Banshee Legend MKII Review

Banshee has been making bikes for about nine years now. They started off building hardtail and heavy steep angled North Shore skinny bikes. They began to develop a bigger range in bike throughout the years and began branching more into the cross country and all mountain segments.

In about 2005-2006 Banshee hooked up with Keith Scott who was working on his Master's Thesis. What he outlined for that paper would come to be know as The Banshee Legend. This bike was put into testing for about 4 years. Over 70 frames were handed out around the world and the bikes where ridden hard and put away wet.

After gathering all the riders input and fine tuning the design and making alterations it was ready for production. The Banshee Legend MKII was released to the public in 2009. It was low, slack, light and ate up rough terrain just what the general downhill population had been asking for.

Going over the various suspension designs that could be used to build Banshee's first World Cup level race frame they decided to go with a slightly altered VPP design. This would give the benefits of less pedal bob from chain stretch along with still having a fairly active suspension system. Check out Keith's Thesis at the bottom of the page to learn more about The Banshee Legend MKII design process.

2010 Banshee Legend MKII Build

• Frame Banshee Legend MK II Large
• Fork Manitou Dorado Pro
• Rear Der. Shimano M810 GS Saint
• Shifters Shimano SLX
• Crankset Shimano Saint 165mm 36 Tooth
• BB Shimano
• Chainguide E Thirteen LG-1
• Cassette SRAM PG 970 11-26
• Chain SRAM PC 951 9sp
• Brakes Formula K24 ORO
• Brake Levers Formula
• Bars Easton Havoc Low 31.8
• Stem Twenty 6 F1 Stem
• Cane Creek Angleset
• Pedals Twenty Six Prerunners
• Seatpost Thomson Elite
• Saddle WTB Devo carbon Team
• Wheels WTB Laserdisc DH 20mm F and 12mm by 150mm rear.
• Tires WTB Dissent DH F/R Kenda DH tubes

Complete Banshee Legend MK II Test Here

Plattekill Bike Park Presents The Third Annual Pro GRT Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open

Plattekill Bike Park is proud to present the Third Annual Pro GRT Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open. This year the Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open moves to Memorial Day weekend, May 24-28, 2012. The race will be the third stop of the USA Cycling ProGRT National Series and will offer double series points in the POC Eastern States Cup Regional Championship Series. The ProGRT is the most prestigious downhill mountain bike racing series in North America. The POC Eastern States Cup is the richest, largest and fastest growing series in the nation. This combination event is aimed at riders and racers of all abilities.

Top domestic and international professional riders including many World Cup stars will be competing at Plattekill to test their skills on one of the best downhill mountain bike courses in the United States. This year Plattekill is featuring a classic track on the steep North Face side of the bike park. The course has steep chutes, berms and some big gap jumps at the finish.

Plattekill doubled the Pro GRT Purse and is offering a $5000 pro purse and some great prizes for amateurs. The race is a USAC qualifier for selection to the World Championship Team, so the pros will be really going for the win. Practice will open Thursday, qualifying is on Saturday and the race will be held on Sunday. Plattekill Bike Park will remain open thru Monday and will be open for freeriding every day of the event. Plattekill will run two lifts for complete access to their trail system.

Since 1974, FOX RACING SHOX has been the industry leader in the design and development of the highest performance shock absorbers and racing suspension products for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and off-road cars and trucks.

The POC Eastern States Cup was founded in 2010 as a USA Cycling Eastern Regional Championship Series and featured two USA Cycling State Championships. This proved to be a popular formula with racers and venues. In 2011 the series grew, offering the USAC Regional and three state championships. The 2012 POC Eastern States Cup will feature 5 USAC State Championships and the Eastern Regional Championship at 8 great venues. 2012 and the future indeed look bright for the series and the racers in the East.

Plattekill is located in Roxbury, NY. The bike park has been hosting downhill mountain bike racing since 1993. The trails are endless and offer something for riders of all abilities. The fall line trail sections are quite steep and the natural terrain offers loose shale with large rock drops. Plattekill Bike Park uses two lifts accessing two distinct peak areas. Lift attendants place your bikes on the chair for the ride up. The base lodge offers a cafeteria, bike shop and restrooms. On the deck great burgers and refreshments will be available. Plattekill will be open Thursday thru Monday for riding and practicing.

