Banshee Enigma Review - A Modern 27.5 Aluminum Hardtail Designed in Canada

[@scottmcpeek4132]

Here's to 27.5 not being dead!

[@keithbasham2413]

Fads in and out, I still keep a 26 around, ya know why, cause it's fun, cheers

[@pauldelarzac615]

Great review Steve! I love the Paradox you recommended for me. Custom built myself. It’s the only way to go for me now. Can’t imagine I would buy anything off the shelf anymore. Built a Ragley Marley for my 13 yo, and a Nukeproof Scout 29er for my wife. I’m addicted to hardtails and building bikes!! This channel is dangerous! Lol

[@JohnMcConnell-rides]

im definitely feeling the danger myself lmfao

[@S1XTY7]

love that. just bought a Marley 1.0 for myself... and a 24"+ commencal for my 7yo son but i can see myself looking into building my own for all of us in the next few years.

[@L4J20]

27.5 is alive! "playful", "bmx", "sk8park vibe".....I'm sold! LOVE it!

[@hardmtnbiker]

So many good points about 27.5 bikes, mullets, tire size and knowing what type of rider you really are and the reality that most of us are not racers.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. I always try to add a few educational pieces to each video so everyone gets something out of it, even if the bike I'm reviewing isn't for them.

[@HmmmKuchen]

I feel you on the good wheelset part. I just got myself some nukeproof horizon V2 with some onza porcupines and set everything up tubeless for the first time. The high engagement and the lighter wheelset thanks to tubeless basically transformed how the ride of my Ragley Big Al feels to me now. It feels so much more zippy and wants to be charged more when going up or straight. It really made the bike feel more alive and I love this feeling.

[@isaacbrooks5999]

I built up a Big Al with V2s as well. Really fun bike!

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Banshee knocked it out of the 27.5 park with this bike; but you Steve knocked it out of the Earth with this video. Great explanation, in-depth analysis of the what, why & how. Even though people might be not in the market for this specific bike, many will learn a whole lot from watching this video. Greetings & gratitude from far away tiny Malta!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks, I always try to include some educational content in every video, even if it's not a bike someone's interested in. I appreciate the kind words.

[@engine3724]

Excellent review- one of your best! You do a great job providing not just an opinion- but context (component selection, geography, riding style, etc). All reviews are subjective but you did a great job communicating the WHY behind your opinion. Also, I am glad I’m not the only one who feels the Paradox has a somewhat serious (or fast, or sendy, or rowdy, or whatever) personality….and also stoked that Banshee came out with a playful sibling, as there is definitely a market there. I love my Paradox for my riding, but the Enigma looks rad too!

[@guitargumption]

Thanks for the video! I've followed your vids for a while, and bought one of these based on this. I swapped over pretty much all the components from my Ragley Blue Pig, and after a couple rides I can feel the lighter weight, and also that it's smoother than the steel Blue Pig. I feel less of the roots and rocks on the back end for sure. Sweet! I also feel like it climbs better, with less of the front coming up on steep stuff.

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome! It's a great bike. People don't believe me when I tell them it rides better than most steel bikes. Glad to hear your experience matched mine.

[@guitargumption]

@@hardtailparty I swapped out the fork for a 29er Pike Select 130mm and I like it even better as a mullet. At least for the trails here in Bend, OR it suits it really well. Super fun. Something about the geometry makes it corner and handle better than the Blue Pig did, at least for me.

[@guitargumption]

@@flybyguy1450 I'm 5' 10" with a short/medium torso and I think it fits me great.

[@guitargumption]

@@flybyguy1450 Haha, I'm no expert, I just know what fits me. My crux is that I'm always halfway between a medium and large T-shirt!

[@shaunroach7829]

Another prototype, another fantastic review!! Great job distinguishing 27.5 and 29 inch bikes and how the bikes handle and differ!!! Great job Steve!!! 👍👍👍

[@johnykryll]

"Didn't get straight A's in school", love it.

[@notice_fpv]

I had almost as much fun watching this review as it sounds like you had making it! I'm going to check this bike out at my local shop in the next couple weeks.

[@notice_fpv]

Went in today, hoping to look at a frame... They had JUST finished building one up... I got to ride in the parking lot and drool on it. It's way sexier than I expected (and I had very high expectations). I couldn't buy today, but that bike will be mine. Oh, yes. It will be mine.

