For those that dare to see whats on the other side the mountain. The Rune was made for the weekend adventurer to explore the back country. Escape the madness of the cities and urban sprawl and return to nature, restore your inner peace and go to the places most people will never see. This sturdy frame with amazing pedalling qualities will keep you pedalling all day and get you easily down the steepest mountain when its time to come home.
Frame: 6" travel, VF4B virtual pivot [greasable bushings], custom hydroformed tubes w/built in gussets, ISCG05, internally ribbed seat and chainstays Sizes: 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5" Colors: team black/polish, white, black ano, gold ano Weight: 7.0 lbs [medium w/o shock] more here http://bansheebikes.blogspot.com/search/label/Rune
Submitted by
mollystocks
a Weekend Warrior
from Escondido, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Bling
Strengths:
This bike is super stiff. The frame is light for a 6" travel bike. The linkage design is such that under pedaling forces it extends the suspension and forces the rear end into the face of the trail providing incredible traction.
Weaknesses:
Rear end tire clearance seems a bit tight. I do a lot of granny gear climbing which requires a little less sag than recommended.
The Rune is by far the best and the fastest bike I have ever ridden or owned. I found I can climb further up steep loose inclines because the suspension linkage drives the rear wheel into the trail providing additional traction. With a little body position manipulation step ups are very manageable. I used to get breaks on steep climbs from slippage, now the I have to stop because I am out of gas.
I was concerned about buying a longer travel bike because in SoCal bunny hopping is a big part of my riding and I didn't want to lose that. I run the rebound pretty fast and found the bike hops better than my others and then soaks the landings really well. I have also done some larger drops for me, 4 foot or so, and the bikes takes it no problem. The bike lips off of jumps with a very balanced feel and moves through the travel smoothly. I don't feel the hammock effect I feel on my other bikes. This bike descends exceptionally fast. It feels like it works through the rough terrain as opposed to my other bikes felt like the were dragging through the rough terrain. I have really noticed a difference in the braking attributes of the rear end as well. I don't get nearly as much brake jack as my other bikes which provides much more control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DQ
a Weekend Warrior
from WA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike can really do it all. I regularly spend a morning riding a tech XC loop, and the afternoon on national level DH courses. I've never had a bike before that could handle as many types of riding as the rune.
Suspension feels amazing, even under braking
Geometry feels spot on
the frame is strong and stiff
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Orange 5, Turner RFX, specialized demo 8
Bike Setup:
Talas 36, DHX coil
Bottom Line:
I am lucky enough to have several bikes, (all banshee now as I love their build quality and customer care) but the rune is the bike I ride most. If I'm going out on a ride, but don't really know what sort of riding to expect, I'll grab my rune, because it can handle it all. I am really really happy with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sideshowbob
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: October 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
fod,kinver,ribs,wyre,whatever
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn England
Strengths:
very stiff espescially the rear,good suspension,fast off the mark,turns real well and climbs superb,
at high speed and downhill even if very narly it is stable and well controled also anodized finnish is superb.
Weaknesses:
none so far its really well thought out.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Scream,Scythe,wildcard. and a kona stinky
Bike Setup:
medium Rune frame dhx5 air shock/fox 36 floats/721 rims/race face atlas freeride bars and cranks/juicy 7 brakes/bontrager bib earl 2.35 downhill case tyres and so on......
Bottom Line:
ON CROSS COUNTRY/ALL MOUNTAIN RIDES IT PEDALS WELL TURNS ON THE SPOT AND IS FAST AND WELL CONTROLED.
THE SUSPENSION IS SWEET AND THE DHX 5 AIR SHOCK IS PRETTY STRAIGHT FORWARD TO GET RIGHT.
IVE DONE 25 FOOT GAPS AND MEDIUM DROPS AND IT HANDLES THEM NO PROBLEM AND DESCENDS THE ROUGHEST TRACKS REALLY WELL.
THIS FRAME LIVES BEYOND ITS ALLMOUNTAIN TAG IT REALLY DOES HANDLE DOWNILL STUFF MUCH BETTER THAN A LOT OF BIGGER BIKES IVE TRIED.
THE FRAME IS STIFF AND STRONG AND HAS VERY GOOD GEOMETRY WHICH GIVES YOU LOADS OF COFIDENCE.
