It's strong enough to dance on winding Shore style stunts and tame gravity at bike parks, yet still light enough to be able to grind out those big epic rides and rip up single track. The Chap suspension geometry can adapt to both coil and air shock compression rates by adjusting the rocker pivot position. With a coil over shock, 7" DC fork and tight, Scream inspired geometry, the Chap has amazing traction and is incredibly plush and predictable on high speed stutter bumps, tight single track and "Shore Style" drops.
Submitted by
need2ridemore
a Weekend Warrior
from Forest City, NC Date Reviewed: October 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Rock - DSF
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Super Stong frame! I am BIG guy and this frame has taken everything I have dished out. Nice machine work, tight. Climbs well with Romic
Weaknesses:
For what it is used for NONE.
Similar Products Used:
Haro X3, Knoa Stinky
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1-FR w/ETA fork, Romic shock, Hand built Velocity heavy metal wheelset, Truvativ cockpit, Sram X9 drivetrain w/Saint crank, Hayes 9HD brakes
Bottom Line:
I have a 04 model and it is the best bike I have owned. It climbs well and descends much better. After I the suspension was setup correctly (for my weight) it really set it self apart from all others I had tested. The 4-Bar rear end really smoothes out the bumps and soaks up the drops. The powder keg head tube is very beefy and really resists ovalizing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big_mountain_biker
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Northstar - Flameout
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Extremely strong, super stiff, perfect geometry for an AM/FR bike.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, interrupted seat tube.
Similar Products Used:
Ibex Atlas, Santa Cruz Nomad, Specialized Enduro SL
Bike Setup:
DHX 5.0, Marzocchi 66 Light ETA, Formula The One, Saint crank/rear mech, Halo SAS Wheelset, XT shifters, Titec Pyro Scoper seatpost, Thomson 70mm stem, WTB Dissent 2.5"
Bottom Line:
I'm a big dude (>300 lbs) and like to ride hard, but still need to climb. I didn't think that anyone made a bike that would work for me until I discovered the Chaparral. I have the 2007 model with 6" or 7" of travel, I keep it in the 6" mode for the lower leverage ratio.
When I stand and mash on any other bike the frame flexes like nobody's business. Not so with this thing, sure its heavy but so am I. I currently have it built to over 40 lbs but it feels much, much lighter because the energy I'm putting into pedaling isn't being used to flex the frame to and fro. With the DHX 5.0 it also has minimal bob.
I routinely take the bike on 20 mile XC rides and hit the DH runs at Northstar with no issues. I highly recommend an adjustable travel fork with this frame because it does fine with a 140mm as well as a 170mm fork.
The interrupted seat tube is definitely a pain, I am not a fan of telescoping seatposts. You also can't get a Speedball/Joplin for it because of the 30mm seat tube. You can obviously run a Gravity Dropper, but I am not willing to trust a 27.2mm seatpost and a shim with my heft.
So depending on the type/size of rider you are this bike is either a godsend or just way overbuilt. If you are a light rider looking for an all-mountain bike look elsewhere, if however you are a big guy looking for a stiff bike that can be pedaled up and bomb down then I don't think there is a better bike on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbManiak
a Downhiller
from Provo, UT, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Squaw
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Biggest strength is the strength of the frame! This thing is a monster, overbuilt in just the right places, huge headtube, ribbed chainstays, but still light enough to be a very agile bike. This thing jumps like no other.
Weaknesses:
I had a hard time finding a new rear shock besides the Romic to run. The small frame cannot fit a shock with a reservoir like all the new shocks have. I also had trouble with the rear swingarm tapping my seatpost under full compression (solved by making a bumper out of a bike tube).
Similar Products Used:
New Banshee Wildcard
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 RC2, Marzocchi Roco 3PL rear shock, syncros wheelset.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike, I got two great years out of it, and it was the best bike I had ridden up to that point. I rode it All mountain, raced it, hucked it, did dirt jumps... you name it. It is such a great bike and if you find a good deal on one I would highly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007
This is the best pure freeride frame I owned. Indestructible and flashy-looking. Frame is stable at high speeds and nimble through streep, technical descents. Despite its weight, there is almost no pedal bob and thus it climbs efficiently. I had the 6 inch travel. I imagine the 7 inch is even better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cooch
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tewantin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
www.xxiv.com.au
Strengths:
Frame is exceptionally well built and super strong. 8mm thick head tube walls, big CNC'd drop outs, super gusset welds and appropriate walled tubing. Incredibly well thought out and tested geometry. Can build it as downhill, freeride or super-tough all mountain.
10 year warranty! Nuff said.
Weaknesses:
Nothing at all really. Some riders have bagged the paint and overall finish, but I find it just right. The only real weakness is the broken seat tube, requiring a telescopic seat post. It can get frustrating at times when you want to raise the saddle for a climb or long XC ride. I keep my saddle slammed most of the time, so I should just get one seat post.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Santa Cruz Nomad.