[@Mkpn74]

Oh I love the idea of this being a mullet a beefing 120/130 trail shredder sounds awesome

[@sickmak90]

The way you describe the ride is how I feel on my 2019 Sentier VRX 27.5. I wish the geo was slightly more modern but it’s super fun. I was faster on almost every trail on my old 2019 trek fuel ex 9.7 but the Sentier is more fun. Every time I think I’ve set a PR I didn’t lol. When you push a HT it just feels crazy.

[@tndrunning3328]

Just recently found this channel. I grew up riding hardtails. Bought my first full suspension five years ago which I have enjoyed but now I’m seriously considering selling it and going back to a hardtail.

[@hardtailparty]

Welcome to the party. I'm glad you found the channel.

[@vitaflo]

Totally agree with you on taller riders tending to prefer longer chainstays. As someone over 6', when I slid the dropouts on my Chameleon all the way out the bike was WAY more stable and I actually felt like I was more centered on the bike. As someone who isn't ripping manuals everywhere it was a welcome change.

[@andyeunson270]

I did the same on my chameleon. But I’m 5’4". Plus with a 150 mm 36, the seat tube angle is slacker than many people like. Works well for me in Whistler. We have crazy steep stuff where stability is desirable.

[@158158cow]

How would the bike feel without the premium wheelset? I’m curious! Thanks for all of the great content

[@hardtailparty]

equally playful, just a little slower on the sprints, and a tad stiffer.

[@baymoe1]

So glad to see such a positive review! I placed an order for it 2 days ago at a local bike shop 😄

[@isaacbrooks5999]

That bike sounds special! I have a feeling they're going sell super quick (similar to the Big Al when you reviewed it). Special hardtails are fun, and fun sells!

[@JohnMcConnell-rides]

Ordered my enigma from Dirt Merchant should be here next week can't wait to try it out.

[@billbelgum9770]

Another great review, Steve! Looks like Banshee has another winner with the Enigma. You hit the nail on the head about riding for enjoyment. If you're not having fun, it's time to think about why you aren't!!

[@dennismiller1602]

A ride fit for Bentonville, great for a 5’6” dude who likes to session the fun stuff…..sounds like a winner! Thanks for the review.

[@mikestivers8302]

i'm also 5' 6" - went with a Small frame. i am running 160mm cranks, and a great bonus is this small frame will fit a 180mm one-up dropper!

How would it make sense for short people, with 27.5 front and rear, with a shorter travel fork? Could it be like an "XC" Paradox in size S?

[@anitatombreach7801]

I have a Paradox V3 and tried to build it with a short fork. Didn't turn out well, had to rebuild it. Stick with the recommendations from Banshee on the Enigma: Fork Travel range: 140-160mm 27.5” / 100-130mm 29”

@@anitatombreach7801 hmm, that's interesting. In one of the videos here he built one with a 120mm fork, and he was praising it as it became a fun and capable XC-style bike

[@anitatombreach7801]

@ The Enigma only has a 42mm BB drop vs. the ParadoxV3 60mm. There is more room to experiment on the Enigma with both BB drop and head tube angle. Likely the Enigma would be fine with a 120mm 29er fork. The head angle would be steepened, but there is space to do that since it's slack at 63.5 degrees.

[@MikeKraemer87]

Love it, exactly my kind of bike!

[@anitatombreach7801]

Rode the BP V3 today thinking how much better it is 29er.. I recently switched the V3 to a 29er 2.5 no insert yet. The Enigma is more suited to my town trails, twisty tight piedmont trails, however. They just opened a jump park last month too. Still, the Paradox does just fine in tight trees and chunk. I just start my turns wide and early and stomp the outside foot. I can also roll many more root sections 29er. The 'dox is a beast at 29x2.5. Looks that is the max size too. I'm very happy with the Paradox and the more straight line 29er riding style it provides.

[@yamahschector]

It would be sweet to ride the enigma and paradox back to back. I own the paradox and I am small short guy at 5’5”. The paradox is a tad long and not as playful for me as my older bikes are.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I've never considered getting a 27.5, this review makes me think I should be open to trying something new.

[@chrisglass8701]

Thinking of getting one of these frames. I hope my local shop can get me one.

