Best Bike For New People.

[hippyz]

im just about to start doing downhill and want to know a really good downhill bike that isnt to expensive casue i dont have much money and I dont want to buy a really good downhill for experience riders i want one that is best for a beginner to show me what to do etc. Any suggestions would be great. Im looking to spend about $1500 but I an willing to spend more.:D :D :D :D :D

[clockworked]

search first!!
look in the for sale section.

they're probably the best bikes you will get in your price range for downhill

[Hamer]

for around the $1500 mark you could get a rad 2nd hand hardtail, which will make you a better rider in the long run (picking lines, not plowing) or if your after a duel suspension bike a kona stinky/norco atomic would be a good starting point which both have a RRP at around $3000

some good 2nd hand choices would be:
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=67217
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=68225

[Gronk]

Interestingly enough,the general consensus seems to be to start out with riding a hardtail. They will teach/force you to choose smooth lines through stuff and teach/force you to use your legs and body to soak up the bumps etc. A big travel dualie will cover your mistakes and while you'll get over/through stuff, you wont learn as much.

Having just recently bought a hardtail and taking it up to some local trails I can definitely say the dualies have been covering up my lack of skills! :D

If you're spending around $1500, you can get a new hardtail for that no worries.

[THE YETI]

I started riding on a hardtail, but i wouldnt have called it 'RIDING'. I promptly bought a duellie and it was GREAT, ive upgraded twice since then, both of my upgrades have been duellies aswell. But i think that ive made a bit of a mistake doing it like that.
I agree that you area way better off buying a good strong hardtail and begin on that. It WILL put a bit more pressure on your body for a while. But thats why it teaches you to be so smooth.
It also gives you a great sense of satisfaction when you nail a Dh track on a hardtail.
So you 'COULD' buy my norco atomik for $1500 ono. But i would suggest you'd be better off buying a hardtail if your just starting out.