The new school rider has the ultimate tool to show-off pulling the biggest and badest tricks. Super low standover means the rider can throw a leg over to style out the flashiest can-can or tailwhip, and with the lightest weight frame in its class, rotational tricks are effortless as you’re not fighting with the mass of the bike. You’ll be the envy of your friends as you start throwing it down large.
Frame: 5 and 6.5" travel, Turner 4bar pivot, custom hydroformed tubes w/built in gussets, ISCG05, internally ribbed seat and chainstays Sizes: small 14.5, medium 15, large 16" Colors: team black/white, red, mango, black ano Weight: 7.5 lbs [medium w/o shock] more here http://bansheebikes.blogspot.com/search/label/Wildcard
Submitted by
MartinS
a Weekend Warrior
from Fernie, BC Date Reviewed: November 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Solid and fun, cornering is a gas, rides like a full suspension BMX bike
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur cable routing could be improved.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar personally...
Bike Setup:
Manitou ISX 6 shock (the best way to go on this bike - actually it outperforms the DHX Air on every bike), Marz 66, saint cranks, Formula 'The Ones', Funn Full On bars, Straitline pedals
Bottom Line:
A really fun playbike, my first ride was UPS/Porc Rim and it was perfect for that trail, I was in love with the bike.
My local lift area got hammered with early season rain that made it a lot rougher than usual though, and I did find that the Wildcard got overwhelmed there - a Scythe would have been much more suitable - so I didn't use it as much as I would have liked during the summer. This fall I started to use it more and really began to like it a lot for smooth curvey DH runs, it is really flickable and leaves a smile on your face.
My dilemma now is that I need a Scythe for chairlifting - I was going to sell the WC as it didn't really suit my personal needs, nothing against the bike, I just need something bigger for my local hill, but now I really dig it again for my local shuttle runs...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
soyaninja
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: July 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere near a pub
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
Capable at many riding styles, allows versatility as regards to rider set-up, jumps ok, takes flat corners very well.
Weaknesses:
Cheap quality fabrication, cheap paint, bearings too tight so poor small bump sensitivity, doesn't work too well with a DHX 5.0 air for dh use.
Similar Products Used:
Orange Patriot, Norco Atomik, Cannondale Chase
Bike Setup:
Domain 318 U-turn, Ex729, F&R Hayes v8, DHX air, M810 cranks, zero stack headset - appx 38-39lb build.
Bottom Line:
My time so far with this bike has been fraught with problems unfortunately. Mine has a slightly misaligned ISCG tab and some weld splashes around the bb area, only aesthetic problems, but it generally manifests a pretty poor standard of welding all over, although I acknowledge my frame may be a unique case in this regard. The paint also chips/scratches very easily which is a shame.
I bought this frame as an in-between replacement for my short travel dh bike and hardtail. Of course it doesn't ride dh as well as a dh bike or jump as well as a hardtail, but its quite competent at both, notably for how well it takes flat corners in dh trails - but its not so good for railing berms as the bb is pretty high, 14.85" in the 6.5" travel setting with 160mm front travel, a bit lower for the 5" travel setting which is better for faster stuff, but still took some getting used to having to throw it down really hard into berms.
Small bump sensitivity is also an issue, you can really feel the ground a lot, I find myself forced to pump and jump a lot now to help make the bike work for me as it just doesn't roll too well, but as my Domains aren't too hot for small bumps either, the front and rear suspension is at least nicely matched! I think this problem is caused mainly by how tight the bearings are, the linkage doesn't move freely, despite having reduced the torque on the bearings. This problem isn't a major issue whilst riding though, it just results in me having knackered legs before any of my mates.
Due to the above issue, dh is a no-go with the DHX air's Pro-pedal ON, the suspension just completely locks out under braking if its on.
I do like the fact though, that I can set this bike up to jump well and shred dh hard too and it 'feels' the same to ride for either style, so no getting used to two bikes anymore - which allows me to just concentrate on progressing!
Overall, this bike has taken me nearly a year to start liking, my experiences with it were very mixed at first, but now I really like it and finally feel confident on it too - definitely the longest 'adaptation period' I've ever had with a bike though!
(-1 value rating for me getting a faulty frame)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lantern Rouge
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: June 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
100 Jumps Rotorua
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Brisbane Boutique Bi
Strengths:
The Mango colour is super striking and really stands out! For me, this was my first 'big bike', and I find the bike super stable, plush and capable of doing really big things. It's my first "big" bike. I've set it up with dual chain rings, so I can still ride it up hill too. Really love the soft/plush feel when going over gnarly terrain and love how it pre-loads for jumps and drops.
