With so many different types of mountain bikes, it can get pretty overwhelming for a beginner to choose the right bike. This guide is for the rider who has decided to purchase a downhill mountain bike that wont break the bank, but needs some quick tips.
 |
|
| I am very satisfied with my 2012 Specialized Status 2 |
If you are considering getting into the downhill game, the first question you should ask yourself is “What do I want to do with my mountain bike?”. If you want to pedal your bike up a hill, a downhill bike is not for you. With your downhill bike, you will reach the top of the mountain a few ways:
- Chairlift at a mountain resort
- Shuttle via a van or truck
- hike
Now, lets get to the good stuff. Since most of us don’t have >$4,000 to shell out on a top of the line world cup machine, I have outlined some affordable options from Specialized, Giant, and Kona. All bikes listed are under $3,500 and come with a dual crown fork. Many companies will offer a cheaper bike with a single crown fork. The choice between single and double crown truly comes down to personal preference and budget. Same goes for coil or air sprung shocks/forks.
Quick Specs - Tires – Specialized Butcher DH
- Shock – Custom FOX VAN RC, coil w/piggy back, compression and rebound adj
- Fork – RockShox Boxxer RC, alloy steerer, compression and rebound adj
- Brakes – Custom Avid Elixir 5 R
- Derailleur – SRAM X7, 9-speed, short cage
Thoughts
“Status II is a far more realistic option for many riders who want a bike that can be ridden hard and fast, be it on a race course or just with your buddies, but aren’t willing to sell a kidney to do it.” – Pinkbike.com
I agree 100% with Pinkbike. I have been riding the 2012 Specialized Status 2 since July and it is great. The only major difference between the ’12 and ’13 models is the fork. The 2012 model comes with a RockShox Domain Dual Crown R while the 2013 has a RockShox Boxxer RC. Specialized really stepped it up by equipping the bike with a Boxxer because the Domain is both heavier and does not have as many adjustments. I do not have a problem with the Domain because it is plush and soaks up everything I throw at it. I would expect the Boxxer to do that even better! Pinbike is completely correct in saying that the Status can be ridden hard and fast. The Status‘s geometry was inspired by the world cup proven Demo 8 and is fantastic. You will not be disappointed with the Status 2 by Specialized.
Quick Specs
- Tires – Schwalbe Muddy Mary
- Shock – RockShox Vivid R2*
- Fork – RockShox Boxxer RC
- Brakes – Avid Elixir 5
- Derailleur – Sram X5
* The rear shock pictured is a Vivid R2. The spec sheet lists it as a Vivid AIR R2 on the Giant’s site.
Thoughts
The Giant Glory 2 is the little brother to the World Cup proven Giant Glory 0. The Glory 2 packs the same design as the Glory 0 but at a much more affordable price point. The Glory 2 comes fully loaded with RockShox suspension and Giant’s own Maestro linkage design. Giant claims that Maestro suspension soaks up anything and every thing in addition to pedaling efficiency. I can’t speak from personal experience, but I would not doubt the powers of Maestro paired with Giant’s slaying, entry level downhill bike. Don’t believe me? Just check out Danny Hart’s 2011 World Championship winning run on the steep slopes of Champery, Switzerland. The Giant Glory 2 is the closest you can get to feeling like Danny Hart with out shelling out the big bucks.
- Tires – Maxxis High Roller 2 DH
- Shock – Rock Shox Kage RC
- Fork – Rock Shox Boxxer RC
- Brakes – Avid G2CS
- Derailleur – Sram X9
Thoughts
All three of these bikes are solid choices, and I would recommend either one. Every bike comes stock with a Rockshox Boxxer fork which is one of the best forks on the market. The purpose of this guide is for you too see a few options and some quick specs. I would personally go to your local bike shop and see what companies they have to offer. Rent a demo bike and find out what you like and dislike. The best way to choose a bike is through personal experience. I am not here to tell you what bike to buy, I am just recommending a few options that I personally would consider purchasing. I wish you luck and I hope you have as much fun on a downhill bike as I do. Ride on!
What bike would you pick?
stripes
Jan 24, 2013
Rocky Mountain also has one in a similar price range as I’m sure there are others as well.
What about buying used? Sometimes 3k is a bit staggering for an “entry level” of any type of bike.
Ryan Simonovich
Jan 24, 2013
When I bought my first DH bike I knew exactly what I was looking for, so I didn’t have a problem dropping the money. I agree with you though, You don’t want to drop 3k and risk the bike not being what you expected.
stripes
Jan 24, 2013
Rocky Mountain also has one in a similar price range as I’m sure there are others as well.
What about buying used? Sometimes 3k is a bit staggering for an “entry level” of any type of bike.
Kevin Neidorf
Jan 24, 2013
I think that one of the best options for beginner downhillers is finding a used bike. 3g for someone just starting out is quite a bit of money to spend for a first ride. There are endless amounts of deals to be had on sites like Pinkbike, Craigslist and Ebay, and I’ve never had a bad experience with buying a used bike.
Ryan Simonovich
Jan 24, 2013
The only reason I am skeptical buying used is just think about how thrashed that bike could be. Obviously you would test ride and it is a good idea to buy local, but the bottom line is I would not want buy a bike used from my self. I ride my bikes hard. That doesn’t mean that I don’t take care of my bike, but I don’t have time to meticulously inspect and maintain my bike after every ride.
Kevin Neidorf
Jan 26, 2013
I see where you’re coming from and why you’d be a skeptic, but I’ve bought tons of used bikes in the past and have had absolutely no problems with them. Maybe I’m just lucky/ a smart buyer, but I’ve honest to god had more problems with brand new, store-bought rigs than I’ve had with my used ones.
Ryan Simonovich
Jan 27, 2013
I also love the feeling of a bike that has never been ridden before.
Rivers Mitchell
Jan 27, 2013
I also see someone who is new to the sport as someone who would not really know what to look for when they are buying used…that is when trouble arises. I too have bought plenty of used bikes and loved them…but I am very careful about what I purchase.
Stephen Brown
Feb 18, 2013
try buying a bike that is non-current, they are still new but just a year old, mountain bike geometry has somewhat stabilized the last few years and if you’re a begginer then you probably won’t need the latest and greatest.
Rivers Mitchell
Feb 19, 2013
This is a great tip, most shops will be wanting to get rid of their old stock and sell them for a good discount. The big thing is come in with a budget and stick to it and do your research for the best bang for the buck, but remember you will want to pick up a helmet, body armor at the least and that stuff I would not scrimp on…but you can still find awesome deals on this stuff.
Rivers Mitchell
Feb 4, 2014
Hi Im Jason CEO of http://www.madjayssports.com Im on here asking for opinions and advice on ways to improve my site. I have only been up and running for one month. Here is a short commercial about my site http://youtu.be/UbQs6qn9XQQ
Please email me with your thoughts at madjayssports@yahoo.com
Thanks Jason
Popular
Catagories
Archive
Copyright © 2016. Created by The Mountain Bike Life. All Rights Reserved.