WITH THE VIRTUAL PIVOT STYLE SUSPENSION AS YOU HIT THE BACK BRAKE IT KIND OFF FEELS LIKE THE BRAKE IS NOT WORKING WHICH IS STRANGE BUT YOU SOON GET USED TO IT AND RELISIZE IT IS JUST THE REAR END STAYING ACTIVE UNDER BRACKING,AND IT IS A REAL NICE FEEL WHEN USED TO IT.
I THINK IF WE ARE ALL HONEST THEN 90 PER CENT OF US DONT NEED A BIG DOWNHILL RIG (I USED TO HAVE THEM).
THIS FRAME IS SO VERSITILE IT CAN HANDLE AND ACHIEVE MOST TYPES OF RIDING.
A REAL DO IT ALL BIKE. PERFECT !!!!
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE IS RE BORN.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
loneryda
a Weekend Warrior
from Mackay Australia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mt perry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Barspin imports
Strengths:
Front end is bombproof, Rad like tubing, t6 7005 strong as hell, Rear end laterally stiff very little mantainance required, looks smick as, Intergrated gussets are superb idea
Weaknesses:
Seat angle is a little too steep, 30.0 seat tube dia. is a pain not being able to use an adjustable seat post
Similar Products Used:
None in this class
Bike Setup:
Rune frame xl, fox 36 talas rc2's, xt everything for drive train,slx brakes 7 & 6 rotors, Race face cockpit (diabolous)d2 Stem 70 mm, 710 hb's, Xt am wheelset
Bottom Line:
Built tough for abuse, how many 6 inch bikes can weild the largest forks available? The rune can. Mine weighs 35 lb I drop the fork to 5 inches to climb and the rest of the time it's at full travel. I swap out the stems, tyres and cranks to a 50 mm stem, slx double and 2.5 inchers, lower the seat and viola! Mini FR/DH bike. I've done 15000 km's this year on it and had to replace 1 bush due to assembly fault. Hasn't looked like breaking in all the AM work I've done Totally confidence inspiring. Descents are it's strongest point and sprints really good. You just need some legs and lungs to get to the top and it's all worth it. Just like the bike.....worth it. I no longer lust for any bike, except something totally FR/DH with 7 or 8 inches to kill myself on. Oh and I really do ride that much too! I give it 5 for value cause there are alot of more expensive 6 ers out there too. Have spoken to Jay and Keith (engineer) real down to earth and funny guys who'll bend ova backwards 4 ya and in oz Darren is a real great guy to deal with he tries real hard to offer cust. service, no bull!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FullMonty
a Downhiller
from Surrey, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rear end is wicked stiff laterally. Handles predictably. Laughs at rock gardens and rooty chunder.
Weaknesses:
Suspension takes some time to dial. Didn't come with a Q/R seat collar.
Bottom Line:
This bike is strong and handles everything I've dished out so far. I have it built at about 33 lbs. and have no qualms taking over 20' gaps and 6' drops. My favourite thing about this bike is that it accelerates so well thanks to the VF4B design. Get the sag dialed in and pedal bob is a thing of the past.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimboworld
a Weekend Warrior
from Revelstoke ,BC Date Reviewed: August 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Super stiff rear end(no flex whatesoever),low standover,pivots can be serviced with a greasegun,iscg mounts,looks bombproof
Weaknesses:
suspension setup is a wee bit tricky
Bike Setup:
Large,anodized black,dhx 5.0,talas rc2,X0/XT,king headset,e13/blackspire dual ring chainguide set-up,lots of other swanky parts
Bottom Line:
Wow,Banshee has come a long way from the 50lbs tanks of yesteryear.
The Rune is still not the lightest rig around but it really doesn't matter.Just spend a few rides dialing in the suspension( the dhx had a tendency to blow through the mid-stroke until i figured it out)and you'll forget all about it.It climbs incredibly well considering the pretty slack head angle.Going down is what this bike is all about though-just point it down and release the brakes!!!.Just finished a trip in Rossland BC and there was nothing it couldn't handle-seven summits,flume,whooptidoo etc etc.
While it's not the cheapest bike around i'll give it 5 chillis for value cos it still comes in at less than comparable bikes such as the Nomad,RFX,el guapo that have a similar spec.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GR_Russia
a Cross Country Rider
from Solnechnogorsk Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wood-Alot
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
ManoMano
Strengths:
- Stiff rear end
- Good pedaling performance
- Small weight
- Quality
Weaknesses:
- Igus Pivots
- Don't work properly with DHX-Air
- Small tire clearence for dirty rides
Similar Products Used:
Yeti ASX, Norco Fluid LT, Jamis XAM
Bike Setup:
Proper AM build with Nixon Fork
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for replace my old Yeti AS-X. I want a better climber, first of all, and more lighter AM machine with not so DH geo.
