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January, 2025

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Downhill bikers?

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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
so im thinking of getting a downhill bike for this summer (ive riden with my brother before and its sick!! his bike is a getting small for him, but im about 5 inches taller so its tiny for me) im looking to spend 2000 or less, because thats about what i made working last summer, but very willing to buy used. 2000 is a lot of money though so its gotta be a solid bike for me to spend that much

ive looked around and heard great things about the Intense Uzzi VPX, but the frame alone is about 2000! so expensive.

so, what is a good setup that i could find for around 2000 or less? again, im willing to buy used. my brother, who used to be into DH racing, reccomended stuff from Intense, Giant, Iron Horse, and GT. i havent heard much about GT but the others i hear good things...

so what are some dope bikes, and why?
Feb 24 2008 9:46PM
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Skipig25
Posts: 10729 - Karma: 256
pinkbike.com

GT is meh, others are good.

if you're just starting, I recommend something like a used BigHit, you can get them for like 800-1000, and they're perfect for beginning riding. then you can sell it for 800 a year or two later, and buy a bike that you think will suit your riding style. feel free to PM me also, I have convinced myself I know a good bit about DH'ing
Feb 24 2008 9:52PM
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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
word 1k is definaty sounding better than 2000 haha. just a few questions...

how big of a difference is there between the year bikes (mainly asking about the big hit) because thers alot of 05  and 03's for sale. is it worth buying something that old?

also is the big hit a pretty sturdy bike or will it have me in the shop all the tiem?
Feb 24 2008 9:58PM
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lorida
Posts: 2833 - Karma: 46

You're budget is tight for a DH rig...but you could still opt for something like a Norco A-line perhaps?

Which area do you live in? Different places have more of different bikes, bringing the price down. Check your local MTB site, or www.pinkbike.com , but watch out for scammers.

Also, Don't expect to spend 2000$ and be done with it. This used to be my bike;

Click for larger image

I mean, it's definetly not a cheap piece of sh*t, I spent a LOT of money building it up, and she still cost me 1500$ to upkeep over one season.

Dh is NOT cheap, but it's too much fun and definetly worth it.

Feb 24 2008 9:59PM
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sbark
Posts: 300 - Karma: 11
I personally would not go with GT, iron horse or intense. I love my specialized demo 8, my friends demo 9, and another friends sx. also kona stinkys are sweet set ups, as well as norco a-lines

under 2000 is hard to get though. the difference between models (like the norco shore hardtails(i used them for DH before I got my Demo)) are components, generally the frames are identical but the components get way better as price goes up.

Really it depends where you are to what bikes you have access to, try renting or demoing them from a shop.


oh and if you take care of your bike it can last over a decade so don't cheap out.
Feb 24 2008 10:00PM
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Skipig25
Posts: 10729 - Karma: 256
Also consider that in addition to your bike, you will probably want some knee/shin pads, gloves, and a full-face helmet, which will run you at least 250 bucks. so getting a cheaper bike for now is always a good option, and won't really hold you back since you're just starting out. year to year, frames change somewhat, but again, probably not significantly to hamper your riding style.

you can usually get a bike that you won't have to put much work into, but I wouldn't put your whole 2000 budget into just the bike. when I got my first bike I immediately had to put a new dérailleur, hanger, brake and shifting cables, and bashguard on it. so be ready to drop some cash for little things that need upgrading. that is why I recommend a cheap starting bike.
Feb 24 2008 10:06PM
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freeskier824
Posts: 813 - Karma: 11
if you go used you can get a decent bike a lot cheaper. i hear lots of good things about the iron horse sunday frame. i run a transition dirtbag and its nice, they also make a full on dh frame i think its called the gran mal. the giant glory is also an amazing frame
Feb 24 2008 10:07PM
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CJHski
Posts: 2384 - Karma: 126
I have a 2003 Big Hit for sale

Buy It! Specialized Big Hit
Feb 24 2008 10:10PM
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sbark
Posts: 300 - Karma: 11
sometimes, but very rarely the frames will change.
basically the components are a lot different. the big hit is a tight set up though, id defiantly recommend it for the price your paying. like he said you c an sell it if you find a better one that suits you later on.