I ride a small frame and it really is girl friendly. I'm a 60kg and 166cm tall weekend warrior princess ;-)
Weaknesses:
Ran my cables up the rear stays and through the rocker arms to avoid taking them round the bottom bracket and front derailleur. If running a front derailleur, it's quite cramped on the small frame and you must check that the rear arms don't take it out on full 6.5" travel.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth with an 'all mountain' build kit - but just doesn't compare at all.
Bike Setup:
Small, Mango, Wildcard with: Marzocchi 66 forks, CK headset, Avid Brakes, Sram X9 Gruppo, NS hubs and Mavic Rims. Easton cockpit and Lady Sella Italia saddle. Kenda Nevegals.
Bottom Line:
I'm a girl who has progressed from XC riding to wanting to do more things and ride over rougher terrain and obstacles. The Wildcard has opened up a lot more possibilities for me, including doing black diamond downhill runs at Mt Buller and Thredbo! I love the way it feels and gives you confidence that you can ride over anything, without necessarily having the skill! :-) It's a tough bike and while a bit heavy, certainly not too heavy for me to lift into the shuttle ute! I'm loving it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars M
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark Date Reviewed: June 26, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
222cycles
Strengths:
Super allround'er. You can do anything on this bike.
Weaknesses:
Hmm..hard to find any.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Scream
Bike Setup:
White Brothers VT 140 fork. 2 chainrings/bashguard-setup. Halo Freedom wheels for freeride/dh-stuff, Halo Excite for trail-riding. Marzocchi Rocco TST air-damper.
Bottom Line:
I have this bike, as my do-it-all mountainbike. I use it for downhill/freeride and xc/trail-stuff.
I have two wheel-sets, and a long and a short seatpost.
It's not super light as an xc bike , but light enough for climbs, and stiff/strong enough for freeride.
It handles amazingly well in tight singletrack. I mostly use the 5" travel, and can still hit rockgardens pretty hard. It's very to move around in the air, and can take hard landings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tribesman
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
neverending story
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Brisbane Boutique Bi
Strengths:
This bike was so easy to start riding hard with no real "get used to it" thing happening,just get on it and ride.low standover makes it easy for us short in the leg people,handling is great in both flowey trails and even in the tight single track.strength is second to none with help when your pushing the heavy end of the scales.Dealer support is great having a comitted importer with spares is important to me, when i break something i dont want to wait to get shipped a hanger or pivot bolt.
Weaknesses:
no real weakness, but i now see the 09 frames come with 30.9 seat post for all mountain posts and also have quick release seat post clamp ,allen keys are a PIA on the trail
Similar Products Used:
giant trance ,yeti575 (08),234 racing hardtail
Bike Setup:
med wildcard in red
07 mazoch 66 ata sl1
chris king head and hub set on funn decender rims
sram x9 drive chain and shifters
xt cranks 36/24 gamut bash
juciy 7 with 8" rotors
diety cockpit
Bottom Line:
This was a fun bike had her just under a year, rode evey thing from trail riding with the family to downhill days .
Packed her up for two weeks in New Zealand with heaps of gravity and free ride days ,even rode 150km rail trail with my wife and daughter through central otago with ease.
As a do it all bike it may be alittle heavy for the xc/epic days,but on single track and any gravity runs it is bloody fantastic how quick it sprints up to speed and inspires confidence in your riding.I am truly sorry to see her go off to someone else,i hope you enjoy riding her as hard and often as i did mate.......because now i am riding her bigger SISTER!!!!!!! F*** yerh......09 white BANSHEE SCYTHE first run was insane,arm pump white knuckle ride have not been faster but still feel stable and centred,will review after a few more shuttles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JeffK95Z
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Crank It Up, Devils Club, Neds, Nicoles, Gear Jammer
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Trident Sports
Strengths:
Light, Nimble, Strong, rails the corners... Climbs up very well w/ hardly any pedal bob.
Weaknesses:
Team Black/White paint chips some what easily, other then that i see no weakness!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really. I'm coming off an almost 50 lb Banshee Scream
Wheelset
Wheels: Alex Supra D
Spokes: Sapim 2.3 strong butted
Nipples: some brass 12mm? kicking around the shop
Rim Tape: some red stuff kicking around the shop
Tubes: 2.4 standard non-DH
Tires: same as before - Kenda up front and Minion in the back - both 2.5's
Drive Train
Cranks: 09 Saint 170's w/ dual rings and stock bash guard
Rear Shifter: 09 Saint
Rear Derailer: 09 Saint
Chain Device: Stinger
Front Shifter/Derailer: I still havn't picked this up, but will likely go with the 09 saint stuff as well.
Rear cassette: XT
Chain: KMC SL
Pedals: some old wellgo's i snagged off my 04 fluid 3
Seat: SLR w/ some TLD spider design
Post: praxis stock post from banshee
bar/stem: hussefelt
grips: ODI lockons
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. I'm well into my second season riding it and it suit's all my needs perfectly. Fast jumps trails in the bike park (CIU, A-Line, etc...) to steep techy stuff on Seymour and even climbs.
This bike handles it all!
Coming from a BIG heavy bike, i wanted something lighter and more nimble. I got everything i could of asked for in this package.
Right now the bike weights around 37 lbs or so. It could be lighter, but I'd rather go with a little heavier tire (DH dual-ply) as i'm not the cleanest rider.
Check out some pictures here:
http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/JeffK95Z/banshee%20wildcard%20v2/
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sammack
a Weekend Warrior
from t town Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
dirt merchat
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
from banshee
Strengths:
geometry
looks great
strength
every thing is good on this bike
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
medium mango wildcard, totem coil, fox dhx 3.0 coil
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike well worth the money you can do every thing on this bike from xc to dj to dh if your thinkin about buying one do it its the best bik i have ever riden wouldnt trade it for any other bike any banshee is really worth the money cuase they will never let you down
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Mauke
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
This bike is fantastic!!!! The Wildcard is a bike that can do it all. I'm still a novice downhiller, so its nice to know that when I'm in a sticky situtation the bike will get me through just about anything! I'm a bigger rider and I feel like I'm 50 pounds lighter when I'm flying through the air on my wildcard. All in all, a great bike for anybody in my opinion!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim nuggets
a Weekend Warrior
from Fengshan Taiwan Date Reviewed: June 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
san pi, over under, red line,
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light weight
gorgeous
roomy, not like a minivan
nice in the air-for tricks
durable, strong, can take a beating...
handles like a wet dream without the wetness, just feels good
Weaknesses:
none that I can think of
Similar Products Used:
Canfield One, Transition Bottle Rocket, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Lyric 2 step, juicy sevens, Fox DHX Air, sicklines pedals, some other stuff
Bottom Line:
I don't know much about bikes, so I won't pretend I do. What I do know is this bike is amazing for dirt jumping, drops, big gaps, and for trail riding (it corners like Sam Hill.) It is easy to pull off tricks that you would be doing on your hardtail... have not tried a backflip on it yet, but will eventually.
I like to ride my hard-tail one day and maybe my full suspension the next, or go for 2 weeks on just one. I found with other bikes, I had a really hard time switching from one to the other... It took me a long time to get comfortable What I found with the wildcard is that it took no time to get used to going from my wildcard to my Amp or vis versa.
Ever since I got my Wildcard, i have been riding it way too much... thats how fun this bike is... I am afraid my Gal might dump me cause I am too tired to make the boom boom at night.
If you are looking for a nice, durable, light weight bike, that can do the jumps, handles well on the trails and downhill then the banshee wildcard is for you. I
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CC5
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Canada Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ninja cougar, 7th secret, A-line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Caps
Strengths:
Very versatile and durable. Can be ridden comfortably up because of its full seat tube length. Combination of good top tube length, medium bottom bracket height, and short chainstays equals good cornering. Best stand over height in the market, yet long enough top tube for tricks and stability. Good weight for such a durable frame.
Weaknesses:
The anodized finish is very durable. The painted finish can be a bit fragile. Retail price is expensive, but reasonable given the high quality of the frame, and Banshee's great reputation for backing their product.
Similar Products Used:
2007 Santa Cruz Bullit, 2004 Santa Cruz Heckler, 2004 Intense Tazer FS
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 36 RC2 @ 5.3", DHX Air @ 5", Race Face Atlas FR cranks and bar, Juicy 7's with Goodridge housing, Thomson seat post/ X4 stem, Hadley hubs, Mavic XM 321 hoops, Maxxis Ardent front/Highroller rear rubber, CK devolution headset, E13 LG1 chainguide, Sram X9/X0 shifting,
Bottom Line:
I'm going on to my second season riding my black, size small anodized Wildcard. It has been ridden on the north shore, Whistler, and even cross country rides.
The Wildcard is extremely versatile and can be set up for multiple styles of riding. Checking in around 5'7" there aren't too many bikes that offer this kind of stand over height with such a generous top tube length. Most bike companies associate good stand over height with a midget sized top tube. With three sizes to choose from, the Wildcard should be able to accommodate a wide range of torso lengths.
My Wildcard is set up plush for a trail/Whistler set up. I'm running solid components and DH tires which create a total output of 35.5lbs. 32lbs for a solid slopestyle build is very realistic.
The Wildcard is very versatile. It is capable of riding up (although you probably won't be winning any time trials), shredding the trails and flowing the jumps. There aren't very many manufacturers that have a bike like this in their line up.
For more details, check out http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=113935 for pics and an in-depth review
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rdunnet
a Weekend Warrior
from Kaohsiung, Taiwan Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Jumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
jumps
corners
speed
360's
looks sweet
strong
light
girls will like you if you have one
Weaknesses:
they are not free
Similar Products Used:
Kona - Stinky Dee Lux
Transition - Bottlerocket
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas 36, Fox DHX Air, Deity Cranks, pedals, stem and bars. Juicy 7 brakes
Bottom Line:
I always wanted to buy a Banshee Scream. When I got the chance to get a new Wildcard I was pretty excited. I was amazed at how easy this bike is to do tricks on spins, no handers, can cans ... all super easy. I would recommend buying Banshee for your next bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Enru
a Downhiller
from Gdynia Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
7anna.com.pl
Strengths:
- really strong, versatile frame, that can be built from dirt jumping small travel bike to downhill rig, it has perfect geometry, it's really good for dirtjumping, I prefer riding it at DJ trails more than on my hardtail,
Weaknesses:
- a little too high BB at 165mm, but it has soo good quality of suspension, just like a DH bike
- paint scratches fairly easy, everythng else is perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stab 05, Kona Stinky Primo 07, Transition Bottlerocket, Transition Dirtbag, SX trail, Kona Cowan DS, and many other full suspenion bikes.
Bike Setup:
Small Banshee Wildcard with DHX 5.0 Coil, 66rc2x 2006 170mm -> fox 36 talas rc2 2006 -> RS Lyrik Coil 2008, runnin singlespeed with chain tensioner instead of derailleur, with schwalbe tabletops/ syncros BHT's, Light parts capable of taking big stuff, rear brake only (Juicy 7) 200cm cable. The whole bike is at 14.5-16 kg's depends if it's with front brake, and different set of tires.
Bottom Line:
I was searching for a very long time for a frame that would fit my style, riding downhill for fun, freeride and flying on bmx trails at once, a do it all bike... and I found it after buying Wildcard. I'm riding it for one year now, and I love it even more than after first ride, it's very easy to throw around in the air, even though I had bmx and hardtail, I've learned all new tricks like tailwhips, flatspins, backflips and three's with combos on my wildcard, it felt safer at harsh landings, more cushion, but still light enough. At 115mm at front I was riding street on it, no problems with doing bunny 36's, barspins and street stuff just like it was a hardtail,(small tire clearance for barspins with 100mm fork/small frame size) with a fork with travel adjustment Wildcard can be a freeride/fun downhill/dirt and even a little street bike(of course it's pointless to use bike with rear suspension there but...), not to mention the quality of suspension with DHX 5.0 coil, it's alot better than post 06 stinky's with the same shock. After one year I know, that it was the best decision in my whole riding career to buy this frame, it was worth the price. If you want a small singlespeeded bike for slopestyle only, go with Cowan DS, but if you want a versatile, slopestyle bike, capable of doing almost everything on it, go with Wildcard, you can't go wrong with it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gonehucking
a Weekend Warrior
from milwaukee WI Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
marquette mountain and anything with jumps and drops
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
5" and 6.5" settings, geometry and stiffness, low standover
Weaknesses:
unable to run zero stack with my 66 cuz the crown hit the frame
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz bullit
Bike Setup:
deity stem and bar, raceface cranks, 66 fork, revolution wheels, maxxis minions 2.5
Bottom Line:
Haven't had too much ride time yet but immediately felt comfortable. Did some jumping on it and felt awesome and easy to throw around. Change the travel to 6.5" and it seems super plush for some big drops. I took it to the skatepark cuz the weather here sucks and I was able to do all the hits I can do on my hardtail. Just takes a lot more out of you because of the travel though, but still fun. Taking it to Diablo in a couple of weeks, then I can see what it really does. It was a toss up between this and a Bottlerocket, but chose this because of the travel adjustment. Even in the 5" setting it feels like my 7" bullit. Definately built for aggressive riders. Totally happy so far. Two thumbs up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NoStyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Köllefornia, Germany Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bikepark Winterberg
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Freeborn UK
Strengths:
5" and 6,5" Travelsetting
Lightwight, strong and super stiff
Very good Geometry with low BB, Center of Gravity, low Standover, short Chainstays and sweet ST- HT-angles
Full length Seattube
Excellent and efficient Turner TNT Linkagedriven Singlepivot with nice progressive Suspension
1.5 Headtube and ISCG 05 mounts
Repaceable Steel Inserts for Shockmount
Cable routing - directly, short with minimum of Cablerub
Cool looking Graphics
Extremely usefull and not exaggerated use of Hydroforming, which gives the classic Frametriangle a modern and sexy Look and saves weight
Great manufacturing and build quality, nicely done Welds an CNC-machining - simply a High Quality Product
At least some good Spareparts that came with the frame like derailleur hanger, Paint, Bolts, Axles and a quality Seatpost
Weaknesses:
The wet paint can scratch easy, but it´s a Mountinbike, built to eat Mud, Sticks and Stones, so who cares?!
Similar Products Used:
3 Years on SC Bullit, 5 Years on BigHit DH. I had the chance to demoride lot´s of different Bikes as one Buddy owns a Bikestore and every other Buddy has had different Bikes trough the Years.
Bike Setup:
Wildcard medium Black/White with DHX 5 Coil Shock
RockShox Lyrik U-Turn Fork
Magura Louise Fr 200/180 Brakes
Shimano XT complete Drivetrain
Blackspire Stinger Chainguide and Lite God Bashguard, Wellgo MG1 Pedals
Wheelset with Sun Singletrack on Veltec-DH convertable Hubs, 2 mm Spokes
Cockpit with FSA Gravity Light Bar, Thomson 4x Stem, Acros Headset, ODI Lock on´s
Syncros AM Saddle
Bottom Line:
After many years riding longtravel Bikes my riding changed somehow away from downhill-only to a more versatile type. More than a year of research which Bike can do more I ended up with the so called Slopestyle-Bikes. These Bikes offered a different Geometry and promised to be able to Jump and trick around, drop, go down, maybe go up somehow, with quick handling and ready to take a beating more than Endurobikes could do - seemed to be exactly what I was looking for - one Bike for all!
Pedalling: The Wildcard pedals incredible well, with fast-foreward acceleration and close to no bobbing, even with switched off Propedal. Every Pedalstroke seems to catch up Speed lightly due to the stiff rear end and is free from any Pedalkickback, which is a very important point for me.
Suspension: The Suspension in the 5" Travel seems to be very firm at first when you sit on the Bike. On the the trails that changes immediatly - there´s nice sensitivity on small Bumps, big Hits are soaked up with ease as the progressive rear ramps up and offers more Travel than it actually has.
In the 6,5" Travel all feels plusher, even more sensitive with a wide range of Midtravel, but not as progressive, so it may be necessary to turn in a few more Klicks of Highspeed Damping to prevent bottoming out on the really big stuff. In both settings the Suspension feels very lively and gives good feedback of the ground while smoothing out the hits.
Braking: Coming from a Horstlink Fourbar-Design I was used to be free from any Brakingforces in Suspension. To be honest, I was worry at first, because Singlepivot-Designs like my further Bullit had horrible Kickback and Brakejack. All I can say is that the Wildcard doesn´t bother me in this case - Brake-Squad yes, the rear stiffens up when being hardly on the Brakes, but no Brake-Jack, it doesn´t chatter over the bumps and therefore loosing Traktion.
Jumping: I´m not a experienced Dirtjumper and I'm certainly not into Tricks. All I can say is that the Wildcard is nicly balanced ans stable in the Air. The Bike pops off easy and I find myself catching more Airtime with less effort than I was used to with my further Bikes.
Climbing: I have to say it - I can go uphill, haha! Thanks to the full length Seattube with it´s steep 73-74° angle it climbs suprisingly well. In combination with the slightly longer Toptube and a long Seatpost I´m more centered on the Bike, with a comfortable Position to Pedal and to give a lot more control and power to the Front even for steep climbs.
