Banshee is definitely a premium brand. I bought one because it let me have my cake and eat it too -- well made AL frame that was $1000ish less than most carbon frame only options, and their modular dropouts meant I didn't have to pony up for a new wheel set at the same time I got the frame. An 11 speed Shimano drivetrain, a take-off fork from the buy/sell, and some Andrew Major approved min-max parts and I have a primo ride that fit within my budget, and can be upgraded and adapted to my needs over time.
And yeah, Marin makes some great looking bikes that look to be very high value. I was also eyeing an AL Ibis -- a boutique company that seems to be fairly committed to making some affordable but quality options.
April 25, 2022, 2:11 p.m. - araz
Banshee is definitely a premium brand. I bought one because it let me have my cake and eat it too -- well made AL frame that was $1000ish less than most carbon frame only options, and their modular dropouts meant I didn't have to pony up for a new wheel set at the same time I got the frame. An 11 speed Shimano drivetrain, a take-off fork from the buy/sell, and some Andrew Major approved min-max parts and I have a primo ride that fit within my budget, and can be upgraded and adapted to my needs over time. And yeah, Marin makes some great looking bikes that look to be very high value. I was also eyeing an AL Ibis -- a boutique company that seems to be fairly committed to making some affordable but quality options.