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I want to get into down hill mountain biking

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C.Smith
Posts: 105 - Karma: 715
So I've been mountain biking since I was 8 and I don't like bmx. I've always wanted to try downhill mountain biking but I don't know where to ride + I don't know anything about it. Can you please help

thanks NS
Jul 23 2015 11:28PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
dont. learn how to ride normal singletrack on a trail bike and progress from there.
Jul 23 2015 11:31PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
IMBA probably has a chapter near you. Find out what it is and become involved and they will probably show you where their pirate trails are.

Some places just don't have good down hill while some places do. Let's hope you're a lucky one.
Jul 23 2015 11:38PM
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270on420out
Posts: 7514 - Karma: 51,166
2 things you should know before you start.

1- It is a very expensive sport.

2- You will fall, and it will hurt.

See if your local ski resort has any trails.
Jul 23 2015 11:44PM
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KEVTRON
Posts: 3545 - Karma: 1,222
i hope you have money
Jul 23 2015 11:45PM
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NEPTR
Posts: 766 - Karma: 1,936
I'm selling a transition bike u interested?
Jul 23 2015 11:50PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8952 - Karma: 36,551
Don't mean to derail....but does anybody know anything about the Kona Fire Mountian? Found it for $245 at a pawn shop. Worth it?
Jul 23 2015 11:53PM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
downhill is pretty fucked, id just start with normal singletrack and maybe progress to enduro and if that isnt extreme enough for you then start dh
Jul 23 2015 11:57PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Profahoben_212Don't mean to derail....but does anybody know anything about the Kona Fire Mountian? Found it for $245 at a pawn shop. Worth it?


the only DH bikes that dont fucking suck start at $2000 used.


That'll give you an idea.
Jul 24 2015 12:01AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
californiagrownthe only DH bikes that dont fucking suck start at $2000 used.


That'll give you an idea.


this is true.

but if you're going to be flying 30mph down a rocky ad wooded trail you really shouldnt be skimping.
Jul 24 2015 12:05AM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
THEDIRTYBUBBLE2 things you should know before you start.

1- It is a very expensive sport.

2- You will fall, and it will hurt.

See if your local ski resort has any trails.


This along with what Caligrown said.

It's an expensive sport, but so much fun. Don't skimp on a bike because you want it now and it's cheap, buy used or try renting a DH rig at a bike park. Don't buy a new bike. They are like cars and lose 40%-60% of their value immediately upon riding them.

Giant makes great bikes at a decent price point. So does YT Industries but they are a new company and have yet to prove themselves.

You will fall, you will lose a lot of blood, it will hurt, and it will be so worth it.

(also some bike parks sell their rentals at the end of the year for dirt cheap, be on the lookout)
Jul 24 2015 12:18AM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
Profahoben_212Don't mean to derail....but does anybody know anything about the Kona Fire Mountian? Found it for $245 at a pawn shop. Worth it?


its obviously not a dh bike. its an entry to mid level hardtail with ok components and could be a good deal depending on the condition and model year.
Jul 24 2015 12:19AM
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profa_212
Posts: 8952 - Karma: 36,551
californiagrownthe only DH bikes that dont fucking suck start at $2000 used.


That'll give you an idea.

Oh I know actual DH bikes are insane. This is a hardtail.

yungsteezeits obviously not a dh bike. its an entry to mid level hardtail with ok components and could be a good deal depending on the condition and model year.


Word thanks....I'm entry to mid level and looking for a campus/light trail bike. I might have my buddy who knows a little bit about bikes look at the condition.
Jul 24 2015 12:25AM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
Profahoben_212Oh I know actual DH bikes are insane. This is a hardtail.



Word thanks....I'm entry to mid level and looking for a campus/light trail bike. I might have my buddy who knows a little bit about bikes look at the condition.

forsure. it seems like it will fit your requirements.
Jul 24 2015 12:30AM
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loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
Profahoben_212Word thanks....I'm entry to mid level and looking for a campus/light trail bike.


Main thing when looking at used bike is to check all the welds on the frame. Look for any cracks, they will be obvious. Next thing, look at the down tube and bottom bracket for dents or any large impacts. If the bike has a fork check the stanchions for scratches.

Maybe this seems like a lot but you can look at all this in under 5 minutes. Component quality is another big one but a little harder to gauge with just a parking lot test (i.e. a messed derailuer might work in a parking lot but fail when the real deal comes along). Sometimes gotta have some faith haha.
Jul 24 2015 12:41AM
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