The adjustability of the cockpit geometry and suspension settings makes the Scream the ultimate freeride bike.The increased rigidity makes the ride even tighter on skinnies and sketchy terrain. The dropouts have 3 wheelbase positions and fit 12mm through axle hubs with 150mm OLD spacing. The brake caliper adjusts with the wheelbase and most disc brakes fit.
Submitted by
JdmCb7
a Downhiller
from coquitlam Date Reviewed: July 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Seymour CBC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Pinkbike
Strengths:
Damn BEAST, Takes anything I throw at it, I will probably break before the bike does. I love this bike alot and its definitly worth what you paid for.
Weaknesses:
I'm 14 and I find it very heavy, scaled at 44 pounds with my build, on flat you have to pedal alot harder cause of the weight.
Similar Products Used:
Kona stinky
Bike Setup:
titec el norte bar super light dh bar
parts
2006 meduim silver frame
2006 marz bomber 888 rc2x super plush intergraded stem
2007 roco shock tst
saint rear brake and xt front hydraulic brakes
both eight in rotours
front wheel is a mavic 325 disc with a chris king hub very smooth 20mm
rear wheel is a mavic 729 with a brand new sun ringle hub 150 x 12mm
has new kenda nevagls front and rear 2.5 stikey
fsa dh pro head set
truvativ team dh bars, light too
race face x type envolve forged crank and race face bottom bracket and bash guard
truvatic box guide
custom seat from the states a guy from a shop says it looks like a alice cooper seat
titec seat post
shimano tigra deraulier with deore clicker
has new scram chain and new shimano cassette
odi red grips
sealed pedles
Bottom Line:
For the price I paid, I got a hell of a deal. I've been getting offers for 2 grand and up. This is so awesome downhill and ok when you decide to hit some jumps and chuck the bike around. Just get some powerfull brakes and your good to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fishywishy
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampsha USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fort Rock
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bobs
Strengths:
strong, stiff, lots of travel, good pedaler, very adjustable
Weaknesses:
very heavy, pivot just started to squeak
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky
Bike Setup:
super t, avy dhs-ti, outlaws, minion 2.35, dual ring...this is my xc rig now. using the 16.8" chainstay, very flickable
Bottom Line:
i originally got the bike for dhing and drops, but i dont do that much anymore. with an avy on the rear i could plow thru anything without a flinch. drops were handled easily as well. now i have it setup for xc with a dual ring, weighs in at 46lbs. cant go much lighter without spending big money. will work as a casual xc rig, but i need to buy a lighter bike with less travel if im serious about long rides
perfect bike for what i originally bought it for. doable bike for what i use it for now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
breh529
a Weekend Warrior
from olympia, washington, usa Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
I-5 Colonnade
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
seller on pinkbike
Strengths:
totally unbreakable. the thing is a complete beast. pretty sexy too when its set up right. when your ripping down steep technical stuff it feels like you are riding on rails. awesome bike. suspension design soaks up every little bump, but reacts well on larger drops as well. when your bombing down steep stuff the bike feels like weighs 20 pounds
Weaknesses:
i guess its a little heavy, 48 pounds with my set up, but you get used to it.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale perp 2
Bike Setup:
03 Banshee scream frame, 07 fox dhx 5.0 rear coil, atomlab p-lite dhr wheels, 05 marzocchi 888 rc3 fork, deity cranks, bars, stem and other stuff
Bottom Line:
awesome bike. totally confidence building. took it up to colonnade recently and the thing was a beast. if you set it up right and DONT put a huge seat, 3.0 wide tires, and super monsters on it, its actually pretty good on weight. perfect bike for people who arent to worried about crazy modern linkage and downhill bikes that weigh as much as xc bikes. also a perfect bike for larger riders. unbreakable, sexy, and rides like its on rails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Banshee Scream
a Weekend Warrior
from Milpitas, CA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Demo Forrest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Very Strong frame and Components. High Quality as well. Handles very well considering the weight. Bombs down any hill you throw at it. Very comfortable at high speeds.
Weaknesses:
Very Heavy at around 55-60 lbs. (But, will never break on you.
A great downhill bike that can take anything you want to runover or off of. Components require very little maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kech88
a Downhiller
from toronto, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
cycle solutions
Strengths:
Tank, maneuverability is amazing, able to take berms like I have never done before. It can run over anything.
