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Using a Downhill bike everyday


geemobee

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Hi All,

 

What is the problem with using a bike like this as your everyday bike?

 

Riding to gym and the odd trail here and there?

 

From what I have read, this is classified as a downhill bike.

 

http://filipe2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/1287166690_45220853_1-fotos-de-bicicleta-downhill-specialized-big-hit-2-1287166690.jpg?w=704

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Hi All,

 

What is the problem with using a bike like this as your everyday bike?

 

Riding to gym and the odd trail here and there?

 

From what I have read, this is classified as a downhill bike.

 

http://filipe2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/1287166690_45220853_1-fotos-de-bicicleta-downhill-specialized-big-hit-2-1287166690.jpg?w=704

 

No problem....you can use it as a road bike as well :thumbup:

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Hi All,

 

What is the problem with using a bike like this as your everyday bike?

 

Riding to gym and the odd trail here and there?

 

From what I have read, this is classified as a downhill bike.

 

http://filipe2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/1287166690_45220853_1-fotos-de-bicicleta-downhill-specialized-big-hit-2-1287166690.jpg?w=704

 

There is only a problem if you don't have quads like this

 

1235996_721105227905605_1710167453_n.jpg

 

But yeah, DH bikes are not ideal for commuting. That said, my first bike was a DH bike and I commuted on it. It'll either kill you or make you stronger.

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1) Saddle height - depending on how far you want to pedal, your legs will be stuffed pretty quick

2) Top tube lenght - the bike will feel cramped making longer trips uncomfartable

 

And then factoirs that don't contribute to much

3) Weight

4) Rolling resistance of the those big tyres

 

I had a friend who join us on a trip from Sabie - Pelgrimsrust on a DH bike, he simply used a longer seatpost but he was stuffed afterwards......

 

Riding this everyday will feel like jogging without propper shoes, but carrying a punching bag...... it can be done but other options is more comfortable :-)

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For fun we did a 24 hour one year on DH bikes. Was an absolute riot. It also hurt a lot!!!

 

I also rode my DH to work today.

 

I wouldn't however use it every day for general riding. Bit of a waste.

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It's perfect for commuting just expensive, as good DH tyres cost an arm and don't last long if running sticky compounds. Also the wide bars leave marks down the side of cars when cycling down the middle of 2 lane traffic.

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If you put slicks on it wouldn't be to bad as a commuter, it's those damn knobblies that eats up your energy.

Rode a DH bike without any tweaks to make it more manageable like a normal bike for a few weeks, wasn't much fun - a DH bike is fun on DH stuff, just feels like a tractor on normal terrain

Edited by Skylark
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Can you put a 100mm travel shock on a DH bike?

 

Presumably you are a dude. Would you wear stilettos to work? :ph34r:

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Can you put a 100mm travel shock on a DH bike?

 

It's kind of disregarding the whole point of a DH bike... It's like putting motocross forks on a GP motorcycle

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:whistling: :oops:

 

Okay my thinking was, shorter shock to make day to day riding easier?

 

Am I barking down the wrong hill here?

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