I have never been in the shop for my demo 8 and it was pro ridden(aka. extreme stress tested same with my friends demo 9) but like I said you get what you pay for, personally unless this is a dh specific bike id go with the BigHit FSR II because it has a single crown fork, versus a duel crown(limited turning radius).
the BigHit FSR I has a few lower components than the FSR II.

however if you are willing to spend some more, personally the Demo is a stronger set up( buy weights more)
Feb 24 2008 10:12PM
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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
yea this is pretty much a DH specific bike. theres not any good xc around here, so the only other bike i'll ride is my roadbike
Feb 24 2008 10:14PM
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Skipig25
Posts: 10729 - Karma: 256
bighits are definitely good starter bikes. and great for the price. you should be able to find them anywhere in the 700-1000 range for used ones.

note: the older big hits 2002? and older I think, run a 26 in the front and 24 in the back. since then they are all 26/26. I'd shoot for one of those
Feb 24 2008 10:26PM
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CJHski
Posts: 2384 - Karma: 126
^listen to this guy, i am selling mine becuae i just dident ride enough last year, its a still a great bike in great condition
Feb 24 2008 10:30PM
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Way*Mo
Posts: 704 - Karma: 2,525
Its my personal opinion, but I would stay away from BigHits. The linkage and suspension bob to much and the geometry hasn't changed much from when the bike came out. It was originally designed more for hucking and I still feel it suits that style riding. I would recommend getting a 7" bike with a solid single crown fork like a Marzocchi 66, or RockShox Totem. Buying used is for sure the way to go. These would be my choices.

Specialized SX Trail.
Cove G-Spot
Norco Six or Shore
Giant Reign X
Transition BottleRocket
Trek Session 77

Or even look at buying something like this years Rocky Mountain SS and upgrade parts as needed.
Feb 24 2008 10:32PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 428
Be careful with the older bikes, DH bikes live a tough life.  Ask about dinged up wheels, drivetrain, and the last time the suspension was serviced.  Also, keep in mind you'll be spending a lot once you get the bike.  Lift tickets and broken parts add up quickly!  I only rode my DH bike 10-12 days last summer and probably spent $300 just keeping it together--although some of the money was spent just dialing everything in. 

But you're making a good decision getting a bike, it's like skiing in the summer.  Except when you fall it hurts a lot more!
Feb 24 2008 10:36PM
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McTwist83
Posts: 282 - Karma: 11
I'm a Kona beliver threw and threw, but am pretty impressed by bighits and rocky moutains. just buy something thats relativily cheep that will get you by until you decide that you actully like it and want to spend more.
Feb 24 2008 10:37PM
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Skipig25
Posts: 10729 - Karma: 256
I agree completely, but for beginning DH, it is a solid choice. I've ridden a SX Trail a good amount, and I love it, it's almost the perfect bike, but even used SX's I's are running in the 2500-3000 dollar range, and that is not with gear. Granted, you won't have to do as much maintenance on a newer bike, overall it is still a heftier purchase than it sounds like he is looking for.
Feb 24 2008 10:47PM
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sbark
Posts: 300 - Karma: 11
basically what i meant by DH specific is these bikes are a pain in the rear to pedal on even flats, and with the reduced turning radius from a double crown fork, the trail cannot have any tight slow turns to take.

unless you are going to be hitting freeride trails with large drops and what not, an sx or something along the lines of that would be good, norco makes a really good comparable one. I am only saying the sx because I have ridden it, along with ryan berrecloth(darrens older brother) and he swears by the sx.boyko won crankworx on a short travel also.

with shorter travel comes a large reduction in the price of the bike. personally i would have gone with a demo 7 for my riding but the demo 8 I got was an offer i couldn't turn down $1600 can(darrens signature bike, all white and one of a kind).

just be wary when buying used, take it to shop before you buy it and see what needs to be replaced, rims hubs, bash guards and rear shifters are especially prone to abuse.

Jammis also makes sweet bikes I had a chance to ride jordies xlt and it was a tight set up w/ six inchs of travel.
Feb 25 2008 12:03AM
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prosnurfer
Posts: 1842 - Karma: 83
yo just get a good freeride bike cuz that way u can sesh downhill but still able to peddel and shit. id recome nd a kona cuz thats my favorite of anything. there built solid and can handle abuse. i got a kona stinky deelux used for one year by someone i knew form a bike shop for 2g's iv used it for liek 5 yearsand its still in top condition. and it rapes the trails. he biggest drop iv hit is 28 feet and thats not too bad for 8 inches of travel so u can take it on the beefy stuff and it is really manuvarable in the tight woods cuz u sit more forward than on a downhill bike. just look around and go test the ones u want to buy out.... dont buy one onb line unless uv tested soemthing really sim;ar. cuz all bikes ride diffrent. id say go with a used konah stinky. its inur pric range and if u havent done a ton of riding it can probaly handle what ur doing to it.
Feb 25 2008 9:17AM
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K2skipunk
Posts: 2837 - Karma: 111
i have a giant faith, and i love it, its indestructable im told. only a few cases of them braking, and when they do, its not bad, so ive heard
Feb 25 2008 11:52AM
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Bulky
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 11
i wouldent say indestructable, and when they do break it can be really bad. i know a 13 year old who ripped his head tube off on a Faith.


