26" Spitfire V3 Build
Info is scarce on this awesome bike is so I wanted to share my 26" build (no not a mullet, they're both 26") and ride experience etc...
XT 11-speed, 26" Flow mk3 wheels, 2021 Fox 34 fork (140mm travel), 2020 Fox DPX2 shock (comes with the frame-only option), 180mm OneUp dropper, Deity bar/stem. I re-did the fork/shock/wheel decals to single-tone matte silver to match with the raw aluminum branding on the frame.
I was drawn to the Spitfire for its unusual mixture of; beefy build/geo, low leverage ratio suspension (great for heavy riders, I'm 285lbs) and
not excessive amount of travel. I bought the frame from a Banshee distributor in GA with absolutely no idea of what to expect having never seen a Banshee product in my life. I was told I got the last large frame in green and was the only person to request the 26" dropouts (Banshee give you one free set of whichever dropouts you want with purchase of the frame).
When I got the frame I was blown away at how pretty it was, even my wife was admiring it sitting on the floor in my office. The downtube is straight, instead of a big "S" shape like many other aluminum full-suspension bikes, which looks sharp. The top tube while straight when viewed from the side actually has a beautiful 3D form to it when viewed top-down. The rear triangle has an undeniably sendy "moto" vibe while again having a coke bottle like shape to it when viewed top-down. The trunnion-mounted shock and forged basket area look ready for biz. 10/10.
Build was mostly straightforward, I did have to reference Banshee's instructions for the dropper housing routing and internal rear brake lines take a little extra effort but the cable options provided by the frame are excellent and there's a zip tie point everywhere you need one. Easy standard sized threaded bottom bracket and headset cups are pressed into the frame as-shipped with bearings included, nice.
My previous bike was a 2013 Trek Fuel EX8, a bike marketed in the day as an "all mountain" slayer but with only 130mm/130mm travel and an XC rear shock (that you can't replace) let's call it a lightweight XC-oriented trail bike in todays terms, I loved it. I assumed the Spitty would feel a touch bigger, slacker and more clumsy while being more comfortable, stable and offering better support for my weight (again, 285lbs). I was so wrong.
The Spitfire absolutely rails turns in a way my Trek (with it's quick release rear skewer) never could, the response is incredible and I immediately felt how stiff the whole rear end is. When you get out of the saddle to climb the anti-squat is apparent, the bike lifts in its travel while the the rear tire gets smooshed into every traction opportunity on your way up. If you want to sit for the climb the steep seat tube puts you in the right spot and there is no floppy steering weirdness or other manifestations of "slackness" that I have noticed. I've got no appreciable pedal bob running an oval chainring and the suspension is progressive enough that I've not touched the last ~15% of travel in my first month of riding; I used to bottom my Trek every ride. The Spitty is an aggressive bike with a rear suspension that pushes back at you, it pedals/climbs efficiently and wants to get rowdy but it's not "too much bike" for any trail really and I do find it comfortable. The 26" dropouts give a 426mm chainstay so wheelies and associated antics around the neighborhood are just as easy as on my Trek and I assume this contributes to the nimble nature of the handling. It's an addictive machine that rarely feels out of its element just don't expect a cushy Cadillac ride.
