Mountain Biking - which downhill bike?

I want to start downhill but I don't know which bike I should get. What is a good bike for $2500 or under?

Kona Stinky
Norco Atomik
Norco VPS Six
Rocky Mountain Switch

imo the six has a much better spec then the atomic and the stinky. the top of the line switch is better but i think its more then you would want to spend.

I was also thinking of getting a used bike I found a orange 222 for $2500 should i get it?

Orange 22s are awesome Downhill race bikes. If you want a race (or race inclined, pardon the pun) bike, go for it. But make sure it's all good before you go buying anything.

Downhill bike for $2500 or under...hmm lets see

Kona Stinky
Kona Coiler Dee-Lux
Norco VPS A-Line

the aline isnt under 2500, i paid 3300 CDN, convert that to american and that about 2700

Close enough :p

:beer: ya, i just didnt think he would spring the extra 200$ since he wanted something under 2500. i think it would be worth the extra money for him though, ive abused my bike for 4 months and it shows very few sighs of wear(besides the obvious scratches and such) all ive had to replace so far is the derailure(crash) and the grips(just normal wear). of course ive added things like an e13srs a new seat(another crash) and a big 2.8 michilin. but now im jsut rambeling about my bike. all the choices presented are eaqually good all you have to do is decide waht fits you best.

How do we know he means US Dollars? :D

I do mean US dollars. Now I am trying to decide between a stinky and a bullit and im leaning towards the bullit. Someone also suggested a Cortina bike? I have never heard of them are they good?

Someone also suggested a Cortina bike? I have never heard of them are they good?

Cortina is a small family owned bike company out of Santa Barbara. I owned a DHE-8 for several years and I was extremely happy with the bike and the company.

Here is my DH8 which I sold this past year:

the aline isnt under 2500, i paid 3300 CDN, convert that to american and that about 2700
I know someone who got an A-line for like 2200 american. If you find a generous LBS, you can get an A-line for under 2500.

By the way...ant, have you thought about buying used? Sometimes you can pick up a very nice bike cheap that way. Just make sure you are buying from someone you can trust.