Key Specs:
  • with 120mm fork, BB height is 12.4 inches, Head angle is 69 degrees
  • chainstay is 16.8 inches
  • weight is 2050 grams or 4.52 lbs
  • price for the frame is $600
Description:

This is not your typical 29er hardtail. Most 29er hardtails in this price range are steel, comfortable frames that can be matched with a short travel suspension or rigid fork. They flex here and there and deliver a comfortable ride.

Well the Paradox is different. It is a hammer with a 5 inch fork up front. It is responsive and aggressive on the rear and slack in the front with a 69 degree head angle and a 5 inch fork. It is design to carve, jump and scoot around singletrack or the pump track. The 'Paradox' name is fitting for this flickable 29er.

This review will just focus on the frame. There are many ways to build up this bike and our bike was built up quite heavy and burly, ready for some serious downhill action. We swapped out a lot of parts and made it our own blend of light All Mountain flavor. So we'll just make comments on the frame and leave the build to your style.

Strengths:
  • it's not just another 29er hardtail
  • fun, fun, fun
  • it's an incredible value at $600 for the frame
  • built like a Banshee - stiff and durable
  • flickable, nimble, and carves corners
  • designed around a 120mm fork
  • accelerates like a rocket
  • climbs and descends equally well
  • extremely stable and confidence-inspiring handling
  • versatile - can be built up in a variety of ways to suit any type of AM/trail riding
Weaknesses:
  • low BB at 12.1 with 4 inch front travel and 12.4 inch with 5 inch travel
  • rear tire clearance is tight
  • ride is stiffer than most 29er hardtails

Bottom Line:

What we have here is a 29er built under the Banshee philosophy. And it is a great addition to the 29er hardtail spectrum of bikes. Instead of building another smooth, comfortable 29er hardtail, Banshee built an All Mountain 29er hardtail. It loves to jump, take aggressive lines and carve grooves into corner.

It is not for everybody but it certainly fills a void in the aggressive 29er hardtail arena. Bravo to Banshee for sticking to their core values and using the 29er platform to build a fun and aggressive bike.

The downside to this frame is it is pretty harsh for a 29er. They bent the seatstays but it's still an aggressive ride. But we won't ding it for not being as smooth as the steel or 29er hardtails. This is an aggressive, all-mountain hardtail so the buyer just needs to understand what they're getting in to.

At $600 for the frame, value is awesome. Quality, durability and finish are excellent for this price point. It looks pretty good too and appears more expensive than its cost.

We're giving it a 5 star rating for the frame if you are the right buyer for this frame. If you are a big rider or someone looking for an aggressive 29er hardtail, this is a good one and redefines the boundaries that shackled 29er hardtails before it.

Value Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars



Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars