Buying a dh/freeride bike, advice?

mindzap

I've decided I want to get a long travel dh/freeride bike, I've always ridden hardtails so this will my first time venturing into full sus but I have been riding for a long time. I'm going to be visiting the alps in the summer with the intension of downhilling and freeriding so I'm after something with some big travel. I always have my hardtail if i need to do any rides involving climbs so i want this bike to be all about big drops, downhill and fun!

My budget is around £1000 but I can go a bit higher. Any suggestions on suitable buys?

thanks

joed05

specialized big hit 2? 2007 norco atomik? have a look around theres plenty of bikes there with varying amounts of travel. pick a few that you like for the price then post on here, its then easier for everyone, then you can see which bikes you like

liam333

Take a look on ebay, loads of choice, mostly good condition.
How about this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 3DWatching

By the way what is the hardtail you are replacing?

mindzap

I've had a bit of a look around now, narrowing it down is a good idea. I was quite interested in the Norco atomik, Commencal Mini DH, Kona Stinky, Iron Horse 7 point, could potentially spend more money but between £1000 and £1500 would be ideal. I want a new bike as it's been years since I've bought one so its a but of a treat.
I'm still keeping the Hardtail, it's a Planet X Jack Flash built up for freeriding and dirt jumping. Old frame now I know but it's built like a tank!

Eatpies99

Hi mate, i was in a similar postion to you (but with a larger budget). A friend of mine just bought a kona stinky (£980 2007). really nice ride for the money!!
Going from hardtail to full sus is a big change!!

Eatpies99

to add i bought a Orange Patriot FR last sept. love it!! Perhaps try pick up a S/H one if you could be persuaded to not go brand new.

mindzap

Ah yes I should add Orange to my list to look at, usually hear good things. I realize the change will be big but I've always wanted to get a full suss but been restrained by budget etc. It'll be a nice learning curve. Luckily I've always enjoyed bombing through downhills, off drops and jumps on a hardtail so I'm hoping its more a case of adapting to riding style and a new bike. What about the Devinci Wilson?

mindzap

oh thanks for help so far by the way

chineapplepunk

For me it would be this...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s1p1279

...no questions asked....

JS

zero303

There's normally a steady supply of Orange Patriots on ebay...

liam333

That giant looks like a right bargain. Although it does raise the question, why so cheap? May be because it is not so good? Is it any good?

mindzap

That is indeed a good deal!

The bike I've been looking at the most is the Commencal Mini DH. Looks like it would suit the way I ride quite nicely and not quite as heavy as a full on DH bike. Any opinions on those and whether its worth paying the extra for the 6.10 over the 6.20?

Thanks guys

supersonic

Not the mostest of travel, but what it has, it uses well:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=15129

Lots of Saint kit

2_Wheel_Adventure

I think Giant Glory 1 2007 would be a nice buy - although slightly above your budget at £1049:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s1p1279

The Big Cheese

I would go for the Glory too - killer bike for the money....

2_Wheel_Adventure

liam333 wrote:

That giant looks like a right bargain. Although it does raise the question, why so cheap? May be because it is not so good? Is it any good?

Thats down to the seller - if you look for this bike anywhere else - the cheapest you'll find it brand new is £1699 - I think its a steal.

mindzap

The Glory 1 does look like a fine bike. Bit of a toss up between that and the Commencal mini dh

the toffinator

i have the glory, bought from that shop! its a great deal and like the other dude said, cheapest in other places is 1700!
its sooooo nicee!