Compare this to the Rune's shock ( as well as Banshee's Prime that also uses the KS Link) that is attached directly to the rear triangle. Take a close look at the VF4B system on the Legend and note that the shock is actually being driven by the lower link. ![]() While both the KS Link and VF4B are short link, four-bar designs, one major difference between the two is how the shock is activated. Further helping matters is how Keith has captured three of the four link pivots within the frame, sandwiching them between both the main triangle and the twin uprights of the rear end. These shorter links limit the opportunity for flex between the front and rear triangles, which also means that there should be less stress on each pivot bearing, and therefore less trouble in the long run. To that end, the KS Link design consists of two short forged links, shorter than those required of the VF4B system. Keith Scott, the man who pens each and every Banshee, and from where the KS Link takes its name, has always placed chassis rigidity high on his list of priorities. So why does the new Rune use the KS Link system instead of the VF4B, and how is it different? While their original linkage-driven single pivot layout may be long forgotten, their dual link VF4B design is still utilized on Banshee's highly rated Legend downhill bike. The 160mm travel Rune employs Banshee's KS Link suspension design, which is the third suspension iteration in Banshee's eleven year history. A de rigueur tapered head tube at the opposite end of the frame can be fitted with any fork between 150 and 180mm of travel, or an angle adjusting headset if you are looking for steeper or even slacker geometry. ![]() ![]() Dropouts to fit 135 QR, 12 x 142mm, and even 12 x 150mm rear axles are available for the Rune with this in mind. Those numbers, which are certainly partial to trails that slope downwards in a rowdy way, are the same regardless of if the Rune is fitted with the 650B or the 26'' wheel dropouts.īanshee knows full well that the Rune will be built up as anything from a sturdy all-mountain machine to a nimble park bike and everything in between, and that the many rear axle sizes are often the bane of any rider who is looking to assemble a frame from scratch, especially if they already have a favorite wheelset they want to carry over. Riders can make half degree jumps between 65°, 65.5°, and 66° head angle settings, with the bottom bracket height and seat angle changing accordingly ( all with a 545mm axle to crown fork which most 160mm forks measure close to). ![]() This route, while not the lightest given the aluminum and steel hardware required to make it possible, allowed Keith to incorporate a three position geometry adjustment via altering the height of the dropouts on the rear triangle. According to Banshee's Keith Scott, the bike " has the performance to make exploring new terrain easy and enjoyable, and allows the rider to explore the limits of their ability, and to help them progress in confidence and ability." That adaptability is highlighted by the bike's capacity to accept both 26'' wheels and the 650B wheels that we ran it with for the duration of our time on it, simply by swapping out the bolt-on rear dropouts that alter the axle position relative to the frame. Interchangeable dropouts not only allow either 26'' or 650B wheels to be fitted, but also offer three different geometry positions for each that range from relatively slack to really slack.īanshee has gone to great lengths to create a versatile yet sturdy package with the Rune, and it shows in the final product.
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