Now that Mountain Bike Action has finally launched the “Joe’s Bike” feature I thought up, do you think I would get another chance to have my bike shown? Well, I’m going to try…

Thanks to Dave at the Hot Shoppe for the picture!

Dear MBA,

thanks so much for finally running the “Inside the Joe’s Bike” feature!  I can’t tell you how stoked I was to see my work on your pages.  However, you were correct in your assumption that I have a new bike now.  As a matter of fact, I have several as I have ended up being  a bike tester and reviewer in my spare time.  I’ve included a picture of one of my latest projects, but I am not sure I qualify as a “Joe” anymore (as I get some assistance with the bikes I test), although I am definately not a “Pro” by any strecth!

The bike in the picture attached is the 2010 Banshee Spitfire.  This bike is actually very similar in many ways to the Norco Fluid featured in the inaugeral edition of “Inside the Joe’s Bikes” in that it is also a 5 x 5 full suspension trail bike.  However, that is where comparisons end as the Spitfire is lighter, more efficient and just a more fun bike to ride.

The frame uses Banshee’s own VF4B virtual pivot suspension system, coupled with an Fox RP-23 rear shock.  Flicking the ProPedal lever to the stiffest setting essentially locks out the rear suspension, making an already efficient bike an excellent climber when that is coupled with the overall stiffness of the frame.  Descending is equally excellent, however I wouldn’t describe the Spitty as a plush bike, more like a “high performance” bike! Squishy duties up front are handled by a Fox TALAS 32 RLC fork with the 15 QR axle.  Keeping things rolling are a set of Mavic crossride wheels wrapped in Kenda Nevegals with a 2.5 on the front and a 2.35 on the rear.  Braking duties are handled by a set of Avid Elixir CR’s witha 7 inch rotor up front and a 6 inch rotor in the back.  Shifting is a Sram affair with X-9 shifters, an X-9 rear derailleur and an X-7 front derailleur with chain retention handled by the very simple, yet extremely effective Blackspire stinger.  The cranks were changed from stock to a set of Shimano XT’s and pedals are some blue Crank Brothers Smartys.

The cockpit consists of a made in Canada Straitline 50 mm, 0 rise stem in blue and a Bontrager Big Earl bar with a width of 28 inches – nice and wide for maximum control.  Grips are some Funn lock-ons, and last but not least the seat is a WTB Silverado in white.

That fancy looking seatpost is a KS i950r height adjust seat-post.  A most excellent addition for riding rolling singletrack!

And for the record, total cost (MSRP) $3,600USD for the stock parts, and you can add about $750USD for the upgrades I’ve made.  Weight is a respectable 31.3 lbs.