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Demon
Bike Setup:
Avid Codes 08, 66 Rc3, stype rims, fox back shox
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike, If you want something you can trust its this bike. I'm not afraid of running things over. It's not the lightest bike but the performance makes up for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Healey
a Downhiller
from AZ Date Reviewed: January 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Spruce Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
The frame is really good so far. It takes big hits when on the mountain and just riding around town when i find big drops to hit. The fork is great its a junior T and the welds are great on the bike.
Weaknesses:
Havn't found one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Faith 1, and Giant Glory
Bike Setup:
Junior T's up front, Fox 4.0 in rear, Hayes brakes, Azonic pedals, Azonic rims, Mazzis tires, Zip ties.
Bottom Line:
The bike perform's outstanding its a great bike for doing downhill riding or racing and a outstanding freeride bike if you like to do downhill this is the bike for you because it is a great bike for that sport its one of the most top of the line downhill bikes you can get, so get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
devon west
a Weekend Warrior
from creston BC canada Date Reviewed: January 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything with variety
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
sacred ride
Strengths:
super strong frame very solid not heavy at all...very ridgid in the corners and when landing off axes
Weaknesses:
one huge defect that i found for myself(a free rider) is that j hopping is near impossible due to what seems to be a short wheelbase.....maybe just not geometrically compatible with me
Submitted by
ty nelson
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton, alberta,canada Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
rabbit hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
revolution cycle
Strengths:
crazy strength, great components, good price for what you get.
Weaknesses:
s-type rims are strong but not strong enough to match the rest of the bike.
Similar Products Used:
demo 8, norco a-line park edition, norco team DH, canondale judge.
Bike Setup:
fox 40's, DHX 5.0, truvativ holzfeller setup, sram X9, easton vise headset and easton bars, s-type rims kenda nevergal tires.
Bottom Line:
this bike has the best price tag out of all of the seriouse freeride/downhill bikes. It is stonger, heavier , nicer and cheaper than all the others. i have owned many top of the line bikes from the demo 8 to the team DH canondale judge and park edition a-line and this one is better than the all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Downhiller
from Somerset, Pa Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Can't break it, and will run anything over.
Weaknesses:
it weighs as much as a house. mine is 60 lbs. and brake jack lots of it but once you get use to it it isnt bad.
Similar Products Used:
any of the bigger konas
Bike Setup:
Big and Bad
Bottom Line:
If you want a big bike that will go down the mountain and over anything this is the bike for you, but if your looking for something to race or even thinking about climbing on then dont get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
damo bortong
a Downhiller
from australia Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dead mans trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
net
Strengths:
it is crazy strong i hucked a 35ft step down and flat landed it only broke my ankel and stuffed the rear rim but the frame was fine
Weaknesses:
NO WEAKNESSES
Bike Setup:
it has fox 40s race face diabolus dt swiss ex 6.1d with dt swiss 440s front and rear
Bottom Line:
it is very good when it comes to the big stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
blood donor
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Strong, well grounded, very responsive. Pedals and ride skinnies unreal for a bike of its class. Feels very sturdy in the air. Looks Mean.
Weaknesses:
It's heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stab. Norco A-Line. Rocky Mountain RMX
Bike Setup:
01 Monster T's. Hope brakes. Hedley Hubs.
Bottom Line:
If you want the ultimate freeride bike that can handle ANYTHING you throw at it get it. You can find used ones for a good bargain if you look hard enough. To buy new is pricey. I have nothing bad to say about this bike, I like the weight personally it gives the bike a huggy secure feeling. It's my baby, my girlfriend wishes I'd look at her like I look at my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pain
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This thing gives new meaning to the word strength. Handles well and pedals well for a monster like this.
Weaknesses:
Heavy but I like that about it. Expensive
Similar Products Used:
Stinky
Bike Setup:
07' 40rc2 & DHX 5.0 w/800lbs spring, Thomson stem and post, Chromag bars, Chris King, Mag30 rims on Ringle Hubs Shinburger pedals, Diabolus crank, MRP3 w/Party Crasher, Nevegals, Hope MotoV2 vented rotors.
Bottom Line:
If you want a reallll fun bike that won't break that can do just about anything and Money is no option...then get a Scream
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
harry potter
a
from london, england Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A line, Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Really burly and and awsome shore bike. have 1 meself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aarpn
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC. Canada Date Reviewed: February 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Snakes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
Incredibly Agile for a beefy freeride bike. Pulls up and handles well. Comes off jumps like a hardtail and just takes abuse well. Good for jumping, hucks, bridges, downhilling whatever.
