Given its geographical roots in the Canadian North Shore trails near Vancouver, the fact that the Spitfire sees itself as a "trail bike for downhillers" should not be dismissed lightly. For the bike novice, this is a warning; for the expert, it is a promising promise. Despite its moderate suspension travel of 150 millimetres at the rear, which would make the Spitfire a classic all-mountain on paper, it has a remarkably slack head angle and correspondingly smooth handling. The riding position is stretched like a race bike and strongly orientated towards the front. The adjustable dropouts allow you to fine-tune the bottom bracket height and angle. From aggressive to extremely aggressive.
This bike loves chasing down the trails at warp speed. The faster and rougher, the better. With drops and stunts that you wouldn't even think of doing on a normal 140-millimetre bike, the Spitfire is still in its comfort zone. The very potent Cane Creek DB inline shock and the KS Link rear suspension play their part. It is commendable that Banshee provides clear setup instructions for the otherwise complex shock. But the Spitfire also surprises on the climbs. Under pedal pull, the VPP rear suspension tightens noticeably, while the rear end hardly sinks in. Complemented by the riding position with a lot of pressure on the front wheel, the Spitfire climbs even the steepest ramps with the shock open. Also almost exotic: fans of 26-inch wheels can also mount the frame in this format.
Test summary of the Banshee Spitfire
With its unusual downhill performance for its suspension travel class and very secure handling, the Spitfire is clearly designed for wild downhill riding. But it is also surprisingly efficient on the climbs. A bike for advanced riders who are constantly trying to push their limits.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 6/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
