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What exactly, designates a mini DH bike?

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What exactly, designates a mini DH bike?
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flag Terrafire
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:17 Quote
Hey there,

I see the term Mini DH thrown out a lot, and I'm just wondering here, what exactly is a Mini DH bike, could someone clarify for me?

Thanks Smile
flag mhailo
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:27 Quote
Less travel than a full on DH bike, possibly steeper angles, basically a lighter, less travel bike for 'smaller' riding, but still capable of DH.

(Sorry for the bad explanation, only just got up lol )
flag Terrafire
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:33 Quote
Thanks for the clarification Smile anyone else like to add on?
flag steve695
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:45 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
Thanks for the clarification Smile anyone else like to add on?

A guy I see out at the you yangs quite a lot rides a 2010 Glory a GT Force 2.0.

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Bikes/Mountain/Details/5911-G10FOR2S-Force-2.0-%28SRAM%29

He has put totoms on the front and a DHX5 on the rear, as well as one sprocket rather than 2, followed by a bash guard, and of course some downhill pedals.

He considers it a "mini downhill bike". Does good down the downhill trials and still isn't too heavy if he feels like riding XC/AM.

So yeah, there's an example for ya.
flag Terrafire
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:47 Quote
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?
flag burkemtnrider
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:48 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?
Self shuttle? Do you mean ride?
flag steve695
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:50 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?

Yeah pretty much.

Still won't be as fast as a pure DH/FR bike obviously, but will hold up on a downhill track none the less.

A good sort of bike for people who prefer AM/XC and still want to ride the odd Downhill track.

The guy I see around made a good choice with totoms on the front because they are hugely adjustable and have some sort of travel lock thing when riding uphill. So yes, a great choice for self shuttle.
flag Terrafire
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:54 Quote
burkemtnrider wrote:
Terrafire wrote:
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?
Self shuttle? Do you mean ride?

By self shuttle, I mean, more suited to ride DH on, and then after, ascend to the trailhead again. Versus getting on a lift or a ride in a truck
flag steve695
Posted: May 22, 2010 at 23:58 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
burkemtnrider wrote:
Terrafire wrote:
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?
Self shuttle? Do you mean ride?

By self shuttle, I mean, more suited to ride DH on, and then after, ascend to the trailhead again. Versus getting on a lift or a ride in a truck

Or walking, if you go to the you yangs (unless they are having a shuttle day)

So much effort but it's hell good for your legs.
flag burkemtnrider
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:02 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
burkemtnrider wrote:
Terrafire wrote:
Ah cool, so a DH rig, that you can still self shuttle in?
Self shuttle? Do you mean ride?

By self shuttle, I mean, more suited to ride DH on, and then after, ascend to the trailhead again. Versus getting on a lift or a ride in a truck
I do that on my 9 inch travel DH bike...I guess it's also a Mini-DHer than
flag Terrafire
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:04 Quote
Im not saying that a 9" rig isnt both a climbing and descent capable machine, just Mini DH is sounding like its kind of "heritage" if you will, is designed to have a very capable ascending component to its design.
flag steve695
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:05 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
Im not saying that a 9" rig isnt both a climbing and descent capable machine, just Mini DH is sounding like its kind of "heritage" if you will, is designed to have a very capable ascending component to its design.

Exactly.
flag swan3609
O+
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:07 Quote
I think you guys have hit it already, but my idea is a bike that is less in travel. (160-180 ish) and then slightly steeper HT (mine is 66.5) and then light enough to pedal up the hill well enough but built well enough to handle well coming back down, not some super gnarly xc bike that you would be scared to leave the ground on..

I ride a mongoose Khyber super and It is a super fun bike.. Climbs well but takes a beating on the way down just like a dh bike would.. there isnt anything I wouldnt do on my Am bike that I wouldnt on my full on Dh bike.. some stuff slower but I would do it all..
flag Terrafire
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:11 Quote
swan3609 wrote:
I think you guys have hit it already, but my idea is a bike that is less in travel. (160-180 ish) and then slightly steeper HT (mine is 66.5) and then light enough to pedal up the hill well enough but built well enough to handle well coming back down, not some super gnarly xc bike that you would be scared to leave the ground on..

I ride a mongoose Khyber super and It is a super fun bike.. Climbs well but takes a beating on the way down just like a dh bike would.. there isnt anything I wouldnt do on my Am bike that I wouldnt on my full on Dh bike.. some stuff slower but I would do it all..

So the main difference between the two here:

the Mini DH is more versatile, shorter travel, has a steeper HT for a tighter turning radius

and the DH bike is more heavy duty, specific to its own type of riding, with a longer wheelbase and slightly more raked out geometry, allowing for faster riding?
flag steve695
Posted: May 23, 2010 at 0:12 Quote
Terrafire wrote:
swan3609 wrote:
I think you guys have hit it already, but my idea is a bike that is less in travel. (160-180 ish) and then slightly steeper HT (mine is 66.5) and then light enough to pedal up the hill well enough but built well enough to handle well coming back down, not some super gnarly xc bike that you would be scared to leave the ground on..

I ride a mongoose Khyber super and It is a super fun bike.. Climbs well but takes a beating on the way down just like a dh bike would.. there isnt anything I wouldnt do on my Am bike that I wouldnt on my full on Dh bike.. some stuff slower but I would do it all..

So the main difference between the two here:

the Mini DH is more versatile, shorter travel, has a steeper HT for a tighter turning radius

and the DH bike is more heavy duty, specific to its own type of riding, with a longer wheelbase and slightly more raked out geometry, allowing for faster riding?

yeah pretty much spot on
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