Banshee Bikes are now to be distributed in the UK by Ison Distribution. We like the look of the new Rune which is a 26/650b wheeled bike; you choose by changing the dropouts. Details and photos of the bike are at the foot of the page and we have our own in the office to try out soon.

Here’s the press release from Ison:

Ison is excited to announce that is has added Banshee bikes to its impressive product line up for 2013. Banshee was born in Vancouver B.C. over a decade ago when freeride was finding its roots in cycling. The brand has evolved into what you see in the 2013 range which features an amazing array of unique frames with some great features and a unique suspension system designed by UK based designer Keith Scott, called the ‘KS Link’.

I’m really excited to be working with Banshee for 2013. It’s a brand I have always liked from back in the day, it has a great pedigree and a strong image. All of us at Ison are excited to be bringing Banshee back into the UK under its proper name. The 2013 range looks their best yet with some new amazing looking 26”, 27.5” (650b) and 29’’ trail frames that feature alongside their already strong DH, Freeride and Dirt frames – Ison’s Pat Campbell-Jenner.

Banshee has great offerings that very well compliment the strong range of quality products and brands already distributed by I.D. – Lloyd Townsend, Ison Managing Director.

I can’t wait to get Banshee back on sale in the UK. I feel that our bikes are very suitable for UK riding, especially considering the recent popularity of Enduro DH events. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner than Ison to help us re-launch the brand. Their 20+ years of experience will no doubt prove invaluable and I am confident that our customers will be in extremely good hands – Jon Hadfield, Banshee Bikes sales and marketing manager.

With three different axle spacing’s, three geometry settings and two wheel size options, the Banshee Rune is the most versatile bike that we have ever made. It has been designed for all-mountain riding and Enduro DH racing. With a 65 degree head angle in the slackest setting, the 160mm travel Rune instils supreme confidence on the descents, yet pedalling performance has not been sacrificed for downhill speed – the Rune will get you up the climbs with energy to spare. If you’re looking for a bike that can truly do it all, then look no further than the Rune. It really is one bike to rule them all. – Jon Hadfield, Banshee Bikes sales and marketing manager.

The Rune features Banshee’s all-new KS Link suspension platform, first seen on the Prime 29er. KS Link suspension features fully sealed, oversized bearings throughout for reliability and low maintenance. The Rune has an extremely plush suspension feel due direct shock actuation which results in minimal DU bushing rotation. This gives the rider better traction thanks to the suspension’s ability to react faster to changes in the riding surface and also results in a smoother overall ride. The short one-piece forged linkages make the Rune extremely stiff and responsive to small inputs from the rider. Banshee have worked extensively with Fox to offer custom tuned shocks specifically optimized for the Rune and with Cane Creek to provide an excellent base setting for their outstanding DBair shock.

The Rune also features Banshee’s new modular dropout system which offers 3-position adjustable geometry. The dropouts utilize ‘flip chips’ to alter the head angle in half degree increments and also change the BB height in quarter inch increments. Dropouts for 26″ wheels are available in 135 QR, 12x142mm bolt-thru, and 12x150mm bolt-thru. If this isn’t enough adjustability, the Rune can also be specced with 650B compatible dropouts (in the 12x142mm size) that allow you to explore the benefits of this new wheel size. Other features include a 44/56mm tapered head tube which allows the use of a zero stack lower headset cup, even with a tapered fork steerer for reduced stack height. There are also ISCG-05 chain guide mounts, a Low Direct Mount S3 front derailleur, and cable guides for dropper posts. Chain and seat stays are internally ribbed for increased stiffness, and 7005 T6 aluminium is used throughout with custom hydroformed tubes and forgings.

Banshee Rune details:
• Rear wheel travel :160mm
• Interchangeable dropouts: 26″ w/ 135mm,
12x142mm, 12x150mm or 650B w/ 12x142mm
• 3-position adjustable geometry
• Hydroformed 7005 T6 construction
• 44-56mm tapered head tube
• KS Link Suspension: short one-piece forged
links w/ sealed bearings
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• Dropper post cable routing
• Internally ribbed seat and chain stays
• FOX Float CTD custom tuned shock
• Optional Cane Creek DBair shock available
• Colours: blue, black anodized and raw
• MSRP: $1999 USD including Fox Float CTD Shock