Getting in to DH

[BikeBailing]

Hey all

 

I really want to get into downhill Thats right I'm a badass like that.

 

I would appreciate any advice on what I would need in terms of basic kit, where I can buy stuff and what bikes I should look at (don't want to spend to much as I'm operating on the theory that I will be bailing quite often).

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

[rock]

if you want new look for a deal on a 2009 or 2010 mongoose.....or buy used, 2nd hand DH bikes go for relatively very little....

[PeterWest]

Good Choice!

 

Well, firstly the kit that you'll have to start off with is a full face helmet, which is a must, from there it is knee guards and elbow guards, they aren't a must but I strongly recommend them. Another crucial piece of kit is the neck brace, some people don't find them necessary, but once again I would recommend them, quite pricey but worth it.

 

If your starting out, it's best to out with a second hand bike, which will be good to play around on until your skills improve. Look around on Gumtree and on thehub for downhill bike, now and then a killer deal comes through.

 

Good Luck!

[champion hubber]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=17635

[BikeBailing]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Another question though, if I am looking at second hand what should I be concerned about (i.e. cracks, etc) when checking out a bike?

[Guest Omega Man]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Another question though, if I am looking at second hand what should I be concerned about (i.e. cracks, etc) when checking out a bike?

Yeah. When you buy a 2nd hand bike you need to bear in mind that it does NOT come with a warranty. Check for cracks on on the frame and swing arm. You can get really good deals if you keep your eyes open. Don't buy that teocali. It's not a DH bike. Certain brands have bomb proof reputations while others do not. Check out the add I put up for a mate.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=17742

 

The bike's in really good nic.

 

Regarding helmets. Be careful buying a helmet from crc. there's a 20% duty plus VAT so it ends up being expensive.

[BikeBailing]

Yeah. When you buy a 2nd hand bike you need to bear in mind that it does NOT come with a warranty. Check for cracks on on the frame and swing arm. You can get really good deals if you keep your eyes open. Don't buy that teocali. It's not a DH bike. Certain brands have bomb proof reputations while others do not. Check out the add I put up for a mate.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=17742

 

The bike's in really good nic.

 

Regarding helmets. Be careful buying a helmet from crc. there's a 20% duty plus VAT so it ends up being expensive.

 

 

 

Oh, nice! Unfortunately, I'm a large to Xlarge from what sizing I could get off the net. So far from what I have seen, there are not many big DH guys out there. Can wait to get one one of those bikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FUKNUK]

Why not buying a bike thats for downhill and trail riding? its going to cost you but i think its worth it. I sold my dh bike a week ago for 2500 bucks!! it was a khs dh50 fetish, not bad for entry level and beginers. I love hitting the trails hard but DH was not for me cause i almost broke my neck at Groenkloof on my trail bike, torn the muscles in my neck. but ja, like the guys say, safety is importend. So fullface helmet and neck brace is the first thing you buy.

[BikeBailing]

Ok I have found a Specialized 2009 Big Hit 1 for R11 000, first hand in a clearance sale. Any opinions on this? Seems nice and see it comes with all mountain setup and 180mm fork. Is it correct that I can get a proper 200mm DH front shock at a later stage and fit it to the frame?

[Peach.]

Ok I have found a Specialized 2009 Big Hit 1 for R11 000, first hand in a clearance sale. Any opinions on this? Seems nice and see it comes with all mountain setup and 180mm fork. Is it correct that I can get a proper 200mm DH front shock at a later stage and fit it to the frame?

 

 

Sounds good, I know another guy also getting a bit more into the FR/DH side and he got the same bike.

didnt have the greatest spec but its all you need to start off.

[Zac.A]

Get a Leatt neck brace

The owners son is in my class at school, he came to do a presentation for us a few weeks ago.

 

Looks pretty cool

[BikeBailing]

Was looking at Leatt, expensive, but so sick! Price seems well worth it! I realised I need a neck brace when a tree jumped in front of me on some single track 2 months ago. The resultant concussion was not due to any direct head trauma but rather my neck moving so violently that it smashed my brain repeatedly into my skull. That sucked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!