Banshee Rune V2- Fay Cunningham

If you would like to get your hands on any of the Banshee Bikes range give us a call on 01694 781515.

New Santa Cruz Heckler 650B

Santa Cruz has introduced the seventh generation of their venerable Heckler frame, but this time it’s designed around 27.5” wheels and features updated geometry. Santa Cruz took the angles found on their recently introduced Bronson and used them to revamp the Heckler, changes that resulted in a longer top tube and slacker head tube angle than previous versions. These design changes are intended to add additional stability on the descents and at higher speeds, matching the Heckler’s intended use as an all-mountain machine. The ultra-simple single pivot design remains, a design favored by riders for its reliability and extremely low maintenance. The rear swingarm is now equipped with a 12×142 thru axle, and attaches to the front triangle with a 15mm expanding collet axle.

With complete bikes starting at $2599, the Heckler could prove to be popular with riders looking for a simple, durable, do-it-all bike that makes it possible to enjoy the geometry of the Bronson in a less pricey package. Thinking about doing trying out enduro racing this season? Ditching the Heckler’s big ring and tossing on some wider bars and a dropper post would make this bike ready for just about any race course, and its simplicity should help it last for multiple seasons of hard use.

Brendan Fairclough's Scott Genius

For any more Scott related info or to purchase a Scott bike please call our store on 01694 781515.

Santa Cruz Solo C

“A rare blend of fun and efficiency makes this the explorer’s ideal companion“

After the exciting introduction of the 150mm Santa Cruz Bronson, it looked as though the US company were content with an already packed line-up. So when they announced a further addition to their range we were struggling to work out the gap they were trying to fill. Step in the Solo, a 5in travel, 27.5in wheel trail bike developed from what Santa Cruz say they learned while creating the Bronson.

Ride & handling: Rare balance of fun and efficiency, just watch those pedals

The VPP rear end of the Santa Cruz Solo is particularly efficient, resisting bob admirably in all situations. Fox’s CTD rear shock allows for further efficiency gains at the flick of a switch (in Trail mode), the trade-off being the usual drop in small bump compliance. With Climb mode enabled the rear end of the bike demonstrates its immense stiffness. For the majority of riders, the most limiting factors on this bike’s uphill ability will be their lungs and legs.

The linkage combines both a rising and falling rate action to provide impressive traction and control without a penalty on your pedalling. As with all VPP bikes, it’s sensitive to set up. We experimented with pressures a little mid-ride before getting things dialled. Soon we were comfortably getting the full travel of the bike, feeding inspiring traction through all contact points without feeling any harsh bottoming or aggressive ramp-up.

Up front, the 130mm Fox 32 Float CTD fork did a great job of pairing with the rear of the bike. Its relatively skinny chassis never felt overwhelmed, although steering accuracy was certainly aided by ENVE’s superlight and stiff 27.5in carbon hoops.

The fork did tend to dive a little too much for our liking in the Descend setting, occasionally making the bike feel steeper than its 68-degree head angle would suggest. We preferred the front end in Trail mode, the extra low-speed compression keeping the angles as intended.

Santa Cruz Solo C

Stiff, light and extremely bright

The Solo’s geometry results in an agile, keen feel, with great overall balance and a real talent when it comes to changing direction quickly. We had to be conscious of that bottom bracket height, though – our test pedals came away with a few scars. We see this as a trait rather than a problem, as it’s simply the price to pay once you realise the agility and handling potential of the Solo.

Riders looking for a revolutionary 650b ride might want to close this page now – the ’27.5in wheel’ element of the Solo became apparent after a few hours in the saddle, but isn’t something most riders will pick up on immediately.

Expect the ride of a 26in-wheeled bike, plus a little more stability and roll-over. It’s always easy to pop the front of the bike and generally play around, too – there’s no doubt that the Solo is more fun than a 29er in this respect.

The impressive suspension action delivered through the light and tight chassis means the last thing on your mind is the size of the wheels. The Solo just gets on with it.

It’s the perfect companion for exploring the unknown, and manages to shine regardless of whether gravity is on your side or not. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Solo’s promotional video then perhaps you should. For us, it encaptures what the bike is all about…

Frame & equipment: Tight and light, with proven suspension and superb detailing

Riders familiar with Santa Cruz’s current line-up will inevitably be drawing comparisons between the Solo and the current Blur TRC. Some of the figures are close, yes, but not the same – this isn’t simply a Blur TRC with 27.5in hoops.

Compared with the Bronson, the Solo is stanced lower and shorter. The head angle is also one degree steeper, with slightly shorter chainstays and a bottom bracket drop of half an inch.

The 142mm rear end of the Solo holds its derailleur hanger in place using a fuss-free single bolt; that’s just one of many small but practical touches that make this bike very friendly to work on.

Another relief for the home mechanic comes in the form of the alloy pivot hardware. Designed with muck in mind, it features an innovative sealing system that promises durability in the toughest of environments.

Bucking the press-fit trend, the Solo sticks to a 73mm threaded bottom bracket. ISCG 05 tabs are standard and each frame gets two bottle mounts regardless of the size. Along with a nifty snap-on chainstay protector, Santa Cruz have also added rubberised down tube protection – it’s nothing that will fight off rock strikes but should keep things looking pretty should you take a rough uplift.

