nate14

So I'm riding a .243 right now, and quickly discovering that it's not right for me. I like the slack angles, but I hate the fact that the seat tube is so low that I can't raise the seat up to pedal with full extension. It's got a 24" wheel in the back, which obviously doesn't help with that.

I've seen Banshee Chaparral frames on Pricepoint for 900 bucks, and I think it might be more of what I want. I am a big guy, about 210, and I want more of an all-mountain machine, instead of an outright freeride bike. Here's my question--if I get the Banshee frame and build it with dual 26s and reasonably lightweight XC gear and a 6 inch fork would it be a reasonable all-mountain bike, or way too much bike for aggressive trail riding.

I don't do huge drops or anything, but I'm heavy and I like a decent amount of suspension, and I don't really care about going fast. Anyone had experience with the 2004 model of that particular frame? I would just go for an Enduro or something, but I've got most of the parts and it would be way cheaper to build up a frame for me.

cryptid01

The Chap actually rides like it has pretty steep geometry, even with a 170mm Marzocchi 66 on it.

It is a great choice for something closer to the burly side of "all-mountain," whatever that means today.

I saw one of the 04 frames fail once (non-catastrophically) and it was replaced promptly under warranty.

DylanTremblay

I heard that they are pretty heavy but don't quote me on that I could be mistaken.

rambler500

Banshee? there are so many way better, lighter, nicer bikes out there... especially if youre plannin on pedalling it about. Ive herad in oter forums on other sites banshee's being compared to driving a dump truck through the forest, not riding a bike....just an opinion.... check out the giant reign, it comes as a frame as well, very burly but less weighty and much more feeling when you ride instead of barreling over stuff

rambler500

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/030...sp?model=10323

here it is oh...and a five year warranty will ease your mind as well.....good ol' giant

cryptid01

That's weak, you can't form your own opinion so you take someone else's?

I've ridden an 04 and an 06 Chap and I've also driven a dump truck and I can assure you the two experiences are nothing alike.

mtnbiker66

I ve seen a Chap get railed all over the place. Up hills,down hills,drops ,jumps and the like. If I was looking for a bike like you want I would look at the Banshee fer sure.

mtnbiker66

You have no clue...........

WannaGetGood

Its a good bike. If you can though, put in like $300 more bucks for the Scream. Worth it.

DylanTremblay

Even though the scream is awesome as hell...he said he didn't want a all out freeride bike instead he wanted a more all mountain bike.

rambler500

alright, i outwardly think banshees are crap and all my friends that ride make fun of how much they suck. Just trying to keep an innocent person from buying a crappy bike that weighs alot and handles poorly. Also i directly quoted another person, never actually saying that that opinion was mine. Theres my opinion and i'll stick to my own from now on, thanks gastro

Blair

scrublover

I've got a couple buddies that are riding Chaparrals. Good, solid bikes. Pair it up with a comparable travel fork, and a decent rear shock. You'll have a beefy, dependable, do it all bike. Sure, it'll be slower on the climbs/flats, but it'll also handle your 210# well. Not really and better or worse than many other non-Horst four bars in the same budget range.

You can build it up to come in at a decent weight, too, even though it's a moderately heavy frame. $900 for a new one is a good deal, provided it is coming with a decent rear shock. Even if it's last years model.

The guy griping about how poorly they Chaps ride? Meh, don't pay attention to that. See if you can find a rider around you on one to get their bike out for a test spin, and make up your own mind.