DH/FR Bike Recommendations

[Aberrix]

I once swore I would never ride anything other than my single speed BMX. But alas a new day has dawned... I currently ride a 20" Standard Bykes Trailboss (BMX - Dirt Jumping) that I built up about 3+ years ago. It's an XL so I actually still do ride it comfortably since I am 6'4" and 190lbs.

I am looking to pick up a mountain bike probably mid to end summer; I am looking to spend less than $1,000 for a full suspension or less than $500-600 for a hard tail to start me out. I still have the intention however of going full suspension in the end so I'd rather spend a little more and get what I want now (full suspension). I have no preference of new or used, I am looking for the best deal possible.

I am primarily looking to do Down Hill, Trail Riding and Free Riding.

I am being kind of particular about how the bike looks, No matter how vain it may be I figure if I can't stand looking at the bike I probably am not going to enjoy riding it very much. I am quite fond of the style the Specialized Demo and Specialized Bighit has. I like that 'motocross' look they have. I like the big forks that go all the way up to the handle bars. I am looking for a bike with the same style, I am not too particular about Brand, but I don't want a POS either...

So, I come seeking your mountain bike knowledge. What would you recommend for me?<o =""></o>

[Matthew]

At $1000 dollars, better go with a used bike.

[rideharder]

well you will have a hard time finding a bike in your price range with a dual crown fork but you should check http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/ i wouldnt deal with the canadian bikes b/c they are not very willing to sell and ship to the US, i had two different transactions that pulled out b/c they didnt want to ship to the US.

[Ala Carte]

It'll be hard to find a good freeride bike with a nice dual triple fork for $1000. The new long travel single crowns are just as nice and lighter too. But if you need to have the 'motocross look', then you could always find an older Bomber JrT for a couple hundred and bolt it on.

[Ala Carte]

[quote=rideharder]well you will have a hard time finding a bike in your price range with a dual crown fork quote]

I think we're on the same wavelength

[Aberrix]

Okay, we all know that its going to be hard to find a bike in that price range...

how about maybe oh I dont know? SUGGEST a bike! even if its a little more than my 'price range' I am just looking for some suggestions...

[bikeforlife]

Your best bet is probably going to be getting one used as the others stated if you are looking to stay under 1000, check out places like the classifieds on mtbr (http://classifieds.mtbr.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.pl?db=MtbReview&website=MtbReview), pinkbike (http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/), and drop machine (http://www.dropmachine.com/classifieds/), as they will have some of the bigger bikes you are looking for. I listed one Here (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16326) for a bud of mine, just slightly over you stated price range but, its in super good condition and speaking from experience I can say that it rides pretty nice.

[Matthew]

Bicycle Sports in Rochester has a Specialized big hit comp on clearance for 1300 bucks. Thats my suggestion.

[Danimal]

Cannondale Prophet!
I know the lefty fork looks weird but maaaan is it plush. I bought a Prophet last month, rode Jamis, Specialized, Trek, and Kona's. It was a hard decision. Since the Cannondale could be set up either as an XC trail ride or a DH set up with the geometry adjustments and it had a whopping 5.5" travel. it was the choice weapon and the Cannondale Prophet 600 was about $1,500 with all my add on componentry. Plus if you are not really planning on doing any hard core DH / FR riding and more trail riding with maybe an occasional large drop off FR stuff, the Cannondale can handle it.
Plus no pedal bob and it's uber lightweight so you can dig uphill with ease.
It's my one bike for everything, best decision for me.

Check it out, this is my ride http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/model-5VE6.html

The only changes I made to the stock ride was I changed pedals out, tires (running Panaracer Fire DH), stiffened up the lefty fork via the internal adjustment knob, and removed the big ring and replaced with a bash guard.

[Kosk]

For that price range you are going to have to go with a used bike or get lucky and find a 1 to 2 year-old bike on clearance.

Definately go with a L or XL if you are 6'4", these style of bikes have shorter top tubes for better huckability-ability.

Specialized BigHit or Kona Stinky are your most likely candidates as they are the most popular, affordable, and available in your price range.

If I was you, I'd wait a year and save up another grand so you've got $2000-$2500 to drop on a bike, then you'll have A LOT MORE options.

..big forks that go all the way up to the handle bars

I'd also suggest getting to some bikes shops or hanging with some peeps that have these bikes, and try riding them and see what you think. From your post, it sounds like you don't know much about them, you just like the way they "look".

I will tell you they are kick-a$$ bikes generally, but are not suited for certain riding situations, and you may find yourself wanting something different. I'm not ripping ya, just advising you, as they tend to be large investments, and can be potential money-pits once you have them.

They definately are NOT like a large BMX or anything, in fact, they are about as opposite as you can get with the exception of a road bike w/ drops.