Negatives sides of this frame.
1. Igus Pivots. I must to replace them after 1000 km of riding. Yes, they are cheap and may be in other rest world you can buy it easly, but not in Russia! IGUS Russian dealer don't work with simple customers and my Banshee's dealer doesn't help me. At the result i can't ride my bike two month. I made my own with third person, thank god what IGUS have drawings.
2. Don't work properly with DHX-Air
Yes, with this shock that frame have a bad support for middle stroke. You can't setup it properly, your bike would be or very plush, with pedalkick or very hursh, with good pedaling performance. If you have Rune with DHX-A change your HV camera to LW or buy the ISX6, as i did.
3. Small tire clearence for dirty rides. Here, in European part of Russia we have only couple months with good shiny weather and in other times my trails are very wet. Dirt collects in area of front derailleur big pieces and makes front cogs and chain wery dirty. Not good.
And in the end of my review i wrote about positives. Very good climber, very stable on high speed and tech. stuff. I love my frame and don't want to sell it, especially when i setup Evolver ISX. This shock open full potential of suspension design. Yes, may be this 6 inch travel machine not so plush, but enough for your gentle ass.
Sorry for my mistakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PHAlves
a Weekend Warrior
from Sao Paulo - Brazil Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Piracaia - all of then
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Total Bike
Strengths:
Great climbing skill, no bob at all, even with the propedal of. smothy to DH. stiffness. Light, for a 150 mm r/f travel
I'm 41 years old and love take my bike to epical all day rides, always over 40 km. After 4 year with c-dale, i've decided that was time for an up grade. By the guys in Cannondale did not, so I decided go with a new brand. Could not do better! The Rune is amazing. Lots of travel, excelent for climbing (and I climb a lot), even better for descends. Just point the bars and let it go. I'm not an agressive rider, but enjoy going fast dh. With a Rune, my confidence is growing day by day. The rear wheel is always in contact with the ground and the energy of pedaling gos imediatelly to the bike that acelerate very fast. Totally worthy the investment. Could not be happier. Tks Banshee. And if you're thinking to get one. Gor for it. You'll not regret.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ritopc
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anything anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Light, stiff, and strong. The geo is spot on for rough trail riding. 1.5 headtube, Accepts up to 180 mm forks. Pedals really good still is very plush.
Weaknesses:
Small size may have some issues fitting different shocks. Other than that, none.
Similar Products Used:
None, this bike stand out of the other bikes of the segment.
Bike Setup:
Small size, roco coil, zochi 66rc2x 170, 2.5/2.5 wheels. and some light heavy duty parts to compensate for heavier fork shocks. Burly built for light freeriding.
Bottom Line:
After 8 months of riding it, and tried air and coil shocks, all i can say is this bike rocks. With and air shock (evolver) the bike feels light (and it is indeed very light)and perfect for epic rides. With a coil shock this is a mini dh machine.
The bike is very playful and flickable, peddals great but is very plush on the downhill.
I have it set up with burly components, zochi 66, roco coil, hone cranks with dual chain guide, ds28 rims laced to hope pros 2, 2.5/2.4 wheels, thomson and syncros bits, etc etc. Once i got dialed suspension, this bike is the most fun i have ever had. It it so stiff it has a razor sharp feeling.
On the way up; it climbs really well. the only guys that can pass me are the xc racer boys. On the dh, it is a very competent bike; can go almost anywere 8in bikes can go, yet is lighter and more playable (sp?).
This is a FUN and versatile bike. XC? you can do it. AM? yo can do it. Drops, jumps, rock gardens? you can do it. And best of all, you´ll have lots of fun doing it. This bike very well executed.
And, the best part of it are the guys behind the company. They support a 110% their product and their customers. I am looking on getting a schyte at the end of the year for a full on FR bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slyp Dawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lakeview @ Pocahontas State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes, Chain
Strengths:
Amazing climbing ability, especially given how I have the bike set up (short stem, wide bars, non-adjustable fork, heavy tires, heavy tubes). compared to what I'm used to (a 4" travel XC geometry bike with a similarly short stem and similarly wide bars). I haven't noticed any of the pedal feedback that is supposed to come with using the granny gear on the Rune (Hammerschmidt produces the same pedal torque as a 22t regardless of which range you're in). Handling wise, the Rune just rails. lean it into a berm, leave the brakes alone, and it will respond very well. Jumping, well, despite having 2" more travel, a slacker HA, and more weight than my GT (said 4" travel bike), it seems to jump farther/higher with less run-up. getting it airborne is very easy, and the landings are very smooth. I don't have the suspension set up just yet, but once I do, I'm betting it is going to be flat out amazing.
Weaknesses:
this is down to the components I've chosen rather than te frame, but I have noticed that the star nut doesn't want to keep tension on the headset for very long. every ride there's a small amount of play. the Da Rection 1.5R headset is a cartridge-bearing-based headset rather than a loose bearing race sammiched between the headset cups and a bearing race that fits on the fork, so I can't forsee any damage being done until I start jumping big stuff, but it is irritating
Similar Products Used:
nothing I've ever owned can compare to this, but I have ridden a bud's coil sprung Nomad which was a bit oversprung for me.
Bike Setup:
'08 Large Team colors Rune, Evolver ISX-6 shock, Fox 36 VAN RC2 (1-1/8" steerer), Da Bomb Da Rection 1.5reducer headset, Sunline V1AM 50mm stem, Sunline V1 risers (19mm rise, 29.5" wide), Hayes Stroker Ace brakes (V8 up front V7 in the rear), MTX29 rims laced to a Nuke Proof Generator up front and an NS bikes Coaster Mk.II Pro 135x10mm bolt up rear, limited edition gold Sram X.0 short cage rear derailleur, X.9 shifters, Hammerschmidt AM cranks, WTB Weirwolf 2.5 tires, Michelin DH tubes, and some other misc interesting bits.
Bottom Line:
I would definitely reccomend this frame to anyone in the market for a true do-it-all bike, as long as they weren't going to be doing the Red Bull Rampage or Crankworx or world cup-level DH on it. very beefy, no flex whatsoever, great suspension, yet light and flickable enough to be ridden all day. (provided your saddle doesn't start hurting your bum due to a lack of padded shorts...) It was a bit pricey to build outright, but that's what happens when you go with top-shelf stuff the first time around (my motto is to build it right the first time so you don't need to build it right the second or third time). regardless, it only gets 4 flaming chilis for value because while it is a great bike and a lot of bike, it is also a LOT of money. overall, however, if I could give it 50 flaming chilis, I would, because so far at least it seems to deserve each one of them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wilkez
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Elk-thurston
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
trident sports
Strengths:
The Rune frame burly frame that can handle abuse, making it great for trails in BC (what we call XC most places would consider extreme). The virtual 4 bar pivot rear suspension design pedals very well especially with Manitou SPV rear shock. There is very little pedal bob and the rear wheel tracks to the ground keeping traction up technical climbs. The rear end on this bike is one of the stiffest I have every ridden and keeps the bike handling well at speed and while cornering. On descents, the 6 inches of travel is plenty for almost any trail I have ridden. The 67 degree head angle is very slack for an all mountain bike and makes the bike comfortable on steeper terrain. Also, the frame is available in beautiful colours (anodized gold!), which is always a plus.
Weaknesses:
67 degree head angle is not the most ideal for long or steep climbs. A travel adjustable fork is a necessity to make this a true all-mountain bike. The rear suspension design is not the most plush I have ridden, however a coil rear shock may change that feel but you will have to sacrifice some weight and pedalling performance. With that said, the virtual 4 bar pivot design is excellent and I favour it over any other I have tried. The price is higher than many of the bigger company all-mountain bikes out there.
Similar Products Used:
Norco fluid and fluid LT, turner 6pack, rocky mountain element, kona coilair
Bike Setup:
Manitou Nixon 6” fork with TPC+ and rebound adjustment, Manitou swinger air X3 rear shock, a stock “all mountain” build kit from the distributor which includes SRAM X9/X7 drivetrain, truvativ cranks (garbage!!!), avid juicy 7 brakes, alexrims front and ear, WTB prowler ties (also garbage).
Bottom Line:
The rune is one of the best “do it all” bikes I have ridden. I have climbed it on 10 hour epic alpine rides, hucked 8 foot drops, jumped in bike parks, shred the north shore (my regular trails), raced down 1300m vertical shuttle trails at 55km/h and have never doubted the abilities of the Rune. I bought the bike a year ago as my one and only bike that I would ride all types of trails on and it has not disappointed. If you are looking to buy a single bike you will be comfortable riding 99% of the trails you will ever encounter, I highly recommend the rune.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
starrman72
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane,qld,australia Date Reviewed: June 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
gap creek road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
brisbane botique bik
Strengths:
awesome handeling, great all rounder. The way the rear linkage works is brilliant. Rock gardens are smooth.