Bike Setup:
I built my bike as a Heavy Duty - All Mountain - Freeride. Final weigh in 19kgs, with the following. Marzocchi 66 RC2 with ETA, Hope headset. Hope hubs laced to single track rims. Hussefelt bb and cranks. Sram components and WTB saddle. I've to a Medium frame and I'm 1.75m and 72kgs (82kg with gear). I'm also running the Manitou Intrinsic Air as the rear shock.
Bottom Line:
My God - this is an incredible machine!! With the build I adopted, I can do everything on this bike - even whip my chicken legged XC friends on the short blasts on flat sections. This bike drops and flies so straight, true and controllable and just eats up the landings.
The gnarlier, rockier, steeper it gets, the bike just comes into its own! It crushes rockgardens and takes drops so effortlessly. What previously scared you, is dusted off with so much ease, you'll be looking to step up your riding at every opportunity.
The 66's on the front were an excellent choice for this frame. Don't sell the frame short and get any less travel. 180mm travel or more is required on this frame - perfectly matching the rear end travel and geometry. With ETA (forks) on my bike, you can also climb quite steep technical terrain too - especially if you stop and raise your saddle.
The bike gives you that plush lounge-chair like feel on really nasty terrain, but without compromising its handling, feel and intuitiveness. The best bit is, when you make a mistake - the 7 inches of travel and the weight of the bike will save your arse - all you have to do is lean right back over the bike, hit the rear brakes and the bike does the rest - kind of like auto-save-your-arse stop!
The geometry is so good, you'll be hitting berms like you're on a 4X bike, doing jumps like you're riding motocross and still having that great feel to be able to wheelie, roll skinny shore/ramps and take that huge drop.
I'm absolutely loving it. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DD Monkey
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
DH3 Aston Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Second hand frame only
Strengths:
Clearly a very well made and thought out frame, strong, nice paint finish. Once built up the handling is sharp and the ride very quiet. Feels lively and straight away I was hitting jumps and drops with confidence, great fun!
Just a great fun freeride bike from the moment I got on it, strong, quiet, nimble. Suspension action is very plush for small stuff without feeling soggy or bottoming out on the drops. Yet to try full on DH with it but its not a race bike anyway. Money well spent. I am a Banshee convert.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
westwood tom
a Weekend Warrior
from gilford ct usa Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
orange ta yello ta red ta green ta blue ta...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
bullydog bikes
Strengths:
Strengths... Yeah lookit the frame. There's no metal under 1/4" anywheres... Fox 5 DHX Coil... Bullet Proof... Balanced... A bike to be ridden.
Weaknesses:
Piss poor paint job. But then you don't care so much when you drop 'er in the dirt.
Similar Products Used:
I had a tank ride once...
Bike Setup:
Marz 66 Light, Saint Cranks, DT FR w/Onyx Hubs, Hope Stem, Hayes 9 brakes, Panaracer 1.75 XC tires (kidding), Race Face Bars, King Headset What else?
Bottom Line:
I must work to keep up with the AM boyz... Until the trail tilts downward. Then, I cin hear the Banshee Scream on the front as the trees and trails become a blur. Drops? bigger. Bumps? not noticable. Bike is quiet and powerful. Climbs okay, does trails okay, but when you need balance, strength, and fortitude... This bike rocks. It's fast & the funnest. It's not the right bike for everything. Its the right bike for menacing terrain that would crush udder weakling trail bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kir
a Downhiller
from Russia Moscow Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Timmano
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
Frame 2006, Fox 36 van rc2, hayes 9 ctr
Bottom Line:
Wonderful full suspension bike with real good parametrs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrea
a Weekend Warrior
from Italy Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Geometry Suspension system Easton tubes Versatility of the frame Look
Weaknesses:
Just to write one the paint is not very solid, but I like to have the bike a little scratched and used like a pair of jeans, so for me it is not really a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
the last two: An Ellsworth joker and a Scirocco, which is another good bike from Banshee.
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 coil fork,xt and truvativ components,avalanche twintube rear shock ,formula oro brakes,mavic crossmax wheels and wtb mutano raptor 2.24 tires. FUNN viper pedals
Bottom Line:
The 2006 Chaparral is the best and most versatile bike I have ever had, I'm 1.89 Cm tall and the XL frame is perfect for my height, it is not too big as other XL frames I had and is the first good thing because I'm in the middle between LARGE and XL. The bike has something special in its geometry,it pedals very well and at the same time has a freeride attitude that inspires you confidence when it is time to go down,technical things are a joke compared to other full suspended bikes I had. I wanted to build an aggressive all mountain bike and that's what I did,the bike weights around 35/36" with standard and solid equipment. The Chaparral suspension system works great, very firm when you go uphill but still very responsive downhill, the avalanche twin tube rear Shock works very well, it's not too heavy and I forgot to have it. When I go to bike parks I use larger tires and I have another bike,that's why I said that it is the most versatile bike I have ever had. I hope that Banshee will build more all mountain frames in the future,but until now the Chap is great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BamsheE66
a Weekend Warrior
from G-Town Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
burly, stifness, geometry, looks, versatility.
Weaknesses:
none, i love this bike.
Bike Setup:
Banshee Chaparral, vanilla r, 66rc 170 mm, SIC stem and bar(camodized), Truvativ Howitzer cranks, Azonic xtension pedals, Atomlab pimp rims with IRC trailbear tires and 07 Formula ORO k18 brakes. sweeet set up.
