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Post by danthor on Jan 19, 2016 17:21:38 GMT
Firstly, I apologise for the long winded post on this matter however it would be good to get some opinions from forum members  . Ok, I have recently joined the forum and explained my situation in my introduction post. I have since found a 2015 Banshee Spitfire in a local bike shop. The bike is ex demo and looks to be in very good condition. I now face the choice of two bikes (both around the same 2k value). Bike One – Demo bike - 2015 Banshee Spitfire Alloy
Frame: 2015 Banshee Spitfire Medium Black Alloy, Fork: 2015 Rockshox Pike RCT3 160mm, Rear Shock: Cane Creek Rims: Hope Hoops Pro2/Flow EX Wheelset, Tires: Schwalbe HD/HD Combo, Stem: Raceface Atlas 50×50 Stem, Handlebars: Raceface Next SL 10mm Rise Bar, Grips: SDG/ODI Hansolo Grips, Dropper: KS Lev Integra Seatpost Saddle: SDG Bel Air 2.0 Saddle, Chainset: Shimano SLX Chainset, Chainring: Hope 30t NarrowWide Chainring, Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX Rear Mech, Cassette: Shimano SLX 11-36 Cassette, Brake set: Shimano SLX Brakes, Rotors: Shimano RT76 Rotors 180mm, Shifters: Shimano SLX Shifter Bike Two – New - 2015 Norco Sight C7.3
Frame: Sight 650B carbon 140 mm travel Rear shock: Fox Float CTD BV SV – Performance Front Fork: Fox Float 32 FIT Performance 27.514mm, 15mmtapered 140mm Fork Front Derailleur: Shimano Deoredown swing / high clamp Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow 10 speed Shifters: Shimano XT 10 speed rapid fire Chainset: Shimano SLX M675 Chainrings: 38/24T Bottom Bracket: Shimano Pressfit 92 BB Cassette: SRAM 1211-36 Chain: KMC X-1 Brake set: Shimano SLX BLM675 hydraulic disc brake Handlebars: Norco 1" rise bar76 mm width , 661 alloy Stem: Race Face Ride stem Headset: FSA Orbit C-4-ACB Grips: Norco lock on Rims: Sun Helix TR 25 tubelss compatible w/eyelet Front Hub: Shimano SLX 15 mm front hub / center lock Rear Hub: Shimano SLX 142 × 12 rear hub/center lock Spokes: Stainless steel black 2. spokes Tyres: Maxxis Ardent 27.5 × 2.25 wire bead Tubes: Schwalbe presta 27.5inner tube Saddle: SDG Circuit Mtn with chromoly rails My questions to forum members is what bike from the two above would you personally recommend. I understand that this post is long winded however I am struggling with the choice. Some views of forum members would be greatly appreciated . Cheers, Danny |
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 19, 2016 17:42:45 GMT
Not sure if this will help you or not but for me I would go with the Banshee BUT mainly because I wouldn't ride carbon unless I was only doing trail centres...and I don't like the look of the Norco (or bikes with the rear shock in that vertical orientation). However the frame alone on the Banshee is around 1200 quid and more exclusive...has a better dropper, better fork, possibly better rear shock (which Cane Creek?), good hoops, etc. Overall, for me it is a better all-rounder, more robust and capable. But you also need to consider what type of riding will you do, because the Banshee has 160mm fork and is a bit of a beast. What are their weights, and is that important to you?
But I also understand that it is easy to be lured into the carbon bling! Good luck.
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Post by roundie1981 on Jan 19, 2016 17:44:33 GMT
At a quick look id say the banshee mate, looks a better spec for the money.
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lofty
Bunny Hop
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Post by lofty on Jan 19, 2016 19:03:36 GMT
Second hand Santa cruz
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Post by hodgy on Jan 19, 2016 19:04:17 GMT
Choosing a bike is such a personal thing ...while gathering opinions of other riders what suits one rider may not suit another ..ask to demo both bikes before making any decision ...but the banshee does appear to be better speccd !
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Post by kirky72 on Jan 19, 2016 19:14:34 GMT
The forks on the norco are not good, I would go with the banshee supposed to be a mini DH that can ride up hills nicely.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2016 19:18:09 GMT
What they said above (welcome, btw) another thing that only you can answer danthor is what you intend to ride? ie mainly trail/man made stuff? more downhill-ish? natural trails or a mix of all?
