and the frame structure has been stiffened slightly to ensure that there in minimal frame flex even with bigger wheels.
The Prime geometry can be easily adjusted by a single chain ring style bolt at the dropout (likely to be titanium). Changing from the steep to slack setting drops the BB by 12mm (0.5") and slackens the head angle out by 1 degree without affecting suspension characteristics. We will also offer the frame with 2 dropout types (135x10mm and 150x12mm) to suit all riders needs.
This model is actually using over sized 29x2.5" tires to give you an idea about the all important tire clearance. As you can see there is bucket loads of clearance around the rear tire (compare to that of the same tire in a Reba 29er 140mm fork)
As is standard for Banshee, we will be using 7005 alloy which will be T4 then T6 heat treated for better overall frame strength. The tubes will all be triple butted custom hydroformed for maximum strength to weight ratio. The seat and chain stays are both internally ribbed for extra strength and stiffness for minimal weight increase.
The frame will only be compatible with direct mount front derailleurs (we will do the testing so you don't have to) . ISCG 05 tabs will allow use of chainguides or Hammerschmidt, and there will be cable guides for the latter system. there will also be cable guides for adjustable seatposts.
As always, the proof will be in the pudding, and so this bike will be used, abused and tested globally, then refined and redesigned where necessary before public release, so that we can ensure that the final product is as good as it can possibly be.
Please let me know your initial feedback to both general design and geometry. My ears are aways open, and I'm here to design your next bike, so I need to know what you want!
Thanks,
Keith
If you want to be a tester of this frame, keep an eye on the blog over the next few months. I'm not going to start taking names until we have some prototypes made and tested to make sure we have no major issues. So please don't send me e-mails yet!
There are a number of full suspension frames with this range of travel (130mm) out there, but I feel that most of them are too steep and often flexy to give you real confidence when riding aggressively or on steep technical terrain.The Prime is a strong, stiff and planted 29er designed to excel in all elements of true all mountain riding. 29ers don't need as much travel as 26ers for coping with square edge hits due to the larger wheels rolling over obstacles easier, so the 130mm travel of the Prime will generally 'feel' like more travel (150-160mm) if you are used to riding 26ers.
Some details on the frame at this stage (subject to change before production as a result of testing and feedback).
Geometry.... the aggressive seat angle and relatively short chain stays make the Prime a bike that is playful, but with optimised weight distribution for control during technical climbs and the slack and low geometry offers stability and control on high speed descents.
The suspension linkage I've used on the Prime (which I may call the KS link...) uses the best elements of the VF4B link, but almost eliminates the rotation at the shock DU bushings for a more supple suspension action, and can be more finely tuned and offers more space for geometry manipulation for less compromise. The pivots will all run on fully sealed INA bearings on grade 5 6Al4V titanium pivot axles and bolts.
The linkage for the Prime has been optimised to work well with smaller chain rings for the 29er user, and the frame structure has been stiffened slightly to ensure that there in minimal frame flex even with bigger wheels.
The Prime geometry can be easily adjusted by a single chain ring style bolt at the dropout (likely to be titanium). Changing from the steep to slack setting drops the BB by 12mm (0.5") and slackens the head angle out by 1 degree without affecting suspension characteristics. We will also offer the frame with 2 dropout types (135x10mm and 150x12mm) to suit all riders needs.
This model is actually using over sized 29x2.5" tires to give you an idea about the all important tire clearance. As you can see there is bucket loads of clearance around the rear tire (compare to that of the same tire in a Reba 29er 140mm fork)
As is standard for Banshee, we will be using 7005 alloy which will be T4 then T6 heat treated for better overall frame strength. The tubes will all be triple butted custom hydroformed for maximum strength to weight ratio. The seat and chain stays are both internally ribbed for extra strength and stiffness for minimal weight increase.The frame will only be compatible with direct mount front derailleurs (we will do the testing so you don't have to) . ISCG 05 tabs will allow use of chainguides or Hammerschmidt, and there will be cable guides for the latter system. there will also be cable guides for adjustable seatposts.
As always, the proof will be in the pudding, and so this bike will be used, abused and tested globally, then refined and redesigned where necessary before public release, so that we can ensure that the final product is as good as it can possibly be.
Please let me know your initial feedback to both general design and geometry. My ears are aways open, and I'm here to design your next bike, so I need to know what you want!