Bottom Line:
This bikes is just plain awesome, rides great, climbs great, jumps like no other and its just fun to ride on any type of trail. Can be set up in many different ways to accomodate styles of riding. I would like to say my set up is in between light and heavy but i havent weight it yet. Get one, bad ass bike for the money. and you have the liverty to build it as an XC or freeride bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Downhiller
from north carolina Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
recycles bike shop greensboro
Strengths:
super burly frame with awsome dhx 5.0 shok. rearend is ultra stiff. great on downhill, freeride, dirt jumps, slopestyle and all mountain. great warranty
Weaknesses:
none after 6 months and a brutal dh season
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky dee lux
Bike Setup:
66 light eta, shimano drive train, e 13 srs, race face dh crank, clim8 brakes 8in front 6in rear with shimano saint brake levers, fizik freek saddle, ect
Bottom Line:
the frame is super strong and worth the money. its listed as a freeride trail but ive hit 25ft hucks and big dirt jumps on mine and not had any problems. best bike ive ever owned
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Solid, well built
Weaknesses:
heavy for my riding
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Slayer, Cannondale Gemini, Bullit, Stinkys
Bike Setup:
Sherman DC, Fox DHX3, SRAM drivetrain, raceface, mavic 729 and Juicy 7's
Bottom Line:
I have have this bike for over two years now and it has been bombproof. The geometry is bang on for me for XC riding and turns into a dh bike with a matter of lowering my seat. I have had some clearance issues with my front derailleurs and chain line since day one. My LX derailleur never worked well(either it rubbed on the rear tire or the bottom pivot pushed it out too far and it would rub on the chain. Also happened with my new SRAM X Gen but I have been able to fix that by grinding out a notch on the back of the derailleur) That also was affected by the set up of hte cranks. They had to be fine tuned just right to keep the chainline rideable and not have the cranks rubbing on the chainstay or the chain rubbing on the derailleur cage. I have been able to get it perfect but there is not alot of room for error. I also have a small dent in my downtube from a rough ride in the back of a pickup on a rough road but it is small and I doubt it will affect it adversely. If it does, I will buy an '06 or '07 because this bike is the right one for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeebar
a Cross Country Rider
from Cairo, Egypt Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The Caldron
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
through friend
Strengths:
Very strong, well made, very affordable and even though it is heavy it is fun on the techincal terrain.
Weaknesses:
It is the ugliest bike I think I have seen along with the scream.
Similar Products Used:
Orange 66, Commencal Supreme 6.1 DH, Nicolai Nucleon and Scott Randsom Ltd.
Bike Setup:
Romic coil shock, Magura Wotan 160mm fork, Deemax wheels, Kenda Blue Groove tyers, Sram X0 (06) drivetrain, Chris King headset and all the cool gear one really needs for fun riding.
Bottom Line:
Hated the origional paint job so I had a custom paint job with and annodized purple with metallic flec. Looks great. The bike is fun when set up with goods specs and I am looking forward to adding it to my other 40 bikes. Thank you!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Robertson
a Weekend Warrior
from VanAnda,BC,Canada Date Reviewed: August 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Sports Junkies
Strengths:
THis frame is the strongest ever built .look dead sexy .lighter then it looks.That head tube is HUGE! Built like a brick wall. Rocker linkage bars are huge
Weaknesses:
i would liek to see ajustable wheel base like on the scream
Similar Products Used:
Norco savage
Bike Setup:
'05 chaparral,super t's ,FS Bars and stem,Fox Vanilla Rc,HIghrollar and mobsta' all the goods
Bottom Line:
This bike is probably the best bike i have ever seen or ridin, i would recommend this bike to anyone that can ride a bicycle. THE BOYS AT BANSHEE ROCK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JayRock
a Downhiller
from Ontario Date Reviewed: July 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
-
Weaknesses:
-
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
-
Bottom Line:
follow up 200km later i noticed when i pulled the shock out for cleaning, frame linkages where super stiff. I took off rocker arms and shaved plastic dust seals down and now the frame is way more supple and has better small bump feel. other than that the frame is awsome still the best frame I ever rode.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JayRock
a Downhiller
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
I ride everything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
super burly head tube, awsome geomatry, nice machine work, super tight berings no play in the backend whatsoever, comes with seat post, the averge hucker,jumper,freerider will probably not break it, the shock bushings are one piece tube of steel with bolt through it won't bend like the old stinkies,TEN YEAR WARIENTY!!! super tough dropouts
Weaknesses:
paint is weak skratchs easy, found some porosity in the welds at the head tube(I'm a welder thats the first thing I look at on a bike) Made in tiwan
Similar Products Used:
santacruz v-10, Kona stinky, Brodi thumper, specilized big hit
Bike Setup:
06 chapprale with fox dhx5, marzocchi 170mm 66rcx2, juciy 7 disks, xt drive train azonic outlaw wheelset
Bottom Line:
I'v been riding 8 years and have worn out alot of highend bikes, but this is by far the sweetest bike i have ever riden. Its very nimble not twitchy, super stiff, pedles like a hard tail with the fox dhx5, and climbs like a frightend cat, the kind of bike you can do 40km trail ride on, hit some dirt jumps, then go look for a 15 foot drop! the best alround bike ever!! I'm 6ft 190lb and ride a larg and its perfict. The only let down with the frame was the welds on the head tube. Bottom line best bike i have ever riden!!! you will be happy with this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Manniche
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
5k freeride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
222 cycles
Strengths:
Awesome trength and stiffness. The bike rules op an down. Does not feel heavy. The costumer service Banshee performs!!
