Banshee Darkside - First Look

We’ve wanted a ride on one of these since the first ‘Darkside’ edit hit. Thankfully for us, Banshee were happy to accommodate and fired one over to use for a test.

“Named after a local DH trail network, I designed the Darkside to be the bike I always personally wanted for tearing up the Whistler bike park where I am lucky enough to ride most summers. It is the ultimate park bike. I’ve waited a few years for this bike, but good things come to those who wait!”

Features –

Sizes – Small, medium and large
Travel – 180mm, optimised for playful DH and park riding
Headtube – Tapered 1.5″ zero stack bottom allows angle sets and tapered steerers
Security – Integrated fork bumpers
Warranty – 2 years with original owner
Crash Replacement – Lifetime with original owner
Dropouts – Replaceable rear dropouts to change between 26″/27.5″ rear wheels

The frame has been designed for playful DH and park style riding. Banshee’s main brief for this was to create a bike that is playful and inspiring to ride, rather than just a thoroughbred race bike like many other companies are churning out. Despite this, with 180mm of travel, this could be a viable option for a UK race bike.

The replaceable dropouts allow the rider to change between either 26″ or 27.5″ wheels. The way things are going, I guess most will opt for the 27.5 option but it’s good to have the option.

Banshee have worked with ODI to create these integrated fork bumpers. Any extra help to protect your prized pieces during a crash can only be a good thing. These can however be removed should you wish to run single crown forks.