buying my first downhill bike, advice please

derv

i want to start downhill biking this spring/summer.
i have no experience of doing it, and know very little about the bikes other than what i have been reading online over the last few days.

where is a good place to start? i don't want to spend crazy money on my first bike...
what should i be looking for?

and where, near dublin is a good place to go once i've got all the gear?

thanks

Usersname

All mountain bikes are essentially downhill bikes. That is, they are designed to be able to take the impact of downhill biking. That being said, I strongly recommend you not spend more than 50euro on a second hand bike.

What's the point in getting a new downhill specialised bike for 300-600 euro and then end up crashing it or losing interest? As soon as you buy a new bike it goes down 80% in value. Just go to gumtree or the buy & sell and find someone selling their bike really cheap just because it has a puncture or whatever.

There is no reason you should not be able to find a very nice suitable second hand bike for 50 euro. Once you get into the scene and know people with expertise and know what it is you want from a bike, then I would suggest buying your own downhill first hand bike and taking good care of it. Until then don't go wasting your cash.

endurodave

That is some of the worst advise i have ever seen a €50 would last 30seconds maybe less of you throw it at a downhill track. 80% drop in value lol. If your looking to get into downhill consider one of these bikes

http://www.irishdh.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13740
http://www.irishdh.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13595

The sport does require an initial outlay but if your interest fades you can always resell the bike. Alternatively you could go for an all mountain bike that will get you down and back up no matter what the trail. Here is an example of an AM bike its more trail/AM but you get the idea

http://www.irishdh.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13726

There a lots of places to ride in Dublin north Wicklow just look up http://www.mbi.ie/

Hope this helps.

ravendude

Usersname wrote: »

All mountain bikes are essentially downhill bikes. That is, they are designed to be able to take the impact of downhill biking. That being said, I strongly recommend you not spend more than 50euro on a second hand bike.

What's the point in getting a new downhill specialised bike for 300-600 euro and then end up crashing it or losing interest? As soon as you buy a new bike it goes down 80% in value. Just go to gumtree or the buy & sell and find someone selling their bike really cheap just because it has a puncture or whatever.

There is no reason you should not be able to find a very nice suitable second hand bike for 50 euro. Once you get into the scene and know people with expertise and know what it is you want from a bike, then I would suggest buying your own downhill first hand bike and taking good care of it. Until then don't go wasting your cash.

:D:D:D
I think this guy is taking the piss, - either that or he hasn't a clue.
50 euro wouldn't buy you a pair of handlebars not a mind a bike.
You're looking at 600euro at least for something thats not a complete death trap, but at that you're looking at a lot parts needing imminent replacing.
Also, all mountain bikes are not quite "essentially downhill bikes". An all mountain bike will generally not stand up to the same amount of abuse and will give no where near the confidence of a proper downhill bike.

Look around the forums on www.irishdh.com as another poster has suggested

Usersname

Laugh away lads, I got a mountain bike for 50 euro in the buy and sell and it has held up quite nicely during my downhill escapades.

Sure, if you don't believe, go ahead and spend 600 euro like a sucker.

Jonnykitedude

Dont listen to a word of that.

What is this 50Euro bike made off Rubber? If you went anywhere near a DH track on even a good MTB you'll have trouble.

endurodave gave you sound advice.

derv

thanks all for the advice.

i am going to price one on the bike to work scheme and see what type of deal i get.

i am prod still better off getting one 2md hand to start off with though.

JayEnnis

Usersname wrote: »

Laugh away lads, I got a mountain bike for 50 euro in the buy and sell and it has held up quite nicely during my downhill escapades.

Sure, if you don't believe, go ahead and spend 600 euro like a sucker.

I bet you don't race, Ride proper tracks. Fire roads don't count as downhill.