Wow, rode my first DH bike today!

rigidhack · Jul 3, 2010

Blindside with a Totem. DH feel with more versatility.

MM_Freak · Jul 3, 2010

Im standing at about 6'4" and ride a large Specialized demo 8 without any complaints.

Zark · Jul 3, 2010

clamber said:
Haha yeah.

Its just that the Blindsides are sold out all over and most places arent getting their next shipments until September.

Alright, thats good to hear.

Guess what?
Trek, Giant and Specialized are all sold out of 2010 bikes too. No BS, my shop carries all three brands.

Are DH bikes reliable?
You can reliably count on a regularly ridden DH bike to need a lot of maintenance. Derailers and hangers take a beating, wheels too, and they mow through tires and brake pads. Suspension also needs regular maint. as well. Anyone who rides DH regularly is a good wrench or pays a good wrench.

A large in any of those brands will fit you fine. DH fit leans on the compact side I know some 6'+ folks who still prefer mediums.

metalhead119042 · Jul 3, 2010

You're looking at getting one of those 3 bikes for your FIRST mtn bike? I remember when a Specialized Hardrock was my first MTB! :rofl:

But for real, please reconsider. Owning a DH bike as your only bike is a bad idea, especially seeing that you live in Utah. You have epic mountains to explore (aka ride UP and THEN ride down). Think about something like a Nomad or an SX Trail instead of a full on DH rig. Just my opinion.

samnation · Jul 3, 2010

Did you talk to transition I'm fairly sure they are about to get a load of new blindsides. Just from looking at the blog.

davec113 · Jul 4, 2010

If you're even considering pedaling it and trail riding with it, I wouldn't get a dh bike. Maybe a Trek Scratch or Giant Faith with a Fox 180... it would still be a pita on some trail stuff but very capable on the way down. Honestly tho, I have a Session 88 and would have a hard time giving it up it's such a great bike. I'd prolly try to get it down to 35 lbs and just suffer with it if I didn't have my trail bike.

slowmtb · Jul 4, 2010

metalhead119042 said:
You're looking at getting one of those 3 bikes for your FIRST mtn bike? I remember when a Specialized Hardrock was my first MTB! But for real, please reconsider. Owning a DH bike as your only bike is a bad idea, especially seeing that you live in Utah. You have epic mountains to explore (aka ride UP and THEN ride down). Think about something like a Nomad or an SX Trail instead of a full on DH rig. Just my opinion.

This guy is totally on to it. Personnally I have a FR bike that is my do it all bike. I brought it when I didn't know heaps about big travel MTB's. I was really lucky that the shop pointed me in the right direction. It is an '08 IH 7pt with upgrades and I love it

. The main mods are a lighter wheel set, lighter forks and cranks - 16.8kg ( 37lb )now .From what I've read I really think a FR rig would be a good option for you.

HTH

zebrahum · Jul 4, 2010

Did you call Urban Downfall and Skyline to see if they had anything in stock? I know Dropinzone is a good shop, it's it's very nice to have a local dealer to go back to if you have any issues. Unless you're doing exclusively lift served and shuttles, you'll have a hell of a time in the Wasatch with a big bike as your only ride. The Covert is insane, it's a fantastic compromise if you have to pedal at all. Blindside will make a great lift bike, but even if you get the new one, you're probably looking at a bike you don't want to ride uphill for an hour. I know I mentioned the ASR7 in another area, but have you gone to Go Ride yet?

metalhead119042 · Jul 4, 2010

clamber said:
Yeah, I guess a bike that could pedal well would be better. But I really want at least 7" of travel in the rear.

Let me say for the majority of riding you will probably do, you won't need more than 6" of travel. As a first bike, find something that can do literally EVERYTHING. And look used before new, you can find some really dialed bikes in the classifieds here that would probably save you over a grand. There are even 3 SX trails in the first two pages. Spend less, see if you really enjoy the sport, then use the money you save to upgrade what you need or even buy yourself a second bike! :thumb:

blue · Jul 4, 2010

Seriously dude...buy this:

http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15096/

Save a couple grand, develop skills, buy a new DH bike next year. Full-on DH rigs aren't ideal for Utah as your only bike, at least with the current state of lift-served XC singletrack. Most rides with good DH require some climbing, excluding Bruce's, and DV is hacked all to hell this year - and the good rides don't really require a full-on race bike (or can be a huge detriment, see: Moose). An aggressive, long-travel, DH-leaning AM bike (or "mini-DH", slopestyle, whatever) will see a lot more use than a strict DH bike.

Not only that, but I know in past threads you were talking about getting more fit - riding nothing but DH won't really improve your physiological fitness like climbing up hills will.

Da Peach · Jul 4, 2010

blue said:
Seriously dude...buy this:

http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15096/

Save a couple grand, develop skills, buy a new DH bike next year. Full-on DH rigs aren't ideal for Utah as your only bike, at least with the current state of lift-served XC singletrack. Most rides with good DH require some climbing, excluding Bruce's, and DV is hacked all to hell this year - and the good rides don't really require a full-on race bike (or can be a huge detriment, see: Moose). An aggressive, long-travel, DH-leaning AM bike (or "mini-DH", slopestyle, whatever) will see a lot more use than a strict DH bike.

