Wanting to ride. Came to say hello and ask for help!

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pattieslol

Squid
Hey all, been looking at getting into some DH I am on the Western Side of Melbourne, so from what i have found best thing around me is the you yangs. If anyone knows anything else would be greatly appreciated.

I am 5"11 about 100kg been looking at second hand bikes not wanting to invest to much atm but yeah. I have been looking at something like this http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-view-details.html?adId=1096804733
It has 170mm of travel in front and rear with medium frame. I am wondering if you think that is worth the money and or if i should Save some more and invest a bit bigger.

Thanks for any help, i know there is a million threads like this just dont want to get ripped or waste my money thanks alot!
 
pink poodle

pink poodle

気が狂っている男
Welcome. I had a few of the Norco dh bikes way back when they used that frame design. They rode nicely way back when. She will be a heavy but reliabe plough machine. Sourcing parts for repairs on items like the forks will be tricky...get your haggle on!

Makensure the frame isn't busted or dinged in too.

And always...always spend more than you think you should. Triple the budget and buy up!
 
link1896

link1896

Mr Greenfield
Keep an eye out on the trading section here, and the Facebook "Victorian MTB buy swap and sell" group. DH bikes are always up for sale, it's the least accessible form of Mtb due to trail access/location/shuttling up the course, so the bikes depreciate the most. Listings often hang around for months, and haggle. A bike is only worth what someone is willing to pay, not what the new price was.
 
Ideate

Ideate

Senior Member
Do you have a budget? Buying a random bike like that off Gumtree might not be so simple. If you're 100Kg, you'll need to consider spring weight otherwise it will feel rubbish (too squishy or too firm). Replacement steel springs are not that expensive but sometimes they're a pain in the arse to buy or find in the right size especially if you're buying locally.

Post links here and we'll help you as much as we can.
 
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pattieslol

Squid
Thanks for the advice guys, yeah from what I've been told my weight going to be a bit of an issue. Yeah spring size and stuff is what I'm not sure on, it currently confuses me!
 
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pattieslol

Squid
That looks great thankyou! I guess saving that bit more gets you something alot better hey? With ne being on the heavier side what do i have to look out for more in the bike and my riding?
 
pink poodle

pink poodle

気が狂っている男
Saving a bit more gets you a whole lot more bike. $1500-2000 is a pretty good window. the older the bike, the less chance of compatibility etc for spares and replacements. For example the bike you linked to would most likely require a new spring in the forks and shock suitable to your weight. It is probable that you would be able to find a spring for the shock easily enough, but the forks? i don't think so.

What to look for is dependent on how seriously you want to DH. I ride a bunch DH inspired stuff on a bike with 100mm of rear travel. I'm not too serious about being awesome, but i want to have fun and throw it around. basics in a DH style bike would be:
- 170mm or more of rear travel (180-200 being the ideal range)
- 180mm or more of front travel (160mm is enough for fun, but get more!)
- 150x12mm rear axle (other sizes will be ok, but definately avoid quick release)
- single front ring with chain guide
- low top tube
- good brakes. as a noob you're going to want these!


Have a look through here:
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?104-Downhill-Bikes

awesome buy:
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?298301-2013-Intense-951-FRO-(M)

some potential bargains:
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/sho...2-Rocky-Mountain-Flatline-Blackout-size-Large
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?298016-Polygon-FRX-medium-180mm

buy with intention to blow you savings on upgraades:
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?297879-Giant-Faith-1-(med)
 
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pattieslol

Squid
Thanks for all the Examples! Ill get more of a budget sorted to get more Bang, and ill be back with some bikes for help when im ready Thanks heaps so far everyone!
 
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