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Interbike Day 2 - A closer look at what's coming up!
by kakah
Posted: Sep 23, 2009
Day 2 of the Outdoor Demo is done and dusted, tomorrow we move inside to the great expanse of the Sands Convention Center. There will be lots more to see but for now, have a look at what we came back from the desert with today! Inside you'll find pictures and info on both Yeti's 303 RDH and the new for 2010 ASR5 Carbon all-mountain bike, Banshee's Legend makes another appearance and is backed up by their new Spitfire - do it all bike, X Fusion 6" travel forks, and Commencal's 6" travel carbon swingarmed green machine!
More inside,
More inside,
2010 Yeti 303 RDH
Designed to be a lighter and livelier version of it's big brother, the 303 RDH is at home on tighter or smoother tracks. A stiffer feel to the suspension lets the bike pop off lips more and the shorter wheelbase results in a more playful feel. For a lot of us, the 303 RDH is the sort of DH bike that we will benefit from.
• Single linear rail to control shock rate
• Adjustable geometry without affecting suspension settings
• Built in molded chainstay protector
2010 Yeti ASR5 Carbon
A new machine introduced for the upcoming 2010 season, the ASR5 Carbon could be the 5" travel mountain killer that I've been waiting for. Probably the most interesting bike I've seen so far, the ASR5 Carbon frame has a fighting weight of just 4.5 lbs, is this the lightest 5" travel frame out there? Since we all know that weight isn't everything, Yeti managed to make it the most beautiful product at the show as well.
• Full carbon frame, including stays
• Carbon flex chainstay pivot
• 5" of rear wheel travel
• 4.5 lb frame weight
Yeticycles.com for more info.
Banshee Legend Mk1
It's always great to run into some good 'ol Canadian folks while out here in the dessert. The guys from Banshee were in attendance and brought with them the ever elusive Legend DH bike. The Legend has been in the works for some time now and things must be getting close to perfection. The rear end uses Banshee's VF4B suspension and is built with stiffness and COG as primary concerns. When the Legend does hit the shops it should be a winner.
• Frame weight of 8.5 - 9.0 lbs
• 8.5" of travel
• 1.5" headtube
• Internally ripped seatstays and chainstays for improved stiffness
Banshee Spitfire
It's a simple idea that makes a lot of sense: sometimes the DH'ers out there want to get nasty on a XC bike and this the bike that is capable of that. A slightly slacker Headtube angle keeps us feeling confident at speed, and a short and stiff rear end keeps things in line at speed. Compatible with chainguides, a lot of riders will set this rig up with a single 32 tooth ring and have a blast on trails that would otherwise be less fun on a longer travel machine
Head over to Bansheebikes.com to see more of their bikes.
X Fusion suspension
X Fusion had some of their forks and shocks out in the dessert for people to see a suspension alternative to the big players that you may be more familiar with. With the same adjustments as far more expensive forks, competitive weights, and even more competitive pricing, X Fusion is making some headway in the suspension game.
• 160 mm of travel
• 36 mm stanchions
• External high and lowspeed compression adjustment
• External Rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 4.9 lbs
• 160 mm of travel
• 36 mm stanchions
• External lowspeed compression adjustment
• External rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 4.9 lbs
• 80, 100, 130 mm of travel
• 32 mm stanchions
• Lockout adjustment
• External rebound adjustment
• Sealed damping cartridge and air spring
• 3.35 lbs
Go to the X Fusion website for more info on their suspension goodies.
Commencal Meta 6 VIP
Andorran company Commencal has a strong presence at the races with all three Atherton's piloting their bikes to victory, but it also looks like they can put together a great all around fun machine. The Meta 6 is a 6" travel bike that can be built to do nearly anything under the sun. A popular machine for marathon DH races or general bombing around, it should have enough versatility to please anyone.
• 6" of rear wheel travel
• Headangle adjustable from 68.5 to 67.5 degrees via sleeve
• Rear dropouts can be swapped out from 9 mm QR to 12 mm thru-axle
• Cable guides for telescoping seatpost
• VIP model is equipped with carbon swingarm
Looking for more info? Commencal.com is the place to go.
Check out the entire Interbike 2009 gallery and check back often as photos are updated daily!
Mike "Kakah" Levy
29 Comments
- + 10
psynide
(Sep 23, 2009 at 2:10)
banshee legend and yeti 303..mmmmmm, nice !
[Reply]
Compared to the Norco's from yesterday. I think Norco's going to be in for a rough year. All these bikes are super sexy especially that ASR5 Carbon. I'd buy that in a second if I had the dough. Simple but perfect in style. Hopefully Norco guys took there notebooks.
Considering you'll likely be able to buy a complete A-line for nearly the same price as a Yeti or Commencal frame I don't think Norco will have too many problems selling bikes. Besides, just because it's boutique doesn't make it better. In my books that's a lot of extra hours that I can spend on my bike rather than working to earn cash...
[Reply]
all x fusion do is steal old fox's put some new stickers and casting on and a new fork has emerged! just exactly the same as a fox! but cheaper 
those velvets look awfully similar to reba lowers just without the powerbulge! interesting looking tho
[Reply]
i love the new meta 6, but to have only one complete model, and a vip frame? a little too pricey either way you go about it.
[Reply]
[Reply]
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