Banshee sounds a tad more 'hardcore' whereas the Norco is possibly more of a do it all at 140mm travel?
Deffo test ride if possible and if not...well my choice would be the Banshee, it's slightly better specced but it's also a bit different to the usual brands - now that's a draw to me but again, it might not be to you.
Good luck and pics of either/both would help!
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 19, 2016 19:19:56 GMT
The forks on the norco are not good, I would go with the banshee supposed to be a mini DH that can ride up hills nicely. True...Fox should not do 32 forks above 120 travel IMHO! If you want a second hand Santa Cruz, my wife's cousin is selling one Nomad or Bronson...great spec and state...he is a bike mechanic at Planet X btw, so he keeps his bike in top condition. I know someone who has that Norco albeit in the Ali version and he loves it...but Banshee all the way for me, IF you will use it adequately...no point of having that beast if you are only riding blue or red trails (and even some black) on some trails centres. And yes, test them to see what your body tells you! Good luck |
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Post by Chopper on Jan 19, 2016 19:24:12 GMT
I've not met anybody with a Norco, i can't really comment on them, the Banshee though was designed by Keith Scott from Edinburgh, the Spitfire is known as the downhillers trail bike because it ploughs through anything when pointed downward, i've not tried one buy know a man that has one and he is a demon on it, I bought a Transition Scout after one demo, but nearly demo'd the Spitfire so things could have been very different, I'd go for the Spitfire simply because i've heard only good things about it and it's coming from my favourite shop also haha, the guys there actually ride the bikes that they sell so that's an endorsement itself,
Most importantly though you should demo it, good luck
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2016 19:25:18 GMT
Shame that is - on my first 'proper' mtb - an xc orientated Cube - it had Fox 32 100mm travel forks and they were brilliant - proper plush and even coped when I started doing more adventurous stuff like Coed-y-Brenin on the Cube.
However, as much as I rate Pikes (and I really do - got em on the Chief) the OP may not be so hung up on the forks, he could always change them BUT I must admit the forks and shock on the Banshee are a winner for me - alone.
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Post by kirky72 on Jan 19, 2016 19:34:52 GMT
The forks may be okay plushness wise but 32 mm to me feel very noodle even on shorter travel so could get out of their depth.
Also heard bad things about shock linkages working loose on sights and range.
The bike radar revieq also mentions the carbon frame being flexy which is most likely flex from the alloy back end.
The spitfire is the opposite. There's a good review of them actually pitted against the Scout which myself and chopper were impressed enough to buy where the reviewers preferred it for its nimble Ness. It's no light weight but pedals like it is.
There's some good deals to be had at the moment at the 130/140 travel trail bikes such as mega tr for 1800 at cry,some good deals on mandrake foxes and giant trance all in this same kind of bracket.
The alloy foxy was trail bike of the year in some mag or other.
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Post by kirky72 on Jan 19, 2016 19:35:18 GMT
Test them all though if you can. It's not always easy I know.
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Post by danthor on Jan 19, 2016 20:08:43 GMT
Cheers for the comments.
It's the cane creek inline, if that helps?
I'm going to see about getting a ride on the banshee tomorrow to see how it feels. Granted that I should really be taking the bikes to a trail etc. to test them properly however I just don't have the time at the moment.
Initially I will be using the bike for man made trail riding (glentress etc.) and some natural trails however moving forward I intend to get fired into more aggressive riding and trails.
I have looked at a couple of Mondrakers around my price range in the 2015 range but at evens they didn't have any more medium frames. It think honestly if I introduce any more bikes into this comparison then it will just confuse me even more haha.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I have a night of reading ahead.....
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Post by Chopper on Jan 19, 2016 20:17:37 GMT
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Post by dirkpitt74 on Jan 19, 2016 20:53:54 GMT
Based on spec I'd go Banshee, but depends if you need 160 travel.
Don't know amyone with a Norco but there does seem to be some QA issues from what I've read.
How does the geometry stack up on both of them?
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 19, 2016 22:14:16 GMT
I think the consensus is that the Banshee is the better bike...fork and shock alone would do it for me...besides all the rest! Reviews on that frame are great! You just have to ask yourself if you want that type of bike?! But I reckon at that price you are getting a great deal!
