Should I get a downhill bike

Author	Message

liamhutch89

Posted: Aug 19, 2020 at 6:34

Quote

My last few bikes have all been enduro bikes with my current one being a Capra 29. I do absolutely zero trail riding that requires pedalling, it's either bike parks, push up venues, or jumps in local woods. I have no interest in racing and most of my riding is on jump lines (and I hit fairly big stuff like 50 foot jumps) but I do also enjoy traditional downhill tracks too.

I'm at the stage where I fancy a change of bikes and i'm wondering whether a downhill bike would suit me better. I don't have much experience of downhill bikes to really decide. I like the idea of it being a more durable, stable and simpler bike but I am also concerned that it may feel harder to throw around doing tricks on jumps - this could be totally wrong! Weight has never really concerned me too much.

Any advice? Thanks

Loki87

Posted: Aug 19, 2020 at 6:58

Quote

Yes.

Seriously though, the only downside i can see is, as you already mentioned, (complex) tricks.
You can still do whips and tabletops and stuff, but if you go beyond that, something more nimble is probably the way to go. I´d say anyone who goes fast at the park should at some point have at least owned a dh bike for some time. They are just a lot of fun. If anything fails, you ride it for 2-3 years (or whatever your bike exchange cycle looks like), made a new experience and go back to something more freeride/enduro oriented after. It´s not like you cannot have fun on a downhill bike if it not perfectly fits your style. At the very least, it´ll open up your perspective to new (fun) riding possibilities and while it may lack in some aspects, it´ll definitely also open up a new aand fun perspective.
So i say, spice things up and get a dh bike if you´re curious.

BornOnTwo

O+

Posted: Aug 19, 2020 at 7:15	Quote
I would. I have a DH rig and a light trail bike. I bought them both used and relatively cheap. My logic is combined they are cheaper then a decent enduro bike. In my opinion the enduro bike is a jack of all trades master of none. Also, if you are doing 50 ft jumps you should be able to do anything with the DH bike with that kind of air time, other than bar spins.....

Tripmo

Posted: Aug 19, 2020 at 19:03

Quote

liamhutch89 wrote:

A DH bike is good for what you described.
If you want to do more tricks you can maybe get a spare bike as DJ bike.

Good for dirtjump and tricks.

Second handed DJ bikes are not expensive. I recently got myself one for $550.

4 hours ago	Obtenir un approuvée diplôme valide avec vérification.(WA(+27(838-80-8170)
8 hours ago	Show your all mountain bike
9 hours ago	Help Identyfying Axle for older Rockshox Lyrik
16 hours ago	100 (or more) days of biking in 2026!
1 days ago	Report Scammers on Pinkbike HERE Read 1st Post then contact 'captainbringdown' directly
1 days ago	Transition Spur
1 days ago	Pig ugliest AM/Enduro/XC/DH bikes out there if yours is a pig post it!
1 days ago	Old Riders....But not "Old School"
1 days ago	Specialized Levo SL Speed Sensor failure
2 days ago	The GT Fury Thread: Post your GT Fury
2 days ago	Enduro/AM - The Weight Game
3 days ago	Excessive Tyre Wear - Is this normal?
3 days ago	Aggresive Hardtails Post Em !
3 days ago	Specialized demo owners club
3 days ago	Industry nine hydra front hub swap between enduro and DH bike 15mm and 20mm
Aug 19, 2026	Mechanics Quick Question Thread [Ask Questions Here]
Aug 19, 2026	Camping Recommendations for Lake Placid UCI WC Oct 2-4
Aug 19, 2026	Kona Hei Hei Parts
Aug 18, 2026	Automatic tyre removal/seating tool
Aug 18, 2026	DPS Air Can Won't Unscrew
Aug 18, 2026	Canyon Strive with fox X2
Aug 17, 2026	Norco Range 2021
Aug 17, 2026	Builders discussion and rant zone
Aug 17, 2026	Raaw madonna owners
Aug 17, 2026	I broke my ankle on a trail and couldn’t call for help it completely changed how I think about hiking safety