FS or hardtail? Or other?

Silence

Silence

Has bad taste
I started doing downhill at Mammoth and I'm tired of coughing up cash for crappy rentals.

I'm expecting to do between 6-10 days a year at resorts and the rest of the time should be on trails like I should probably see about 10 days a year of downhill action at resorts but the vast majority of the use will be on trails like what you find at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz.

Given the company I'm with, I won't be taking massive drops or tackling ridiculous rock gardens. I do like to go fast (relatively speaking) and rail through tight trails so I'd like to be able to trust the rig to help me hold my line instead of in to a tree or boulder.

If I'm looking on the used market, what type/brands/sizes(wheel/suspension travel/etc)/materials should I be looking to get? Trying to keep it around $1.5K a bike or less to keep costs down--too many hobbies as it is. :laughing
 
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byke

byke

Well-known member
How tall are you? If it's strictly for downhill, I'd buy something beefy. Even though you may not go nuts with it, you'll still feel the benefits of riding a solid downhill machine. Without knowing your size, I'd look for something similar to eBay item number 151287913446.
 
Silence

Silence

Has bad taste
Sizing the bike itself, I'm not too concerned about--more about what type to best fit needs. That being said, I'm: 5'10", 31" inseam and I ride a 54cm road bike. Weigh in at 160lbs so I shouldn't stress frames too much with my heft either. :laughing
 
byke

byke

Well-known member
Roger. Yeah, not only would I go with full suspension, but I'd pick a full on heavy downhill bike. They're just going to be smoother and more enjoyable, imo.
 
MtnRacer

MtnRacer

Veterinarian
Dude, if you are interested in downhill, I wouldn't even consider a hardtail unless your some kind of bicycling freak that enjoys the challenge.

I have a XC frame with 5" of travel and it's fine compromise between regular riding with some DH mixed in.

Steve
 
Silence

Silence

Has bad taste
Beauregard said:
PM Roxy. That chick is a pro. No really she is.
Click to expand...

Watch, she's going to prank me into getting a girl bike. :laughing

MtnRacer said:
Dude, if you are interested in downhill, I wouldn't even consider a hardtail unless your some kind of bicycling freak that enjoys the challenge.

I have a XC frame with 5" of travel and it's fine compromise between regular riding with some DH mixed in.

Steve
Click to expand...

I do like challenges but you think it'll rattle my teeth out? :laughing

What is this XC frame you speak of? Teach meh! :laughing
 
MtnRacer

MtnRacer

Veterinarian
Silence said:
Watch, she's going to prank me into getting a girl bike. :laughing



I do like challenges but you think it'll rattle my teeth out? :laughing

What is this XC frame you speak of? Teach meh! :laughing
Click to expand...
Here's a decent breakdown of all the various types/styles of mountain bike riding:

http://forums.mtbr.com/beginners-co...-xc-freeride-downhill-682029.html#post7711592

Since you're a featherweight and only do downhill stuff once in a while, I'd think a light, full suspension bike you can get would serve you well. It makes climbing much, much more fun, especially with a lockable rear shock. If you're interested in big drops, jumps, etc, you may need something a little heavier duty. Do talk to Roxy about your specific needs though, and Mike Solis as well, they will have a more informed opinon than I will. :thumbup

Steve

P.S. GET HYDRAULIC BRAKES. :laughing They are AWESOME.
 
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lefty

lefty

Well-known member
OP-

I got a Scott Spark 50 that I LOVE!!!

I found a brand new (previous year leftover at Go Ride in Redwood City) for half off.
I paid $1,500 instead of $3K.

I love Cross Country and I did not want a 32 lb bike, so this was a great bike for me. As a 160 lb guy- you do not need a 32 lb bike with 12 inches of travel.
 
sanjuro

sanjuro

Rider
I don't think you will have a problem finding a decent used bike at $1500.

The major brands like Specialized or Giant should be plentiful.

There will be some debate about wheel size, but part of your selection will be the age of the bike.

3-4 years old will likely be a 26 inch wheel, more recent a 29er. I like 29ers but it is not a show stopper.

Otherwise, I would get a stock bike with little wear. I saw one used bike where the woman was suckered into getting a park bike with a blown fork damping cartridge (the seller had pumped the air spring to virtually rigid).

If the seller had the wherewithal to change a stock bike radically, then you have to wonder what was he doing on this bike, and how did the old parts look?

I suppose I want to buy a bike from someone who didn't ride it, not a wannabe pro.
 
crank1000

crank1000

Dammit Bobby.
If you're going to buy new, you won't want to buy a FS for less than about $2500. If you buy used, you better bring somebody who knows exactly what to look for, otherwise you could easily end up spending a ton of money fixing things the previous owner left unattended. You could also find things the previous owner tried to "fix" but had no idea what they were doing and ended up stripping screws, breaking internals, or generally adjusting things incorrectly causing wear to the drivetrain. The bummer is that most folks don't realize that a MTB needs maintenance just like a moto, so they just ride it until it stops working right, and they sell it.

I honestly think if you're just doing the DH trails and not any big hits, you could get away with a HT. Also, you're better off beating the shit out of a rental at the resorts, and then keep your personal bike in better shape for the trails and climbs. You won't find a good climber that will compete with the demo DH bikes you've probably been renting. Just my opinion.
 
Silence

Silence

Has bad taste
One for each of us. The problem is that I prefer to run similar specs as her. I think I would prefer the more agile 26 whereas she would benefit from the stability of the 29er I think.
 
ndirienzo

ndirienzo

Well-known member
Aluminum dual suspension, 6" of travel, 2x10 setup. Stick to 26" wheels... lots of people dumping them in order to get a 650b bike. I love my 29ers, but they are not as fun in the air as a smaller wheeled bike. Man, they do go fast over stuff, though!

Anyway, in your price range, go for the above.

Crank has a good point in that you might want to beat up the rentals when you head out instead of wrecking your bike. Also, it would allow you to get a more appropriate bike for general trail riding. Finally, I can not agree more on the point that many full suspension bikes on CL are terribly maintained and more headaches than their worth. There are some smoking deals if you know what to look for, though.
 
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Silence

Silence

Has bad taste
Actually, looking at Nomads on ebay right meow! :laughing

My problem is that at 5'10", I'm *right* between a Medium and a Large. Gut instinct tells me to go Medium. Am I off base here?
 
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CHUM

CHUM

fresh fish in stock.....
Silence said:
Actually, looking at Nomads on ebay right meow! :laughing

My problem is that at 5'10", I'm *right* between a Medium and a Large. Gut instinct tells me to go Medium. Am I off base here?
Click to expand...

I'd go Medium if it was me.

But ultimately it's a matter of preference.

my .02
 
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