Santa Cruz Solo C

The Fox CTD shock offers useful and convenient compression adjustment, but the Solo climbs well in any setting

Our test bike came with all the options ticked. That meant a Shimano XTR single drivetrain (not pictured), matching stoppers from the XTR line, and ENVE’s extravagant but superb 650b carbon hoops. An Easton Havoc carbon bars was also in place, providing ample width with comfortable angles.

We didn’t have scales to hand but Santa Cruz claim a figure of just over 25lb (11kg) for the test build. Familiar traction was provided by Maxxis’ fast rolling Ardent tyres.

The Solo Carbon is available in various build kits. Prices start at £4,399/US$4,199 but start ticking off those extras and the figure can almost double. Four sizes are on offer, ranging from S to XL. An aluminium version of the Solo is also available now – full alu builds start at £3,599/US$3,299 while a frameset is £1,799 – saving £800 over the carbon frame’s retail price.

This is the bike that should have potential Bronson customers scratching their heads – trying to choose between the two could be tricky. Still, it sounds like a pretty good problem to have to us…

For any further Santa Cruz bikes related info or to make a purchase please call our store on 01694 781515.

You can expect to see a demo Santa Cruz Solo C at Blazing Bikes/ MTB Shropshire very soon… Until that point why not try our Santa Cruz Bronson C demo bike.

If you would like further Ibis info or to purchase an Ibis please give us a call on 01694 781515.

Also coming soon the Banshee Bikes U.K website www.bansheebikes.co.uk. This will have all the current models. With U.K pricing, build kits, offers, tech info and set-up guides.

Rune: (black ano, raw, green)

with X-Fusion £1399.00

with Fox Float X £1549.00

with Cane Creek CS £1599.00

Prime: (black ano, raw, red)

with X-Fusion £1399.00

with Fox CTD BV £1499.00

with Cane Creek CS £1599.00

Spitfire: (black ano, raw, blue)

with X-Fusion £1399.00

with Fox CTD BV £1499.00

with Cane Creek CS £1599.00

For further info on other bikes in the Banshee Bikes range please call 01694 781515 or click here.

We offer 0% finance on all Banshee frame and full bike purchases. If you would like us to do you a quote please drop us a line or an email.

We will have a full range of 2014 Banshee demo bikes, so if you would like to try before you buy come and see the U.K’s number 1 Banshee stockist and demo centre.

Ibis Mojo HDR

Ibis Mojo HDR

Ibis Mojo HDR

Ibis Mojo HDR

“Happy HDR Day everyone. Our newest bike has launched, the successor to the hightly acclaimed Mojo HD. You can run it as a 650b bike or as a 27.5″ bike. OK, we know those are the same thing. You can also run it as a 26″ bike. Lots of details on the Ibis website. And some fun videos too“.

You can expect to see a demo bike with us here at MTB Shropshire/ Blazing Bikes as soon as it hits the U.K.

FEATURES OF THE MOJO HDR 650B

• 650b (27.5″) Wheels
• dw-link Suspension
• 130mm of rear wheel travel
• Shock specs: Fox Float CTD Adjust Factory Series with Kashima Coat, 7.875″ x 2.0″
• ISCG 05 compatible
• Weight for the frame and shock, size medium, matte finish: 6 lbs
• 67.1 degree head angle with a 140mm fork
• Optional polycarbonate down tube cable guard
• Chain stay length: 17.125″
• 12 x 142mm Maxle rear axle
• 160mm post mount left dropout, carbon fiber
• Tapered Head Tube and Steerer
• Compatible with Chris King InSet 3 headsets
• Up to 2.35″ rear tire depending on brand and height of cornering knobs
• Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link that have less play than standard sealed bearings. Preload adjustment is not necessary. Large 28mm x 15mm x 7mm radial bearings in the rear for stiffness and long wear
• The Bottom Bracket height is 13.5″
• Front derailleur (if you use one) and adjustable seatpost housing (if you use one) run along the top tube
• Direct mount front derailleur

A FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE HDR 650B

THE FRAME

The HDR frame is slightly lighter than the HD, around .3 -.4 lb (depending on size and color), yet is stronger and of equal stiffness. We’ve employed a new, more precise molding technique similar to that used in the Mojo SL-R to get the weight down.

By shifting around our linkage locations, we’ve managed to add ISCG 05 chainguide mounting functionality and dramatically increased the front derailleur compatibility across both the 2X and 3X spectrum. We’ve also increased clearance for the new 11 speed cogsets.

With some other tweaks to the frame, we’ve made the frame compatible with Fox’s new lighter weight XV air cans on the CTD shocks. We’ve also added clearance for their new Float X piggy back shock.

GEOMETRY

The HDR is an extremely versatile bike. It can be setup a number of different ways, for a number of different types of riding. You can easily change front or rear travel and change wheel size to dial in the right ride for you.

Note that the HDR and the HDR 650b share the same frame. We change the stroke and length of the shock, along with its location on the frame, to give two very different setups with unique ride characteristics.

Our stock 650b setup has 130mm travel. By swapping out the “limbo chips” and changing the shock, you can easily change the bike to a 160mm travel bike for 26″ wheels. You can also run the HDR 160mm setup with 650b wheels. You just need a travel limiter on the shock (otherwise the tire will rub the seat tube), reducing it to 150mm of rear wheel travel. That version is called the HDR and you can see it here.

If you would like further info or to pre-order please call 01694 781515. check out the full spec and options on the Ibis Cycles website here.