Weaknesses:
the rider
Bike Setup:
single front ring, sram x9,
Bottom Line:
Great bike for those who want an awesome all rounder super fun bike. I came from a cannondale rush so the ride is totally different and it took me a while to get used to the handling. I found I needed to put my weight further forward and that helped a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harveyp
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Queensland Australia Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gap Creek Brisbane
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Brisbane Boutique Bi
Strengths:
An awesome bike which will go anywhere. Gives the rider heaps of confidence when descending and sticks like the proverbial to a blanket when hammering through all trail conditions.
Weaknesses:
None observed to date!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance X but does not have the toughness of the Rune'
Bike Setup:
Totem Solo Air Forks, DHX5 Air shock, Code Brakes w/8" rotors, Mavic 721 rims, Maxxis ADvantage 2.4 tyres, XT Cranks, X9 shifters with X9 front mech & rear X9 derauiler, Crank Bros Platform C pedals, Diety Dirty Thirty x 710mm bars and DH stem, Velo saddle and Gravity lock-on grips, SRAM DH cassette and chain
Bottom Line:
A fantastic bike which will take you anywhere - up and down!! A big thanks to Jay & Keith at Banshee for fitting me up with a great bike and the rewards they are offering Banshee riders to post a review on MTBR. You don't have to be a young gun to ride this bike, I am about to turn 60 and I just love the thrill of riding it (even though I am slowing down!!). Final say - Get On Board and have mountains (excuse the pun) of fun!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
addy
a Downhiller
from bristol Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
mynydd du
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
UK freeborn
Strengths:
The rune is the perfect all rounder. If you have to own one bike I'd firmly recommend this over many others. It handles technical DH and twisty sections excellently, I love the way as soon as you lean the bike over it corners excellently sharply. It is a joy to ride and is light, lively and responsive. The bike accelerates well and feels snappy of the line when putting the power down. It also handles fair sized drops from 10 to 12 foot with ease and provides confidence.
On the twist side swap the wheels for a lighter XC set up and put the saddle up the rune turns into a different beast. It can climb well and pedal efficiently making an excellent XC or trail centre bike.
The overall finish to the bike is excellent, it is easy to maintain with changable bushing which can be greased via the grease ports at the pivot points.
Overall if you had to own one bike. This would be it.
Weaknesses:
The ony downside is it takes time to tune the rear shock to find its perfect point. Running the bike with an air shock makes the bike lighter and lively however the shock needs to be tuned in correctly to ensure the bike does not blow through the travel. I'd recommend putting a shorter stem on the bike if you purchaise the bike with the build kit at the 80mm stem provided does not do the bike justice.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee scream, Banshee Legends, Iron Horse Sunday, Commencal Mini DH, Lapiere Spicy, Lapiere Froggy, Specialized SX Trail
Excellent all rounder which is perfectly suited to DH and XC.
If you have to own one bike. This is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Knnn
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: June 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Natural High
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
On Top (north vancou
Strengths:
Light frame
Peddles very well, instantaneous forward motion, little loss of power, great traction
I am now starting to enjoy technical climbing, because of this bike
Frame and rear triangle appear to be very rigid (laterally)
The rear end is so composed I do not have to run a chain tensioner. This bike very rarely drops it’s chain.
Black anodized finish looks great and seams to wear well
Not as common as Reign X’s and Nomads
Good geometry for AM/light freeride use on the North Shore
Grease ports!
Clean straightforward cable routing
Long uninterrupted seat post
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC2
Bike Setup:
Medium Rune
Manitou ISX-6 Evolver
Fox 36 Van RC2 (1.5)
FSA Orbit Extreme Pro
Brakes Elixer CR’s (duel 8 inch)
Truvative aka 60mm stem
Chromag OS Fubar (730 mm)
Chromag Lynx saddle
Banshee (Funn?) seat post
Hope seat post QR
Shimano SLX Cranks
V-Sixty’s (same as MG-1’s)
XT Cassette
X9 front Shifters
X7 Front Derailer
X9 Rear Derailer
Mavic EN 521’s
Hope Pro 2’s
Foldable (single ply Kevlar) Big Earl Bi Gums (with tubes)
ODI Ruffian Lock-on’s
Total weight 32.9 Lbs
Bottom Line:
I’m 5’10” 165 lbs and the medium frame with 60 mm stem is a perfect fit. This bike climbs well and also descends well and in IMHO is a perfect AM/ light freeride bike for the North Shore. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy riding this freaking bike. If you are looking for a single, do it all bike, and need something that can tackle Cypress, this may be the bike for you. This bike is definitely the Mutt’s Nuts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrea F.
