Mountain Biking - Getting into downhill

I currently own a Rocky Mountain ESTX-70 with a FOX TALAS 125mm front suspension and a FOX FLOAT AVA 115mm rear suspension. I have been mountain biking for the past 11 years, and hardcore trail riding for the past 7 years. However, I dont know much about downhill mountain biking, and I really want to get into it. could some experienced downhillers please answer this question: Is my rocky mountain (which is new and slightly modified) good enough to handle downhill conditions for a few years untill I have the funds to buy a real downhill bike? And I am not just talking about eastern mountains either, I have a chance to go up to the Canadian Rockies of BC next summer, which I have been to, but not on a bike. Is my rocky mountain serious enough for the real rockies?

IF you had the slayer I'd say go for it, but the bike you have is more of a xc offering.

I thought I responded to this. My post must have disapeared.

Thats is a xc race bike. You could easily ride the rockies, just not the designated dh trails...Sun peaks, nelson, pemberton etc all have lots of very technical and steep (not to mention big drops) trails. It would survive for a bit but a designated dh bike (slacker geometry) would be a signifigant improvment.

ok thanks, I guess ill stick to trailing for now, but I just want to ask kona rider one thing, you say that the slayer is more a freeride bike, but I actually had the option of getting a slayer 50, and when I told the guy at the bike shop that I might use it for freeride, or take it up to killington VT, he said the slayer was the wrong choice and steered me towards the ETSX. Is that BS, or do you think my etsx can handle the eastern mountains like killington, stratton and snow?

Is someone else allowed to answer ;)

The slayer was the first introduction into freeride frames wayyyy back. Strong and burly with short travel but still viable on drops etc...It still isn't fantastic in the geometry dept but is more 'overall' then your current bike.

It was bs...the slayer is an all mountain bike and the etsx is a xc bike. I am surprised the shop suggested it. Initially the bikes were breaking like twigs because people were going to big on them and they couldn't take the abuse.

But if you have the money to have an etsx you should have gotten an RM Switch

Hmmmm switch....if it didn't feel so short in the tt I would own one. Very weird fit.

so no go on the eastern mountains either?

its a xc bike. On a real dh course it would likely get ripped apart...good bike but not build for big hits..

I guess I have to stick with the trails on this bike, I was just kind of hoping I could take on mount snow in vermont with it. thanks a lot, I appreciate your input

btw I know nothing about vermont...might be fine. But if it is a real technical dh course it isn't built for it.

If it was the 4x course it might be ok, but you're talking downhill.

I have talked to a lot of people who have been to mount snow, and they all say that it is steep, but the trails are mellow. one of my friends whos been there rides a Giant iguana, which is DEFINITLY not a downhill bike, but you guys are the experts here so if you say I shouldnt then I probably wont because I dont want to wreck a $2400 bike

btw I know nothing about vermont...might be fine. But if it is a real technical dh course it isn't built for it.

New England riding basically consists a few things rocks, big rocks, even bigger rocks and some roots and that it is all on singletrack.

yea, thats true. but Ive found rocks can be fun if you can get air off of them. that usually results in a flat though.

if this place is a kinda resort then you could hire a really good downhill bike....

You can definitely take your bike on Mt Snow. I ride there all the time on a K2 Attack 4.0 & know a guy who has been riding there for years on a Razorback. Both of those are not DH bikes & handle it fine. I've ridden my bike there about 15 days & haven't had a single problem. I've got 4.5 inches of travel in the back & 4" in the front

I really depends on "how" you ride. If you're launching off of jumps, then you'd need a beefier bike. If you're just having fun, then I'm sure the RM could handle it.

I rode Keystone on a XC hardtail and rode all day without problems. I could've gone faster with a full suspension bike and even faster on a DH bike, but I still had fun on my XC bike.

L8R

Thanks a lot frint. that was the answer I was looking for. have you been there recently? supposedly there is a sweet NORBA jump track now, have you been on it?

I haven't been there in about 2 weeks. The last time I rode there the course was closed. I'm headed there again labor day weekend. If you go have fun, I think that place is a blast to ride.

thanks man, Im going up there on the 27th and 28th. I tell you how it goes.

FWI: Don't be too hard on the Appalachians, they once were alot higher than the Rockies, believe it or not.

Man, it could take Killington. Killington is easy stuff. I noticed your down in mass. If I were you i'd considering going to Mount Snow. I've been up there a few times and its much better DHing compaired to Killington. Although at Killington the trails are a lot more geared towards XC riding. But for some tech downhill with SOME fast flowy trails hit up Mount Snow. Otherwise try Killington.

Don't get my wrong, but my 40lbs Haro isn't the best climbing machine. I more prefer the tech DH thats fast and flowy. But yes, you should try the DHing at Killington or Snow and see if you really like it. Then when you have the funds get a DH bike.

thanks, im headed up to mount snow in 2 days actually, if my freind mike's trek 820 can handle it. he could always rent.

Yeah, I don't know too much about the 820. He'd be better off renting. Mount Snow has some good Kona Stinky's for rent. Try and get him hooked up with one of those.

Have fun at snow. I'll see if my friend is up for riding there. We know a World Cup DHer who would ride with us!

PS: Want some challenging stuff. Try to hit 6a and 18. I wouldn't suggest hitting either of these with a LOT of speed the first run. They have some pretty tech stuff. (I walked down one thing on 6a. Woulda got my @$$ kicked.

tanks a lot man, Ill tell you how it goes.

just happens i have a mountain bike mag with a question very simmiler to yours..hears the question

Q:"My faithfull LBS now stocks rocky mountain. Should i get the Slayer or the ETSX for an all around trail bike for two to four hour rides with a few small drops thrown in sometimes?"

A: "If your terrain in mountianous, choose the ETSX, beause the dual link suspension keeps the bike firm under power, making it the best climber. For rolling terrain with a lot of technical sections or if you like fast, extended downhill runs, the more conventional Slayer would be best. both are tough enough to handle moderate drops and they both possess the right stuff in the handling deparment. The ETSX has a unique dual parrolelagram rear suspension that cancels out peddle bob. Its a good handling and firm peddaling make it the perfect bike for long technical rides."

Mountainbike action magazine Augest 2004 issue