Feb 25 2008 12:30PM
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mtsteeze406
Posts: 447 - Karma: 11
I race all summer long, and nothing compares to a Iron Horse Sunday. People say thet Dh bikes cant be pedaled, the sunday can. Yes they are pricey, but if you want a light race bike NOTHING compares. Norcos are heavyy and use dated technology....youll find them for cheap for that reason.....
Feb 25 2008 12:48PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 428
I beg to disagree.  There are a lot of fast DH bikes out there, and I think it's safe to say my Cuervo, a DHR, or a V10 can go just as fast as a Sunday.  But those are all $3-4k out of the price range, so we're off topic.
Feb 25 2008 2:38PM
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sbark
Posts: 300 - Karma: 11
he wanted something cheaper. Yes Sundays are great.... that is if you can afford to get the top line, and have a shop near you that sells them. Norco's are cheaper, because they are not fancy. I have had nothing broken on my manik(hardtail) because nothing was fancy. and a DH bike can be peddled, it just is not the easiest thing to do, they are heavy because they are often made burlier than xc bikes. And my demo 8 can be just as fast, as well as a demo kona stab.

Bikes are only as fast as the rider. if you want to drop a 20 foot cliff get a bike that can hold up. if price is the biggest concern go to a few shops and check out prices.
Feb 25 2008 5:03PM
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brenker
Posts: 3188 - Karma: 72
specialized sx trail
specialized pitch
cannondale gemini
or phophet
Feb 25 2008 5:06PM
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AntifreezeSteeze
Posts: 1643 - Karma: 53
pinkbike.com all the way, your specifically looking for a more DH orientated rig? I have a Banshee Chapparal which has 6 inches of travel in the back and can also be set up for xc the way the swingarm was constructed and has a 10 year warrenty. Kona bikes have a lifetime warrenty and I suggest getting the 06 Kona Stinky, the swingarms are weak stock so when it bends or breaks go to the shop and they will order a new one that Kona made stronger last season for free(+S&H) but thats a pretty solid setup. didn't know there were so many bikers on ns but its good to see a couple
Feb 25 2008 5:10PM
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T.Spliff
Posts: 1037 - Karma: 17
mongoose black diamond double. brand new its 2000 and it is so sick. you could spend a little more and get the triple but there isn't much difference. the bike is solid and has really nice components on it for the price. look it up.
Feb 25 2008 5:30PM
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breckfreeskier
Posts: 1541 - Karma: 22
Ellsworth makes some good bikes as well, but they might be a bit more money
Feb 25 2008 6:04PM
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Droppin_In
Posts: 61 - Karma: 10
Ok, If your looking for a bullet proof hard tail thats going to be one of the toughest frames for the weight (so don't throw the banchie morphene at me) is the Devinci Hucker. I had one and it kicked ass and it was like $1400 when i bought my old one. If you want a fully thats not crazy decked out but is still very nice thain i'd get the Specialized Big Hit. I forget how much money they are but they're a good value. I am currently on a Specialized SX trail and i LOVE it but brand new its like $4000 i got mine used for $2500.
Feb 25 2008 8:02PM
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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
ive been looking around and see great things about the Iron Horse Yakuza Kumicho. it seems like a pretty dope buy for the price (used). anybody here use it? i checked out the forums at ridemonkey.com and lots of people seem to love it. its a slightly more free-rideable bike than the big hit too, but ill still be using it mostly for DH. anybody here have it?

Click for larger image
Feb 25 2008 9:09PM
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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
forgot to add, but its priced around the same as a Big Hit
Feb 25 2008 9:10PM
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Easyspinner514
Posts: 85 - Karma: 10
become a member of mtbr.com

they have a shit ton of forums and stuff including local sections for each rider, might have some in your section

