Hey if anyone could help me out and give me some ideas of what type of downhill bike i should purchase it would be a ton of help. Im pretty new to this sport so any info would help a lot. Thanks
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- Thread starter xmotoxkidx15
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If you've never ridden before or only ridden a few times, I'd say just rent a bike at the mountain. At the end of the season I'd just check the classifieds here or on ebay to try to find something inexpensive. I'm not sure what's popular these days, but a couple years ago people swore by used ironhorse SGS's and yakuzas as inexpensive downhill bikes.
x2
demo a few bikes, see what you like and what you dont before shopping.
lots of nice, couple year old used bikes on the market for sure, but the way the market progresses a 2008 is about as old as you should consider, unless its something that has bee really recently updated suspension wise.
demo a few bikes, see what you like and what you dont before shopping.
lots of nice, couple year old used bikes on the market for sure, but the way the market progresses a 2008 is about as old as you should consider, unless its something that has bee really recently updated suspension wise.
What's your budget mayne?
thanks for the help and ive been using my dads K2 attack 2.0 but hes is gunna ride too so thats why im looking for bike ideas for the spring. But what other brands would you recommend for a used bike thats not too expenive.
probably under a grand.
Under a grand used bikes are risky business. They often require a lot more cash put into them quite fast unless its a hardtail. Id say get somewhere around 1500 and look for a 07+ dhr/mongoose bootr/glory dh on ebay and here on classifieds.
Check out the specialized Big Hit, it's a good entry level bike and you can find used ones for pretty cheap. You can find used Glory's for pretty cheap too.
Glory for 1400$:
http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15776/
2009 !! Bootr Team:
http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15788/
http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15776/
2009 !! Bootr Team:
http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15788/
If you're like a lot of people and are weary about used stuff, I'd check out these airbourne bikes out.
http://www.giantnerd.com/airborne-promo?utm_source=Ridemonkey.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_term=SpecialIntroductoryOffer&utm_content=160x600&utm_campaign=airborne
Apparently they're re-badged Iron horse frames but I wouldn't know anything about that. The components are a little meh but those can be upgraded in time once you find the limits/shortcomings of the stock stuff.
http://www.giantnerd.com/airborne-promo?utm_source=Ridemonkey.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_term=SpecialIntroductoryOffer&utm_content=160x600&utm_campaign=airborne
Apparently they're re-badged Iron horse frames but I wouldn't know anything about that. The components are a little meh but those can be upgraded in time once you find the limits/shortcomings of the stock stuff.
Second the Airborne bikes. They are the rebadged Iron Horse bikes, and seem to be available at a really good price. Sure the components are not top of the range, but who really needs top of the range when they are starting out? (Who could really tell the difference at first anyway?)
EDIT: $1299 for a TAKA looks a good deal to me.
EDIT: $1299 for a TAKA looks a good deal to me.
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so you guys would say airbourne is a safe bet for a first bike?
If you go for the Taka than yeah, other ones may limit you imho.
how about that free ride that they have. is that thing any good?
Thats not a freeride bike and I dont know why its marketed as one. Its a heavy trailbike. 69 deg head angle is steeper than my current trail bike and it would prolly feel realy unstable on the steeps. The components arent that good either.
If I were you Id try to get around 1500. The season ends anyway so you may work over winter and buy in the early 2011. There may be less deals on used bikes but you may end up with a much better bike (or just get enough to get the taka to have a bike that will not seriously limit you)
would you guys recommend a freeride bike from another company or should i just stick with downhill models. i just dont think i need like 10 inches of travel in my suspension lol
Tata doesnt have 10 inches. Airborne bikes are the cheapest there is - you wont get a new dh/fr bike for any price close to that of the TAKA. All other retail for 2.5k+, you get a deal and its gonna be 2k. Thats why I suggest getting used.
Also - the FR model from them didnt have a problem with travel but geo and components. Seriously - it was not a FR bike, it was only labeled as one.
so im not getting into a piece of **** if i buy that right? and would i be able to swap parts out and stuff. is there a lot of different items that fit that bike is what i mean
the airbourne also does not come with pedals. does anyone know what i should look at for the types. and thanks for everyones help!
Didn't notice how steep the head angle was on that marauder, I'm not usually one to stress over the geometry, but that's definitely pushing it. Part of the reason I got something different than my reign was how sketchy it could get at speed.
At first it may not bother you, but as you get faster you'll definitely find the steepness hindering you which is one thing that can't be changed.
At first it may not bother you, but as you get faster you'll definitely find the steepness hindering you which is one thing that can't be changed.
The Marauder's geometry renders it all but useless as a genuine freeride bike. With a head angle like that, you will find yourself going over the bars as soon as things get steep. Once you get going fast, the stability of the bike will vanish too.
The TAKA will not be the worlds greatest trail bike, but it will be fun. There is nothing about the frame or parts that indicate any kind of proprietary setup, so if you wanted to put a Dorado MRD and carbon wheels on it, you could (although I can't imagine why you would). I'm pretty sure the frame also has a 1.5 head tube, so you could potentially play with the head angle a bit if you used the right headset. This is exactly the same frame as the Iron Horse Yakuza Kumicho, so if you are looking for reviews, there should be some around. As I recall, it was a very well received bike.
As for pedals, lots of bikes don't come with them. Your best bet is a set of decent flat pedals and a pair of 5.10 riding shoes (trust me, these are important!). Welgo MG-1s are popular, and Kona Wah-Wah's are good for what you are after, even if they area a bit pricey. Don't get sucked into paying for boutique pedals, as you are going to slam them into things (rocks, roots, the ground) a lot at first. I've used Welgo WAM B67s (~$39) and Azonic 420's ($80) with good results. Sun Ringle Zu-Zu's or DMR V8's - both a little over $30- might be a good choice for a first pedal. Really, just get something with a decent set of pins for less than $50 and you are good.