Weaknesses:
Nothing noticable. The ultimate bike.
Similar Products Used:
Norco A-Line, RMX, Kona Stab.
Bike Setup:
888's. Hedley wheels. Hope discs.
Bottom Line:
If you try it, you'll buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie Scream-Rider !
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakeland Fl. USA ! Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
everywhere!!!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Frickies cycles
Strengths:
The bike!
Weaknesses:
What weaknesses?
Similar Products Used:
Military Gamma-Goat.
Bike Setup:
Heavy! 48lbs. Rock shox boxxer race. Fox Vanilla with 850lb spring. Azonic platforms. Intense Mag30 26"rear wheel. Kenda Kinetics front, Specialized roller rear. Hayes 9 hydros. Serial killa head set. WTB saddle. XT rear deraileur. Hussefelt cranks and splined downhill B.B.
Bottom Line:
Been bashin on this thing for over 4 yrs now. Lots of trail riding and even more climbs and drops in florida's phosphate pits. Mud, rain, dirt, palmetto's, gravel, logs, roots, weeds, holes, other bikes (hehehe). Took about 8 months to build up the strength and stamina to power this thing. But once your there, you can literally ride over and or through almost anything. 48lbs. I find the added weight a personal challenge! Tons of fun and a killer workout every ride! Have broken a few components,(and upgraded from there) and obtained some battle scaring on the frame, but the frame still functions like brand new!! One tough machine! A good SOLID bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brite
a Downhiller
from Utah Date Reviewed: February 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
rampage/local stuff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Extremely stiff, geo is perfect for freeriding/hucking/scary dh. It jumps amazingly well, very stable in the air, and carries speed well through jumps.
Weaknesses:
little heavy, but the weight hasn't held me back at all, just inspired confidence.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky primo, cannondale gemini n judge, lightly tested others such as demos, iron horse 7 pt
Bike Setup:
marz 888, 3" gazz, mrp bones, hayes hfx 9s, crank bros 5050, 5th element
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best bike made for hardcore freeriding. it is incredible on/off the sketchiest of terrain. i have ridden alot of the rampage terrain and the scream truly feels at home no matter the size of the huck or craziness of the line. Also, this bike jumps amazingly well, it handles the big booters with ease and tricks surprising easy. All in all get this bike if you want to shred any hardcore freeride spot/trail or downhill with confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Campbell
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Neds?
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
Strengths? Look at the thing. It's the epitome of 'strength'. Super beefy and clean welds, lots of little details, like the engraved 'B's. Super sexy frame. Pedals well for a beefy bike, but if you're stupid enough to buy it for XC, like the reviewer below, don't expect to be happy with it (and who puts a 4inch DJ1 on a 7-8" frame any ways). For freeride and DH, the bike is stable at high speeds, and nimble on skinnies.
Weaknesses:
Minor brake jack in studder bumps at high-speeds - like any faux bar or single pivot without a floating caliper. Frame retails for 1900 USD with a DHX5 - not cheap.
Similar Products Used:
too many to mention... BB7, Chappy, Norco Team DH, Bullit, ASX, Nomad, etc.
Bike Setup:
Shiver DC, Diabolus this and that, HAdley wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike. Pedals like it weighs 10 pounds less. Descends like a demon. Buy one used though - new they're a bit too expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Wheeler
a Downhiller
from Newmarket,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any big hit
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
does it really matter
Strengths:
eveything there is nothing this bike cant do it perfect for any kind of riding
Weaknesses:
it might be alittle heavy for cross country but thats it
Similar Products Used:
rmx wade simmons edition, specialized bighit
Bike Setup:
manitou sherman breakout plus, raceface diabolus everything, avid juicy 7 front and back brakes
Bottom Line:
theres no better bike you can buy its like gods gift to biking thats how good it is
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a Downhiller
from Abbotsford, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Double Dog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
on top bike shop
Strengths:
Amazingly beefy. Crazy attention to detail. Clean welds. Quite adjustable geometry. Weight makes it stable. 10 year warranty!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Weak paint job. This has been a problem with every other banshee, but I don't have a problem with it. Travel is extremely odd-feeling in the long travel setting and long axle position. NOT compatible with magura brakes!!! (mine are louise fr and only work in the long axle position, and even then I had to hack at the caliper to make the disc not rub.)