a Weekend Warrior
from Biella ITALY Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Many good things to say:
-Pedal really well
-It goes down even better
-Low center of gravity
-very versatile like a true all mountain bike must be
-Perfect VPP suspension sistem
-Stiff and reliable like all Banshee bikes.
Weaknesses:
It does not have a standard seat post diameter so it is not possible to mount a Joplin for example. I had the same problem with my previous Chapparal frame.
I've seen lighter frames coming out in 2009 in the all mountain category.
I Have a large frame, it fit me nice but i have to extend the seat post at maximum height, the seat tube could be a little longer compared to other frames in the same size in my opinion.
Similar Products Used:
Banshee Chapparal, Yeti 575 and Santa cruz hecler from friends.
Bike Setup:
FOx Van RC2 fork, fox dhx air rear shock,sram x9 and xtr components, raceface 90mm atlas AM stem, mavic crossmax sx 2009 wheels, Schwalbe fat albert 2,35 tires
Bottom Line:
I use the bike as my "Do it all bike" and for the time beeing is the best frame I had, After more than 2000 Km I never had a problem.
The Rune has a perfect geometry for any kind of trail, from bike parks to xc trails with friends.
Tecnical downhills is where the bike really shine but at the same time it pedal with non bobbing really well. With my standard set up the weight I guess it's around 32/33" with pedals, It could be better but you never feel the weight.
I like the look of the bike a lot even if I would be nice to see a 2010 version with a more curvy and sexy top tube, a bit lighter frame, and a standard seat post diameter, but are only details, the substance it's already perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Acme54321
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99999999.00
Purchased At:
EPed
Strengths:
This frame is really well built and designed. The bushings have been worry free and make for a really stiff frame. Any flex in this frame isn't noticeable. The bike pedals really well and climbs much better than the bike I had before this one (Transition Covert). This thing also descends and eats up the rough stuff like there is no tomorrow. The bike tracks really well though rough terrain, it feels like it just sticks to the ground. The 1.5 headtube is nice as well.
Weaknesses:
None really.
Similar Products Used:
Transition Covert
Bike Setup:
Medium Rune
1.5 Vanilla 36 RC2
Manitou Evolver ISX6
Kenda Nevegals
Mavic XM321s laced to XT/Funn Hubs
XTR shifters, XT Shadow R Der, XT F Der
RaceFace Atlas Cranks
185mm Juicy 7s
Thomson Post, Gravity Lite Stem and Bar
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. For the reasonable price I don't think it can be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ekoostick
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
18 Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
One of the best full suspension designs I have ever ridden. It took a little bit to get the rear suspension dialed and once it was set, the bike just floated over everything.
Weaknesses:
With the suspension setup wrong, I had a lot of chain growth. Once I played around with the shock (Manitou Evolver) and got it set for me, it was unbelievable.
Manitou Evolver rear shock with a Rock Shox Lyric front. All SRAM with some nice Chris King wheels.
Bottom Line:
I thought I hated this bike at first. The chain would constanty pull back and I would have to hike-a-bike it up a hill. I was ready to sell it but thought I should make sure it was setup right. After reading about the Evolver and learning how off my setup was, I readjusted and rode. The bike was 100% better and I was super confident in no time. A few 2000' climbs have made me realize that this frame is perfect for all mountain riding. It rides as well up as it does down.
I should mention that I shot a few messages to Jay (Banshee) and Shin (Trident) and the responses were within the hour! Not a better company out there in my opinion!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bbkr
a Cross Country Rider
from 3City, Poland Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
www.7anna.com.pl
Strengths:
Position on the bike feels very secure both at low and high speeds.
Frame has awesome turning capabilities, suspension is doing great job keeping wheels on the ground all the time during turns on bumpy ground. It takes time to get used to that traction. Forget your hardtail habits of praying during turns :)
Jumping is pleasant. I'm not a pro rider and this frame is very forgiving. No matter how I messed up the landing, I never faceplanted or fell on my back.