The TAKA will not be the worlds greatest trail bike, but it will be fun. There is nothing about the frame or parts that indicate any kind of proprietary setup, so if you wanted to put a Dorado MRD and carbon wheels on it, you could (although I can't imagine why you would). I'm pretty sure the frame also has a 1.5 head tube, so you could potentially play with the head angle a bit if you used the right headset. This is exactly the same frame as the Iron Horse Yakuza Kumicho, so if you are looking for reviews, there should be some around. As I recall, it was a very well received bike.
As for pedals, lots of bikes don't come with them. Your best bet is a set of decent flat pedals and a pair of 5.10 riding shoes (trust me, these are important!). Welgo MG-1s are popular, and Kona Wah-Wah's are good for what you are after, even if they area a bit pricey. Don't get sucked into paying for boutique pedals, as you are going to slam them into things (rocks, roots, the ground) a lot at first. I've used Welgo WAM B67s (~$39) and Azonic 420's ($80) with good results. Sun Ringle Zu-Zu's or DMR V8's - both a little over $30- might be a good choice for a first pedal. Really, just get something with a decent set of pins for less than $50 and you are good.
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http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11540-240_AZOFP2-3-Parts-65-Pedals-and-Cleats/Azonic-Fusion-Magnesium-Pedals-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN210GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=240 AZOFP2
I don't think I've found peals this light for this price, it's what I ran on my reign and worked well with skate shoes after I removed two of the pins from the from the row of four. If you rake it too hard across rocks it will rip the pins along with the threads out though that's true for most pedals.
I don't think I've found peals this light for this price, it's what I ran on my reign and worked well with skate shoes after I removed two of the pins from the from the row of four. If you rake it too hard across rocks it will rip the pins along with the threads out though that's true for most pedals.
Seriously. Its the grip he should be looking not weight if you think about pedals. Also - mag pedals for a begginer who will probably bash them a lot? Risky option.
Imho for Cheaper pedals:
A bit more but tested and prooven:
http://cgi.ebay.com/HT-Components-Nano-AN03-Flat-Pedals-Thin-Thru-Pins-/250690738964?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3a5e551b14
Or cheaper VP:
http://cgi.ebay.com/VP-SUPERLITE-X-FLAT-DOWNHILL-DH-PLATFORM-PEDALS-GOLD-/290472329410?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43a18000c2
Like I said they work well, it's what I've used a lot. They grip, are cheap, and just happen to be light. I'm a total hack and they've held up quite all right, granted the Reign did have a high BB with the 160mm fork, I still struck them on "east coast rox" every now and then.
Just throwing options that I've used and know work well out there.. I'm sure there are better pedals for cheaper but I haven't used them so it's hard for me to recommend.
My comencal came with some kind of welgo's.. I think they're these:
http://www.rei.com/product/752200?preferredSku=7522000012&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7522000012&mr:trackingCode=F7824FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
They do grip a little better but that's mainly because the slimmer pins fit in between the pattern of my shoe better. I'm a bit weary about the non-replaceable pins.
Just throwing options that I've used and know work well out there.. I'm sure there are better pedals for cheaper but I haven't used them so it's hard for me to recommend.
My comencal came with some kind of welgo's.. I think they're these:
http://www.rei.com/product/752200?preferredSku=7522000012&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7522000012&mr:trackingCode=F7824FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
They do grip a little better but that's mainly because the slimmer pins fit in between the pattern of my shoe better. I'm a bit weary about the non-replaceable pins.
They gripped better because they are quite concave. They feel very nice though you have low requirements for pedals as the platform on them is pretty small and high. The pins on the model you showed me (and the rebranded author model I tried) were not so small either. Seen smaller ones 
You might want to ask yourself why you want a DH bike versus a freeride, all-mountain, trail, etc. There is a huge jump from a K2 Attack and a full on DH sled. Are you riding Highland Park or just some basic trails? If this is your only bike, you might want to think about an AM or FR bike instead. Bikes like a Giant ReignX are usually fairly cheap and can handle a wide variety of trails. Also, I'd buy a used mid-tier DH bike over a new low-end DH bike pretty much any day of the week. As your skills progress and you want a bike to match, it will be near impossible to sell a unknown low-end brand DH bike. Good luck.
Given his price range, that leaves a used Kona Stinky or SC Bullit as options. No idea where he will find a ReignX for ~$1000, at least not one with enough life left in it to ride safely.
I still think the TAKA is a really good bike for the price.
I still think the TAKA is a really good bike for the price.
Considering the condition most of the stinkys and bullits for 1k are it is. A used bike for that price is risky at best.
Normally I advocate buying used, but at such a low price range you have to be careful. Having to extra maintenance might not be worth. I bought a lyirk off someone in here "with fresh oil" and whatnot, turns out the reason was because you had to add oil everytime you rode because the seals were squirting oil... Kind of a favor because I put some enduro seals and they are a lot smoother, but I'm still leaking oil on the spring side. I need to call them about that.
on that note I have a Reign I'm trying to part out for cheap.
But you'd eventually run into the same thing with it as you would that marauder.. to steep of a head angle for the real steep stuff. Great for rock gardens and tight technical courses though.
on that note I have a Reign I'm trying to part out for cheap.
But you'd eventually run into the same thing with it as you would that marauder.. to steep of a head angle for the real steep stuff. Great for rock gardens and tight technical courses though.