Demo review of Banshee Spitfire and Transition Scout (other bikes suggestions?) – Page 3 – Bike Forum

ahsat · 2015-02-08T09:33:42Z

So as some of you know, I went and tested the Medium Banshee Spitfire and Transition Scout that Pedals in Edinburgh have (thanks guys). We ended up taking them up to Glentress (always a good day out and good to test stuff on known trails). So a bit about me as a rider to give you some context: I am a 5'9" women. Been riding a Nicolai Helius CC for the past 4 years (130mm rear/140mm front and 69o head angle). Other bike is Cotic Soul (120mm up front). Riding: XC Cheviots > Thrunton Woods > 7 Stanes/Hamsterley etc > Yorkshire Dales days out > Lake District epics (pass bashing etc) > Quantocks > 1 Zona Zero trip and plans for the Alps this year. Reason for looking for an upgrade. I feel I have come on as a rider (thanks Ed Oxley!) and want something a bit slacker. Also the Nicolai forks are going to die and are a straighter steerer. Time for something slacker, longer and with more modern fork set up. Most important thing for me: it has to be able to pedal, as I am not the fastest uphill and I do have issues with front wheel lift on climbs. Oh and as part of that, cant weight a ton. So to the bikes: [imgThe gearing, especially on the 1x10 Spitfire was a little high for me, and the SRAM on the Scout isnt something I am used too, but otherwise tyres etc were all good to get a good idea of the frames. The bars are much wider than I usually ride, but to be honest, I just didnt hold the grips at the end (smaller women hands helped!). Initially the Scout felt the correct length and the Spitfire a little long; but after riding, the extra 10mm of the Spitfire wasnt an issue. The Scout has a very active suspension (just as they state) but I am a rider which really likes a bike to be able to climb as firm as a hardtail, and I found this was only achievable fully locked out on the Scout, which is fine on fireroads, but of course compromises the grips on singletrack climbs. The trail setting provided a comfortable ride, but it didnt feel efficient. By comparision, the Spitfire climbs like a demon. You just leave the Crane Creek in trail and sit and ride and dont notice any pedal bob at all. It was very impressive. On the way down, the Spitfire, as expected, shone. It absolutely loves to be ridden downhill. I thought it might be slow to turn in and struggle on the switchbacks, but it really didnt. I rode down stuff way with far more confidence than I do on my Nicolai (ok, we were just on the red and was aware these weren't my bike). Get to know that bike and you could be nailing all sorts of downhills. By comparison the Scout felt steep and a bit nervous going downhill. To be honest, I preferred the Spitfire so much, I left my husband with the Scout for much of the day, so some that is his view. If it matters, the Strava times on the descents showed with the Spitfire always being faster when I rode both down, regardless of the order. So...what did I decide! The Scout is defiantly off my shortlist. If you like an active plush ride, yes consider it, it certainly is a good bike. For me, it was just a bit 'meh'. I spent the hour drive back to Edinburgh deliberating a lot about the Spitfire. We were both impressed. At the moment, I havent ordered one. Two reasons: one is a it is a bit heavy. Probably 1lb heavier in the frame than my Nicolai which doesnt solve my requirement for a lighter bike and I wonder how it will fair (ok with better gearing) on a 60 km Lake District ride or a more XC Cheviot day out. Secondly, I think it may be a far better bike than I am rider. I can see how the 'downhillers trail bike' tag has come to be. Thing is, I am not a downhiller! If you want a bike you can rag, but still pedal up hill, I doubt you can beat it. So, at the moment it is still on my shortlist, but I am going to keep looking for now. Seeing if I can get a demo of the SC 5010 at Bike Treks in March (I want an Alu frame) and I am wondering about a Turner. Thank you everyone for your input so far. I'd give that Scout a go if you are interested in it, as there are clearly people who like it, it was just too active for me (and p20).

P20

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Shackleton, did I not buy your Dialled Love/Hate too?

Posted : 15/02/2015 10:54 am

alanm

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Ahsat,

I have a 2015 Medium stealth Black Spitty frame for Sale, bought end of October, if interested

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:00 am

Shackleton

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I was mulling over that last night too but my brain was struggling to make connections. Is it still going? I was reminiscing about it only last week 🙁

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:16 am

ahsat

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Topic starter

I have a 2015 Medium stealth Black Spitty frame for Sale, bought end of October, if interested

Cheers Alanm - why you selling? What you possibly looking for it? Was going to go via finance but could consider if price is right.

Posted : 15/02/2015 9:25 pm

alanm

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Looking for £950 comes with both 26 and 27.5 drop outs, hope headset and xt front mech, I managed to get a deal on a Ibis Mojo HD3 that i couldn't resist.

Posted : 15/02/2015 10:48 pm

ahsat

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Can you email me some pictures when you have a moment? Email in profile.

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:02 pm

alanm

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No probs probably be tomorrow, I am in west lothian if you wanted to see it

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:09 pm

ahsat

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Great. Thank you. May well be worth the trip (I'm in Newcastle, but hohum!).

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:10 pm

ahsat

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One quick question...does it come with the crane Creek or fox shock?

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:29 pm

rockthreegozy

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I'd also like photos if the OP doesn't bite

Posted : 15/02/2015 11:48 pm

Chipbutty

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Got my Spitfire frame on Saturday. First ride yesterday. Very nice.
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Posted : 16/02/2015 7:37 am

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[Closed] Demo review of Banshee Spitfire and Transition Scout (other bikes suggestions?)