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DH Hardtail VS Dually
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hey,
I been dabbling with a XC on DH tracks and ready to step up an buy a DH specific bike but wanted some input from others with DH's as to what peoples opinions are on whether a hardtail or dually is best for tackling DH trax...
A mate swears by Norco's but visually i tend to like specialized and giant frame designs, from what i've been checking out on ebay, same mate also swears by triple crown forks, should i opt for these with my first DH...?
Cheers.
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If you want to really hammer down a trail, a dual sus is the only only way to go. 6 - 8 inches depending on the age / model / suspension (some are more efficient than others) is the norm. Also, consider is it pure DH (shuttle runs to the top) or riding up and back. If the latter weight will be more of a consideration than a pure DH rig.
Frame should be your main concern and if buying second hand a DH frame will probably have had more stress and possible crashes than an XC frame.
Triple Crown forks are still preferred by racers but there are some great DH single crown forks that make the steering easier and the front lighter (unless you have a ton of money for a tuned air triple crown fork which are amazing).
Also look at wheelset and tyres as they will be crucial. The wheels will need to be strong but not too heavy.
get what you can afford. At the end of the day this kind of question will attract all kinds of answers that relate to frame, suspension design, components. Diff riders will tell you that this one is faster than that one, more robust than the other and will make you a better rider. Just remember that this is all pretty academic, there are so many factors that go into these questions that it is almost impossible to get a straight answer.
keep it simple. Set your price range, think about the trails that you will ride most of the time go to a couple of bike shops. tell them how much you have, what you want it for and then compare the deals. Get what you can afford, don't get worried about what is "better" than the other and then just ride the bloody thing.
I bought a $7000 tricked out full susser once. it was a great bike, latest of everything. i now ride an ss hardtail i have just as much fun on the ss as i have had on any other bike i have owned.
Refreshinglygood said "I bought a $7000 tricked out full susser once. it was a great bike, latest of everything. i now ride an ss hardtail i have just as much fun on the ss as i have had on any other bike i have owned."
I've done similar, but reckon I have more fun on the SS hardtail....
If you can, test as many bikes as possible that interest you and are in your budget. I don't mean huck off a kerb at the local bike shop either, a real life test. It can get expensive if you are trying from different dealers but is invaluable in getting a feel of a bike. Hopefully you have lots of friends who would love to lend you their pride and joy
Thanks everyone for your input and taking the time out to address my question, I sorta guessed the main aspect in selecting a new\used bike would be my own personal preference in regards to comfort and the overall "feel" of the bike from the riders perspective, and the obvious signs of excessive wear and tear on a 2nd hander.
From what i've seen online theres some well loved and looked after specimens available for reasonable prices, some beautiful bikes that are just out of my price range, which is somewhat unfortunate but there are some great looking bikes that are slightly older than what I would of liked to got hold of and are still in great condition
I did have a XC dually years back that was a rear coil over system and it just felt shit to ride as it would always flex and take out some of the downward thrust out of my pedal action and never seemed to be solid enough in the back end so it inbedded a slight "Duallys are fuct" opinion.
I did see a dude pushing this GT or Giant bike (Ourimbah DH) that looked more like a Moto-X bike without an engine (CRIKEY! it was huge!) than a mountain bike, so yeah weight, and size would definately all come down to an individuals likes or dislikes.
Keeping an eye out on a few DH's on Ebay at the moment, mix of hardtails and duallys so hopefully be reporting back with all my firsts...
First wicked DH sled sesh...
First wrap around a gumtree...
First broken arm...
Thanks,
hope to catch ya's out there slaying some hills! (or picking myself up after wiping out!!)
Rotorburn is a good place to look for 2nd hand bikes. That is where i picked mine up from and am still happy with it more than a year later
duallies have come a long way in 5 years. you get a lot for your dollar these days. Entry level bikes are awesome in comparison to entry level bikes 5 years ago. Kona and Norco have excellent value for money products,