Avanti Lightning any good for DH

[Tofsy]

hey guys,

i have just bought an avanti lightning at a bargain price ($1299 reduced to $799). i know it is not a DH bike but would it do it. i would have to upgrade my forks from manitou axel comps to ...? It has shimano xt rd and lx fd and shimano mech disc brakes 6" rotors. would the frame hold out?

if you can help me thanks, if you can't thanks anyway!

[24seven]

You can downhill on anything but whether or not you and the bike will survive intact is another thing.

On an Avanti Lightening I don't think you or the bike would survive for long.

[Tofsy]

would the frame be strong enough

[MTB_91]

would the frame be strong enough

As long as you treat it right and don't go hucking to flat or 50/50 casing dirtjumps.

[roxy12]

as long as u dont do any big drops itl be cool i work at the lbs and had a couple coem back with cracked stays so be carefull.

[Tofsy]

so if i where to upgrade the forks, brakes and get a chainguide it should be right.

[MTB_91]

so if i where to upgrade the forks, brakes and get a chainguide it should be right.

Why might you need to get new forks, brakes and a chainguide???

[Tofsy]

im new to dh and dont know much about it

would 100mm travel and 6" mech brakes be fine then?

[MTB_91]

yeh should be right......mech brakes work just fine when set up correctly and yeah 100mm travel shall be alright for now....until you get fully into dh.

[kona_boy]

or you could have just bought a bike with that gear on it already.

take care of your bike and will last a lifetime.

by take care i mean wash at LEAST once a fortnight

and tweak it every week, like adjust brakes, check for buckles, check tire pressure, and consult your bike shop etc...that extra minute a week will save you a fortune in time, money and riding time...making for a better overall MTBing experience

[ajay]

depending on the dh you ride aswell - if you are just starting id assume you'd be doing some fairly light stuff, just remember, the frames arent built to take endless hits, neither are the rims, id stick to single track with no big drops or rock gardens, learn some skills, get up your confidence for cornering without your brakes etc - enjoy

[Tofsy]

thanks everybody!

where are the best places fro beginner DH near melbourne?

thanks again

[ajay]

^ there is coutless threads on 'where to ride" so do a quick search and you'll find something - youyangs is a great spot - there is a dh track and a very nice piece of single track that runs nearly beside it (all down hill) that would be great to start with...