Banshee is fairly new to the bike scene, and their Spitfire model is still in its prototyping stages. The 5 inch suspension Spitfire has one very interesting feature, it has 2 shock mount positions, that allow you to vary the geometry of the bike. One position gives you a higher BB height, and a steeper head angle for technical XC riding. The other position drops the BB height, and slackens out the head angle for higher speed riding.

Spitfire Adjustable shock mount

The Spitfire was wicked fast when it was pointed downhill, it just accelerated down like crazy. The Spitfire was very neutral, steered and handled nicely, and didn’t display any outstanding squat issues. During hard pedaling, it did just you asked of it, and on steeps climbs the rear end tended to stay connected to the tarmac. I think there is some room for further tinkering on the suspension system, to get it to the same level of its competitions (DW Link and Yeti AS come to mind). On some G-outs, the front end collapsed a bit much, and really tossed you forward. The Spitfire is designed as a 1×9, something that I haven’t ridden very much, so I found the gearing tough for me, since I like to granny gear it a bit more.

I enjoyed my brief time on the Spitfire, it was a nice bike, and the adjustable geometry is an innovative feature. Release date is 2010. I think Banshee has a winner on their hands, and further tweaking of the bike will only help improve it.

Jay goes over the new Legend Mk1, parallel link with bushings rather then bearings.  10.3lbs with shock.  New hardtail as well for the pump tracks.

2009 Banshee Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com