I know someone who has that Norco albeit in Ali version who loves it...but he would love any bike and doesn't ride too hard!
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Post by danthor on Jan 19, 2016 22:37:42 GMT
Going to be one of the two above I think mate.
Not sure on the specific geometry of both of the bikes.
I will hopefully be making a decision on this tomorrow. I think that regardless of what bike I end up with I have have a bike that it more capable than I am. I am just looking forward to getting out on the bike and improving on my riding.
Once again, thank you everyone for the comments on this one. I will be sure to post a picture of the bike that I get.
Cheers troops
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Post by andy4d on Jan 19, 2016 22:43:48 GMT
Bird aeris or transition scout for me but that is of no help to you . so I am with the majority and the banshee looks the better option IMO. |
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Post by dirkpitt74 on Jan 21, 2016 9:22:56 GMT
So have you decided yet??
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Post by danthor on Jan 21, 2016 11:05:58 GMT
I certainly have decided . I took the Banshee out for a spin yesterday while on my lunch break. It felt really good, suspension felt much plusher (front fork on the Norco felt harsh) and the Banshee didn’t creek and make noise when I really put some power down. SO…. I bought the Banshee  . I completed the finance last night and I will be going to the shop today on lunch to put down my deposit. I will most likely pick it up at the weekend once the guys in the shop give it a once over (bleed brakes, new pads etc.etc.). Really happy and I am looking forward to getting out on it soon. Thanks for all of the help on this one. At the end of the day it came down to how it felt when I was on the bike. Both really nice bikes but for the reasons above I choose the Banshee. Just need to go to Evans and cancel the Norco and get the refundable deposit back  …. Next on the list is a roof rack for the motor and I am good to go . I will post a picture once I get the bike home. |
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Post by Chopper on Jan 21, 2016 11:12:49 GMT
I certainly have decided . I took the Banshee out for a spin yesterday while on my lunch break. It felt really good, suspension felt much plusher (front fork on the Norco felt harsh) and the Banshee didn’t creek and make noise when I really put some power down. SO…. I bought the Banshee . I completed the finance last night and I will be going to the shop today on lunch to put down my deposit. I will most likely pick it up at the weekend once the guys in the shop give it a once over (bleed brakes, new pads etc.etc.). Really happy and I am looking forward to getting out on it soon. Thanks for all of the help on this one. At the end of the day it came down to how it felt when I was on the bike. Both really nice bikes but for the reasons above I choose the Banshee. Just need to go to Evans and cancel the Norco and get the refundable deposit back …. Next on the list is a roof rack for the motor and I am good to go . I will post a picture once I get the bike home. Good choice mate, enjoy |
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Post by hodgy on Jan 21, 2016 11:24:14 GMT
Yeah ..well done !
See you on a trail somewhere ..sometime ..
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Post by Euan on Jan 21, 2016 11:29:48 GMT
I certainly have decided . I took the Banshee out for a spin yesterday while on my lunch break. It felt really good, suspension felt much plusher (front fork on the Norco felt harsh) and the Banshee didn’t creek and make noise when I really put some power down. SO…. I bought the Banshee . I completed the finance last night and I will be going to the shop today on lunch to put down my deposit. I will most likely pick it up at the weekend once the guys in the shop give it a once over (bleed brakes, new pads etc.etc.). Really happy and I am looking forward to getting out on it soon. Thanks for all of the help on this one. At the end of the day it came down to how it felt when I was on the bike. Both really nice bikes but for the reasons above I choose the Banshee. Just need to go to Evans and cancel the Norco and get the refundable deposit back …. Next on the list is a roof rack for the motor and I am good to go . I will post a picture once I get the bike home. Good choice. out of interest what car do you need a roof rack for? I have a spare rack for an Audi A4 2002 a 2008 saloon and avant |
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Post by dirkpitt74 on Jan 21, 2016 12:40:05 GMT
Nice one!
Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
I'd recommend the Thule 591 roof carrier - can be picked up online for around £60, just need to add roof bars.
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Post by Rlo80 on Jan 21, 2016 13:44:19 GMT
for sure the best choice…don't forget some photos please.
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