jamis bike are fucking dope btw, check out the dakar series if you have the money
Feb 25 2008 9:17PM
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McTwist83
Posts: 282 - Karma: 11
can't you just go to a bike shop and test ride a few and see which one you like better? I mean what works for me probably wont work for you, and even if they are the same make and model bike they're going to have a different feel. I'd reccomend demoing a few out and making your dicision(sp) on which one 'feels' the best. you dont want to buy something that every tells you is dope then get to the top of a huge-ass-whilster trail and decide 'this isn't cutting it for me'. everyone has their own riding style, the difference between where you naturally 'feel compfrable' I.E. center of gravity/where you sand on your petals/how is going to effect your performance alot. so just go with flow
Feb 25 2008 9:20PM
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1080ski
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 191
very true. i went to my local shop and they had shit for DH, so im gonna go to a store a bit further away and ride some around the parking lot. its my first DH bike though, so i dont know exactly what i want, ya know? i could ride it in the parking lot and it would be really different on a trail, so im just trying to gather some info right now, u know, just to see if there is any major problems with stuff, and just to get educated before i buy something
Feb 25 2008 9:28PM
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McTwist83
Posts: 282 - Karma: 11
^^
Right I hear ya, I guess to follow that up i would say go slow and really think about it, either way its up to you and most of the downhill bikes are pretty sick, its just a matter of finding out which one suits you weither it be specialized kona rocky moutain cannondale ect. check out stock specialiaztions for suspension size and those great things, they have quite a bit of info, and if you get an intense bike i'll pretty much die of jealousy I've been wanting one for about 4 years now.
Feb 25 2008 9:37PM
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AntifreezeSteeze
Posts: 1643 - Karma: 53
I use to but I snapped the frame because the the weak metal they make it out of, they try saving on weight. loved it great bike just don't think I would want another
Feb 25 2008 9:44PM
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Phantom
Posts: 908 - Karma: 180
Pricerange for this?
Feb 25 2008 11:13PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 373
www.wheelsporteast.com

they have bighits pretty cheap
Feb 25 2008 11:19PM
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sbark
Posts: 300 - Karma: 11
definitly support the testing, however lie i stated above some shops have demo bikes, keep in mind many have seen their share of abuse but you caan ride them on the trails for a day.
the jammis bikes are sweet i would sugest the dakar bam or the parker(shorter travel but handels amazing)

anyone know what happened to the deablo bike from them, t looked like a beast?
Feb 26 2008 12:46AM
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KeithB.
Posts: 608 - Karma: 12
Your best option for testing will be to go to the mountain that you will be ridding and try a bunch there. You may want to call ahead and see what the different shops have. There will be better selection on a weekday. You really can't go wrong with a santa cruz. The virtual pivot bike ride soooo smoooth. I have had many bikes throughout the years and I will say, you will adapt to whatever you get, but make sure you get the right size.
Feb 26 2008 3:45PM
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RobotTom
Posts: 544 - Karma: 21
I have a morewood izimu. light ride. sick bike.
Feb 26 2008 4:20PM
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mattridesskis
Posts: 635 - Karma: 17
i have a yakuza, its a great bike
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Feb 24 2009 5:11PM
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the-big-lepowski
Posts: 1212 - Karma: 541

Click for larger image

Iron Horse 7 point- last year's but I scored it for 2250$ brand new.  More freeride oriented, but still ggreat for DH and even pedaling a bit.  Very versatile.

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Feb 24 2009 7:05PM
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gstoneskier
Posts: 233 - Karma: 41
Specialized there is nothing better. big hits are sweet especially if you like drops. don't get hurt for the ski season.
Feb 24 2009 7:47PM
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j.saaaarela
Posts: 1859 - Karma: 856
i love my kona coiler '07....... its super fun for DH, and somewhat good for XC for when u have no lift...  5in. in the front, 5in the back.... $1300.. also think about the kona stab supreme. I hear its pretty light for its size....i think that cost around 2500$, but it may be worth the extra.....
Feb 24 2009 8:17PM
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bemmis
Posts: 1602 - Karma: -3
i have A TON of bike experience and have a street bike and a road bike both of which i built up from scratch.

the specialized big hit it probably the most economical choise for under $2000. with that budget you're going to need to skimp on the fork alot, which is bad.

a nice fork and the frame alone may cost nearly $2000, and you won't be able to find a downhill-ready new bighit with disk brakes and a dual-crown fork for less than $3000.

so this guys bike may be a smart choise. if worse comes to worst you can spend the remaining budget on parts that need replacing. consider this bike.
Feb 24 2009 8:28PM
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theblacktaco
Posts: 1462 - Karma: 82
yo mang u can build a bike for like 1500 but might be a lil hard if u dont no much but dh bikes

BUSTEDSPOKE.COM if u live in new england

PINKBIKE.COM if u live neer toronto i think
Feb 24 2009 9:01PM
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Kelly-Goosecock
Posts: 117 - Karma: 24
not a DH bike but i use it for everything. built like a brick shit house. takes everything i throw at it unlike my knees when riding dh on it...


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Feb 24 2009 9:06PM
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Bright_Nation
Posts: 400 - Karma: 12
the brodie recluse is a decent freeride bike.  its a 6" travel bike, but it will climb better than a full on DH rig if you like riding trails that aren't lift access.  It also has a price point close to what you said you wanted. it retails for 2299$ new.

http://http://www.brodiebikes.com/2009/bikes/descension.php
Feb 24 2009 9:07PM
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