Cheap Downhill Frames?

sw33t_r3v3ng3

A friend of mine is looking to buy a cheap(ish) downhill frame. The only ones he has found are ones for about 1,000e. He says that's too expensive. Hes got about 1200 for the whole bike. He also wants to build it himself? Any ideas?

Buzwaldo

The thread title frightens me. If I was brave enough to go downhill racing I definitely wouldn't want a cheap frame.
But I see your point - not meaning to be smart.

sw33t_r3v3ng3

Buzwaldo wrote: »

The thread title frightens me. If I was brave enough to go downhill racing I definitely wouldn't want a cheap frame.
But I see your point - not meaning to be smart.

Hes not really wanting to go out to the likes of the grand canyon :P. Mainly just something a step up from a hardtail!

Scrappy600

sw33t_r3v3ng3 wrote: »

Hes not really wanting to go out to the likes of the grand canyon :P. Mainly just something a step up from a hardtail!

Then is he slightly confused on the difference between a full sus and a downhill specific frame? You'll find plenty of used dh rigs for €1200 but I'm wondering is that actually what's needed or do you mean a full sus rig if it's upgrading from a hard tail he wants?

Raam

He might find something here.
http://outlet.upgradebikes.co.uk/Outlet/Clearance/Frames
I just bought a CX frame from them.

sw33t_r3v3ng3

Raam wrote: »

He might find something here.
http://outlet.upgradebikes.co.uk/Outlet/Clearance/Frames
I just bought a CX frame from them.

Thanks alot, will send on the link to him and see what he says!

rizzodun

Specialized Big Hit frames are usually available on a budget if you look around, but I'm with Scrappy, are you sure its not just a full suss frame he wants? Downhill bikes are very little use for going uphill, so unless he's planning to compete or make use of a facility with uplifts, expect a lot of huffing or puffing.

rab!dmonkey

Unless your friend lives in Rostrevor or next to Bike Park Ireland, I would advise against getting a downhill bike as his main or only MTB. There just aren't that many trails that are best-suited to DH bikes and those that are are scattered across the country. A long-travel trail bike will open up so much more riding.

Pushing 20 kg of bike up a hill gets old very quickly too.

silvo

There a lots of second hand DH frames going on the irishdh site for sale. Also have a look on Pinkbike's buy and sell forum.

sw33t_r3v3ng3

Thanks all.. It is a full sus bike he wants. He is aware of the lack of downhill tracks in ireland, but would a full sus be able to be used on a normal track with uphill ?

rizzodun

sw33t_r3v3ng3 wrote: »

Thanks all.. It is a full sus bike he wants. He is aware of the lack of downhill tracks in ireland, but would a full sus be able to be used on a normal track with uphill ?

Yes, most newer full suss bikes have an option to stiffen or lock out the rear shock for climbing, some higher end bikes don't even need the option.

For the price I'd recommend the Vitus Escarpe 275, on offer for €1250 on CRC
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-escarpe-275-suspension-bike-2014/rp-prod107038

I'm not sure why he's so hell bent on a frame only, for his price point he'll probably be forever hunting around and building up the parts, something like the above would be a good starting point, he can hit the trails straight away and then look to upgrade. The SR Suntour fork will do the job but it's apparently the first recommended upgrade (You can but the VR model, with the Rockshox fork for €1500).

Mr. Grieves

Raam wrote: »

He might find something here.
http://outlet.upgradebikes.co.uk/Outlet/Clearance/Frames
I just bought a CX frame from them.

How much was shipping? The site implied UK only and Parcel Motel is pricy for bigger items - I'm looking at forks.

Raam

Mr. Grieves wrote: »

How much was shipping? The site implied UK only and Parcel Motel is pricy for bigger items - I'm looking at forks.

I used ParcelMotel. 28 blips. Worth it for the price I thought so I went with it. Trying to get the thing ready for Thursday's race is the real challenge I am having.

paulgs

Have a look on bike-discount.de there are some cube full suss frames on there at reasonable money.

Idleater

If you're interested in a second hand specialized s-works epic I'm not getting much use from mine these days.