[@chrisglass8701]

Thank you hardtail party, I heard of this bike through your other video. Amd sounds like it'll be fun and awesome.

[@warparker8554]

Do you feel like the front end dives to much with a 150mm travel front end? If not, how do you think a 130mm 29er for would feel with the same wheel/tire setup...it would give the same axle to crown measurement.

[@ColemanEdwardsPublicRelations]

Seriously considering one of these!

[@daniellicht]

How big of a deal is it to have 27.5+ back and 2.6 29 in front? Mentioned slide @12:04. I really want todo this for my new RSD Middle Child (you recommended thx). Mainly so it's nicer riding road to get to the trails.

[@marksandoval5361]

I've been thinking that a 76* STA and 64* HTA is about ideal for a Hardtail. Essentially, about a 1235mm wheelbase in a size large frame. The Enigma geo does almost exactly that.

[@derekfoster9357]

What size did you test? I notice they don't do a Paradox in a small, but they do the Enigma in a small. I'm 170cm (5'7") so sort of between sizes in most frames. Using RAD based on my height, the reach should be 425mm (exactly what the small Enigma is).

[@hardtailparty]

Im on a med (see the first look vid). Rad sizing doesn't work for me, i put zero stock in it.

[@SunnySkiesInAZ]

Any thoughts on the mullet version?

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Yeah... this goes on the short list. It is a shame they sell frame only, but by the time I am ready to make that purchase, parts might actually be available.

[@hardtailparty]

if you're fixed on one specific fork or derailleur, then it's tough, But if you're open to a copule different options, there's no problem finding enough parts to build a bike up.

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

How do you like that MRP RAMP DAMPER Steve? I'm loving it on my Bike. 🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾👍🏾

[@mellissanash7517]

Can we get a bike check on all the bikes you still own please? You think they can update the final version so at least 2.8's can fit in the rear?

[@hardtailparty]

No, they aren't gong to make changes to fit a 2.8 on the rear of the production model.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@hardtailparty oh totally fair. This is close to being my next bike. 2.8 would have sealed it even more. Then again I could run it as 2.8 or even 3.0 front with a 2.6 back. Thank you. I think I have my answer. Will have to see what the wife thinks about this bike.

[@christianpluguez]

Between the Banshee v3 with 27.5 vs the Enigma would you say you can have as much fun on either? I purchased the v3 from your original review and have loved it, but currently on 29's and miss the playfulness of a 27.5. Thanks as always for your amazing reviews

[@hardtailparty]

It's just just wheelsize that makes a bike fun, it's geo too. This has shorter stays and is more fun than a paradox on 27.5s. plus the bb won't be scraping the ground. I compare the two in this video.

[@christianpluguez]

@@hardtailparty Awesome, Yeah I was writing this before I got to that part of the video. Either way I thank you for the reply!

[@zoran1134]

Great review, as always! What you said about the importance of good wheels on a hardtail got me thinking about getting new ones for my Ragley Mmmbop 2019 with WTB STp i29 TCS Rims. What is a good 27.5“ (aluminium) wheel you would recommend for riding in central european subalpine terrain?

[@hardtailparty]

That's the sort of thing I cover in my bike consultation service

[@knarfis]

Oddly enough, my Ragley Big Al (the one you helped me get) is ISO compliant. It says it at the bottom of the down tube.

[@guipol112]

Transposition ibis mojo on a hardtail, this banshee sounds very playful. Singlespeedable?

[@macflapalicious]

I wonder how this would be with 26" wheels? 🤔🤔 I have all the parts on a nice 26er that I never ride!

[@floriandan5404]

When doing a review on a bike while riding are you talking while riding or editing later. Love your videos keep going strong. Moving to Prescott soon looking forward to riding around out there.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm talking while riding. I feel like it allows me to discuss what the bike is doing real-time as I ride over various features.

[@nicholausbarrett8488]

You mentioned this is a good option for someone with a dirt jumper background.... My guestion is, do you think the cut outs in the "stays" compromise the strength of the frame if your riding style is to jump everything you see? Thanks in advance for your insight and great reviews. Keep the great content coming.

[@hardtailparty]

No. Those parts are forged and extremely strong.

[@infoatnorcal2304]

I really want the Enigma!

