v1rt

I set my budget between $700-$750. I'm 5'6". Looks like I want to try downhill biking. However, I was hoping I can use the mountain bike on flat lands too. Is there a really nice downhill mountain bike that I can buy at $750? Which size too? I like the front to have suspensions. Forgive me if the terminologies I am using are incorrect.

I did biking a very long time ago. I owned a bmx back then, maybe 25 years ago. Can you please suggests to me brands or maybe local stores in my area, zip code 60156?

Thanks!

Dannihilator

You're not going to get much, if anything at that price point.

v1rt

Oh, what should be my budget to get a nice mountain bike that's not too expensive?

Zephyr11

Most downhill bikes are several thousands of dollars. They'll run you well over $750 for just a bare frame with nothing else on it. For example, the absolute cheapest complete Specialized Demo is $4400...even the bare frame is $2750. Your best bet is to check Craigslist and hope something like a Kona Stinky comes up, which is a freeride bike that people sometimes sell for a reasonable price. Just make sure it hasn't been abused *too* badly. The other option that I sometimes see D posting about is the Airborne Taka, which is only $1400 and probably the cheapest you'll find, by far. It's currently sold out, but the website makes it sound like there will be a replacement by this spring.

v1rt

Thanks a lot! I'll check out some stores locally. I'll also save for now.

hybridbkrdr

First, I want to list some online stores where you can order parts: niagaracycle, cambriabike, eBikestop, nashbar, icycles, velo orange, bikeparts, bikeman, wheelworld, harriscyclery, jensonusa, universal cycles, eBay, amazon, chainreactioncycles (uk), saint john cycles (uk), bike24 (Germany), bikexperts (Germany), cyclepath.ca (Canada), smartbikeparts, cheapbikeparts360, bikepartsplace, price point, blueskycycling, performance bike, bikeisland, benscycle, starbike, aebike, airbomb
https://harriscyclery.net/page.cfm?PageID=49
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...s-on-groupsets
ribble, shinybikes, probikekit (maybe that's pbk), velomine (e-mail for better price), merlincycles.co.uk
loosescrews, xxcycle
https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/ https://www.rose-vpc.fr/

I agree with the idea of building a bicycle actually partly because if you find some things on sale, you can save a lot of money. I've done more research on touring bicycles but I'll try to give you an idea where your cost can be higher: the frame, crankset, wheels and in the case of mountain bikes, the suspension forks. As far as frames go, the ones I saw that were less expensive were: Leader 516H, Sette Reken and Nashbar mountain bike frame (also the same as the performancebike frame). From the research I did, I believe these frames may all take 100mm suspension forks. (I just ordered a WD Cycle Elite frame today on eBay but that's for a future project that may stay in boxes for the next 9 months lol. Information on this frame was very bleak but I saw pics of it with "recreational geometry" written on it and a suspension fork. Since I wanted an upright riding position and use a suspension fork, I ordered it.) For the crankset, you may not be able to afford a Deore crankset at the price budget you have (although some are sometimes on sale at jensonusa), but you may want to choose an Shimano Alivio or Sugino Impel 150 crankset. (If you choose a square taper crankset, Shimano BB-UN55 have metal cups on both sides.) As far as wheels go, some people have said here that the spokes on machine-built wheels break. But, if you choose a pair of Rhynolite wheels with Shimano Deore hubs for $100, you could always buy new spokes and have the wheels re-built if the spokes start to break. In this case, buying a built pair is not as expensive as buying all the parts individually (unless you find sales and built them yourself). You can save money by buying Falcon friction shifters but some people may not want more than 8 speeds with friction shifting. Places like icycles (site is currently "on vacation" during the holidays) have Shimano Deore LX shifters on sale for cheap. You can always find Shimano Deore shifters and derailleurs on sale. I'd prefer Shimano Deore V-brakes and levers although Shimano Acera brakes and levers still work (I bought Jagwire brake pads because of the comments I read on Shimano brake pads).

Suspension forks is still an area I'm researching. From the comments I've seen so far, some people insist on minimum $175 suspension forks. The bottom-level ones may be ones you'd want to use as temporary until you have more money (the $50 ones).

Again, from the comments I've read, you may want the bottom bracket and crankset installed by a bike shop.

I know I didn't mention disc brakes but after seeing a picture of someone's finger when he tried to work on his, I prefer V-brakes. But, there you have it. If you build a bike on your own, you can choose what you want on it. If you wanted Friction shifters and save a lot of money there and spend $250 on a suspension fork, you can put more or less money exactly where you want it.

If you choose a frame and wheels that take both disc or V-brakes, you could choose inexpensive Shimano Acera brakes and levers and change them later with disc brakes if you want.

Shimano parts hierarchy:
Tourney
Altus
Acera
Alivio
Deore
Deore LX (trekking in Europe)
Deore SLX
Deore XT
Deore XTR

I think XTR is really for racers. And some people would want minimum Deore while others would accept Acera as a minimum. To me, Deore LX shifters and derailleurs on sale is where it's at (although I'd prefer regular Deore for V-brakes and levers).