Floating pivot does it's job and after locking floodgate in front shock it feels like hardtail when stepping on pedals.
Weaknesses:
None found.
Bike Setup:
Manitou Metel RP coil rear shock. RockShox Revelation dual air front shock. Sun MTX rims with Nokian NBX tires.
Bottom Line:
After putting all the parts together i took first ride. Got back home after 13 hours. Just couldn't stop riding... The versatility of this frame is AMAZING! I can speed through city leaving scared people and honking drivers behind. I can race on bike track with guys wearing tights (where do they come from?) showing them their place in line. I can go to forest trails and try some jumps.
Now one word about the frame sizing. Banshee guys advised me (fast response) small one or medium if used with short stem. So I got medium size frame with NS Quark stem, NS Habanero 700mm wide handlebar and 130mm fork. And this setup fits me (176cm/100kg) perfectly.
My advice is: Don't try to elongate the frame by using long stem - you will mess up geometry. Also get the widest handlebar available so you can control this one-point-five tube standard monster.
That's my first full. And my first Banshee. All I have to say is that I'm not going back :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dingo2024
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorkshire UK Date Reviewed: July 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stainburn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Freeborn
Strengths:
Light weight, very stiff and strong, excellent pedal platform, very plush rear end
Weaknesses:
keep getting stopped on the trail as everyone wants to ride it!
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose teocali
Bike Setup:
Rune frame size small with Fox DHX 5 air shock (with Lizard skin)
Rockshox Pike 454 air u turn
Hope M4 brakes 200mm front 180mm rear rotor with Goodridge braided hoses
Thomson X4 70mm stem
Easton Havoc DH bars
ODI ruffian grips
Cane Creek Double Xc headset
XT cranks with C3 Products crank protectors 22 / 32 rings
Shadow rear mech med
XT cassette 11-34
Gamutt bashring
KMC 9l chain
Stans ZTR Flow rims on Hope Pro2 hubs
Panaracer Rampage tyres (with tubes)
Bully Bikes magnesium pedals (from my bmx days)
Praxys seat post (will be changed to a gravity dropper)
WTB Pure V saddle
Hope QR seat clamp
Specialized Enduro 05/06 chain stay protector
Bike weighs 31.5lbs as is.
Bottom Line:
this IS the best bike I have ever riden; better than the DH bikes I used to race Nationally for going down and climbs with the best of them. A true all rounder and capable of pretty much anything-the only question is; are you good enough for the Rune?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gunnar-man
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
It is a Banshee, low center of gravity, smooth ride, good cable routing, very stiff
Weaknesses:
Noisier than hell on the descents; virtual pivot rear triangle design with SRAM rear derailleur can make it difficult to remove rear wheel
Ano gold frame,08 Fox Van RC2, Evolver ISX6, X9 with Raceface Altas,729s on Hadley hubs, Gravitydropper seat post
Bottom Line:
I am always leery of being the first to try a new model but so far it has been money well spent. This is my second Banshee and I love this one. It rails nicely in turns, nice lower centre of gravity and feels very flickable. I have ridden it mostly on trails and one weekend at Silverstar resort and it has been great.
I have also been impressed with the Evolver rear shock. I originally ordered a DHX Air but they were out of stock and only had this shock available. It was $200 cheaper without the DHX and I am glad I took it now.
I do find it a noisy bike on descents though, which is due to the rear triangle. THis is the same as the Nomads, VP Frees and Reigns I have ridden though.
All in all, I would recommmend it to anyone lookin for a 6inch do-it-all bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Baxter
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Feels really comfortale to ride with the saddle up, but when you drop the saddle, the bike feels almost like a DHbike. Great pedaling efficiency, amazing bump sensitivity, and can take big hits (8 foot drops to tranny) comfortably. The pivots work great, and have no signs of wear in the bushings yet even tho I have done over 100 miles a week riding since I got it.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullet, Specialised SX
Bottom Line:
I love my Rune, it is a fantastic bike do do all my riding from XC days in the mountains to downhilling with mates. I can't really fault it, it is much better than anything I have owned before.
Not only is does this bike ride amazingly well, but it seems to inspire me with confidence to push a little bit further than I ever dared before, especially cornering at speed, ir just rails round them.
I love this bike, hats off to Banshee for creating such a fine piece of kit. I wasn't sure about getting a banshee at first, but all my doubts have been proved wrong, this bike is perfect for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Bristol, UK Date Reviewed: February 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiffness, INCREADIBLE pedaling efficiency, and yet it goes sooo fast, and feels comfortable in the downhills, active suspension while braking, looks great, is light and strong. the pivot axle design is fantastic simplicity and works a treat!