Not only that, but I know in past threads you were talking about getting more fit - riding nothing but DH won't really improve your physiological fitness like climbing up hills will.

Sounds like pretty good advice.

You'll be able to hit plenty of terrain on it, and get to know what kind of riding you prefer. If anything, it'll make you a better rider before you leap right onto a "big" bike.

Of course, it isn't brand new, so you won't be able to just dump it off at the shop for quick free tune ups, but it looks like the spec it comes with would be worth it.

metalhead119042 · Jul 4, 2010

clamber said:
Yeah, I guess Ive decided against a purebred DH bike, but Im kinda looking back at my original bike, but upping the ante.
I know its a single pivot, and not the easiest to pedal, but Im kinda looking at the SC Bullit again.I could get the frame with a Vivid 5.1 for $1400, and then get these components:

That would be a pretty decent build on a pretty decent frame, the SX trail that Blue posted would be more bike for less money though. Seriously, buy used.

Leppah · Jul 5, 2010

blue said:
Seriously dude...buy this:

http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-2/ad-15096/

Save a couple grand, develop skills, buy a new DH bike next year. Full-on DH rigs aren't ideal for Utah as your only bike, at least with the current state of lift-served XC singletrack. Most rides with good DH require some climbing, excluding Bruce's, and DV is hacked all to hell this year - and the good rides don't really require a full-on race bike (or can be a huge detriment, see: Moose). An aggressive, long-travel, DH-leaning AM bike (or "mini-DH", slopestyle, whatever) will see a lot more use than a strict DH bike.

Not only that, but I know in past threads you were talking about getting more fit - riding nothing but DH won't really improve your physiological fitness like climbing up hills will.

I'm with Blue. I ride just one bike. I have a Kona Coilair that i ride at "I" street once in a while, then at Deer Valley and Sundance here and there for DH, and during the week for XC. I had a full on DH bike before, but i sold it because the DH scene in Utah is a little behind the times compared to some of the other states. I went to DV yesterday and actually missed it though. Pretty bumpy here and there. But seriously, I don't get as much time to ride DH as I'd like to, so i just have an AM bike for everything. I just pull the gravity dropper off when i go to ride some DH and i switch to my DH wheels and tires.
You can get away with a good AM bike around here, especially if you aren't trying to be faster than the local pros. Utah definitely has tons of fast riders pro and non.

Oh yeah, there are a ton of nice bikes that would work on KSL. There was a nice Cannondale MX that someone has on there for a really good deal. Couple of ROcky MOuntains and a few Ellsworths in Large that are really good deals.

Lelandjt · Jul 5, 2010

I don't see that '08 SX Trail being as good on downhills/drops/big jumps as a Bullit. I have a DHX Air on my Bullit and flip the ProPedal lever for long climbs and it is firm and efficient. I do long climb/descent heavy XC rides on one.

Brian HCM#1 · Jul 5, 2010

metalhead119042 said:
You're looking at getting one of those 3 bikes for your FIRST mtn bike? I remember when a Specialized Hardrock was my first MTB! But for real, please reconsider. Owning a DH bike as your only bike is a bad idea, especially seeing that you live in Utah. You have epic mountains to explore (aka ride UP and THEN ride down). Think about something like a Nomad or an SX Trail instead of a full on DH rig. Just my opinion.

I agree, get something that is versatile.

blue · Jul 5, 2010

Lelandjt said:
I don't see that '08 SX Trail being as good on downhills/drops/big jumps as a Bullit. I have a DHX Air on my Bullit and flip the ProPedal lever for long climbs and it is firm and efficient. I do long climb/descent heavy XC rides on one.

Why? The SX Trail is lower, slacker, longer, and has only 10mm less travel. Aside from the 135mm rear end, I'd say you've got no idea what you're talking about and just whoring a bike you own.

That said, it seems junior's hell-bent on dumping a wad of cash on a fancy new bike. Whatever, keeps the bike industry rolling.

Lelandjt · Jul 5, 2010

The '08? That looks like the old frame and I thought they had less travel front and rear and were steeper.

Da Peach · Jul 5, 2010

this would be nice too

mountains4me · Jul 5, 2010

I went through the same dilemma. 5 years ago i got into mountain biking because i had no time for motocross. I bought a Specialized bighit. It was a great bike, but after 6 months thought about getting something light and went with an Enduro 2005 model. After 6 months on that i decided 130mm was not enough. I should have stuck with my bighit and upped the travel. So parted out both bikes and got the newer version enduro. That is a great bike. After 1 1/2 years I obtained a shock from an sx trail and made it into a mini dh rig with a totem up front. I pounded that frame and loved it. Had to replace the chainstays after 2.5 years. In April I bought the Transition TR450. I have my totem up front, a dual ring Saint crank and climb 98% of the time. I live in SoCal so we have great trails to ride all year. It sucks to climb a dh rig but to me it is worth it and great training for exercise. The lesson is if you like bombing trails and like dh just do it right the first time and save yourself time and $$$. But the SX trail is a worthy gravity bike. I will be posting a review of my Transition TR450 with pics soon.

metalhead119042 · Jul 5, 2010

Lelandjt said:
I don't see that '08 SX Trail being as good on downhills/drops/big jumps as a Bullit.