Similar Products Used:
01 Balfa BB7, 04 Norce team dh, 04 Norce fuse, 04 norco 4by(not similar really), 06 norco team dh
Bike Setup:
06 Banshee Scream frame with dhx5 and burly freeride spec---super t, doubletrack/ex729, louise freeride, block 8 cranks, shimano drivetrain, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is the stiffest, burliest and best-pedaling long travel bike I have ever owned. It's got an amazing pedaling platform with the fox dhx5 and it ramps up super nice due to the four-bar frame design. The travel adjustment is nice, and you can run from 7" to 9" depending on where you put the axle and shock bolt. It's a little on the heavy side if you put a decently strong build on it, so it's not the most flickable bike ever, but certainly makes for smooth landings. Great tire clearance and astonishing gussets all over the frame. Anyone who's short of a 400 pound rider would be hard-pressed to break this frame. No joke. I'm looking forward to beating on this frame for years to come. However, there are some downsides. Banshee obviously didn't intend for anyone to be using magura louise freeride brakes because they don't mount on the frame without being ground down and mounting in the long axle position. Also, the paint is weak, so don't expect for it to be looking pretty for long. There was a reason banshee includes touch-up paint on purchase.
All in all, this is an amazingly versatile and solid frame that has been refined during the 5 years it has been produced. Only weight weenies would be disappointed with it. To all you other people out there, this frame is the $#!t and will last for years to come.
One last comment- I've been a norco fan for years, as you can probably see and was blown away by the Banshee's performance. I'll never go back. Now GO RIDE YOUR BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Melga Borscht
a Downhiller
from Chicago Illinois USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The big boil
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$7799.00
Purchased At:
Melgas soup kitchen
Strengths:
its pretty narsty if you got some beef to slice through. Otherwise it's the zit on societies ass when it comes to climbing or flats. All in all, you don't buy a scream for xc.
Weaknesses:
The tire can hit the shock if you have rear 26's set up on nine inches of trael. Climbing and flats. Paint easily chips but w/e.
Similar Products Used:
The big benny
Bike Setup:
scream w/t dj1, alex 20 rims, and some rst components
Bottom Line:
If you wanna take this big boy for a ride, then go ahead. Otherwise i'd go to Melga's soup kitchen for some alternative rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kimmo Pajuluoma
a Weekend Warrior
from Oulu Finland Date Reviewed: February 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stiff frame. Best what you can get.
Weaknesses:
Paint...
Similar Products Used:
Scott high octane, Kona stinky, DaBomb projectile.
Bike Setup:
Med. frame, Avalanche fork, d729, hayes HFX-9...
Bottom Line:
What more do you need if you got Banshee Scream???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steffen Johnsen
a Downhiller
from Norway Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The fast DH course
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Extremely cool looks, looks killer!
Weaknesses:
Nothing so far...!
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Black Diamond Double, Intense M1
Bike Setup:
Banshee Scream, Marzocchi 888 VF, Sun Double Track, Shimano XT, Hayes Mag
Bottom Line:
This bike is great! I like it so much. Takes every jump so good. Best freeride bike ever! If you need a bike that can take everything you put on it, this is the bike for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
korey martinez
a Downhiller
from jamul, ca------USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mammoth mountain and southridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
off craigslist.com
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
other than weight there are none
Similar Products Used:
giant ac series are like a really light smaller version of the scream
Bike Setup:
banshee scream, marzocchi monster T(200mm), hayes 8inch, truvativ bars and integrated stem, integrated headset, fox DHX rear shock,maxxis 2.7 tires, mrp series 2 chain guide, freeride wheels
Bottom Line:
this bike is one kickass mothgoose if I doo say so myself
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JJ
a Downhiller
from Sngapore Date Reviewed: October 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
.durable .stiff .adjustable travel. either 6, 7 or 8 inch .adjustable wheelbase .short top tube
Weaknesses:
.weight, its darn heavy. .the main pivot comes loose after a sideways or bad landing. the problem is solved after i locktited it. so its not really a weakness actually.
Similar Products Used:
SantaCruz v10, Kona stinky.
Bike Setup:
Banshee scream, 888rc, atomic labs trailpimp, hayes mag, raceface diablous, truvativ hussefelt and chrisking.
