Mountain Biking - Downhill bike recommendation.

Hey all, I've been reading around and finally decided to post.

The search feature for this forum is disabled so it made it difficult for me to find certain information.

Anyway...
I'm looking to invest in a downhill bike. My budget is in the $1500-2500 range. I like the Specialized line of downhill bikes but I can't find any decent reviews of them on the internet or here on this forum. I used to mountain bike in my late teens and early twenties. I took a long break and I want to get back into the scene. I'm now 30 with a bigger budget and got an urge to hit the downhills again.

1. How do you guys like the Specialized line of downhill bikes?

2. Does anyone recommend any specific models?

3. Should I be looking at a different manufacturer?

Thanks in advance for all your answers and tips,
Harry

are you looking for new or used? because in my area, there are a lot of nice dh bikes well within your price range. foes, intense, ellie, kona, turner, specialized, etc.

actually check out jensonusa.com for their new intense bikes @ around 2k

The Specialized FSR2 would be a great bike

The Specialized FSR2 would be a great bike

Is that a downhill bike??????

Is that a downhill bike??????

Is it even a bike?

actually check out jensonusa.com for their new intense bikes @ around 2k

The 2,000 for those intenses are frame only's.

are frame only's.
well, it's a start.:p

Jamis diablo 1.0. It's <$2300. It's technically not a DH, but extreme freeride. http://jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/06_diablo1.html

oopies
me no englizh need glassez ok

lol

heatset question
=D

Have you done any DH riding? You may want to head out to your local lift assisted mountain and rent some DH rigs. You can get a feel for some bikes and decide if you want to spend money on a DH specific bike. If you do decide you want to get into it, you may want to consider upping your budget...for example with Specialized, $2500 won't get you anywhere near a Demo and it'll only get you a lower end Big Hit (unless you can find some sales).

You can get a hell of a DH bike used.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/wethepeople101/zuluDH.jpg Cost me $2000

You can get a hell of a DH bike used.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/wethepeople101/zuluDH.jpg Cost me $2000

What the hell kind of fork is that?

I actually like the Stumpjumper FSR Expert for $2800. This bike is probably not even a downhill bike. I like the rear suspension. It doesn't look too soft.

Anyone here ever tried this bike out before?

http://home.nyc.rr.com/thebrooklynyard/stumpjumperfsrexpert.jpg

That's an XC bike at best. Downhill bikes have dual crown forks, and LOTS of travel.

IE, the Transition Gran Mal.

http://transitionbikes.com/images/GranMal_WebLarge.jpg

Although, that bike is over $5000.

The FSR expert is great for the trails and I'd even commute on it, but don't do any drops more then 3-4 feet.

Not all downhill bikes have dc forks...;)

really that was just an excuse for me to drool a little longer at that sexy bike haha

What the hell kind of fork is that?


looks like an 02 rock shox boxxer

I thought a downhill bike has 203mm suspension. Or perhaps 180?

A Specialized Big Hit although now not classified as a true DH bike, will serve that purpose for a weekend warrior on a limited budget. A Demo 8 or 9 would be better suited, and you can probably find one on closeout or used for close to $2500. My shop down here got an '04 in that was old stock and ended up selling it for $2,500.00.

So, you CAN find good deals.

Another bike to consider by Specialized is the Enduro SX Trail. It's been dubbed as a light duty Downhill bike by several magazine tests. It's a beefed up burlier version of the Enduro and a killer ride, well spec'd off the showroom floor.