Race Fee’s:

• $65 Cat1(expert) and Cat2(sport) and Cat3(beginner)    
• $95 USAC Pro         
• All Race Fees Include Saturday AND Sunday Lift Tickets!!!
• Thurs, Fri and Mon Lift Tickets are $20 per day with race entry.
• ($15 discount from our regular tickets)

Schedule:

• Registration: 9-4 Friday – Saturday and 8- 9 Sunday
•  
• Double Chair Practice and Freeriding DH  10-4 Thursday - Friday,  8-4 Saturday, 8-11 Sunday
•  
• Triple Chair open 10-4 Saturday and Sunday

Saturday Seeding Run DH

Pro and Cat 1 Juniors 4:00pm

Sunday Race DH

Cat2-3                12:00pm

Cat1                    1:30 pm

Pro                      2:30 pm

Pit Fee’s: 10x10=$100     20x10=200     20x20=$300     20x40= $400  

Reserve spaces early. No e-z ups/tents will be allowed in the top two lots without reserved pit space, NO exceptions. The Reserved pit area will be patrolled throughout the event.

Camping: The third lot will feature primitive camping. Camping will cost $10 per night for a 12x20 space including your vehicle. Porta poties will be available. Water will be available in the Base Lodge.

No Electric will be available. Generators are allowed until 10pm.

Special Parking restrictions will be enforced

Pre Registration, Lodging and more info: links can be found on our site www.plattekill.com

2013 Shimano Saint And Zee Groups Announced

Shimano introduces Zee, a new line of gravity components that are an ideal starting point for aggressive riders and racers. Zee is the gateway gravity component line that allows riders to get on board with Shimano’s gravity program and experience premium new component technologies at a price they can afford. Highlights in the Zee line include a 10-speed system that comes standard with new ICE Tech and Shadow Plus technologies.

Zee Shadow Plus RD

The Zee RD-M640 features Shadow Plus technology proven to reduce chain slap, drop and impact noise and the 10-speed short cage RD’s low profile tucks safely below the cassette cogs. With two spec options that enable a typical MTB cassette (11-32,11-34,11-36) or a close ratio road cassette (11-23,11-25,11-28), Zee is ready to handle the needs of enduro and DH racers. 10-speed also offers complete compatibility with Dyna-Sys MTB product and Shimano’s latest chain and cassette technology.

 

New Gravity 10-Speed Shifter

The new Zee shifter uses Dyna-Sys compatible cable stroke, which means linear shift effort, easy set-up and accurate, stable gear changes. All new paddle shapes with 2-Way release and dimpled main lever allow riders to be more in control and perfectly engaged.

Powerful 4-Piston Disc Brakes With ICE Tech

New Zee hydraulic disc brake systems are gravity rated with a Servo-Wave brake lever and new 4-piston ceramic disc brake caliper. System stiffness is tuned using Shimano’s high-power hose and shorter lever blade while ergonomics are perfected with a new pivot location and dimpled surface. ICE Tech brake pad and rotor options reduce heat in the system and maintain performance on the longest descents.

Durable, Reinforced Crank Set

The thick wall aluminum construction on the Zee twopiece cranks and reinforced steel axle translate to additional confidence on the trail. With an axle 30% stronger than comparable trail cranks and smooth running, accurately aligned chain wheels, the Zee crank will perform reliably - run after run. The crank arm features outboard bearings and steel pedal inserts. Options include single ring 34T/36T/38T; FC-M640 68/73mm BB and FC-M645 83mm BB. Pressfit compatible.

New Durable And Reliable Hubsets

Quick engaging, smooth running hubs are a big advantage on the mountain. The new Zee hubs include quality sealing, adjustable angular contact bearings, and rotate on extra stiff, one piece rear axles with integrated cone construction. Zee hubs are ready for any modern gravity bike with 20mm axles up front and 12mm axles in 135, 142 and 150mm configurations.

The original dedicated gravity component line is more focused, more advanced and more
dedicated to speed than ever with the new M820 group for 2013. The now 10-speed Saint M820
group embraces Shimano’s latest technology and debuts all-new advancements in both heat
control and drivetrain stability. With new ICE Technologies and Saint’s take on the Shadow Plus
rear derailleur, the M820 group promises riders a pure riding experience and the gift of focus
through seamless and stable bike control.