Bottom Line:
this is the ultimate bike if u love to go big!
the scream has its best geometry with a 170mm travel fork. ive tried several forks on the scream and i think the serman fits best. the first ever fork ive tried on the fork was a super monster(way too heavy), then i switched to a sherman(best geometry), to a 66rc(second best), lastly to a 888rc. i personally prefer slacker bikes therefore i stick with the 888, besides the 888 is the best fork among those ive tried.
some said that the bike setup is not righ with a 24inch wheel at the back. but i find that the bike is at its best with the 24inch wheel. therefore i have a very short wheelbase.
so far ive done roof drops and huge stair gaps with the bike, it doesnt give me a problem at all. so bottom line, get the BANSHEE SCREAM! it rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Downhiller
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Huckstables
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Airbomb.com
Strengths:
what is not to like about this bike? The bike is extemely adjustable in that you can have the rear suspension between 6 & 8 inches. Secondly one can adjust the wheelbase to make the bike nice at tight to rail the berms. The welds are solid and the CNC'ing on this bike unreal. Banshee paid close attention to deal!
Weaknesses:
At first I had pivot points breaking left and right, but Banshee sent me a new patch. The ones that came on the bike were not heat treated to unsure strenght.
Similar Products Used:
I would have to say a Kona, but I have never rode a bike such as this one.
Bike Setup:
66rc, 5th, Mag 30's, Hayes HFX 9, Easton Cully Pedals, Race Face Diabulos stem, Chris King headset, Truvativ cranks.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Yelm WA USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Exit 87
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Raging Isle
Strengths:
Everything, This bike is, by far, the stiffest, strongest and most fluid FR bike I have ridden
Weaknesses:
It is better suited for west coast FR than East coast downhill but I haven't reached it's potential and I go big. Paint job needs some lovin, it chips really easy
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC1, SC V10
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi, racefce, the usual
Bottom Line:
This bike is the all around best bike I have ever owned. I can hit the Dominion trail at Diablo on the weekends. Then jack the seat up and ride the singletrack with my wife on the weekdays. The 5th element complements this frame design tremendously. I have ridden the @^$& out of this bike for the last 2 years and I have yet to have a problem. It just contiues to take a beating from a 230 lb guy taking repeated 8-12footers. I love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim H.
a Downhiller
from EDMONTON ALBERTA CANADA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
COP (My choices are limited)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
super solid 8 inches of travel pedals well for a bike it size good geometry with 7 inch fork
Weaknesses:
Very heavy about 50 pounds suspension fells dead compared to other bikes pricey for what you get
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz bullit, vp-free and v10, kona stab, norco team shore
Bike Setup:
2002 monsterT, hayes, d321 with onyx hubs
Bottom Line:
Not really a bad bike, but there are better. If you really abuse frames, this is the bike for you. For everybody else, look elsewere. personally, i don't really like this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Denenberg
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Illinois USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
www.Beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Beefiest Frame Super Blush Extra Adjustable w/ 5th element and different postitions Climbs Decent Soaks everything Up like a mad man
Weaknesses:
People say the weight is bad but it truly rides 10 pounds lighter than it is
Similar Products Used:
Big Hit
Bike Setup:
Super T, Small w/ 5th Element, Trailpimps, Saint, the shiz
Bottom Line:
The Best Freeride bike you can ever imagine, nothing about this is bad. If you are considereing buying it, dont' even have one doubt becaus ethis is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Scott
a Downhiller
from Glasgow, Scotland Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
No Joke
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything, it's just so strong and stiff... it's confidence inspiring to the max! Plush travel, pedals amazingly well.... and it's perty! :P also the 3 axel positions and 3 shock positions (6,7,8") alows the bike to be increadibly versitile!
Weaknesses:
Not a thing! Nothing!
Similar Products Used:
Elsworth Joker, azonic eliminator, yeti DH9, norco team DH, specialised big hit, orange 222....the list goes on...
Bike Setup:
size large (I'm 6'2 or 3") 888's 26" front wheel 24" back wheel, 5th element, and lots of nice beefy kit... basically the scream gucci kit!
Bottom Line:
The best big travel suspension bike out there! It takes drops with ease, and is silent on landings!!!! It is amazingly stable while jumping, yet easy to whip about! The suspension is really plush, and loves going down steep rocky rooty sections! The rear linkage is the stiffest of any bike ever! you'll be amazed! It also pedals amazingly... I've riden to the top of grouse and seymour mountains in vancouver, plus rode about 18km a day in and out of work while living in Vancouver every day on it! thats both up and down hills! It just doesn't bob, and feels so much lighter than it is! you'll be so pleasently suprised!
