I know, there was a period where all I replied was read the rules and search.So sick of these posts. There so many other threads about the same topic.
I Know you might be new but seriously check out some other threads
+1 to this. Who's the current world champion and what does he ride?IF that's your budget then I'd suggest checking out the second hand section, you could get some decent start bikes for that much (Glory, Norco, etc). I know there's the whole, "Oh don't get a glory, everyone has them" attitude around but they're a decent bike for a great price so I'd say they're a perfect starter bike.
Look at the Whip+1 to this. Who's the current world champion and what does he ride?
I'd seriously consider getting a hardtail to start out on. It'll teach you to pick better lines and be smoother. You could probably pick up a pretty good free ride hardtail for under $1000. Something like this looks pretty decent.Hey guys, I'm considering starting DH within the next six months and I was wondering as to what sort of bike would be best..considering I'd only just be starting out?? As for price range I suppose I'd be looking for around $1500 - $2000.
Any tips greatly appreciated.
A mate of mine picked up an 09 sasquatch for $500. If you go down this path you'll get a taste of DH - it'll be rougher than on a DH bike but as stated you'll learn lines and whatnot better, an XC track does not compare/teach lines to a DH track. This all follows on from what driftking was saying regarding 'considering'.I'd seriously consider getting a hardtail to start out on. It'll teach you to pick better lines and be smoother. You could probably pick up a pretty good free ride hardtail for under $1000. Something like this looks pretty decent.
I've read a few of these "Starting DH" threads now and it's reassuring as someone who's looking to get started that everyone (or most people) are saying the same things, "start with a 'HT' and it will teach you a lot more about control" etc. It seems though that the Norco's are really the only choice as far as bomb proof HT DH bikes. A few other bikes I had 'mistaken' as HT DH bikes, and I was quickly told were either DJ or XC, were bikes like the SE Filth Flyer. As far as something like a Sasquatch, unless they've modded they usually come with Shimano Alivio or Deore running gear yes? Wouldn't be worth spending the bit extra for something with maybe Sram X5 or X7? I'm sure there is a Shimano Vs. Sram thread somewhere that will tell me what everyone's thoughts are.I'd seriously consider getting a hardtail to start out on. It'll teach you to pick better lines and be smoother. You could probably pick up a pretty good free ride hardtail for under $1000. Something like this looks pretty decent.
While I also like the idea of hardtail riding, it can be tough at the start, it is a big learning curve with a hardtail and the really rough tracks can become almost impossible to ride fast and it get frustrating. I think that a Hardtail is great idea but don't spend a lot of money on one, as you will no doubt upgrade later on. There is a proper downhill hardtail which as far as I know is the only one which is built by nicolai, but they are expensive and if you were spending that much your be better of just getting a dual suspension bike. So the nicolai is probably out of most peoples books.I've read a few of these "Starting DH" threads now and it's reassuring as someone who's looking to get started that everyone (or most people) are saying the same things, "start with a 'HT' and it will teach you a lot more about control" etc. It seems though that the Norco's are really the only choice as far as bomb proof HT DH bikes. A few other bikes I had 'mistaken' as HT DH bikes, and I was quickly told were either DJ or XC, were bikes like the SE Filth Flyer. As far as something like a Sasquatch, unless they've modded they usually come with Shimano Alivio or Deore running gear yes? Wouldn't be worth spending the bit extra for something with maybe Sram X5 or X7? I'm sure there is a Shimano Vs. Sram thread somewhere that will tell me what everyone's thoughts are.
I'll be doing a bit of a mixture of riding too, with some XC and hill climbs so I think the benefit of a hard tail will present itself in that I won't be losing a lot of effort like I would with a dualie. I also was not intending to spend a lot first up. I am looking at keeping it under $600 for a decent hard tail. I have missed a few opportunities with bikes on Gumtree and eBay because I wasn't sure what I was after in a bike. Kicking myself about one in particular now. But ah well.While I also like the idea of hardtail riding, it can be tough at the start, it is a big learning curve with a hardtail and the really rough tracks can become almost impossible to ride fast and it get frustrating. I think that a Hardtail is great idea but don't spend a lot of money on one, as you will no doubt upgrade later on. There is a proper downhill hardtail which as far as I know is the only one which is built by nicolai, but they are expensive and if you were spending that much your be better of just getting a dual suspension bike. So the nicolai is probably out of most peoples books.
Consider short trail bikes as well, you will still learn a lot but it will be a little more fun, forgiving and take that harshness out a little having 80-100mm under you.
With the sram/shimnao debate, most threads will be in regards to them as a whole so they wont go into specific models vs models or they will be in regards to the higher end stuff, I ran sram on my old bike and now run shimano, so far the shimano feels smoother in gear changes but not as direct, the sram has a more snappy feel to it like there is zero lag.
That is a fallacy these days. Full suspension provides for vastly improved traction when riding off-road. Climbing with a modern full sus design is faster and easier for all but super fit XC riders.I'll be doing a bit of a mixture of riding too, with some XC and hill climbs so I think the benefit of a hard tail will present itself in that I won't be losing a lot of effort like I would with a dualie..
Maybe I am super fit indica ha ha ha. But, seriously I just want to get started and get out and have a go. If I get a hardtail and ride it 6-12 months I may decide I want an upgrade. But I also have a thing for building up a quiver. I do this with all my sports. It's nice to walk out to your shed and say 'who's my pick today'.That is a fallacy these days. Full suspension provides for vastly improved traction when riding off-road. Climbing with a modern full sus design is faster and easier for all but super fit XC riders.