Mountain Biking - Azonic Eliminator?

Anyone ever rode one of these? I'm considering getting the frame and building it out for downhill, freeride, and a little urban assault. Supposedly the build quality is excellent for the price. The only thing I dont like is that it can't accept a 3.0in tire on the rear. Possibly the 03' will have a wider 4-link that accepts wider tires? Maybe I should just wait for the new 03' xxtension frame to come out? Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks alot. -Matt

somebody's got these on closeout for under $800. I considered getting one, but would use it as more of a freeride bike, and it doesn't have a mount for a front derailleur. Otherwise, it's a sweet bike. I rode my buddies who set his up as a single front with a Super T fork and some othe beefy stuff. I liked the way it rode, but it was set up too soft for me. My buddies 50 lbs lighter. If I'm not mistaken, there is only one size a 16.5. I'm 6' and I liked the way it fit!

L8R

Yeah, I really like that bike, but there's so many different frames out there its hard to choose. Unfortuantely, not many biking stores near me carry any sort of downhill/freeride rigs. This will be my first serious bike, and frame choice is really important to me. I'm sure everyone has heard this question a million times...but would anyone recomend a certain downhill frame that can be used as a freeride bike as well for $1500 or below? To give specifics, I'm 5'7 and 15, so I assume I'd be a small or medium in frame size. That new Banshee Scream is sick, but I'm not sure if it would be a good bike for racing. And yes, I will be racing next summer, so I want to get something good for that, but that will handle a few hucks and urban assaults as well. Thanks alot, -Matt

If you are going to get into racing and you are looking for a FRAME for 1500$ american you are set. Thats tonnes of cash to buy a good dh frame. I am not a dh guy so I am not an expert on the bikes but I can recommend what I know people around here love to ride.

I love Kona. Their bikes are some of the best around when it comes to quality as well as good for freeriding AND dhing. Personally I like the bear / dawg but it isn't a competition bike. If you want a bike that will be a pedaller and still be able to get in some great runs this is good.

Norco tough. For pure dhing big swooping lines with some narly hucking (now I sound like a ****** :)) the new norco A-line is going to be a KICKASS bike. It won't pedal you anywhere but it will handle wicked dh courses. There are a number of other frames that will work well for what you want. A little lighter for more freeriding style. If I wanted a value bike thats dh tough I would go for Norco.

Giant. The only big American company that makes west coast worthy bikes (whoa can I hear that head knocking with that one). Their Giant dh is sweet to ride and I might add is one of the HOTTEST bikes around.

Orange. The lightest dh bike I have ever lifted. Definately a sweet ride and can handle some light freeriding.

Oh yeah. The banshee scream is not meant for dh at all. It is strictly a power house meant to be dropped in at the north shore.

As for sizing each company sizes differently and when dhing you want something small. That said at 15 you have time to grow so you might want to look at a frame that seems a little big, then as you grow and get better it will fit perfectly.

I am probably missing a couple of companies but these are definatley my favorite companies for toughness and value :)