Weaknesses:
Broke it at the weldings between seattube and BB. Banshee replaced it with a spanking new "Chap" 06 !! And they did that in a week!!
Similar Products Used:
none able to be conpared
Bike Setup:
Boxxer, Saint, Hayes, Draco on halo, LX
Bottom Line:
Everybody who wants a bike for doing everything all day is uninformed if they shoose other than the Banshee Chapparal. Well i broke mine but it`s something that happens once in a while. Even though i did`nt expect it due to the trength of this frame. Banshee had NO problems in swapping it for a new one. Only thing is that i got to buy a new shock, but that im getting sheap. On top of that i get an opgraded frame with more standover clerance, better cable routing and an even more strong frame! Now im looking forward to ripping my local trails and seeing peoples jaws drop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
This bike is so well built, from the day you get it, it just begs you to do stupid stuff on it. When I first built it up, it was a little hard to get over the weight but then you point the bike downhill or hop off something and you instantly fall in love with this thing. I ride an '04 chap w/the 6" of travel and I've only bottomed out a couple of times, (plus the bottom-out wasn't that bad since the susp. ramps up at the end.) They're making the 7" models now but honestly I don't need to hurt myself anymore than I plan to this season already.
Weaknesses:
PAINT. There are ways around the obvious ones but you will scratch this frame (and pretty easily.) I used a motocross grip tape (a clear film sold in big squares) on the bottom of the downtube, all over the chainstay and where any cable rub spots occur, it's kept my frame in pretty good shape and still turning heads w/that Banshee logo.
Similar Products Used:
none yet
Bike Setup:
04 blue chap w/fox dhx 5.0 rear marzocchi 66vf 6" front 8" HFX Mags Holzfeller cranks XT drivetrain Singletrack rims w/hadley front and hugi rear 2.35 maxxis minions
Bottom Line:
Do yourself a favor, don't think about weight or money for this purchase and buy yourself the Banshee. If you don't care about the extra inch of travel for a newer frame, get yourself a closeout for about $1300-1400 (w/a DHX) which is about what you'd plop down on anything else in this category (none of the others would have the 10 year warranty or the unrivaled customer service.) There's another plus, the guys at Banshee rock and you get to actually talk to somebody who knows what they're talking about and rides and helped design the bike you're on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BUNGLE
a Downhiller
from LA HABRA,CA,USA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
san juan to chaquito trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
FRAME ONLY/BRO DEAL
Strengths:
LOW-CARB SCREAM!!! THE BIKE HAS A PREFECT FEEL TO IT. JUMP ON AND GO. NO WORRIES ABOUT BEING FLEXY OR WEAK. STRAIGHT UP SOLID...VERSITILE FRAME (PRE '06 MODELS)
Weaknesses:
FINDING THE RIGHT CABLE ROUTING THAT DOESN'T GET PINCHED EASY FIX WITH ZIP TIES AND SOME ADHESIVE BACKED FOAM TO PLACE BETWEEN THE CABLES AND FRAME
Similar Products Used:
MY SCREAM, A FRIENDS SCREAM
Bike Setup:
'04 FRAME, 2002 SUPER T, HAYES 8" ALL AROUND,D321,MAXXIS 2.5 HIGH ROLLERS. BLACKSPIRE DS-1 CHAIN GUIDE SYSTEM WITH 38TH RING
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE RULES!!! IT FEELS LIKE MY SCREAM YET WITHOUT ALL THE BULK. SNAPPY TAKE OFF, SMOOTH LANDINGS. CARVES UP SWITCH BACKS.FEELS LIKE MORE THAN 6" OF TRAVEL (THE NEW MODELS SPORT 7" OF TRAVEL) VERY GOOD ALL AROUND HANDLING. IN REGARDS TO CHAIN STAY SLAP, I PUT A STRIP OF ADHESIVE BACKED FOAM ABOUT 1/8TH OF AN INCH THICK ON THE TOP SURFACE OF THE STAY AND THE BIKE IS PRETTY QUIET ALSO PUT FOAM ON THE REAR DERAILUER AND THE CONTACT POINT OF THE DERAILUER AND FRAME NO MORE CLANK ON BIG HITS OR ROUGH STUFF. I HAVE BUILT MINE UP AS A FREERIDE,DOWNHILL SIMPLE MACHINE. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WANT MORE OF A EPIC/TRAIL BIKE THIS BIKE IS FOR YOU TOO...YOU CAN CHANGE ROCKER POSITION SLAP AN AIR SHOCK GET 4-5" OF TRAVEL PUT LIGHTER PARTS ON..STILL THE FRAME IS SOLID. LAST WORD...IT'S A BANSHEE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dusty D
a Downhiller
from Reno, Nevada, USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in S. Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Rim Tours in Moab, Utah
Strengths:
Nearly indestructible trail-bike frame from head-tube to swing-arm. Adjustable/Versatile design for a variety of riding conditions and trail types. Tracks great, soaks up small, large, and big hits great, stiff rear end, climbs the tech-stuff surprisingly well. It says "Banshee" on it. Frame comes with a free Praxxis seat-post. Makes any trail seem like less of a challenge.
