Beginner Downhill

[funkymonkey]

Hi guys, im in the market for a new(used) downhill bike. What do you think would be better for me. An 03 Raceline Ext Pro DH or a 04 Specialized BigHit sport. Both are the same price...

[Superman]

can you please give us specs of both, and pics maybe?

[the raggot]

i am in the same position, but dont have any bikes in sight, i have not much money and wanted to know some cheap downhillbikes...ps i dont mind people suggesting bikes theyve got for sale , cos i might not have seen them...cheers
tom

[demo man]

hi all

i am a youngster myself (14 years old), and when i was buying my first bike i was bloody confused too.

the following script is what i have said to a couple of people in previous threads about buying second hand, because that is a great way to get an awsome bike for a small price, or an awsome way to blow all your cash on a peice of sh!t.

Funky Monky :try to find a bike store that stocks both bikes, and ask for their opinion, but remember that they might make more money on one than the other.

myself, i'd go for the specialized. they have a better reputation, and their customer service (for when you brake it) is second to none.

sorry about how long the post is, but i'm pretty sure it's all useful.


Second Hand bikes
"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 bent, 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!

check 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 (take it for a proper test ride on a track, not just a carpark thrash - can't stress that enough).

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"

hope that hellps,
Cheers,
Sam

[funkymonkey]

Thanks so far. i know what to look for in a bike i.e. cracks and wear and tear. I am basically just asking which bike would be more suited to downhill. I want it to be good for beginner but not be useless when i get better.

Specs for Raceline = Large
Forks = DNM upside down 180mm fully adjustable, Rear Shock = DNM ST - 12 RC(remote lockout), 750 pound spring -- Both in exellent condition.

Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks with 44t and chain guide

Alex Rims = ESD 25 with Michelin Tyres 80% tread

Hayes HFX 9 = 8" front & back

Titec stem + Hell bent bars

Specs for Bighit = Large, Marzocchi Drop off Comp 130mm, Rear Shock = Fox R with Pro Pedal

Truvativ Hussefelt double with bash gard / Truvativ Stump stem and fat bars

Hayes 8" front & Back

Shimano LX rear deralier

Sun Rims -- Single Track 26X2.3 specialized tyres 75% tread


Thats all i know as yet, bikes both in top condition.

[ajay]

750pound spring? thats stiff - must be the leverage ratio or something...

The racline sounds the goods for me...

(dont really like the big hits much, especially for dh)

You will have to see how they feel for you.

[scottmeister]

i am a youngster myself (14 years old), and when i was buying my first bike i was bloody confused too.

Shouldn't your name be "demo boy" then? :p

[VicRiders]

personally i would go for the specialized bighit, mainly coz i own one and can vouch for their awsome feel, strength, stability, etc...id choose the bighit to be honest...

[dl79]

I would definatly go for the specialized. One of the guys I ride with owns one, rides it hard and loves it. They seem to be a strong package. Anyway ride them both and see what you like.

[demo man]

Shouldn't your name be "demo boy" then? :p

good call scott


as for the bikes,

the specialized is going to be stronger, and probably more reliable. however, the raceline is obviously set up as more of a DH bike, and will probably be a better buy in the short term.

it depends on how long you expect to be riding this bike. if it's for quite a while, then go the BigHit because it will outlast you, but if you are going to be able to replace it in a year or 2, then the raceline (IMO).

the raceline will also (probably) let you go a bit faster, and be a little more forgiving (purely because of the extra travel).

by the way, how much travel is on the back of these bikes? and which is in better condition? or are they pretty much dead even in quality?

Cheers,
Sam

[polza]

buy my rocky mountain swicth

[Kona.S.P]

I would go the Bighit... I have ridden toms (Bighit_DH's) bike and it kicks ass..

[funkymonkey]

Thanks a lot for the opinions, i have decided to build up an old Norco VPS. $$$ i know but i like them and i need something to play with... Ill let you know how i go...

[edgton77]

i'm thinking of buying a kona stinky anybody have any comments :D

[demo man]

go 4 tha stinky 4 sure, they are great bikes! i had a 03 stinky, changed over a fair few bits over the 2 years i had it but they are so reliable! and now they've got DC forks and 7" rear travel so it's even better.

best bike in that price range by a mile!

Cheers,
Sam