The New Standard In DH Rear Derailleurs

New chain control and silencing technologies in the new RD-M820 are a game changer for gravity riding. In addition to the proven Shadow Plus RD design, a Saint specific, high durometer urethane bump stopper (between the RD and the dropout) was added to reduce impact noise. Now 10-speed, the new RD-M820 features a durable super wide link that serves as the backbone of the DH parallelogram. Ready for track and trail, the mode converter easily adapts between two settings for MTB cassette gear ratios (11-32, 11-34, 11-36) and road (11-23, 11-25, 11-28).

ICE Technologies Even More Advanced

The new Saint disc brake embraces Shimano ICE Technology and advances it, reducing heat and improving performance through multiple combined features. In addition to finned brake pads, self insulating ceramic pistons and three layer rotor construction, new M820 disc brake systems will also see the introduction of a 30mm aluminum banjo fitting and an innovative finned rotor, that reduce operating temperatures by increasing the convective surface area. The new SM-RT99 Ultimate Clad rotor is a significant performance enhancement reducing heat by 50 degrees, creating 20% more stopping power, eliminating brake fade and increasing pad life. A new, longer 30mm banjo fitting extending from the caliper further reduces heat at a critical location where oil transitions from hose to caliper. Saint shares the excellent ergonomics and system stiffness found on Zee brake systems and is also ISPEC compatible.

Improved Shifter Ergonomics, Easier Shifts

Advanced DH ergonomics including longer levers (+5mm) and textured paddles combine with low friction ball bearings to reduce shifting effort on this gravity specific shifter. Designed specifically for Shadow Plus and Vivid indexing, these shifting enhancements reduce base shifting effort by up to 37%, so that on-trail shift effort is as light as ever. Instant, effortless shifts create a whole new paradigm for the most durable, gravity-ready drivetrain on the market. Premium
functions include instant release, multi release and 2-Way release. An I-SPEC bracket option will be available to reduce weight and handlebar clutter.

Reliable DH Race Cranks

New Saint Hollowtech II cranks are hollow forged Duraluminum, creating a lighter weight crank set with an axle that is 250% stronger than trail options and an arm that is double strength. The single-only setup looks great with custom aluminum hardware and is available in three lightweight chainring options (34T/36T/38T) and in two crank sets: FC-M820 (68/73mm BB) and FC-M825 (83mm BB) that both offer Presfit BB compatibility. A steel pedal insert adds durability at the pedal interface. Note: MTB Press fit BB: SM-BB71-41A (50mm chainline; 89.5x41 BB shell), DH Press fit BB: SM-BB71-41C (58mm chainline; 104.5x41 BB shell)

New Saint Hubsets

New Saint hubs are lighter and easier to adjust. All weather rated with top quality sealing, adjustable angular contact bearings, and precision ground, integrated cone construction, these hubs track straight and roll true. Centerlock mounting for alignment and braking efficiency, Saint hubs are available with 20mm axles up front and 12mm axles in 135, 142 and 150mm configurations.

New Wider, Lower Profile Saint Flat Pedals

After years of success, the crowd favorite DX flat pedals are succeeded by new PD-MX80 Saint-branded pedals that feature a wider (+3mm), lower profile (-8.5mm) platform with an easy replacement pin system. Adapted to modern riding, the PD-MX80 retains the durable, smooth rotating axle and concave ergonomic platform that made the MX30 a legend.

E Thirteen LG1 Crank Review

 FEATURES

• P3 Connect polygon 3 lobe connection spindle interface
• Forged and then machined Exalite Aluminum arms 
• 30mm Aluminum spindle 
• 14mm pedal thread engagement 
• Gold anodize spindle/hardware
• Available in "Blackout" black 
• Forged and then machined 7050 Aluminum arms.
• 7050 is 40% stronger than most common hollow forged alloys.
• 30mm heat-treated cromoly spindle.
• It is 200%+ stiffer than 24mm steel spindles commonly used in external bearing cranksets.
• German DIN 32711-P3 Polygon interface provides 100% surface contact between spindle and crankarm.
• Eliminates fretting corrosion – the prime cause of dreaded crankset creaking and loosening.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight: 870 Grams w/BB 
• BB Shell: 68, 68E, 73, 73E, 83
• Spindle Length: 113, 123 
• Arm Lengths: 165,170,175 
• Bolt Pattern: 4x104 BCD 

E13 Crank Installation Instructions

The LG-1 cranks by E Thirteen came out with very high expectations from the downhill community as a whole. This in large part was due to E Thirteen's chainguides that have been one of the best on the market for close to a decade. They aimed to produce a super stiff crank that was both durable and lightweight.