If you click on "buying guide" in this link, you'll see a whole list of sizes for different heights:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...=75508#mtbsize

List of parts needed to build a bike:

frame:
fork:
handlebars:
stem:
grips:
headset:
headset spacers:
seatpost:
seatpost clamp:
saddle:
crankset:
bottom bracket:
front derailleur:
rear derailleur:
brake levers:
brakes:
shifters:
cassette:
chain:
pedals:
rims strips:
wheels:
tires:
tubes:
wheel reflectors:
spoke protector:

cryptid01

Zephyr11

I had to Google spoke protector because I had no clue what it was. I'd always just called it a dork disc.

Anyway, that's a pretty comprehensive list. But you forgot spokey dokes and a playing card stuck in the spokes to make motorcycle noises. BRAP!

dminor 

OK, will people who have no clue about downhill bikes please kindly refrain from saying anything more in this thread? Dan, cryptid, Zephyr are all approved to help, along with a handful of others. If you've never swung a leg over a freeride or downhill bike, stay a spectator and resist the urge to say anything that could cast you as a dumbass in the eyes of your peers. Got it?

Now, v1rt, the very best you can do right now for a new downhill bike is the online-sale-only Airborne Taka (https://www.airbornebicycles.com/cate...-freeride.aspx) which sells for $1,400 - - as Zeph mentioned. That's it . . . bottom line . . . rock bottom for new.

You could build or buy a bombproof beefy hardtail that will take tons of abuse - - and abuse you a bit in the process - - but you're still looking at $1,000+ Search for the thread entitled 'Beefcake Hardtails' and you'll get the idea of the types of bike we're talking about.

On the used market, you may find a decent Specialized BigHit, Kona Stinky (or maybe even a Stab) or Iron Horse Sunday in your price range; but be prepared to shell out a bit more as time goes by to replace the things that were nearly worn out that you didn't realize were the day you bought it.

samburger

No.

hybridbkrdr

I wasn't trying to be a dumbass. If he doesn't have $1400, obviously one of his only choices would be to go with something different unless he can tolerate buying used. (For whatever reason, I don't have much "joy or satisfaction" from buying used.

Zephyr11

Unfortunately, you'd have even less joy or satisfaction with a bike that's not appropriate for the job.

Somehow I missed in the first post that you want to try downhill, but you want something that works on flat land too. You can just pedal around a downhill bike if you really wanted to, but it's not that efficient. Before you drop a ton of money on a downhill bike, you may want to rent a bike at a resort and see if it's worth the investment for you. Otherwise, you may be better served with an all-mountain bike (or a burly hardtail, which you may be able to find in your original price range), both of which can take a beating and still pedal well, though obviously neither will be as well-equipped for actual downhill as a real downhill bike.

hybridbkrdr

I don't know if this helps but it's a closeout frame at 225 Euro. [h=1]ZOULOU INKOSI

https://bike-x-perts.com/catalog/prod...r/category/57/[/h]

rebel1916

Unless you already have a basement full of parts, it is almost always cheaper to buy a complete bike. Complete bikes are also more likely to come with dork disks and reflectors. Have a cup of soup and step away from the computer

samburger

To touch up on Zeph's last post: you may or may not have tons of fun doing downhill biking on any given style bicycle. The original mountain bikers were riding beach cruisers for Pete's sake. However, if you ever want to ride anything like you see the pro's doing, you'll need a bike similar to theirs'. The original mountain bikers were NOT riding anything like what is considered DH today.

Given the massive difference in the riding styles of DH vs flat land, your best bet would be to try to find a Kona Stinky, Specialized Big Hit, etc. around your price range & then save up $100-200 for a cheap rigid trail bike for the non-DH stuff. Either that or look for a decent all mountain bike like Zeph suggested. I would let the selection/deals you find determine which route you go.

And to clarify, I don't DH bike, know next to nothing about it, & say all of this based on what I do know about MTBing in general. So if any of the approved advisers flame or correct me, listen to them.

Ridenight

Buy used.

hybridbkrdr

It all depends on how much you pay for the parts. You can click on all the parts and tell me I'm an idiot if you like. Don't forget to click on the bell.

