Help getting into downhill...

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WannabeDH'r

Likes Bikes
Hey, I'm totally new here and to downhill. Its something I've wanted to get into for a while but I've never really had the chance to try it out, not that I do have the opportunity I have a bit of a predicament.

Basically I really doubt that my Giant Filter 3 is cut out for serious downhill riding, the problem is though I'm not sure if I should just bite the bullet and get myself a proper downhill bike or wait until I've had some more experience. I'm just afraid that my current bike will limit me in what I can do and the types of trails I can ride. I've been told by a friend who rides that I will probably need a stronger bike if I plan to ride at places like You Yangs etc..

So if anyone has any input that would be great :)
 
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allan.taylor64

Likes Dirt
If your just begining, and not doing huge jumps your bike at the moment should be fine, i used to do more dh on meridia than i did xc it wasnt very good but, it still worked
 
J@se

J@se

Breezeway Bandit
Perhaps have a look around and see whats out there for a second hand DH rig. Something like an 09 Giant Glory, Specialised BigHit, Norco Team DH would make an excellent beginner bike and not break the bank.:)
 
W

WannabeDH'r

Likes Bikes
I've actually seen some nice deals here on this forum, would you say that if I found a nice deal it would be worth it?

Like I've said, I've seen some fairly nice deals and I am kinda afraid of missing out....
 
J@se

J@se

Breezeway Bandit
I'd say if you want to do DH grab a DH bike.:big grin:

It would make it easier to progress, you won't be held back as much by your equipment. I'd be worried by your bike failing because you're doing things its not particularly designed for.
 
harmonix1234

harmonix1234

Eats Squid
Good news, got wind of some great new stuff from specialized for 2012.
May have to wait a bit, but the 2012 lineup has a dedicated DH rig with 200mm of travel for $2,5K 'ish (roundabout).
Should come in around 15 kilos.

That's awesome. It looks the biz too. Really sharp looking bike.

Great to see a quality bike coming in at a more affordable price. Means peeps like yourslef can have a tinker at DH without having to invest half a kidney and your house to get it.

Keep and eye out because it may be just what your'e after.
 
W

WannabeDH'r

Likes Bikes
Sounds pretty good, don't know if it wold be in my price range, but oh well.

I think that it might be wise to run some easy DH tracks first, see if I really like it then invest in a bike?
 
Nautonier

Nautonier

Eats Squid
I was at the same point about a year ago and I made the mistake of attempting DH on a bike that wasn't really equipped for the job. It just made riding DH tracks that much harder and more high-risk. I eventually bit the bullet and brought the right tool for the job and there has been no looking back. The reality is that a modern 8" bike is infinitely more forgiving and more fun than anything else - even on trails that aren't that difficult. The only thing they are terrible for is anything that involves flat or slightly uphill pedally sections...

I saw a 2010 Glory in mint condition on here go for $1400 which is stupidly cheap for something that will totally do the job.
 
W

WannabeDH'r

Likes Bikes
yeah I was looking at that Glory, I've also had an offer from someone for an '08 Norco Atomik.

So it seems to me that the best idea is to just bite the bullet and get the right tool for the job. I just have fears that I'll go and invest all this money into a bike and then it turns out DH isn't for me...

But then again, I guess I wouldn't really be here if I didn't have any interest in DH...
 
Nautonier

Nautonier

Eats Squid
It's not a huge investment and you can always sell the bike if you're not addicted immediately like most of us are. I just think it's better to give it a go on the right bike or you may end up getting frustrated and feeling like it's way harder than it actually is... The great thing about DH is that there are always new challenges in store so it never gets boring or predictable.
 
W

WannabeDH'r

Likes Bikes
Hmm thats a good point...

Still I'll need to think it over, but I'm certainly considering just biting the bullet now.

DH seems to me to be one of those things that you have to just jump straight into it, it seems hard to just ease your way into...Not that thats really a problem...
 
C

caleb

Likes Bikes
Get yourself a downhill bike in your budget ( secondhand or new) that's going to do the job for a bit and won't break too easily.
If you go the cheap way and get something a bit scummy you'll end up spending more money than you planned in the first place.
 
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