[@putjidyjak7211]

Have you tried Stanton Slackline 27.5? If you have, what do you think about the two frames? I am just wandering that Banshee Enigma might be a little too quick and and easy to lift the front wheel on climbs because of short chainstay.

[@hardtailparty]

Keep in mind the reach is long

[@chrisandrews5881]

World is a skapetpark here lol. Bike goes straight onto the list once I have killed off my blue pig. Nice review

[@null2wo]

hey steve @hardtailparty , first of all thank you for doing all this and giving really relatable impressions of how these bikes ride. my physiology and riding style are kind of similar to yours, only that i'm 6'2" with really short legs and i love to pop off or gap every little thing i can find on a trail. this bike sounds exactly like the update that i'd like on my NS bikes surge. unfortunately, i'm not going to get me an enigma, as my custom steel frame is already in the making and it has a rather similar geo to the enigma, just for a 120mm 27.5 fork with a little less bb drop. really looking forward to it and to more of your videos, keep up the great work! by the way, do you offer custom frame advice (as in geo and tubeset selection) through your patreon?

[@hardtailparty]

Great question. That is the one thing I don't offer in my Patreon service, sorry.

[@tim3kgt]

great video Steve.

[@mikestivers8302]

Steve, i'm thinking of ordering this Enigma and building it. i'd prefer a small frame tho, even tho i think you love a longer bike (we're about the same size) do you have a hookup/discount code for Banshees?

[@hardtailparty]

I don't, sorry. It's a rad bike though, highly recommended.

[@mikestivers8302]

@@hardtailparty spartan is taking care of me. it'll be here next week! so far, you have influenced me to buy a Spot Ryve, 3 sets of 5DEV, and now this. i gotta stop watching this channel LOL $$

[@mikestivers8302]

6 month update: i have a xc/dc (spot ryve) a trail rig (propain hugene) and 2 enduros (propain Tyee, GG Megatrail) - yet i find time to ride this HT and it rips! i'm running it w/ a DVO diamond 150, 5 dev 160's and xo1 comps. i tried conti kryptotals but pulled them to get a zippier combo - up front a vittoria martello and out back a kenda nevegal pro. the enigma is just like a dirt jumper who grew up! and it handles trails at Hawes fairly well, loves chunk and loves to zip around the berms. thanks for the recommendation, this really is a great rig.

[@GautamSharma-un3cr]

Great review Steve! Could you please review Canyon Stoic 4 since it's one of the most sought after hardtails and also since it shares the frame with Stoic 2, which is one of the most popular budget hardtails out there?

[@hardtailparty]

I've begged canyon to send me one for over a year now and no luck. I've given up on reviewing that bike sadly.

[@GautamSharma-un3cr]

@@hardtailparty I thought so too! Keep doing the great work Steve! Since I've just started mountain biking, I can't stress enough on how knowledgeable your videos are! Thank you very much!

[@alexh.4068]

Well, Steve, some of us do ride a dirt jumper with a dropper. So I'll stick with it. Incidentally its a Banshee.

[@ojaisherpa]

Would 130mm 29 fork ruin geo?

[@tommy8563]

can you review the marin san quentin pleassseee

[@owenpatterson9355]

What’s that bar?! The carbon layup looks awesome in the light! On a separate note, do you consult on full suspension bikes? I’m looking to pick one up to go with my hardtail, but I’m having a hell of a time finding the right bike

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, I consult on FS bikes too. Bar is a we are one. More info on the first look vid.

[@fen2453]

whats the max front chainring size?

[@breachr9386]

I would like to know that aswell

[@William.N]

The built in compliance worries me though I know its probably unwarranted. It looks amazing, though!

[@mybadvideos]

Sounds like this would be a good replacement for my 2016 Beast of the East without being a super burly downhill sled like the ESD...

[@13ksquared]

Looks like such an awesome frame! Sounds very similar to the Middlechild to me - how would you say they compare?

[@hardtailparty]

That's the sort of thing i cover in my bike consultation service.

[@philthyphil3324]

This is my next bike

[@partypartida]

It's the review I've most anticipated in this channel. How does it turn compared to the paradox?

[@hardtailparty]

they corner similar, only this has the shorter wheelbase, so that comes into play.

[@walterreynolds8527]

Hey steve, You coming out with that Wren fork review soon. You think its good , Bad?. Throw it out there

[@hardtailparty]

No, the review isn't coming out anytime soon. Both of my wren forks have issues. I can't recommend them.

