[yamahaalex37]

Which bike would be a better choice for a beginner transitioning into downhill riding?

Diamonback Sortie 1 or 2

http://taylorsbikeshop.com/product/08-diamondback-sortie-2-41545-1.htm

Diamondback Mission 1 (which is a little above my price range)

http://taylorsbikeshop.com/product/08-diamondback-mission-1-41537-1.htm

Airborne Marauder

http://www.giantnerd.com/airborne-marauder-mountain-bike-all-mountain.html

I know you may say these are not downhill bikes, but the Marauder at least is listed as a freeride bike on the website, and few bikes are. I am mostly interested in the strength of the frame and quality of components in case I start jumping. I am also interested in riding uphill on pavement to get to the top of trails.

 

[buildyourown]

Do you want a doall bike that you can try some DH with? Or do you want a real DH bike?
If the answer is the later, and you have a smaller budget, pick up a used real DH bike.
None of the 3 listed are DH bikes.

 

[yamahaalex37]

Thanks buildyourown, I am looking in craigslist and local listings for a decent used DH bike but so far no luck.

I will probably take the first option for a do all bike that I can try some DH with, considering I will not be doing huge jumps, and am also interested in riding uphill on pavement to the top of the trails then riding down. SO considering that which bike do you think is the best, and feel free to recommend others. THanks.

 

[demo 9]

I have to go with buildyourown on this 1, as for a do it all bike, i dont have much advice, except that there really is no "one" bike-jack of all trades, master of none

 

[yamahaalex37]

THere is this local listing:

http://medford.craigslist.org/bik/1841671788.html

what do you think? I read somewhere to be very careful buying used bikes, and this one is from 04.

If anyone has opinions on the bikes I listed or similar better bikes I would also appreciate it. THanks.

 

[SBDHrida]

I think when someone told you to be very careful about used bikes they may have had that particular bike in mind. It's very old, incredibly used, and made by a pretty unheard of company. There's little info on spec, usage, or wear/tear. Also, the line about texting only and not answering calls or voicemails just seems sketchy.