[rideharder]

hit up the azonic bikes. i have an evolution but now they have a steelhead that is basicly the new style plus the horizontial dropouts are very nicehttp://www.azonicusa.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=52

[manual63]

I suggest bumping that $1000 amount up a bit if you go FS. I have a strong BMX background and one thing I don't like are double crown forks. Why? I like to do X-ups and tweak my bars when I am in the air. So keep that in mind. My BigHit and P.2 both have single crown forks. My BigHit has the Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2, which is pretty nice.

I am not sure about your riding style, but unless you plan to go really big, you might want to stick with a hardtail. I can do most decent drops and such on my P.2 and it is a lot lighter and easier to jump. Keep in mind, us BMXers are not used to suspension, so it takes a long time to adjust to and you have a lot harder time learning to pump transitions with a FS or even a suspension fork. I have a full rigid Single Speed Cross Country bike and I like not having any suspension at all. I have even done drops with that bike and am used to compressing my arms and legs when landing, and landing on the rear wheel first. That is a must for a BMXer....:)

So keep all this in mind and think about what type of riding you plan to do most. Around here, there are not a lot of downhill courses, unless you plan to drive a lot. So if you will mostly be riding locally, make sure you get the right bike for that.

[Danimal]

I am not sure about your riding style, but unless you plan to go really big, you might want to stick with a hardtail. I can do most decent drops and such on my P.2 and it is a lot lighter and easier to jump. Keep in mind, us BMXers are not used to suspension, so it takes a long time to adjust to and you have a lot harder time learning to pump transitions with a FS or even a suspension fork. I have a full rigid Single Speed Cross Country bike and I like not having any suspension at all. I have even done drops with that bike and am used to compressing my arms and legs when landing, and landing on the rear wheel first. That is a must for a BMXer....:)

So keep all this in mind and think about what type of riding you plan to do most. Around here, there are not a lot of downhill courses, unless you plan to drive a lot. So if you will mostly be riding locally, make sure you get the right bike for that.

I couldn't have said it better myself! I remember Shad ripping on some salesman grinding him to buy "a lefty" Cannondale and Shad telling him there was no way he was going to buy anything like that. Mainly because of the type of riding Shad does and is used to, I however bought on for my type of riding cause it was the best fit for me. Everyone is different, everyone has opinions. Get what you think you will use/need and leave room for advancing your skills on that ride as well.

[SpecHR55]

If you like Bighits with the triple crown you will have to get a Pro or a Expert because the comp has a single crown. I agree with others, $1000 wont get ya a nice FRing rig. Just forget about the Demo haha. I only wish they were that cheap. Yeash.

[rideharder]

like i said before, http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/ there are alot of hot bike that are nicely built right around your price and the brands are all med to high end DH FR DJ bikes

[wanderingrobots]

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/178327/
get this. its right in your price range, its a solid bike that will work well with your riding style. make sure the size is right, and they will throw in shipping if your going to buy online

[SpecHR55]

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/178327/
get this. its right in your price range, its a solid bike that will work well with your riding style. make sure the size is right, and they will throw in shipping if your going to buy online

Dang not a bad bike indeed, $450 is a great price for a P.2 in that great of condition.

[Aberrix]

What do you guys think of the Specialized Hardrock Sport w/ disc brakes?

[Danimal]

Good, solid, low end bike, I had one that held up to my abuse. Not for DH or FR riding though. Trail riding only. One thing I noticed between that bike and my Prophet I have now is the Specialized Hardrock was loud on the trails, chain slap etc. Kinda sounded like a junk truck compared to my new ride.

[SpecHR55]

What do you guys think of the Specialized Hardrock Sport w/ disc brakes?

I have a Hardrock Pro, id say pretty damn strong for the abuse i put it through. The back tire gets pretty messed up if you do lots of drops/ jumping. (whoops:eyeroll: ) And ive replaced lots of parts on it...der. twice, tires, rear dropout, 2nd ring, new chain (snapped the stock one), brake pads, seat twice, and probs some other stuff. But anyways, yeah not a DH/FR bike, i ride urban with it and the bike hates me for doing it. I must say though the frame is quite strong.

P.3ace

[Aberrix]

Yeah, I am thinking of picking up a Specialized Hardrock Sport w/ disc brakes just to hold me over until next summer when I can save up for a 'real' DH/FR bike or frame. I will probably just ride the trails and what not with my wife over the summer, my wife is looking at picking one up as well. It looks like a decent bike and the price is pretty good, I was just curious what you guys thought of it. I know I am not going to be doing any DH action on it, or even any FR but just for trail riding, like lebanon and stuff.

[Danimal]

You will be fine with it, enjoy. That's what I did, kept mine for a year and upgraded to a FS Prophet. I actually sold my Specialized for $250.00 which wasn't bad considering it was a year old and used.

[Kosk]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16422

Josh, dude, I don't know if this is your size (this one sounds like a size L), but here's a screaming deal. You should talk to Tom and see if you and him can get closer on price.

Those are great bikes and it will have plenty of miles left in the components. A frame like that will last you a good long while and is worth upgrading as things wear out.