Help - Downhill Bike

[VTSS350]

I am on the look out for a second hand downhill bike, but dont no to much about the bikes on the market at the minute.

I have been riding for 6years and doign 5-6 foot drops, but thats pussing the limits of my current bike.

I am 5"11 aqnd 83kg what size frame should I be looking at.

I have been looking at the following bikes

Santa Cruz Bullit (very hard to find)

Giant Downhill Comp or team

Specialized Bighit

Which way do you guys think I should be going. Any info you have would be really appreciated.

Thanks

[Daver]

The Bullit and the Bighits aren't really DH bikes, comparing them to Giant DH's is not really equal. The Giant DH bikes are amazing frames for the money, and they ride really well. They can still be ridden around which most DH bikes can't.

On the other side, Bullits are good freeride/trail bikes, but are well outgunned on DH tracks. The geometry isn't the best for DH, although they are relatively light and pedal well. If you want something that is similar to the bullit yet offers a better ride (for DH) look for Oranges or older SC Super 8s.

The Bighits are a good design, let down (for DH) by the 24" wheel which has a tendancy to hook up on logs and rocks. If you still want the Horst Link design then i'd suggest looking for an older Intense M1 or a 2004 Iron Horse SGS.

[Oddjob]

Depends on how much you want to spend, and what you want from the bike.

I'm going to admit that I'm biased as buggery and suggest that you get an Avanti D8. There are a few for sale in the forums at the moment for less than $2000.

Advantages:

Cro-mo, so they are tough as nails.
Distinct rising rate rear suspension, so they are hard to bottom out.
Very quick and turn like they are on rails.
Very good value second hand.
Disadvantages:

Very bloody heavy. Mine weighs 45lbs (20.5 kgs) on a good day.
Low BB height which means you have to be careful not to smack it across roocks and stuff.
You need to keep an eye on the linkage.
Another thing to watch out for are the late 2003 and 2004 models. Some had a slack head angle and an even lower BB height than normal.

[VTSS350]

I am looking to spend $2000-$2500

I want something that will take the big hits, but can still be ridden to a degree.

Some good info there thanks guys,

Keep it coming

[demo man]

hey,

i'm not too sure of what is on the market at the moment, but a 03/04 giant DH Comp should be in that range, they're ok bikes, they've got great handling and are sweet bikes, just not incredibly strong, and the forx on those (sherman's) arn't very stiff.

other bikes are of course bullits and bighits, stinky's (if you can find a good stinky dee-lux i'd highly recommend it, they just won't let you down), or Stabs (againg, f***king sweet and ultra reliable), i've seen a 200 M1 frame with 04 bits on it for about 3gs, if that's still on MTBA check it out.

but general market place tips, always ask your LBS about any second hand bikes they know of, and when looking at a particular bike try and get then to check it over for you (breifly) unless you really know what you are doing. ALWAYS bargain, even if only over a hundred bucks. ask wether there are any spare parts or tyres etc. even a helmet or pads. you will 95% of the time be able to get a better price then what's listed.

oh, and check the stolen ads to make sure the deals not shady!

see if you can meet up and go for a test ride, at a trail if possible.

happy shopping and i hope you get a good deal,
Cheers
:)

[VTSS350]

Thanks for the detailed reply, very interesting.

On the Giant Downhill Comps where are they weak. What should i look for.

[ajay]

id steer away from kona if you want a dh bike.
I know a guy who is selling an 04 A-line (norco) with 888's and an evil guide and the rest of the goodies hardly used (not fullblown dh bike, but still a sweet bike)

But the dh comp or the D8 would be the way to go if you want dh.

[demo man]

Giants tend to go through pivot parts quite quickly - that area is the main weakness. i mean, it depends on how hard you're riding but over all they're just not quite as tough.

what do you mean by what to look for? do you mean inm terms of damage to bikes/bike codition?

if so,

always check all weld/join sections of the frame thoroughly, if it's a little dusty, it may proove very smart to wipe off the dust in areas of large forces to check for cracks.

look at all the bolts, are they tight? if they're not tight now, while on inspection, i doubt that they would be tight any other time, loose bolts can mean other parts wear faster.

check the wheels out too. is there any kinks or bends? if there is much visible damage thay may be close to the end. if they just look a little beny, maybe factor in a wheel true. also, how old are thay? older rims/wheels are going to be more damaged than a newer set, simple!

chech the hubs too. does the wheel move left to right a little without the fork or bars moving? check if the wheels loose, if it's not, then the cones may be loose or need replacing. also, see how fast the wheels spin. if they have too much resistance then it's possible the bearings are damaged. but give some leiniancy for brake rub

brakes. are the discs bent/warped? is there any oil near the caliper? how warn are the pads? if they are fairly thin then $50-$100 isn't too far off.

suspension
forks

is there an unusual amount of oil above the seals? is there a lot of play in them (more than that type of fork should have)? check them over for cracks too.

rear shock

make sure the spring is the right rate for you. is there any visible damage to the coil? look at the bushings and see if they are overly worn.

grab the moving parts like the casset, cranks, pedals, and check for excess play.

check out the derailluer, click through the gears and check if it's all ok. also, does it have a chain device? for DH you really do want one, especially for racing.

check out the chainrings too, are they really worn down? if so the gears won't change as well and the chain probably isn't in great condition.

be wary of freshly painted bikes, that paint could be hiding a crack! or even stickers in weird places.