Thanks,
Keith
Downhill Old School
Check out this video I found on You Tube - this is downhill racing 'ol school' and at it's finest! I love the riding kits but what about the bikes and the thrashing these forerunners of downhill racing gave themselves!! Sure it is funny to watch nowadays but you have got to have RESPECT for these bloke's - seriously!!
Banshee Legend podiums in 16th Asian Mtb Championship-- AGAIN!
Ausanee Pradupyard- Number 3 in Asia!Congratulations to Fakawi Banshee team riders Ausanee (riding for Thailand) and Adam (riding for Malaysia) who competed in this year's Asian Cycling Confederation's Asian MTB (DH) Championships in Jecheon, Korea. Both our team riders qualified and were selected to race against the best riders in asia.
Ausanee, who also podium-ed in last year's ACC, won the bronze medal in the women's elite category on her Legend mk1.
Adam came in 6th in the men's elite finals on his Legend MK2.
Race results here: ACC2010 results.
Forget about ski lifts.. monorail uplift for riders and their bikes!(pic courtesy of Beatrice A Lajawa)
Ausanee's Legend- 2 times ACC podium! 2009 and 2010!(pic by Ausanee)
Ausanee flying the Banshee flag! (pic by Ausanee)
The finish line. (pic by Beatrice Lajawa)
Adam and Ausanee trying to look cute.(pic by Ausnee)
riders warming up... (pic by Ausanee)
Adam at the starting line.(pic by Beatrice A Lajawa)
Ausanee at the starting line.(pic by Ausanee)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sanesh Iyer riding CBC
Sanesh is an employee at North Shore Bike Shop in Vancouver, he is a cool kid who rides hard with HUGE enthusiasm.
Here he is riding his favourite trail on the Shore, CBC, on his wildcard.
Here he is riding his favourite trail on the Shore, CBC, on his wildcard.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Full Boar Challenge
So this weekend was the annual Full Boar Challenge up on Greenstone Mountain in Kamloops. The race was pretty night and day compared to last year. Last years race we had snow up top and this year we had dust up top. To be honest I thought it was better riding it in the snow than in dry weather, ha ha. My run was pretty sketchy, woke up feeling under the weather like every person who attended the hill climb. My rear bakes decided to stop working during the fastest part of the 16+ minute course so that’s always awesome! Managed to keep it together with the front brake and ended 4th place so that’s not too bad. Oh and as I understand new course record time to my buddy Chayse Marshall with a 14:49…. Must be a reason why he races WC ha ha.
Shot of me towards the bottom, notice the non-use of the back brake...
Ace Hayden
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Want to Ride?
Strahan enjoys making me remember that I am not bike ready yet. His videos always get me stoked to ride.
Enjoy:
Enjoy:
Billy Ray was a preacher's son. from strahan loken on Vimeo.
Keep Riding.
Rob Dunnet
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Jacob Gibbins 2010 Show Reel
Jacob Gibbins has been the man behind the camera for most of our world cup team videos this year, as well as all track walk vids... check out this show real he put together, wich features a lot of Adam Brayton, I might have to tell him to slow down so that he is in shot for longer....
Great video and editing Jacob!
Great video and editing Jacob!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Team News
With all the Interbike 2011, Rampage related news I have kind of been neglecting the team posts.
1. Paul point of view riding in Fernie. It is pretty good, Paul improves in every video which is good to see.
Rob Dunnet
1. Paul point of view riding in Fernie. It is pretty good, Paul improves in every video which is good to see.
Paul Genovese with a Go Pro from DylanSiggers on Vimeo.
2. Ryan and Cody riding Legends down a great trail in Australia.
Ryan and Cody from Sam Tolhurst on Vimeo.
3. Danish DH
Keep Riding.Rob Dunnet
Fogelsode S2 #2: Afternoon Seshes at Post
If there’s one thing that never fails to make me want to ride, it’s school. Nothing like going through a day of classes, notes, tests, and homework with the urge to ride building as you watch each second tick by on the clock. Fortunately I’m blessed to have Post Office down the street from my school. With the crazy hot days we’ve been having this week, everyone’s been waiting until the sun begins to set before heading out to the jumps. It’s been a good routine: roll up in the late afternoon, give the jumps a nice watering, sip some iced tea, and start riding as the light turns golden and as it starts to cool down. The shadows of lips and landings grow longer and longer until the sun has fully made its way past the horizon. This is the best time to ride as it’s the coolest out and there’s a nice even lighting for a short while before it gets too dark to see. It’s been good times getting seshes like these in here and there, keeping us all sane after school.
Enjoy!
Fogel
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