Weaknesses:
To achieve indestructible strength frame must be heavy. Rear triangle only allows the narrowest 2.5" tires (Maxxis High Roller 2.5 & Intense DH 2.5 fit. Kenda Nevgal doesn't fit). Swing-arm at bottom bracket gets beat-up by chain-slap really bad. Four-bar linkage rear swingarms don't have as much "pop" as Single-pivot rear swing-arms. Makes any trail seem like less of a challenge.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Gemini built up w/PUSHed rear and Shiver DC.
Bike Setup:
Extra Large "Burnt Champagne" Chaparral frame, w/an 05 Boxxer RIDE (5"-7" adjustable DC fork) w/Core-Rat fork guards, Romic rear shock w/850lb spring (just upgraded from 750lb spring, 850lb is strongest made for this stroke length), Front: Mavic EX 823 Disc UST w/Michelin DH16 Tubeless 2.5", Rear: Mavic 321 Disc w/Intense 909 FRO 2.5" & Maxxis DH tube, FUNN front bars, Race Face Diabolus stem, Hayes Mag hydro disc brakes/levers w/8" rotors front & rear, Shimano XT cranks, Shimano SPD pedals (or Wellgo platforms), Shimano bottom bracket (size?), 22/32 FSA chainrings, Race-Face bash-guard, Shimano XT rear cassette, Shimano LX shifters, Shimano chain, ODI Ruffian lock-on grips, Praxxis seat-post, WTB Speed-V saddle.
Read any of the magazine reviews linked to on the Banshee Website and you will see this is the BEST bike for a certain size of hardcore free-rider that occupies the "one-bike" niche market. If you are a big-boy and ride your bike really f*cking hard off some really big drops often landing off-camber but don't want to own one bike for trail and another bike for the downhill-park, do some in-depth research on this one, especially if you have damaged or broken another bike. This bike really does make all trails seem easier. For better or worse the bike has few limitations.
For the money, you can get a LOT of different high-end frames. The price I paid included the frame, a Romic rear shock, and a free Praxxis seat-post. What makes it worth it for me is that I know this is the only bike I will be riding until frames with deraileur-less drive-trains become affordable. When those frames become available, I will sell this frame and it will work as good as the day I got it with no cracks or slop guaranteed by Banshee (10-year warranty).
I like the Gemini a lot, but burly as it is, the single-pivot rear swingarm developed so much slop (and again mere months after replacment of the swing-arm bearings) that it ruined my rear shock. Then I cracked it at the downtube/headtube weld. Because of this, I bought the burliest trail-bike available: the Banshee Chaparral.
One sad trade-off from the Gemini is that the Banshee rear swing-arm doesn't seem to launch me like the the single-pivot types (Gemini and Bullit) do. But, the Banshee rear is stiffer, stronger, and more plush.
This bike is beautiful. It catches the eye with it's dope Burnt Champagne paint-job and strong lines. You will know it is a strong frame just by looking at its welds and geometry. You ride by and hear people muttering, "Banshee".
People ask me, "Is that your downhill bike?" I tell them, "It's my ONLY bike." I ride it up and down everything with the same build. I am often slowed down by its heft but I can climb anything technical from Moab Slickrock, to rail-road tied stairs.
The Boxxer Ride fork is the perfect compliment to this highly adjustable frame. From color to adjustable travel to larger diameter lowers for extra strength, a great combo.
The rear tire width limit pisses me off. The chain slap on the swing-arm at the bottom bracket is something I am figuring out how to deal with.
I don't know if I will put a Fox DHX shock on this frame. It pedals pretty good with the stiffer 850lb spring. The 750lb spring worked ok for just about everything but the 850lb is better pedaling and gives me more confidence on big drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedal Shop
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashburn VA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything dry
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
employee purchase / direct
Strengths:
foo getaboutit, this frame is BEEF.
I can't find anything wrong with the design. It's a lot like many other brands but with more beef, a lot more. e.g. the BB area is just has to be the strongest thing I have ever seen on a bike frame. I see some folks mention con's about cable routing. I always flip my brakes (front/right) - (rear/left) so, for me, that set up works fine with this frame. I didn't have any problems with the derailleur cable routing either. There is hownever one braze-on I didn't use, not sure why it's even there, it's REAL close the rear D (on the under side of the seatstay).
Paint = sweet!!! Chianti looks purdy in the sunlight, we'll see how it holds up.
I haven't had a chance to really use it to its full intent but so far, on our local huck trail, it's doing very well. point and shoot, it goes where you want it to.
