My affection for the Banshee Spitfire spans almost as long as my relationship with Bike magazine. I first rode the Spitfire V1 at the Bible of Bike Tests in Bellingham, Washington, way back in 2010. My obsession with that original version led me to choose the Spitfire V2 as my Dream Build when we first started that annual project in 2013. I couldn’t wait to see what the V3 Spitfire had to offer, but I warned myself not to let my swooning nostalgia influence my impressions of the latest iteration. After all, five years have passed, and the 26-inch-wheel trail bike has died, since I last rode a Spitfire.
The new Spitfire uses Banshee’s new KS2 link for its 135 millimeters of rear travel. And it retains one of my favorite rear-travel attributes of the original versions: a progressive, lively and active-yet-isolated suspension feel. This is particularly notable on the climbs. In or out of the saddle, the pedal feedback is negligible thanks to the anti-squat properties of the linkage. You can put power to the pedals with maximum efficiency and the rear wheel seemingly maintains traction over anything in its path, independent of pedal force. It certainly gives the bike a hint of an XC personality on the climbs that is in contrast to its modern-trail-bike geometry.∑
[continued...]
From Bike Mag
Bike Magazine showcases the sport of mountain biking like no other publication. It captures the sport's personalities, trends, and issues with a style all its own. With insightful features, columns and gear reviews coupled with the best photography, Bike is sure to make you want to get outside and ride.
