I've recently purchased a banshee after a few years of not owning a mountain bike. The online reviews of the bike claimed it was superb value for money considering the price tag of £499. So, you can imagine how pleased i was to get a 2007 ex-display model for £239.99 in a recent 20% off sale.
Suspension Tough Suntour Epicon forks up at the front are air-sprung with adjustable rebound and lockout. When the sag is set correctly for your weight, they do a superb job of maintaining traction and absorbing rather punishing drops, with no obvious kickback or excessive dive. The X-Fustion Glyde RL rear shock may not be as sophisticated, but it absorbs even rather harsh bumps well, while the lockout is a must if using the bike on paved surfaces.
Brakes Tektro IO mechanical discs on 180mm rotors are near the bottom of the Tektro range, but they are powerful enough, with just enough feedback to prevent locking up unnecessarily.
Gears The only criticism here is that Halfords failed to set them up correctly, meaning that i couldn't access the top chainring. I tought myself in 15 minutes using internet tutorials and had them set up correctly in another 10. Now the change is solid and precise from the Sram shifters and derailleurs.
Frame From the first glance, the frame is obviously built for some worse-than-average abuse. The 100mm welded seam between the top and down tubes, gusseted seat tube and a further gusset at the bottom of the headstock mean this frame can easily handle the 140mm travel forks without fear of ripping the head off. Sealed bearings all-round are a reassuring detail.
Rideability Despite the chunky frame and very solid componentry, the bike doesn't feel too heavy. Magnesium lowers on the Epicon forks and 7005 aluminium frame tubing are a welcome attempt to keep the weight down. Having said that, it does feel a bit on the sluggish side up a prolonged hill climb. The wheelset on this bike, as with other Carreras seems to be a bit on the heavy side, but then again it would be pointless putting fragile rims on a rock-hard frame.
Verdict Overall, i'd say this is probably the best bike on the market for the £299 that the clearance stock is advertised on the Halford's website for, and is probably the best sub-£500 soft tail. This bike thrives on downhill trails, and is superbly comfortable as an XC machine, but when the trail goes up, you'll have to start sweatting to keep pace.
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Advantages: Comfortable to ride, i find it good value for money, turns many heads!! (esp kiddies). Disadvantages: Absolutely nowhere to strap any sort of bag, bottle or lock-carrier to it. Need to keep taking front wheel off and carrying seat with you if leaving it locked up for a while
lioncub 31.10.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Carrera Banshee
Advantages: Comfortable to ride, i find it good value for money, turns many heads!! (esp kiddies). Disadvantages: Absolutely nowhere to strap any sort of bag, bottle or lock-carrier to it. Need to keep taking front wheel off and carrying seat with you if leaving it locked up for a while
lioncub 31.10.2000 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Carrera Banshee
May 14th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