Weaknesses:
over all weight = yeah, it's a bit heavy. I don't know why they say it's NOT a huck bike... huh? it's not? sure works like a true huck bike for me. Over all weight = who cares, this thing rides like a feather weight. The only time I notice the weight is when I'm pushing it up a hill you couldn't climb on any bike or when I tossing it on the roof of my car.
I would like a little more tire clearance. I had 2.7 Intense tires which fit fine on the Coiler Primo I was riding. This frame I was only able to use 2.5 Maxxis Minions. I might be able to fit a slightly larger tire with a little product testing. SIDE NOTE: the 2.7's didn't actually rub the frame, there was plenty of room there, it was the front D and chain line that was rubbing. I went from an XT to a SRAM front D which helped, maybe a little adjustments with the BB set up will help too, we'll see on that too.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler Primo (that bike rocked too!!!) Ellsworth ID Mountain Cycle Fury, ZEN and SIN All nice but just something I didn't keep very long for misc reasons.
Bike Setup:
King headset Marzocchi 66VF Azonic Outlaw wheels Intense 2.7 front tire Maxxis Minion DH 2.5 rear tire SRAM trigger shifters SRAM X.9 rear D, SRAM front Saint cranks Time Z pedals IRD teflon coated chain SRAM 7.0 cassette Thomson post WTB DH saddle Thomson 31.8 stem (90mm) Planet X freeride risers ODI lock on Rouge grips Virginia mud Pedal Shop stickers
Bottom Line:
I'm really impressed with this one... Over a period of about 2 years, I slowly gave up on the feather weight cross country bikes, I guess you can say I got bored with it and I wasn't get any faster with ligher and lighter bling bling bikes. I no longer give a hoot about weight, this Chaparral is 45lbs. Freeride is still sort of new to me but man, I'm having fun with it. You can roll over anything with this bike. For short climbs (less than a 1/4 mile) it actually climbs great. I can climb just as well as I could on any feather weight bike I had, just not as long. You make up fot it when going down hill. And for huckin' yeeee haw!! it's the bomb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Banshee Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Big Mountain Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Oregon Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Spot on Geometry with 6" or 7" fork. Confidence Inspiring. Crazy climbing traction.
Weaknesses:
Cable Routing, Derailluer Hanger, Chain Line, Weight, Paint, Shock Bottoms out on seat clamp.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, VP-Free and Others
Bike Setup:
05 Sherman Firefly or 04 Slider
Bottom Line:
DH and the crew at Banshee have the best products, customer service and technical service on the planet. If you want a great bike and a great company you simple can't go wrong with owning a Banshee.
I use it for Street, XC and DH. The Chap pedals nice and the frame is rigid. Mine specs in at round 38-39lb with beefy parts.
If you want an around bike and can only afford one, this bike is hard to beat. Slap on a 5" or 6" fork and hit some single-track or throw on a 7" dual crown fork for some downhill pleasure. Handling is second to none and with a 7" fork it's oh so sweet.
I might be picky but here are a few things in my opion that could be changed to improve the Chap:
Add travel limiter for Shock, paint is beautiful but lack durability, correct the chain line issue with certain cranks, cable routing already fixed for 05 models, replace cast derailleur with solid milled type and shave some weight off the frame and eliminate kegger head tube (other DH bikes have standard head tube diameters and can run dual-crown forks - why not PIP?)
Only 4 chili's here because there is room for improvement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake
a
from torrance, ca Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
ultimate rigidity, A+ pedaling ability, super plush, adjustable travel
Weaknesses:
Derailleur hanger is a total joke, Broke 6 hangers in as many months - Need to go through axle (i.e. Saint)worst hanger made anywhere. Cable routing on seat stays is wrong. Had to customize routing to prevent pinching. Bad clearance between seat QR and seat stays in 6inch mode. Downtube dents REALLY easy (to big/thin).
stongest bike in its class, except for the ridiculous derail. hanger - fatal flaw.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Holweck
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Highway
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Broadway Cycles
Strengths:
The frame is strong as hell - takes a beating and keeps coming back for more!
Weaknesses:
None so far...except cable routing could be improved a tad.
Similar Products Used:
none...
Bike Setup:
Marz 66RC's, Fox DHX 5.0, Truvativ cranks, stem and handlebar...
Bottom Line:
Couldn't ask for a better bike - I use it on sticky xc trails (Don Valley) to DH runs at Blue Mountain. I'd like to have this bike set-up with other configurations for diffrent types of riding but...This one will do the trick for now...I'm sure!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: March 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Moosepackers
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
Strong as hell, good geometry, pedals very well with Romic
Weaknesses:
None really other than cable routing along the top of the top tube.
Similar Products Used:
Brodie thumper, Kona Stinky D, Norco Fluid, Bullit and Heckler
Love it, love it, love it. It is a little (well, actually alot..) heavy for my XC riding I do but it does pedal lighter than the 40lbs it weighs now. I do not like the cable routing on mine, on top of the top tube but I have seen other models with the routing under the top tube. WIth the routing on top, the brake and rear derailleur cables can rub/bang against the quick release for the seat which is a bit annoying. I have pretty much eliminated it but it did take some re configuring with the cables crossing over each other in a couple of spots. I don't like the colour of mine (chianti red) but that is a personal preference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RonnieDobbs
a
from SLO Date Reviewed: January 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
through CBO from Banshee
Strengths:
You just get the feeling of strength and stability under you, and can just dance over the thing on windy, twisty singletrack.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
Marz DJ1, Sram x.9 all over, 22/32 bash, truvativ, WTB, yaddy yadda yadda....