[@walterreynolds8527]

Would you mind telling me the problems you had. Mine tops out I almost have to run full rebound to eliminate it. But other wise I don’t think it’s bad

[@DavidMaruca_]

Got an estimated headtube angle on that? I looked up the Banshee website and they dont' seem to list it

[@hardtailparty]

It's on their website, they just have it in the center of the chart: bit.ly/3yw8x4a

[@pedalhound]

I love my Banshee Prime, it's such a fun bike....have thought about selling my Chromag Rootdown and getting a Paradox...so many good bikes so little time...lol.

[@chriss8375]

Which version of the Atomik wheels did you have on this one?

[@hardtailparty]

See the first look vid for full specs. They're atomik chubby wheels

[@Underfighter73]

Are they gonna come painted in the final product?

[@hardtailparty]

These have clear coat on them. See the website for available colors.

[@hardtailparty]

Head over to hardtailparty.com to see my additional thoughts about this bike, along with other reviews.

[@ppbrown19700808]

Great review Steve. Owning and riding the MC and Paradox helps me follow along and understand your evaluations, something you do very well.

[@jondachs4064]

Did you go S or M? I'm right at 5'7" and not sure which I'd like best.

[@hardtailparty]

Med. I like longer bikes though. I'm 5'6" with short legs and a long torso

[@jondachs4064]

@@hardtailparty Yeah, I've been thinking about this bike since I've watched your video and I think the S might be just a little too small for me and I'll probably just run a short stem. The Enigma sounds like it would be a great replacement for my 2018 Chameleon I regretfully sold. Hopefully even better!

[@hardtailparty]

@@jondachs4064 those 2018 chameleons are awesome.

[@rebbewful]

@hardtail party Why do you not review Giant bikes?

[@hardtailparty]

Because giant won't reply to my inquiries.

[@hansonwang2121]

Beautiful bike. That’s all I have to say.

[@sandy_knight]

I don't race so playful FTW. I also like riding tight, exposed switchback turns so shorter wheelbase FTW.

[@israeladams6439]

wren fork review?..

[@hardtailparty]

No, this is a frame review. ;) I'm on my second wren. Both had issues. It won't be a favorable review.

[@israeladams6439]

@@hardtailparty good to know, thx!

[@Paulmtb]

Try it as a mullet

[@DJH3891]

I shouldn`t have clicked this YT recommendation 😅🙈 I don`t have the space for another HT

[@tonyparkin3379]

Still waiting for my 27.5 Ribble titanium hardtail. 7month waiting list so far. My 29 foo sussa is long ,boring and heavy.

[@lexusenthusiast6414]

Long is good right?

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Nice bike. Too bad they didn't route the cables under the top tube and seat stays. I love external routing, but not on top - or especially the bottom of the down tube.

[@ardaonen260]

Nah top of the downtube is the best possible spot, when you're hike a biking and carrying it on your shoulder or in your hand the cables get in the way if they're under the top tube, and bottom of the downtube means they get smashed if you put the bikes on certain racks like pickup truck beds, or miss a trials hop or punch.

[@Polemicist_]

So if this bike could talk on trails it just utter a continuous slur of: _bOoSt Me DaDdY_

[@emtbwulf9215]

I wonder how this would do in a mullet setup with say a 130mm fork? Should have watch the whole video before posting this.

[@hardtailparty]

I have plans to test it in this config in the future. I'm not always convinced that mullet is more fun than 27.5/27.5, but it depends on the terrain and goals. More to come on this hopefully...

[@ericsundell9978]

When you have 4 excellent hardtails, but suddenly want another......

[@ojaisherpa]

Thats about a $6500 build….😂you are living large🤘🏼

[@hardtailparty]

I have lots of great parts in for review that allow me to build up some killer bikes.

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾👍🏾

[@PghMtbRides]

Put a rear 26er wheel on it lol

[@hardtailparty]

Why? (not trying to be rude, just trying to understand what you'd hope to gain by a 26" rear wheel).

[@PghMtbRides]

@@hardtailparty I was kind if thinking 26/27.5 for down hill park days with a 180mm fork So with 3 combos and forks you can have short travel, mid and long travel with one frame to better cater to the trails/region I plan to do.