Descending: The Wildcard can take alot! The 6,5" Travel is plush, capable and ready to take some serious big hits, the Wheelbase is long enough to give good Confidence on Highspeed. This is no 8" BigBike, but it can handle much more than I expected. Only in super gnarly terrain it tends to get nervous due to the quick handling Geometry and on quite steep tracks I sometimes whish the Headangle to be slightly slacker. You have to check your line more carefully and have to ride active on the bike, but every little obstacle can be used to jump the bike and air out - this makes downhill so much more fun!
The same on Singletrails: The Wildcard with it´s nimble Geo makes Singletrackriding a blast. Turn the bars slightly and direction is changed immediatly. You can easly accelerate and it corners like on rails. The low BB and the centered position with the low sloped Toptube gives a feeling sitting "in" the Bike rather than "on" it, which gives me a lot of confidence to push it faster and faster into tight turns every time I ride it.
My summary:
A lot of Banshees Fauxbar-Design remindes me of the Turner TNT, which is known simply as excellent and efficient - well done in my Opinion!
The Quality is absolutely High End and Jay and Keith are helpfull on every question you have and really care about their Customers!
The Wildcard´s Geometry is quite on Spot for me. I´m 184 cm tall and mostly stuck between medium and large framesize. The slightly longer Toptubelength fits better overall when going for a medium frame. Honestly this was the reason, next to the Traveladjustment, which made my decision to go with the Banshee Wildcard. I´m super happy with it and it´s the best and most versatile, fun-offering Bike I ever had the chance to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jace The Ace
a Downhiller
from Auckland New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ironhorse, Fox Launch, SPCA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2899.00
Purchased At:
Torpedo7.co.nz
Strengths:
I have just been on a roadtrip around NZ and it handles the rough downhills of christchurch so awesome. with the travel feature for the rear shock it makes downhills so plush and jumps so smooth. Ive done a 6mtr long and 2mtr high jump and its feels so smooth and makes riding so much more enjoyable.
With the short wheelbase unlike most freeride bikes its easier for structures and the low geometry to the frame makes it prefect fo dirtjumping,. when i say i have bought for $2,899 its New Zealand currency.
Weaknesses:
I no longer take my hardtail to the bike parks!!
Bike Setup:
RockShox Domain 180mm, fox DHX 3.0, Alex dp40 rims, novatech hubs, funn grips,handle bars and stem, Gamut chain guide and bash gaurd, Sram x7 rear deraluir, Truvativ Hussefelt DH cranks.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a freeride bike you cant go past this one! It dirtjumps really well it does DH awesome NEVER ever had a problem with it. Makes riding so much more enjoyable!
AWESOME do it all, handle anything bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nfiorito
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay, ON Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merch, Aaron's Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Rollin' Thunder
Strengths:
Light, great build quality, the included "goody bag" of parts you get with a frame purchase, lively feel, strong, stiff rear-end, Banshee staff are top notch to talk to and deal with.
Weaknesses:
I dropped mine against the corner of a brick wall!! It dented!! Clearly though this is my weakness and not the bike's.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Switch, Rocky Slayer SXC and SS, Brodie Loki, SC Bullit, Kona Bass
Bike Setup:
08 Wildcard with RS Lyrik u-turn coil, manitou swinger x6 with Ti spring, DT Swiss wheelset, Hayes Stroker Trail Brakes, a fancy seat.
Bottom Line:
I have been waiting to buy this bike for a long time. Finally one of our distributors at the shop I work at had a bike that would work for everything I ride, which is mostly DH, FR, DJs (I have not really trail ridden this bike). After consultation with the extremely helpful and cooperative Banshee guys concerning size and usage, I purchased a small Red Wildcard frame and built it up with old and new parts.
This year found me out West at Whistler and Mt. Washington, and this bike was as much fun out there as it is on the local hill and *secret* dirt jump spot. After switching my bro-in-law for a lap on a rented 8" bike, I was reaffirmed that this bike was the best choice for me: not SUPER plush, but enough to enjoy the ride down through the braking bumps with plenty of pop and character to launch off jumps and whip around berms.
This bike has also increased my confidence at the DJ's immensely. I'm no trickster and have traditionally been a pretty huge chicken at the jumps, but I now feel comfortable negotiating some pretty large gaps and doubles (the largest spanning ~16ft), especially with the front end lowered down a bit from 160mm to about 130. I have eaten it hard several times this year and the Banshee has suffered zero damage, loose pivots, etc.