Plus you get a 10 year warrenty and the best customer service in the biking industry!
Now go and buy this bike! You'll have no regrets at all, but a lot of fun! :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
antonio ramirez
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington ca. u.s.a. Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the old golden cove in pv
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4900.00
Purchased At:
the bike company
Strengths:
super solid feel for an 8" travel bike that can be pedaled efficiantly.loves to be jumped off anything including dropoffs and homemade ramps.the geometry is perfect.
Weaknesses:
paint does not do this frame justice.banshee needs to offer an anodized option such as ellsworth does.the weight of the frame is actually an attribute not a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
ellsworth joker,vp frees,specialized,gt,s,haros.
Bike Setup:
17" with 888 works fork flat crowns,push ind.pro pedal shock.xo.x-9 shifters x729,s holzfellers.47lbs total.
Bottom Line:
best bike i have ever owned.handling is superb,rock solid feel in all situations.I have broken every frame I have owned within a few hundred miles or so,I seriously doubt this will happen with this puppy.If you have an opportunity to sample different bikes like i did I am convinced you will end up on a scream.If this frame can hold up to a 335lb rider it will hold up to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Downhiller
from bangor Date Reviewed: December 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Strengths:
Amazing...You can go off of any thing. I dont think i've bottomed it out once W/ my avelanche.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavey with my setup but i dont mind,its wrth it.
I basicly stole this bike for $750 w/ an avelanche and cris king headset w/ it. I havent seen anyone get a deal like that. The frame is amazing you can preload right around corners and hit 6 foot drops and not feel it. I've taken it off a 12 foot drop and landed it perfectly because when you are up in the air with it you have so much confidence with it.When you are downhilling with it you can just point and go over everything.If you make a mistake it will recovr for you.Best bike ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chadwick
a Weekend Warrior
from marin Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
titties & beer
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
I have a 2002 banshee scream, but I thought I'd put it here as its basically the same frame as the 2004. I have ridden this bike hard for 2 years at least once a week and have yet to have a single problem with the frame, I have broken 2 forks, killed 1 set of wheels, killed a set of hayes brakes, broken a seat, bent a handlebar, and had to warranty a 5th element. The banshee is a tank and I expect to ride it for another 8 years. This is my 3rd freeride frame and I broke the last 2.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
bullit, marin DH, psycle werks screamin demon, big hit,
Bike Setup:
your ususal DH stuff
Bottom Line:
this frame is the strongest best priced, it has the best warranty of any bike co. It is the best bike I ever rid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mPathic
a Downhiller
from andromeda Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
925
Strengths:
Easily one of the best frames out there. Versatile, and just great to ride. Pedals great too, it isn't just a one-purpose downhill bomber.
although there is nothing flashy or incredibly innovative about the design, the Banshee guys have taken a standard pivot system and really built it the way it should be built. Everything on this bike is done right. At first the sheer mass might seem like overkill, but that's only in comparison to other manufacturers who are still putting out stuff that's far too underbuilt for its intended use. I was put off initially from even considering one of these bikes due to the fact that they were made in Taiwan - and the fact that the name is kinda stupid. But the 10 year warranty, and the fact that the Banshee people seem really genuinely into what they're doing, made me change my mind. Glad I did - as soon as I rode the thing I was won over. The main point to anyone who is considering this bike: don't be put off by its weight or its strength. You don't have to be Bender to enjoy the benefits, it's an awesome all-rounder and it's up for anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K-Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Maynard Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
Unbeleivably smooth, awesome comfortable geomtry, ridiculessly strong, adjustable and customizable for any terrain, pedals like it has a secret engine.
Weaknesses:
This is tough, I guess it could be lighter so I could get it onto my rack. Getting a hub for this thing was HUGE pain in the ass! It only takes 150mm X 12mm thru axle hubs. These are super expensive and hard to find. My Hope Bulb was around $250.00 then I had to learn how to build a wheel. So be prepared to either pay someone or spend some time building another wheel. Once you have the wheel on it's the stiffest damn thing ever, realy nice.