Bottom Line:
It's just a great all-around bike. There were two main factors that I took into consideration when I bought this...the first one was the beefiness, and the second was the versatility. Both of these factors have proven themselves, and I firmly believe that this will be the last frame that I purchace for quite some time. It pedals great. It jumps awesome, and it's, as many have previously stated, very confidence-inspiring. Oh...and I kick Chris Fargo's ass all over the place now...but it's not like the bike helped out with that....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew holt
a Weekend Warrior
from hampton, VA, U.S. Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
freedom, powhite
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1099.00
Purchased At:
bikesmart.com
Strengths:
This is a great frame! Great buy! Just riding it gives me an unstopable feeling. The bike is a true dive bomber for anysize drops, and fast single track. definetly happy with my purchase.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses thus far, atleast nothing I am unable to evolve to. The weight.. its a bit of a porker, but worth it. I am a 150lb rider, throwing a 35lb bike around, lighter components would definetly trim it up nicely. Be sure to have a size 34.9 top pull, traditional derailur on hand.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing, true hardtail, hard ass... finally giving in.
Great value! Light components can help for those of you scared to gain some weight. The frame has a way of motivating, and inspiring new crazy rides and lines that would seem almost imposible under the circustances of riding a hardtail, or other weak fs rides. Definetly a great frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Baker
a Downhiller
from Sydney Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thredbo Cannonball
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Product Strengths? THis product is strength. Big gussets, CNC lower shock mount, beefy welds, easton RAD tubing... THis bike is unbelieveable.
Weaknesses:
Weight obviously isnt on its side. Not for lighter riders to use as an XC rig. Def. a huckwit bike.
The seat clamp hits the linkage when bottoming out +. Back to the drawing board with that one boys. Just rotate your seat clamp in the mean time.
Huckwit. It weighs 45lbs, pedals like it weighs <40. Rips it up unbelieveably on the DH and the drops. Not to bad on the singletrack and the uphills, but definantly not an XC ride.
Very flickable all purpose hardtail, not to bad for street, i expected worse... This bike is very stable in the air. Confidence inspiring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Oz Date Reviewed: November 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Brain Head, Utah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
M is mighty & meaty. Takes a whoopin and flips you the bird.
Weaknesses:
Paint is shyte. Look at it funny and it comes off.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, SC Bullit.
Bike Setup:
04 Super T, Mavic 823's, Intense rubbers, Avid 7" mech discs. Other Azonic, Racface, & King choiceness.
Bottom Line:
Banshee makes rock solid frames period. Pedals good - drops even better. Goes for a XC jaunt in the morn and serves up some huck-festing, rock eatin', earth poundings for dinner.
An absolutely righteous all around frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Weekend Warrior
from SCOTLAND Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
caddon bank
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
freeborn uk
Strengths:
Amazing build quality, really good attention to detail, it's so well engineered people can't help but stare. It jumps anything and is totally unruffled by any of my ham-fisted landings. I will never be able to break it, it is seriously well built. my bike is 40lbs+ but climbs really well, mibby due to the excellent riding position and way rigid construction, it's not exactlly an xc bike, but it gets you there with surprisingly little effort. Rare! (round my way at least:-)
Weaknesses:
none yet, only had it for three weeks though. The frame is a bit on the heavy side, but thats the price for its strength.
Similar Products Used:
friends' Cove G-spot, scott high octane fr, norco shore, rocky mountain edge
Bike Setup:
rockshox boxxer race forks, hope mono M4 brakes, hope XC hubs, mavix ex721 rims, easton bar and stem.
Bottom Line:
Buy one! it's ace. When I decided on a new bike I wanted value for money and something that would last for ever, I bought the 'chap' on the strength of online reviews and because it was obvious from pictures that it is well (over)engineered.
The Banshee is everthing I need from a bike, it carves through corners really well, jumps like a bugger and climbs better than it should. Its cheaper than the no doubt excellent but oh so ubiquitous Patriots, Enduros and Geminii that populate the trails where I live, it's perfect for my weekend warrior type needs. And people stare at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any trail is a great trail!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1485.00
Purchased At:
www.wayfarerbike.com
Strengths:
Incredible build quality and very personal customer service. They bring all the qualities of a great bike company - strong, durable products and valued customer service.
Weaknesses:
Minor issue: Had to have the head tube re-faced, but the gang at Banshee sent me a t-shirt, hat, and stickers as a way of saying thanks!
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Gary Fisher (Trek), Surly, Rocky Mountain, Specialized...
Bike Setup:
XC set up: Manitou Sherman Firefly fork, Hayes HFX-9 disc brakes, Mavic 223 custom built wheels, Shimano XT component group, Bontrager crowbar handlebar, Easton Stem and WTB Saddle.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE!