Glad I bought this bike. I should disclose that the Rocky Slayer SS was the other toss-up here I was deciding against, and I have ridden them a number of times during our demo and on friends' bikes. I would say I would have also probably liked a Slayer SS equally, but am not at all regretting purchasing the Wildcard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Linton
a Downhiller
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Humber DJS, blue mountain and switchback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Solutions
Strengths:
Its super light, the lightest fully frame i have ever ridden. super low stand over and super easy to spin. It handles like a hardtail but absorbs every bump.
Weaknesses:
NOTHING
Similar Products Used:
bottle rocket, most light hardtails, including block 8, dobs, and blk mrkts
Bike Setup:
Wildcard frame, domain set at 5 inches (soon to be a fox 36 talas) dhx air
Bottom Line:
the bottom line Amazing bike in general. it is the best all around bike, hits djs trails anything. the botttom line is that if your looking for a new bike, go buy it period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from Alberta Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight frame Great Geometry Loves to jump Easy to trick Stiff and strong Comes with Banshee service
This bike is amazing for 'slopestyle' type riding, it is easy to jump and rotate, and can take the crashes. What suprised me is how well the wildcard handles trail riding compared to my last bike, it is really good at cornering, and the really prgressive feel to the suspension makes it great for general freeriding. I'm absolutely loving this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sicco
a Weekend Warrior
from Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Winterberg, Germany
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
www.freeborn.co.uk
Strengths:
Everything you can think of. Look's good, feel's good, pedal's good, handle's good, ride's even better!! Perfect geo, very stiff, strong and light frame.
Weaknesses:
Perhaps the one(and only) weakness is the paint on the Team model, which scratches easely, but who care's?! Doesn't make the bike ride worse does it, and that's what matters.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized S-work's Enduro '06
Bike Setup:
Lyric 2 Step, Chris King hub's w/ DT Swiss 6.1D Rim's, X9/ X0 drivetrain, RF Atlas Crank, Hope M4 brake's, LG-1 Guide, Roco TST R Air shock.
Bottom Line:
Can't be beaten for the money. Yes the 4 bar may be out of date and over-rated, but it's simple, reliable and effective when proper setup it will bring a smile on your face. Wether your pinning some dirt jumps or slamming it down a tight downhill track, this beast can Do It All and come's back begging for more!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Hartshorne
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: February 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
kinver
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn England
Strengths:
light but very strong great welding excellent geometry to the frame rides fantastic on single track big jumps drops and downhill looks awsome
Weaknesses:
i used to have a scream and several other bikes but i dont need them anymore
Similar Products Used:
banshee scream kona stinky santa cruz jackal
Bike Setup:
wild card frame 66 rc2x fork white diablous cranks law pedals 729 rims diety stem bar and saddle hayes brakes
Bottom Line:
after riding this bike i relise i didnt really need my banshee scream with monster ts i can do 30 foot gap jumps pretty big drops north shore downhill and anything else you could wish to do on a mountain bike with the wild card it really is so versatile you can just have alot of fun on this bike from just messing about to going big its very strong, stif and fast. i really think it is the ultamate do it all fun bike and you cant beat banshee for price or quality. best bike i ever had WELL DONE BANSHEE !!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Hepbrun
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whistlersss
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-really really light -the frames geo lets the bike sit nice and low taking cornering and pumping to a whole new level, love it. -short cainstay makes it even more nimble and easyer to throw around in the air and on the ground. -strength -the welds are flawless and bike looks super tidy
The ultimate slopestyle bike, meaning it will handle the big hits but is also way light enough to throw around in the air or pump through tight dirt jumps. Another point is the acceleration and speed of the bike, its really does feel like a hardtail when putting the power down but the suspension is still there ready to take the hits.
bottom line is i love it, perfect for tricks, perfect for all out shredding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Soininen
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, SA, Australia Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ANYTHING BIG
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything. Surprises in every corner. Expecting a slopestyle bike i got a lightweight comfortable do it all machine. From riding tight dirt jumps, Crankworx slopestyle, big hits to the 100kms of downhill trails in Whistler BC this bike sucked it all up. I was pleasently surprised to see just how well the short rear end of the frame performed. the 5 to 6.5 inch travel adjustment made it a quick and easy change from dirt jump mode to downhill mode offering a very stiff to very soft travel.
