In 2016, Banshee Bikes updated almost all of their 26″-wheeled bikes to 27.5″ wheels. Rumor has it, they were looking at bigger wheels for some models, including the Legend downhill bike, but 650B and 27.5″ was all the rage, so that’s the direction they went. Fast forward two years and we’re seeing more and more downhill bikes and riders show up with 29″ wheels at the start gate, so the Canadian brand decided it was time to update that model again.
Available this fall for €3,500 with a Fox 40 Factory fork and DHX2 shock with SLS spring, the Legend 29 will get a few tweaks to take advantage of the bigger wheels. The concept is the same as their 650B version, but it will be their first DH bike with hydroformed tubes, which saves 350g off the traditionally tubed bike.
This one is a near final test frame, so expect a few changes before it hits your local dealer. The production bike will get better tire clearance and slightly more progressive suspension in the last third of the travel. The first 2/3 of travel is lively to soak up the little stuff and give it a playful personality, but still remain high-ish in the travel.
The rear end will get 195mm rear travel, down just slightly from the 27.5″ bike’s 208mm travel.
It’ll only come in sizes L and XL. The 27.5″ bikes will keep M and L sizing options. Another rumor is Banshee is considering moving to a direct-to-consumer sales model for France, possibly more of Europe. They remain sold thru dealers in North America, with special editions thru JensonUSA.com.
