The Banshee has landed. I wanted to build it up in a day, but it ended up being a few bites at a time over the course of a few weeks. Just a couple small details to button up, but she is riding. I didn't realize it before, but I had never had a bike that actually
fit. It is a radically different feel than my old 2010 Jamis, but I am quickly loving it. This is how bikes are supposed to feel.
XL Frame
Fork: Fox Factory 34, 130mm, 51 offset
Wheels: 29" Spank 350 rims, 30.5mm. Sapim 14/15 db spokes
Hubs: XT front, XTR rear. Built by local wheel guru.
Tires: 2.5 WTB Vigilante front, 2.3 Aggressor rear
XT Drivetrain: 175mm cranks, 34T chainring, 10-51 cassette
XT derailleur & shifter
Brakes: XT 8100 two piston, 180mm rotors
Stem: RaceFace Turbine R, 50mm
Bar: OneUp carbon, 800mm, 20mm rise. Grips: PNW Loam, Fruit Snacks flavor
Dropper: Fox Transfer, 150mm
Saddle: WTB Pure Ti
Weight: 30.0 lbs
A few thoughts/observations..
This frame is awesome, even just to look at. Paint was in good shape on arrival. One small thing was the rear brake mounting surface was not machined clean, but the paint wasn't totally bonded there and was easy to peel off. I used a razor to get a good edge and a bit of adhesive to keep it from peeling further than the brake mount. Also, there are no 'Paradox' decals on the seat stays, which at first was a small bummer but now I actually like the clean look, and it seems that some others don't have this either. I used Lizard Skins matte frame protectors on the down tube and chain stays. I think it came out pretty well, and like how it is matte like the frame.
I had to make a few small compromises on components due to availability, such as the 34T ring. It is fine for now, but I will probably need something smaller when our big climbs into the mountains open back up in the spring.
I am not a super gonzo rider, so figured 130mm travel would be more than adequate, and got 51 offset because I was thinking I would rather go with the slightly less trail. As someone brought up, as a taller rider (6-3) I am finding that I have a little more weight on my hands when seated than I would like. I have only done a couple short rides so far though, so maybe I'll get used to it, but I am keeping a 35mm rise bar in the back of my mind but will wait until I get time on more varied terrain.
Lastly, with the XT drivetrain and following Shimano's instructions on BB and crank spacers, the chainline seems to line up with about the 9th or 10th cog, or in other words farther towards the smallest cog than I was expecting. With a lot of steep climbing here, I use the lower gears more, so would rather have the chainline towards the bigger cogs. I might move a couple spacers around and see what happens. I am hoping to get away with not using a chain guide, and so far so good, but we'll see how it goes when I get into some rougher rides.
