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Getting Started in Downhill

1766 Views 27 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  Gringostr
Ok. So Ive been biking since I was 6. I am now 14. From the age of 6 till 10, I did racing with ABA, from around age 10 till 13 I did a bit of freestyle, and now I mainly do Rural/Dirt Jumps. I am trying to Get more into Downhill. I don't have a good Downhill bike, and I have never been on any really good trails. sometimes I go find a trail, bike up it all day, stop and make a jump here and there, then bike down it at the end of the day. I am in Queen Creek Arizona. Does anyone know of any moderate downhill trails that still have some jumps anywhere near me? and in the way of a bike, who knows of a good bike thats under 600 bucks? Thanks!

Seth
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Gringostr said:
sometimes I go find a trail, bike up it all day, stop and make a jump here and there, then bike down it at the end of the day.
Well, the first thing to point out is that if you're biking *up* a trail, then you're not a true downhiller.
Yes, I know that, Thats because I have no Car, no Good Bike, and No Good Trail locations. Thats Why Im asking you guys if you know of a good bike under 600 bucks and good trails around here.
Gringostr said:
Yes, I know that, Thats because I have no Car, no Good Bike, and No Good Trail locations. Thats Why Im asking you guys if you know of a good bike under 600 bucks and good trails around here.
There are lots of good trails around here (see above). (I won't comment on DH vs. AM vs. XC since it's all the same to me.) Regarding bike, for that price, you're likely going to have to get used. Try Craigslist.
skinny-tire said:
Well, the first thing to point out is that if you're biking *up* a trail, then you're not a true downhiller.
:rolleyes:
I've got a solid bike I'm selling in your price range. If you're interested, send me a PM and I'll tell you about it and send you some pics.
You can get some great deals on Craigslist that will get you started. Keep checking it daily. The closest trails to us here in Queen Creek are San Tan Mountains and Hawes. They're both XC trails but if you scout around there are some fun technical sections you can try out. Other than that, you gotta catch a lift over to SoMo. That place will keep you busy for years!
@Ruppguts, I don't have the money yet, I'm Hoping to get a job at my Local Hobby shop soon, so when I get some money, I will PM You. Thanks.

@StrongBrown, Thanks, I will check out South mountain.

Seth
Gringostr said:
@Ruppguts, I don't have the money yet, I'm Hoping to get a job at my Local Hobby shop soon, so when I get some money, I will PM You. Thanks.

@StrongBrown, Thanks, I will check out South mountain.

Seth
Right on Seth Welcome to the world of MTBR and Gravity Jonez... Just block Skinny Tits out he is roadie that just lurks on a MTB forum.

You may want to get two jobs :D Check the SoMo shuttle threads once you got all the gear!
Good luck to you and your venture to the DH thaang. :thumbsup:
Thanks! yea, Money is a crazy thing for me right now. I also do Rc airplanes, and I've got over 4,000 just in planes, and another couple grand I'm goin to be savin up for for electronics in another. so yea, sucks lovin two things :)
Thanks

SEth
also, what bike(s) and bike brands do you recommend?

Seth
Many of us have over 4000 in a single bike so really its going to depend on how you want to get into this?

You can find haro extream's all day long for 300-700. Perfect entry bike with entry componets.Also older bighits can be found for 500-800 another cheap but great entry bike . M1's for 700-900 good but old.

If you want something current you'll get a hardtail for the same price range.
Hmm I recomend my bike (Bighit) that is for sale. PM me when you get closer to purchasing for more details.

Spec, Giant, Marin, Transition, Kona, ect ect. They all make good bikes with various susp design. The best is open for debate.

Oh yeah diamond back makes a well spec'd out bike for a decent price
i am not sure what is going on the Phoenix but there may be a team, perhaps a youth oriented team you can join as well, where they get deals, set up race trips and train together which is a great way to get out there get the appropriate safety gear and learn the ropes.
MattyBoyR6 said:
Spec, Giant, Marin, Transition, Kona, ect ect. They all make good bikes with various susp design. The best is open for debate.
Correct me if I'm wrong but since he's wanting a downhill bike that means he can MAYBE pay less attention to the suspension design, right? I mean, most of the differing suspensions (VPP, FSR, Horst, etc.) are all designed to make it easier or more efficient to PEDAL uphill. DH bikes aren't chosen for their pedalability. They all work about as well as the next for bombing down, right? Provided the shocks are both

When I was searching for my new bike I wanted something right in the middle: capable of tackling tougher trails but still easily pedalable in order to get to the tougher trails. So, I wanted a good suspension and I wanted the newest suspension I could afford.
big0mike said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but since he's wanting a downhill bike that means he can MAYBE pay less attention to the suspension design, right? I mean, most of the differing suspensions (VPP, FSR, Horst, etc.) are all designed to make it easier or more efficient to PEDAL uphill. DH bikes aren't chosen for their pedalability. They all work about as well as the next for bombing down, right? Provided the shocks are both

When I was searching for my new bike I wanted something right in the middle: capable of tackling tougher trails but still easily pedalable in order to get to the tougher trails. So, I wanted a good suspension and I wanted the newest suspension I could afford.
You got a new bike?
Whats the advantages of the full susp. over hardtail? I mean.... I know softer landings on jumps/drops.... but would it be easy enough to do with a hardtail?
my old '91 Haro extreme HT is still hanging from the garage ceiling at my parents' house.. was my HS graduation present. it had full 7spd LX on it. wonder if i should try to rebuild it.
Sell your RC planes and get a Canfield Jedi. All the cool kids are doing it. but seriously look for an ole big hit or something you can thrash until you build up some more hours on the mountain. I went from a big hit, to a stinky, to a demo. Each bike had their time and place.
Haha, No. The planes stay. I am pretty confident I can get something on craigslist or around here for under 600. I just gotto get the money first. after I get the bike, I can start switching out parts once I get the money.

Seth
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