dbozman profile

Great jumping Jesus, that VW is RAD. Wow. Definitely one of the coolest rigs I've seen.

No offense, I started to do the poll and midway through it became pretty clear that someone just wanted to sell me insurance.

I'm really surprised Banshee doesn't get more attention in the US. Hope you guys have a test on deck for some of the brand's new models.

You know, the trails are the same year-round here. We don't really have "weather" as such so conditions don't change much. Still around 80 degrees, so more hikers than normal.

I had one, too, XL carbon model one step below the pro, for a 6'2 (188ish) rider with long arms and legs. Mine had the RS suspension, which I personally prefer. For the most part, this review is spot on to my thoughts after riding it for a couple months on South Mountain in Phoenix.

The bike is really planted and fast downhill. If we had lifts or a bike park or shuttled more, it would have been a keeper. But having to earn your turns up steep technical terrain killed it for me. AJ is spot on for having to "hump" it up climbs. I'm a modestly fit climber and the bike ate my lunch.

Interesting review. Thank you. I was in a similar position a few months back. Sold my original Ripmo earlier in the year and was riding the new Hightower. Didn't care for that bike and was ready to return to Ibis. LBS here in Phoenix had both the Ripmo and the Ripley in XL.

I ended up going with another Ripmo, but that new Ripley has been in my head; particularly set up with a Pike at 140 and  a better shock (DVO will build you a Topaz with the proper stroke). Some of the most fun I've had is on short travel bikes riding big chunk on South Mountain (looking at you Banshee Phantom and the new Giant Trance).

Sorry your gear got jacked. And not to draw the conversation away from your victimhood. But ... what's the lowdown on making a pair of knee pads last for 11 years? That secret sauce seems to be missing. Do tell. The funk alone should have killed them before then.

I bought those shorts last week. Honestly, $99 seems really steep, but I was using my REI member funds, so the shorts were “free.” Have to say I’m incredibly impressed after a handful of rides here in Phoenix. Easily the most minimalist shorts I’ve worn, which is great since I don’t keep stuff in my pockets. If you do, these aren’t your shorts.

Totally agree with this. I’d much rather read a review in which the rider was able to spend a month on his home trails. These “splash” events, while awesome, don’t reflect reality.

Blast from the past. I ran one on my Titus El Guapo trail bike (along with a first-gen Gravity Dropper). Yeah, it was heavy and the jump up to the draggy OD was big, but man I loved that HammerSchmidt.