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Banshee Bikes Paradox V2 Frame 29er Hardtail

4.67/5 (3 Reviews)

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MSRP : $658.75


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Product Description

Banshee's Paradox was already packed with killer features for the 29'er crowd, it's now better than ever with a new tapered head tube, increased tire clearance, and direct mount front derailleur.


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Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Mr. 68 Hundred a All Mountain Rider

Date Reviewed: March 17, 2013

Strengths:    It really does ride the way it's purported to be. Climbs, corners and descends well. Very playful, nimble and stable. Handles techy climbs well too. No complaints from the handling department by me.

Weaknesses:    I'm ~6' 1/2" in my biking shoes (I wear 32" inseam Levi's). I bought a large; and while the top tube is just a tad short for me (70 mm stem), the standover height is a bit too tall. Also, running a Shimano front derailleur is a toss of the dice. Plan on a SRAM. I cut a piece off an 2013 XTR FD to try to make tire clearance for a 2.35" Nobby Nic but it was no-go. I'm rolling on 1 X 10 now, which works because I'm a major bad-a**.

Bottom Line:   
Overall, I'm very happy with the frame. It does pretty much what I was hoping it would do. I say pretty much because I don't have a dropper post yet and I think when I get it, the bike will really come alive. This is a bike that loves to be leaned over in the corners (i.e. Fluidride like a pro) and without the dropper post and the short TT, it's difficult to get the bike leaned over (the saddle gets in the way) while maintaining a proper front/rear weight distribution.

The bike rails corners and climbs like a f******* mountain goat. Great option for someone looking for an all around 29" hardtail.

Build specs (the ones that matter at least):
Pacenti DL31 rims
Schwalbe 2.35" TR Nobby Nic front; 2.35" TR Hans Damph rear; set up split-tube ghetto tubeless (there is frame clearance for more; I'm going to get the new 2.5" Maxxis Minions next; there would probably not be front derailleur clearance though)
32T front ring
11T to 36T cassette

I ride all-mountain at 6000+ feet with big climbs (AZ, NM, UT, CO). If you like big tires like me, you're probably going to be stuck with 1 X 9/10. And, if you have to deal with big climbs like me; I'd recommend going to a system that'll let you get a smaller front ring than 32T. The 32T works because I spend a lot more time standing but at the end of the day on a tough climb, a 28T or 30T would be nice.

4 Chile's because of the TT/standover/front derailleur issues.

Steve
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Helmetless a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: November 6, 2012

Strengths:    -All the revisions expected from the previous Paradox and most hardtail frames out there
-Very playful on corners, really fast and nimble (using M size) thanks to wise little inputs in geometry, lacking in other frames
-Really cool paintjob and graphics
-You will likely sell your FS bike
-Different in all that matters, to me is positive

Weaknesses:    Banshee just gave us just two options as for "colours"

Bottom Line:   
This is simply THE do-it-all bike I was looking for. I really loved my Viento, but it lacked a couple things I needed to feel myself more confident while going down.

This bike allows me to climb much faster than in an average 26er with same setup. I can handle a rocky trail uphill, I can even go off the trail if needed, and once getting to the top, I can also handle the way down much easier. Again, this Banshee rolls faster, and gives an incredible confidence at same time. Rider skills can be crucial to make this bike a fun to ride and tell the difference with other AM hardtails or average 29er bikes. I mean, as you do your homework with skills, keeping in mind that these must be executed a bit more exagerated given the bigger wheels, then all is about fun on the Paradox. Ride and smile thing, seriously.

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Favorite Trail:   El Condor

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $720.00

Purchased At:   mbstore.cl

Similar Products Used:   Couple XC 29ers not worth mentioning, many elite 26ers

Bike Setup:   Reba tapered 120/20 maxle, X.0/XT 10spd, X.0 brakes, Flow/dt revo/hope wheels, Easton/Thomson bar combo, Silverado Ti saddle, Conti tires
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Lowfreq13 a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: July 15, 2012

Strengths:    Super Strong frame. A 29'er that handles with more finesse and maneuverability than my previous 29'er frame. Looks pretty freakin' nice!!! Comes supplied with Seatpost and Seatpost QR (that isn't stated too clearly on retail websites). Great CS throughout the research process.

Weaknesses:    I'm not really too sure. It looks like Banshee addressed the issues of the V1 (Rear Tire clearance...). I've had to adjust to the lower BB. I smacked my Frogs a few times where I didn't expect too. Just something to watch for, but def worth it.

Bottom Line:   
This a Clyde-worthy frame (I am 6'2" 245lbs). I have about 150 miles on this frame and it Definitely delivers in the AM arena Every ounce of energy that I put into the pedal makes it to the rear wheel. It just begs to be pushed. Uphills are a pleasure... It tracks through the roots and rocks so nicely. I'm not much of a screaming fast DH guy, but I know that this frame feels extremely secure while descending.

I really look forward to riding this bike. Very proud.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Places in and around Baltimore, MD.

Duration Product Used:   1 month

Price Paid:    $775.00

Purchased At:   Jenson USA

Similar Products Used:   Diamondback Overdrive XC 29'er, Trek 950, Giant Sedona.

Bike Setup:   X9 Drivetrain and Gearing, Shimano XT Brakes, Fox Talas 32 CTD 120, Flows with Hope Pro2 Evos, a mix of Thomson, Chris King and other worthy components.
Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)

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