Lightweight is its middle name. My bike is built up to 16kg on the mark and my friends 14.4kg which is around the 31 ibs mark with room for improvement which is great for the all day rides pushing bikes up mountains. Being light and having such a short rear end also makes it a lot easier and smoother for your 360 and flip style tricks. The first thought stepping onto this bike was hardtail, but softer. IS ONE TOUGH COOKIE
Weaknesses:
Still looking, the frame outlasted my forks, rear shock and wheel set. Is not a downhill bike.
Honestly nothing like i have ridden before. It is the best bike suited to myslelf. I love punching the downhill trails but spend a lot of my time hitting road gaps and dirt jumps. Considering it is not a downhill bike it was a lot smoother through rock gardens then i expected and far better then some of the downhill range leading company bikes.
Submitted by
Travis Vincent
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very strong frame very stiff laterally lightweight Looks amazing geometry is spot on very comfortable for jumping and steep DH riding stable at speed, yet nimble in corners low BB low standover beautiful CNC machining Great quality welds 5" and 6,5" travel with self adjusting geometry
Weaknesses:
Because this bike is so good at every style of riding, I no longer use my DH bike, as this is just as fast, and more fun to ride.
Similar Products Used:
Transition Bottlerocket Specialised SX Trail
Bottom Line:
I took a gamble and sold my bottlerocket to get on the new contender to the slopestyle throne, and I won!
The wildcard out preforms the bottlerocket in almost every way. It is much much better at high speed rough sections even in the 5" travel setting. I'm not sure why the suspension feels so much more supple on the small bumps and progressive on the big hits, but the Banshee guys have somehow managed to make a magic bike.
It jumps very similary to my bittlerocket, so very well in otherwords, and is jst as easy to 360 etc.. very flickable.
I also use the wildcard to ride the north shore trails, and rode it in whistler a lot last summer, it is a great trail bike, and feels very accurate on the tech trails.
If you only want to ride one bike ever again, get this bike! I'm not sure I will ever ride another bike!?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pavel Schwarz
a Racer
from Budejovice, Czech Republic Date Reviewed: November 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Spicak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
FRbikes.cz
Strengths:
Very light weight, but still strong, sexy design and geometry, low BB and short chainstay, 1.5" head tube, 2 travel setting, 5" and 6.5" for diferent riding styles, full length seatube, progresive suspension also good pedaling,ISCG 05 mounts
Weaknesses:
Non at all
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Chaparral, Norco six, Scream, only tested: Demo 7, Kona stinky, Howler
Bike Setup:
Wildcard size M, RS Domain U-turn 160-115mm, Race Face Evolve DH cranks, Spank Subrosa rims, novatec hubs, Maxxis minion 2.35, deore LX brakes, Spank and Funn components
Bottom Line:
Perfect play bike, for slopestyle and freeriding. You can also have a lot of fun on smoother local DH track. Best choice for bikeparks. With 5 inches travel sting is grate for dirt jumping. Its like jump like hardtail but with much more confidence. Its easy to pull all kind of tricks. Tanks to low BB and center of gravity and short chainstai it rails corner like hell. Longer top tube give you stability on huge airs and give you enough space for x-ups, barspins etc. Pedaling very well, with long seatpost and double chain ring it is no problem to make a all day enduro trip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob cole
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
esher shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
freeborn bikes esher
Strengths:
*awesome strength to weight ratio *nicely hydroformed tubing *1.5" head tube for versatility and strength *light enough for trail riding, burly enough for freeride and slopestyle *sweet geometry *2 travel setting, 5" and 6.5" with very different ride feel *suspension works great with air shock *full length seatube at last.... *sweet graphics and paint *suspension pedals very well..even up hills! *good cable routing *ISCG 05 chain device mounts
Weaknesses:
none so far...
Similar Products Used:
Scream, Chaparral, Wraith, Ollie, Johnson, Big Hit
Bike Setup:
Lyric 2-Step, Cane Creek Double Xc, Thompson 4X stem, EA-70 31.8mm bar, SRAM X-9, Avid Juicy 7 185mm, Saint cranks, E13 STS, Sun Singletracks on Hope Pro2 hubs, Syncros BHT 2.5" tires, Stan's No-Tubes, Syncros Mental alloy pedals = 35lb
Bottom Line:
frickin sick!
the bike i have waiting years for Banshee to finally make
its light, stupidly quick under power yet tough enough to hammer the cr*p out of
whether you are an awesome slopestyle rider, or want a mid-travel playbike light enough for trail riding, climbs and serious abuse this is it! good job banshee
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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