I had a 1999 Trek VRX400 as my first FS bike. It was a good bike, but I broke the rear swing arm 3 times and the main frame once after that. I switched to a Surly Instigator Hardtail and enjoy riding that bike as much as I do this new Banshee.
I wanted a solid FS bike that I could ride all day (up and down) and not have to replace after a short period of time. I called and talked to almost every bike company out there (Banshee, Trek, Gary Fisher, Klein,, Specialized, Cannondale, Rocky Mountain, Yeti, Ellsworth, Foes, Intense, Kona, Cove, Santa Cruz, Diamondback, Giant, and Turner). It was amazing that a couple of the tech guys I talked to suggested that I talk to Banshee. There's nothing like a 10 year warranty AND getting referrals from other companies!
Since I make most clydesdales look small (6'4" @ 330 LBS), the durability of the frame was of the utmost importance. I didn't want something that was a glorified DH bike or one that pedaled like a pogo stick. Doing the research was fun and did provide lots of insight into the design and build of the bikes out there on the market.
I talked to DH at Banshee several times and then ordered the frame with a custom done shock through my favorite bike shop - The Wayfarer. Right out of the box this frame was impressive. One of the mechanics who assembled the frame was a DH racer and his comment was that this frame was built better than his full on DH frame that he races.
The bike has been built up to weigh in at 36.5 Lbs. It actually rides lighter than my Surly HT which weighs 5 Lbs. less! My confidence has been inspired by riding this bike. It feels amazingly balanced and efficient. I can rarely feel the suspension working (both up front and in the back). The frame is so stiff that once you start pedaling, it just goes. I use this bike as a purely XC machine and it handles the New England rocks, roots, hills (both up and down) with ease.
This bike as well as Banshee have earned well more than the 5 chili's that can be awarded!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Wyoming Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
All-Pro Cyclery
Strengths:
Beautiful craftsmanship, Easton Rad Tubing, Ball Bearing pivots, it can be any bike you want it to be. When you get it from a Banshee dealer, they custom spring the shock of your choice and send a bunch of extras.
Weaknesses:
My 19" (Large) frame weighed over 10 lbs. with shock. NOT an XC machine. But I built it HEAVY. 40 pounds plus for Freeride/trail riding.
Similar Products Used:
My first FS over 4" of travel, but I've ridden for 15 years. Too many to mention.
Bike Setup:
'05 Sherman Slider Plus, Hope Mono M4's, Vanilla RC, Mag 30's, Panaracer Fire FR's, Truvativ Holzfeller crankset, Race Face Bar/stem/headset.
Bottom Line:
I set mine up at 6", but the Chap can be 4", 5", or 6". With an Air shock, and the rocker plates in the lower pivot mount, you get either 4 or 5 inches. With your choice of Romic or Fox Vanilla RC, and the rocker plates in the upper pivot mount, you get either 5 or 6 inches of travel. Mine is set up at 6" with the vanilla rc. The suspension is bottomless and makes my favorite ride feel like a parking lot. This frame drips with confidence. It'll make the most timid of trail/xc riders feel like huckin' in no time. Trust me! I was one! Even at over 40lbs. the Chap feels good on climbs. Stay in your seat and get a decent spin going, and you'll climb even the steepest hills in no time. No need for the Romic either, I didn't feel a lick of bob with the Vanilla RC, although it does have "Pro Pedal". You probably won't want to climb all day if you build it like I did, but at least you can get where you need to go with out a shuttle. The cool thing is you can build it at 4 inches and xc friendly or Tank it up with the latest FR Gear.It can be any bike you want and ride like a dream. My only advice is go to an authorized Banshee dealer to be sure you get it sprung for your weight. Banshee will even custom build a spring if they don't have to do the job, so big guys, don't turn away. They'll hook you up. Oh' yeah, 10 year warranty, blah blah. You won't need it. The frame comes with an LX front derailleur, seat post, replacement derailleur hanger, extra pivot bolts and rocker pivot shaft and the colors are beautiful. I got the Continental Blue Chap and in the sun it goes from a deep blue metallic to like an Indigo pearl at the edges of the tubes. AWESOME! 10 chili's wouldn't be enough to rate this frame's value and quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mini mula
a Weekend Warrior
from penticton Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
at this moment, apex mountain dh
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Banshee Bikes online demo sale
Strengths:
well built and the geometry suits me. i have an extra small and the top tube is super short. very nice bike. it rides way lighter than the 37 lbs it is.
Weaknesses:
i can't think of one thing. i had to change the quick release on the seat for more clearance.
Similar Products Used:
i've been riding a kona hard tail with a minute one. i checked out all of the dual susp bikes that fit me and then bought this one. this is pretty much the only one this small.
Bike Setup:
03 marzocchi z1 fr sl, fox float rl, single tracks, and a new easton stem that makes it even better. with both shocks locked out it rides like a hard tail.
Bottom Line:
i checked out all of the bikes out there and figure this is the best. a 10 year warranty that you will probably never need. i know someone that did break his scream after hammering it into the ground for a few years and they still sent him a new frame right away. the service is great.
i go way faster and way bigger with this bike than ever before. it's wicked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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