Similar Products Used:
SC Bullit Banshee Chaparrall Jamis XLT 1.0 and 3.0
Bike Setup:
Large Gun metal frame with 5th element shock. 729's Hope Bulb 150mm thru axle (This thing is stiff!) Sherman Slider Plus 170mm forx
Bottom Line:
This frame is simply amazing. I'm still on my honeymoon stage but so far I'm totally amazed. My previous bike was a 2003 Santa Cruz Bullit with a 5th element shock and this thing just blows it away in every way. Something about the suspension design working with the 5th element just makes this thing ride and pedal like it's got a motor attached. Once you get any type of downhill pitch small or big the suspension smoothes everything out to the point where you get moving incredibly fast. I really didn't know how fast I could go on some of my usual trail routes untilI used the scream there. The rear is stiff, quiet and active. When you pedal it suddenly feels like a 25 pound bike and just grips like a bear to everything. The pedaling platform just works great, you can even standup and just pound hard and the bike just stays nice and still with no bob. The weight has only been a problem getting it on and off my roof rack. Other than that the weight in a way almost helps smooth out the ride and gets you going faster on downhill's. Compared to my Bullit the Scream wins big. The bullit felt dead and slow and the suspension picked up every tiny rock and bump. The scream suspension is just a whole other world. It feels like butter underneath, just absorbing everything in it's path so you don't have to. It doesn't need to have a stable platform shock to have a stable platform but having one complements the system even more. Overall the ride cannot be matched, get the thing and quit reading the reviews!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DARREN GILLESPIE
a Weekend Warrior
from DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
FORT WILLIAM
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
G&G CYCLE CENTRE
Strengths:
I GOT THE SMALL SIZE AND THE SHORT FEEL OF THE FRAME MAKES YOU FORGET HOW BIG AND BURLY THE FRAME ACTUALLY IS! 8INCH OF TRUE SMOOTH TRAVEL, 14MM BOMBPROOF HEADTUBE, HUGE GUSSETS ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL/WHEELBASE CAN ROLL, PEDAL, HUCK ANYTHING! JOSH BENDERS BIKE!
Weaknesses:
NONE AT ALL. ALTHOUGH IF YOU DONT LIKE ATTENTION DO NOT RIDE THIS FRAME, WEIRD LOOKS FROM DAZZLED PEOPLE!
Similar Products Used:
BROOKLYN LINK BIKE
Bike Setup:
04 SCREAM SMALL BLACK,SUPER MONSTER,24X3" GAZZAS ON DOUBLE WIDES CHRIS KING HEADSET, MRP BONES C/CDEV. SHINBURGERS AZONIC 24/7 HOPE 6POTS EVERYTHING BLACK!!
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS IF YOU BREAK A LOT OF FRAMES. THIS WONT BREAK. JOSH BENDER=30FT+ DROPS. ME =15FT DROPS TO FLAT 2O STEPS TO FLAT CONCRETE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wilson Chung
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
NORTH SHORE
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
TAIWAN
Strengths:
Very strong! And it can put on MARZOCCHi super monster! The hole frame use EASTON RAD tube and many part ues CNC!
Weaknesses:
Too heavy! It got 9 inches of travl but if you ues 26"WHEEL it got only 8 inches of trave beacuse back wheel will hit the frame!
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
MARZOCCHI super monster!
Bottom Line:
This is very special bikes I have ever ride!! It can setup with 12"travel fork! When you fly very high and touch the grond you can feel "SCREAM" will not like FASTAX F-DH back wheel moving right and left. The "SCREAM"s link is very similar like Lawills link!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lucky lou
a Racer
from redondo beach Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
mtn.pinos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
southbay cycles
Strengths:
awesome bike does everthing weel,beuthifull attention to detail,first day out,and i was hitting 13"to15" footers no problems.swichbaks bring it on,this bike rules.it put mine uzzy slx to shame sorry intense you suks .
Weaknesses:
so far i'm in freeride heaven,right now.I don't see any major problems now,unlike the guy on the review before i haven't try the lon-wheelbase position so far i,haven't any problems with shifitting,51mm chain-line and diaboulus cranks does the job! bike is not heavy if you built it smart!!!!!save,$1,399.99 get a frame and built a nice bike.
this is the most fun bike you can ride,period.you can jump,you can huk,you can hall @#$* on any type of trail,this bike gives you tons of confidency,there is no flex what so ever ! Pippin thanx for your help, banshee customer service is second to none. work on the bicycle industry,I know first hand how hard to get-thrue can be.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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