Weaknesses:
N/A
Similar Products Used:
Specialised SX, Commencal meta5, Giant Reign
Bottom Line:
This frame is superb, It feels like it has as much travel as my old giant on the downhills, but is stiffer when it comes to side loading, and pedals better than any of my previous bikes. the braking is as good as my specialised SX was, infact it feels a bit better balanced on the steep tech downhills. It climbs like a pure XC bike.
I really can't fault this bike, it is clear that a lot of thought and good engineering has gone into it, and I am very very happy I chose this bike as my new steed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean W
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Ridge, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Snakes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Maple Ridge Cycle
Strengths:
Relatively light @ 7.2lbs with shock stiff laterally, smooth suspension, bottomless feeling, bushing suspension pivots with grease ports,1.5" head tube, great angles for climbing and descending, low center of gravity, ISCG tabs, 73mm BB, 135mm rear end, great stand-over, hydroformed down tube, simple cable routing, replaceable hanger, clean understated painted on graphics, good product support
Weaknesses:
None really.
Similar Products Used:
2002 Norco Atomic, Santa Cruz Heckler, Norco Six, Santa Cruz Bullit, Devinci Ollie, Santa Cruz Blur
Bike Setup:
2008 Small Rune Frame (team colors: black and polished), Manitou ISX-6 Evolver shock, 2006 Fox 36Van RC2 fork, FSA Orbit Extreme Pro reducer headset, Easton EA70 bars,Easton Vice stem, XO shifters, Juicy 7 brakes with carbon lever ti bolts. 8" front / 7" rear, ODI ruffian grips, WTB Rocket ti saddle, Praxxis post, XT front mech, XO mid cage rear mech, XT 175mm cranks 32/22 Envy bash, Axiom road gap pedals, SRAM PC99 chain, XT rear cassette 12-34, DT 5.1 King 20mm front, DT5.1 King HD axle funbolt rear, Minion DHF Kevlar front and rear 2.35 Total weight is 33.5lbs
Bottom Line:
When I discovered the Rune, it looked really good on paper, in pictures and the specs were exactly what I wanted in a bike....something to get me up the hill with no muss, no fuss just relatively easy to pedal up that would then descend well. Once I had the bike built, I was amazed, in fact blown away at how well the Rune climbs. Whether it is on smooth gravel, false flat climbs or steep technical climbs, the Rune tackles them all without any issues. The angles are spot on for climbing quite steep sections of trail even with a somewhat high front fork (Fox 36VAN RC2). The bike is a wicked climber. Everyone that has thrown a leg over my bike has said WOW, that thing is good.
What is even better is how it goes down hill. No brake jack/squat, active rear end and a bottomless progressive feel to the rear end. The angles are once again spot on for riding steep stuff or even mellow trails downhill. The length of the bike is perfect for riding reasonably fast downhill without getting sketchy but is short enough for tight trails. The perfect medium. The low COG makes the bike an absolute dream to rail turns. Personally I ride everything from sweet smooth flowing single track to steep gnarly rocky rooty terrain with drops, gap jumps and skinnies. With this bike I can ride it all with complete confidence in my bike.
The frame is well priced and as bonus Banshee is somewhat of a indie brand being not so common place as other bike brands. I have a feeling this may change as more people see hear and taste the Rune.
If you are in the market for ONE bike, this may very well be the perfect bike for you. Strong, light, 6" of suspension that climbs and descends exceptionally. It is a bike designed and engineered by a real engineer that truly listens to what most riders have asked for in a true enduro do-it-all bike. Banshee has nailed this one with near flawless execution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave McHenry
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
river runs through it
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Pedaling efficiency, lateral stiffness, geometry fits me perfectly, looks beautiful in real life, I've crashed hard several times on this bike breaking forks etc, and the frame still looks brand new. Use of bushings and grease ports works perfectly.
Banshee Rune, fox Talas 36 DHX air sram drive saint cranks formula brakes
Bottom Line:
This is without a shadow of a doubt the best bike I have ever ridden for trail riding and all day epics, the funny thing is that its also one of the best climbing bikes I have ever had the pleasure of being on, and it descends better than the DH bike I sold to get it, I just can't fault it!
It is in my opinion the best bike i the world today!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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