downhill bike choices

derek johnston
derek johnston Posts: 6
edited September 2009 in MTB buying advice
what would be better for downhilling (racing); a kona coilair 2008 or a specialized big hit 1 2009?
there is only one special thing in life that is actually worthwhile, and that is where bikes come into it...

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    neither.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    I'm no expert, but the big hit is a pretty heavy "play" bike isn't it? The Coil Air is more all mountain.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    TBH more info is needed.

    why these to totally different bikes?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • yoohoo999
    yoohoo999 Posts: 940
    neither will stand up to being raced for very long.

    big hit 1 has a pretty low spec and the coilair is more of an all mountain bike.
  • Danny83
    Danny83 Posts: 94
    Ive had this dilema aswell recently, I have been looking at the cheaper norcos, or then stepping up in price to something like a lapierre 720 that should be out soon at just over 3k, or perhaps having a look around for some 09 bikes going cheap, if your short there are some good deals in the back of the mag for small Glorys. Depends what cash you have, if your looking at the 1700 1800 mark like the big hit is then I suggest you go back to the drawing board and or the bank and see how much more you can get. But then there are rumours about this Scott Voltage FR which is apparently 6-9 inches of travel with adjustable/different shocks, able to DH and FR etc with just a few parts changed. Best of all the prices ive heard are around 1700 for a base model ud just need to spec to the DH kit ie shock and forks. Should be out soon I reckon. Hope are also selling some staff bikes which are nicely set up and reasonable prices but a but small for me check it out http://www.hopetech.com/database/For%20 ... 20SALE.pdf
    Hope this helps
    Who is more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him...
  • Yukon Lad
    Yukon Lad Posts: 423
    the coilair i not a DH bikem it is a light freeride.all-mountain bike. The new big hits are not so good for DH, again more of a freeride bike, the older ones are better for DH, having ridden one of my mates they are good for the money. There are plenty going second-hand on spots like pinkbike ad ebay. If possible though get a "proper DH" bike or something like a giant glory FR with an identical frame to the DH version so can be built up with things like new wheels, chain guides and dual crown forks.

    Yukon Lad
    Drop, Berm, Jump, Sky, Sky, Sky, Sweet Beautiful Earth OUCH, OUCH,OUCH, ****! GORSE BUSH!!!

    Giant Yukon FX2
    Kona Stab Deluxe 2008
  • paul.skibum
    paul.skibum Posts: 4,068
    My understanding was that the big hits (new generation) are fairly DH oriented and good for short course in UK and might stand to be privateered on such courses (if we are talking racing and not just riding down hills fast.

    If you want to race though I'd look elsewhere, if you want to go fast downhill and play about the BH might work but there are probably better bikes out there (I dont know what they might be though!)
    Closet jockey wheel pimp whore.
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Demo8%20II.gif
  • wesdev
    wesdev Posts: 104
    what about a Rocky Mountain RMX 2.0!

    I have one if you want it.. in white...
    08 Trek Fuel EX 8

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