check if there is a lot of wear on the pedals - will you need to replace the pins or even the whole pedal?

look at the tyres too, see how worn they are, will you need to buy a new set?

there's also the obvious stuff like frame size, but you should find out pretty quick when you take it for a test ride if it's not right.

when you are talking money, point out that you'll need to do this and that (get a wheel true or buy new tyres or a chainring etc.), and don't pay more than what it's worth! even write down the spec list and take it to a bike shop and tell them how old and what sort of condition it's in and they should be able to tell you a realistic price.

oh, and if there are rare parts on the bike, or a weird part, check out if it's impossible to get replacment parts for it. nothing worse than having to buy a new shock or something because you can't find a little bit of plastic or metal. as long as it's brand name it's all good! (generally).

a good idea is to take a checklist your LBS could give you, or from this, and tick off stuff as you see it's there/good.

and again, talk to your LBS! they should be able to help you indefinately

Cheers,

now how's that for detail!!!

[Butch]

tis a shame u didnt buy my norco shore it is the shit owell maybe u can buy it for abit more if ur keen :P

[udi]

champion post demo man. welcome to farkin too.

VTS -
having bought second hand bikes before, and gotten the bad with the good, it definately does pay to follow that guide and more if you are buying something second hand.

also give it a good hard ride before you buy it, crank it hard up a hill and push the suspension a fair bit too - things like oil leaks from a fork, or creaking from a crankset, won't be apparent if you just cruise around the driveway.

everythings fixable, and no second hand bike will be perfect, but if you put in the effort you can really have a sweet ride, and save yourself a wad of dough.

Just find a few prospective bikes from for-sale complete bikes or something, and if you find anything you like, you can ask about them here.

just on random:
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=24567
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=25071

and personally I think the bighits are nice too.... very sturdy and reliable frames, you would never have problems with them. The 24" wheel wouldn't be that bad, unless you are riding on awfully rough courses.

[VTSS350]

Thanks for some very good advice. What do you guys think of the following bike, I am very interested in it.

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=24539

[Richlude]

yeah not bad dude , but i got a 05 dhcomp for 4k,

[scblack]

Thanks for some very good advice. What do you guys think of the following bike, I am very interested in it.

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=24539

It may be a good bike, but brand new, the list price is $4200. Its too much for effectively a two year old bike.

[Jordy]

It may be a good bike, but brand new, the list price is $4200. Its too much for effectively a two year old bike.

but the spec on this http://forums.farkin.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=84 is much closer to a team...521 wheels, shivers (sorta compare to dorados) better brakes, e13 chain device.
still a lil expensive but it doesnt compare to the new standard DH comp

[Mugger]

Thanks for some very good advice. What do you guys think of the following bike, I am very interested in it.

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=24539

That looks real good, go over and have a test ride, do and check everything demo_man said and hope the bikes the one for you.

All my bikes have been second hand, i've had problems but learnt to fix them myself so i've increased my bike mechanical knowledge whilst not breaking my wallet with an extreme shiny new bike.

[VTSS350]

That looks real good, go over and have a test ride, do and check everything demo_man said and hope the bikes the one for you..


Yes thats exactly what I had planed to do, but I have sent the bloke 3 Private messages, but he hasnt been on to read them since friday. Makes it very hard to buy something if you cant get hold of the seller.

Any ideas

[bradmc]

I am 5"11 aqnd 83kg what size frame should I be looking at.

Which way do you guys think I should be going. Any info you have would be really appreciated.

Thanks

I am about the same height and weight and ride a DH Comp Med frame...it's a sweet ride.

I just bought my wife a Kona Stinky 05 on the weekend .... it's a sweet bike, i managed to wrangle it off her for a quick go at Manly Dam....it handled the track with ease and pedalled exceptionally well, where by i would be pushing my DH Comp up some hills, the Kona was cruising. Don't get me wrong, it's not a track i would ride my DH bike on.

Just keep in mind the type of riding and the trails you will be riding on. If it's an allrounder you are after, then a Stinky or similar bike may be the right choice, and at $2999 new, it's good value.

[vwtyp2]

hey,
I'm selling my ORYX DH01 complete.
it's the same frame as the Azonic Eliminator,
and very similar to the eXXtension frames.
has '02 Boxxers with 178mm travel, that I just scored of a dude that never used them.
has hope c2's front and back with Big 'un hubs.
fox vanilla rc rear shock.
truvativ hussefelt cranks, bb, chain device. 6 races old.
dice two six rims. 12 months old.
diabolus stem, and azonic bars. never raced.
michelin hot s tyres. 6 races old.
lx shifter xt rear derailler.
all this for only $3500.
let me know if you're interested.
can send you pics.
email to vwtyp2@iprimus.com.au
cheers, Dan.

[profaine]

My brother was looking at an 05 Giant Dh comp but there was a problem and he ended up getting a 04 GT Dh I-Drive. It's light and it 'goes like the clappers' as they say, maybe try find one?. However, you dont see many for sale (new or second hand!).
Without trying to 'pump up my own tyres' I would be interested in passing on my D8 for the right price. ''BACK:Custom Build up Avanti D8 (Another 1!!)'' I would consider somewhere around $2000-$2500 let me know.
Good luck with what ever you decide on and so long as you keep her running smooth hopefully she'll look after you...

[sc downhiller]

i have pmed you