They achieved the stiffness by using a 30mm axle with a German DIN 32711-P3 Polygon Interface. Instead of using teeth or ribbed contact points for the arm/axle interface they used a 3 sided axle that is tapered. It is claimed to be better at distributing the load that other systems currently on the market. 

The arms are forged out of 7050 series aluminum which helps greatly with their overall stiffness. The pedal threads are 14mm deep to give a greater bite on the pedal axle and lower the risk of ripping pedals from crank arms in rocky terrain.

Overall the build quality of the cranks is as good as anything I have seen on Shimano, SRAM mountain bike components. They include all the tools needed to install and service the cranks. They have pretty detailed installation instructions follow them and intallation of the E13 LG1 cranks should be a snap.

This particular set of cranks is about one and a half years old now. They have been installed onto our Banshee Legend and have not been touched. They have been haggle free the whole time and have held up well to rock strikes and harsh landings. E Thirteen nailed the reliability side of the equation with these cranks for sure.

I am about 210 pounds and am fairly strong. The cranks are very stiff. I did not detect any flex in them and feel comfortable saying they are every bit as stiff as Shimano Saints. The aluminum chosen for the arms combined with the massive axle and interface used in the LG1 crank do what they should. Produce a stiff lightweight package that is very reliable.

The crankset as a whole is pretty light. E Thirteen now offers 3 versions The LG1, LG1+ and LG1r they vary in price and weight the LG1r weighs in at 760 Grams including BB which is about 300 grams lighter than Saint! E thirteen managed to make a lightweight Downhill crank that was also durable. Mission accomplished and I would have no problem recommending these cranks to those in the market.

2012 Plattekill Season Announcement

Plattekill Bike Park located in Roxbury, NY is proud to announce the 2012 Plattekill downhill riding season. Plattekill has been hosting downhill mountain bike riding and racing for over sixteen years. That will continue full force in 2012. The bike park will open for riding April 14-15 weekend, the earliest in the East and the earliest ever at Plattekill. Plattekill Bike Park extended the 2011 Riding season into December in 2011 making for the Longest lift assisted mountain biking season in North America.

The first race of the season will be the Third Annual Gravity Open on Memorial day Weekend, May 23-27, 2012. The Gravity Open will be part of the prestigious USA Cycling National Pro GRT and the POC Eastern States Cup Series’. The race takes place Memorial Day weekend and will feature many national and international stars. Previous winners have included UCI World Champions. Plattekill Bike Park will host four POC Eastern States Cup Series races, the finals of the USAC NYS State Championships and the USAC Eastern Regional Championships.

Due to the early start of the riding season and a late March snowstorm the bike park will spread 5-work weekend during the season. The goal this summer is a groomed trail fro top to bottom. Stay tuned for more information.

The trails at Plattekill are endless and offer something for riders of all abilities. The fall line trail sections are steep. The natural terrain offers loose shale with large rock drops. Plattekill Bike Park uses two lifts accessing two distinct peak areas. Lift attendants place your bikes on the chair for the ride up. The base lodge offers a cafeteria, bike shop and restrooms. On the deck great burgers and refreshments will be available. 

Regular Season Opening April 14-15 Weekend

2012 Ride Fees:

All Day Lift                         $35

Two Day Same Weekend Lift $55

After 2pm Lift                     $25

One Time Lift with Bike         $10

Trail Access (no lift)             $15

Skyride                               $ 5

Season Pass                      $329

SEASON PASS SPECIAL UNTIL MAY 1, 2012……$279

Plattekill Mountain is the longest operating bike park in the Northeast with
over 60 miles of bike-specific lift accessed trails operating two lifts to
two mountain peaks.

Roxbury, NY (607) 326-3500 

www.plattekill.com

http://www.usacycling.org/progrt

www.easternstatescup.com