SX Trails shred. Hard. End of story.

Da Peach · Jul 5, 2010

Or there's this, if you decide to go DH.

http://buysell.nsmb.com/showproduct.php/product/27809/cat/13

Leppah · Jul 5, 2010

If you're looking for an AM bike, nothing is going to pedal like an XC racer. It'll just be good for everything, but not excellent at anything.

If it were me, I'd still look at used stuff. Some people get into the sport and buy something spendy without even researching it. They figure "oh, i want to hit jumps and stuff and things." But when they get their DH bike and find out that it really WILL NOT go up hills worth a sh!t, they end up selling it for cheap as hell so they can get something that WILL go up hills. Happens in Utah all the time. If you buy used, you could probably find two bikes with low mileage on them for the price of a brand new bike you're looking at. You don't want to be another one of those people that gets something expensive without really knowing what they want, do you?

blue · Jul 5, 2010

clamber said:
I really dont want to buy used. I know I could get a better deal probably, but Ive just never been a fan of buying used.

Do you guys thin the Bullit would pedal better than a DH bike?
Because theres no real point in getting it if it wont pedal better than a Demo 8

If you're stuck on the Bullit and buying brand new, the Yeti AS-R 7 has very similar geo/suspension design, and it looks like you can pick up one up locally complete with a comparable part spec as your Bullit from Go-Ride. Buying local complete is definitely a huge perk if you're paying full retail for a bike, IMO.

Da Peach · Jul 5, 2010

blue said:
If you're stuck on the Bullit and buying brand new, the Yeti AS-R 7 has very similar geo/suspension design, and it looks like you can pick up one up locally complete with a comparable part spec as your Bullit from Go-Ride. Buying local complete is definitely a huge perk if you're paying full retail for a bike, IMO.

This is true. I bought a bike (new) near where I used to work. Now I work elsewhere, and now I wish I'd bought closer to where I live. Dropping the bike off for a quick wheel truing, or brake bleed, whatever is often free at the shop where you buy the bike.

Otherwise, if you do buy new from somewhere nearby, you don't get the tuning perks of new, nor the "deal" of buying used.

I guess you'll be happy either way, so just go out and get one already!@

Leppah · Jul 5, 2010

If it were me, i'd be looking at getting this for trail riding.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=11250739&cat=191&lpid=21&search=

Then i'd get this for DH.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=11295688&cat=191&lpid=29&search=

I'm one of those peeps that has a tight budget though. I don't get caught up in the techy stuff of different manufacturers either, so i'll pretty much ride any bike as long as the price is right and the quality is good.

blue · Jul 5, 2010

Oh yeah, link to the Yeti at GR:
http://www.go-ride.com/SPD/2010-yeti-as-r-seven-complete--800032B3-1265160393.jsp

And the spec:
http://www.yeticycles.com/#/bikes/ASR7/1/

About the same price as the Bullit built up with a janky Pricepoint setup. Don't be nitpicky on parts right now, as long as you're on solid equipment. You'll find out what works and what doesn't (and more importantly, what suits your riding style) as time goes on.

was? · Jul 6, 2010

has the canfield brother´s can-diggle been mentioned yet? if not it might be worth a look, and if i´m not mistaken chris had some luckys for grabs a month ago.

rockofullr · Jul 6, 2010

Get the SX. I don't think I've ever met anyone who owned one and didn't like it. It's a tough bike that can do anything. Definitely a perfect first rig that you will ride for years to come.

-BB- · Jul 6, 2010

I think that a great option for you would be the Banshee Spitfire.
It is a 7in (ish) bike that will pedal very well and can also be DH'd.

I have a Ironhorse 7pt (almost the same exact bike) and it ROCKS. I have a totem up front (190mm) and 7in of travel in back... Can ride almost ANY DH trail on it and also pedal up almost anything. I may be a bit slower on the climbs than my 5in travel buddies, but heck.. I can still make it up and that is all that counts.

rigidhack · Jul 6, 2010

Why not get a complete Bullit off the Santa Cruz site? $2400 on sale. You can ride it as is for a good long time, then upgrade as needed.

metalhead119042 · Jul 6, 2010

Dude, you've changed bike set ups like fifteen times since you've joined the forum. You don't want a Boxxer on a bike that you plan on riding all mountain on. You've never ridden a mtn bike before, so anything is going to work. Just buy a used bike and shred it.

Wow, rode my first DH bike today!

DH bike?

Giant Glory 1

Trek Session 8

Specialized Demo 8 I

Other

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