FRAME:
Sette Reken $120
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/225...tail-Frame.htm
WHEELSET:
Shimano Deore LX with Rhyno Lite rims $100
https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=163415
SUSPENSION FORK:
RockShox XC28 $125
https://www.ebikestop.com/rockshox_xc...nti-FK6776.php
CRANKSET:
Shimano Deore LX FC-M570 $43
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=86411
SHIFTER/BRAKE LEVER COMBO:
Shimano Deore LX M580 $30
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=6077
BRAKES:
Shimano Deore pair $45
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=39004
CASSETTE:
Sram PG950 $23
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=5045
CHAIN:
KMC X9 $20
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=25423
BOTTOM BRACKET:
(my research shows FC-M570 is square taper and sizing I'm guessing 68x113mm)
Shimano BB-UN55 $25
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=71369
PEDALS:
Dimension Translucent Blue Town pedals $13
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=721824
STEM:
Dimension 80mm $20
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=732667
HEADSET:
FSA "The Pig" $25
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=1786
SPACERS:
Avenir $6
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=433780
HANDLEBARS:
Origin8 Urban MX $22
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=447724
SEATPOST CLAMP:
Origin8 $6
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=431889
SADDLE:
WTB Speed V $24
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=428984
GRIPS:
Sunlite Classic blue $4
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=509356
TIRES:
Michelin Tracker 26x1.95 pair $50
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=712205
TUBES:
Michelin Protek Max pair $17
(pretty sure the Rhyno Lite rims are Shraeder valve)
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=720350
RIM STRIP:
Schwalbe (I'm guessing it's x2) $6
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=36337
SEATPOST:
Kally 400mm $16
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=417996
REAR DERAILLEUR:
Shimano Deore $45
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=40543
FRONT DERAILLEUR:
Shimano LX 570 top pull $15
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...px?ModelID=446
CHAINSTAY PROTECTOR:
Wheels Manufacturing $5
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=437965
FENDERS:
Zefal $17
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=449289
SPOKE PROTECTOR:
Dimension $3
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=419814
LOCKING SKEWERS:
Sunlite $12
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=507604
FRONT REFLECTOR:
Sunlite $3
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=5775
REAR REFLECTOR:
Sunlite $2
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=5776
WHEEL REFLECTORS:
Sunlite $3
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=5777
BELL:
Pyramid $4
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=31336
Total: $850
suggested retail price for bike with Shimano Deore LX on it: $1200?
　

cryptid01

I guess it just comes naturally for you then.

Reflectors are not a good idea for MOUNTAIN BIKING so please stop recommending them.

rebel1916

But completely unsuitable for his stated purpose. I don't know about a bell, but here's your sign.

samburger

That's a mighty fine entry level XC bike you've built there!

Now if you just replace the frame, fork, wheelset, bars, & just about every single other component with something built for his stated purpose, you'll be getting somewhere.

Granted that would cost you two or three times his budget, but what the hell, we're already ignoring the basic essentials of what he wants to do with the bike.

atallen223

Hey I'm not that far from you! I'm out in Elgin.

I'm not sure you really need a downhill bike for this part of the world because most of the trails around here are pretty tame so no need for the big suspension made for more mountain gifted parts of the world.

I bought myself a Gary Fisher hardtail (front fork only) when I first got into mtn biking and that ran me about 700 dollars, and in my opinion you don't need anything else for out here. Down in Batavia all spoked up has some really good bikes for around that price and they won't try to sell you something you don't need. I've heard good things about Lucky Brake in Crystal Lake, and I really like Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva. I ride with a guy who works for the village pedaler in South Elgin. However my personal favorite for mountain biking is All Spoked Up in Batavia if that is not too far for you to drive.

Pamestique 

Gentlemen:

Fun thread to read but I think we need to ask the poster one thing: define downhill biking? To me downhill means hucking off gnarly drops and flying down steep descents. To the poster he may descending fireroad etc. The area code is in IL - are there alot of steep technical downhills in IL?

Poster: A suggestion... if there are mountain areas that rent bikes get with one of the local shops and rent a bike first, ride what you consider to be a downhill area and then go from there. For most trails, especially x-c trails, a nice hardtail will do you. Good ones are still not cheap but you can generally find a gentle use one at a right price as people "trade up" (I recently sold a Spec M4 Stump hardtail with full XT, custom wheels upgrades everywhere for $750 - it was a beautiful bike). Also I know the craze is all about 29er but consider a 26er (especially since you are shorter like me) - alot of those are now on the market at good prices. Know components (do internet research). Understand the different between various forks (and full suspension shocks) and try and determine how much travel you really need. More travel more money... I cruise round on a 5.5 travel fork and shock and can do alot of stuff. Full downhill rigs go from 8 - 12" - do you really need that much? Also remember bikes get heavier with more travel - which means harder to climb.

Also re size - you are most likely a small to medium but please physically sit on the bike and try it out to make sure. You must be able to reach and use the brakes and shifters without problems but not be cramped up. I am 5'8" and ride a medium but alot of my bikes have been customized...

atallen223

I live about 10 minutes south of the OP, and by no means do we have real downhill like you Californians get to enjoy. So I think the OP meant what he said when he said he might be using the wrong terms.

samburger

^True.

Bikes like this (DH bikes)



are made to do stuff like this



So if all you're doing is this



then you'll be fine on anything like this (which is in your price range)




For now, at least.

Pamestique 

BTW check out something like:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400308__400308

or

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400308__400308

Close to your price point and will probably suit your needs... although both are 29ers its hard to find a good 26er anymore!!! [old lady rant!]

OK found a 26er in your price range:

https://www.rei.com/product/845667/ma...rail-bike-2013