Just another help me pick out a mtb thread
 

Looking to get a used mtb and seeking some help. After looking into things a bit more I would really like a DH bike. I guess my biggest problem is how much will I DH. It seems like its similar to skiing/snowboarding, like maybe a couple times a week thing if you're really active to do actual mountain DH. If I'm not going to do it all that often is it worth getting a DH bike? Will I be frustrated riding a DH bike on regular XC trails? Can I take a hardtail to mountains for DH or will my butt severely regret the decision etc.

So basically it looks fun and I'll definitely do it if I get a bike but I want to know if I should shy away from a DH bike if the most accessible regular riding for me is XC.

This is what I've found on my local CL so far, from hardtails to dh bikes. My budget right now is probably ~500, so anything more I'd have to wait a bit (maybe not too long trying to sell my dslr I upgraded recently). I'm about 6'1 and I ride a 57cm road bike so I'm assuming I'd probably fit best on a L mtb.

Marin Bolinas Ridge 29er
Cannondale dirt jumper?
GT marathon sport - I think this is a cheap soft tail bike not a true dh bike?
Kona Explosif - XL might be too big
GT Talon 27.5
Giant DH Team - Needs parts and repair for rear shock. Not sure if its worth messing around with a 13 y.o bike that much? Seen these on pinkbikes for $500 rdy to ride so dunno if its even worth grabbing for 350

Nicer DH bikes that might be out of my price range atm
Haro X6 Comp? - I think its an X6 comp but im not 100% sure. Maybe $500 is a reasonable offer for this bike, based on blue book? Maybe my best bet atm if I can get him to take it?
Turner 5 spot
Santa Cruz Blur LT2
Marin XC6 - not a downhill. Is XC/marathon dual suspension a better option for someone that wants to do some DH but won't be doing it often? Or are they not suitable for DH?


That's all I've found for now. Theres a decent amount of bikes if I go a bit west too. Also going to see if my LBS gets any used bikes in again. They had a trek ex fuel or something when I went to build my road bike but it was gone before I finished so didn't get a chance to check it out. Anyways just looking for advice especially if getting a DH is a common mistake people will regret cause they don't go out to do it enough. Or if its more like oh well got a DH it's not as fast as a hardtail but its nice just having the extra suspension anyways.

This forum is not the best when it comes to these kinds of posts. I've learned from experience 122 views and no replies means nobody has any opinion on it. I would try a dedicated MTB forum. Just copy paste the post over there it might get you a better response. Good luck!