Would downhilling kill my bike?

dan shard

Got a Cube AMS 100, with 100mm travel, and its perfect for trail centres. But a mate was talking about going to Morzine, would that kill my bike / me? Doesnt really look man enough when compared to some of the downhill bikes that I see

nicklouse

riding down a trail that goes Downhill will be fine.

going at DH speed would have you off the bike.

be prepared to get off.

dan shard

One of the biggest issue I see is the fork angle. Downhillers seem to have a really angled rake whereas mine is almost vertical so it wont have anything like as much over-handlebar stability

cat_with_no_tail

Surely you'd be better off (and have more fun) renting a bike when you get out there.

Atz

If you take it easy and have enough skill to counteract the head angle you're getting from the shorter forks then you'll be fine. If you try to follow others, chances are you'll hve a nasty accident.

hoochylala

Cat With No Tail wrote:

Surely you'd be better off (and have more fun) renting a bike when you get out there.

This could be the best option and this thread could be your answer if you have not already seen it!

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12710301

Having to pick your lines so well, whilst trying to follow a mate who is blasting through stuff on a more suitable AM/DH style rig, although not fun, will get tiring soon I'm sure

Joe_Pineapples

Some of the runs at Morzine will be a bit tricky on a 100mm bike (Le Pleney, Mont Chery), and while you CAN do it, I certainly wouldn't be doing it myself.
I was there last year on a 140mm trail bike and after three days my forks were blowing oil through their seals.
Good luck, and make sure you're insured!

paul.skibum

I spent a summer in PdS and have been on holiday there since with just a hardtail - its doable and a lot of the routes are highly suitable for shorter travel XC bikes. If you want to spend your week lapping the DH courses I'd rent something else though and even then be aware that the rental bikes aren't full on DH rigs.

I also had a Patriot for DH days with single crowns and that was fine for the speed and jumps I was prepared to tackle.

fcumok

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/stunt-riding-roadie-video-a-youtube-hit-26683

Anything is possible

Lapierre t 400

If you go to morzine I suggest you rent a bike when you get there and it means you don't have to worry about getting your bike out there or breaking it

bike-a-swan

Mate of mine managed to survive an alpine trip, although I can't remember exactly where, on a 100mm focus race-ish hardtail. I remember him spending aaaages beforehand trying to find the fattest tyres that would fit through the frame...