Do You Need A Downhill Bike?
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2022
- Downhill is often likened to Formula 1 and you can see why when you take a look at the bikes. An F1 car looks totally different to the car you drive to work in, and a downhill bike, looks very different to most bikes you see out on the trails with their triple clamp forks, slack angles, fixed Seatpost, and long wheelbase. These striking looks make it easy to lust over downhill bikes, but do you really need one? Neil & Rich are out in Saalbach to pit a downhill bike up against an enduro bike to find out!
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9:16 "Nothing looks cooler, than a downhill bike", the best statement ever. Couldn't agree more.
A hardtail?
I agree with Neil. A downhill bike is still the best looking bike ever.
But you are not wrong 😁
Road bikes look better imo
After hardtails
Hardtails just look so freakin' awesome
@@flashfive23 Seems more people prefer a DH bike looks based on the likes ;)
I've been asking myself this question the past few days. I love my 160mm travel full sus, but I yearn for a DH bike just because they look so so so good.
Exactly how I feel- I just know I’d really only use it a handful of times each year.
They definitely look sick, but I can't really justify getting one for the bike parks here. Prefer my enduro for its pop and playfulness, and don't ride enough steep tech or huge drops to get one.
Do look gorgeous though!
That’s why I have a Kona stinky doesn’t break the bank they are just fun to ride and hell who does not ever the good old stinky or even get the intense A line they are awesome cheap older bikes that still shred
It really just comes down to what you ride. If your an aspiring racer and dh is the racing you want to do. Then yea perfect big squish big brakes and super stable for going fast.
If you race enduro then enduro will be your go to. Still burly but you have to pedal up.
Every day rides the go to bike has to be like a 150 or 160 mm trail bike. Pedals well, stops well, corners good.
150-160 mm is trail nowadays? My god in my times that was super Enduro
@@alan181090 I wouldnt call a bike with a 160mm fork a trail bike - thats definitely an enduro bike. I think the sweet spot for a trail bike is 130mm in the rear with a bit more on the front - 140mm or 150mm.
I have a downhill bike, and I'm glad I have it. But last time I was at whistler I officially thought to myself "this really isn't necessary" after seeing all the people with 170 or 180 bikes. I now have a 180/170 bike in addition to the DH bike but still, I would say if you're limited to only owning a couple bikes, no, a DH bike is absolutely not necessary for parks. There's very little a DH bike is offering that a high travel trail bike isn't.
But, I'm still glad I have the DH bike and I will continue to ride it at parks. the extra travel certainly doesn't hurt anything except pedaling.
Don't let the bike shops talk you into bikes you don't need. You don't need 170/160. I run 130/125 and go riding in a bike park every weekend. No problem whatsoever.
or get a 160/150 bike and enjoy the best of both worlds... Really good climbers, fun on flatter terrain... but can still smash at the park.
When you progress to stuff like dirt merchant youll wish you had a softer ride. If you dont plan on going that big ever. Then youre good. Be safe and have fun and idc what you ride. 🎉
Dude I ride a 140mm Ozark trail ridge hardtail… most people get talked into bikes they don’t need I think
But what kinda bike park you riding? Snowshoe WV a world cup bike park is my main park, it will shred small bikes like that to bits. My 160 bike feels to small there.
@@D91Mart no way?? I’m a West Virginia rider myself! Snowshoe is definitely a beast (I ski there) and especially if you are over 40 you definitely need a serious bike but I’m just telling ya I’m running a (heavily upgraded but all budget parts) Ozark trail in Morgantown with plans to hit snowshoe this summer and it’s been ripping. It only struggles on the most serious chonk… you just gotta pick the right line lol
I think it would've been cool to throw a long travel enduro bike (like the Nukeproof Giga), with a dual crown and see how that holds up against the DH and enduro bikes.
Still got a Giant Faith 2012 M. It went through many iterations of parts from, freeride, downhill, super enduro. Super enduro is my most favorite form with a Zeb 29 190mm up front, 12 speed sram gx lunar groupset, Mullet setup, and a 125mm reverb dropper post.
I've got a downhill bike as my only bike in Taranaki, New Zealand where there are no shuttles. A bit of a struggle at first, but eventually your legs get fit enough that you can ride most uphill trails without too much struggle 😅
@@spaggtrait1608 yes that's my plan. Just waiting for spare money haha
damnit finaly someone sane in here.
i already thought ' am i the only crazy mofo who is just doing what he has to do and crank that freaking hill up without complaining all the time' xD
I'm assuming you may have a 36 tooth chainring, potentially not a narrow-wide one either. So get yourself a Renthal 32 tooth Narrow-wide chainring from Evo Cycles for $98, get either a Zee or Sram X9 derailleur for around $150, & 10 speed close ratio road cassette, & tighten the compression on your shocks until you get to the DH trail & your laughing.. I've just upgraded my old DH bike, was a 2014 Kona Entourage 26", with Fox 40s & Fox DHX RC4. And the difference in pedalling from the old 36 tooth standard chainring, & old style larger cassette, to the 32 tooth chainring & road cassette was like night & day. Now I've since upgraded to a custom painted YT Tues 27.5 2016 model for a good price, & the geometry is so much better but it has the same Zee 36 tooth chainring haha, but it has Sram X9 & a road cassette so pedalling is still relatively easy. But i think a smaller chainring makes a huge difference & I'll be quickly upgrading mine.
I'm fortunate enough that over the years I've managed to get both an enduro and a downhill bike. The enduro is definitely going to get more miles out of it than the DH though, largely due to what's accessible nearby. It makes more sense to play and practice skills on the enduro on my local trails and grab the heavy hitter for the weekend trips to an actual bike park with a lift.
DH will never die!!!!🤘🏼
Van girl yuka did a brilliant video on same topic. She came to a good conclusion
Thanks for the great discussion. I agree with a lot of the comments regarding the DH. I have one that stays on the rack most of the time. But, my son says he's gonna take me to a park in Tennessee where I can really ride it. The short travel Stumpjumper is what I typically ride on the trails in Alabama.
I am setting up my flatline for enduro now. Might be insane but it seems to be a fun experiment just go towards making it better at pedaling.
I'd probably pick up a vintage DH bike if I was looking for one. That Boostmonster that Jordan has is wicked.
Downhill is amazing, and watching Neil ride one is always a pleasure. However I do love enduro too, it would have to be an enduro for me, just for practical reasons. If I could have both I would though.
always love my downhills i got an ns fuzz which was the only dh i had that felt similar to a bmx and take it every where even if its over kill i love it
I have Mont-Saint-Anne not too far from my place. So the answer is yes 😅
Yal should do a review on a E DH bike. Take it in trails, DH park, climbs etc..
I recently bought a down hill bike my first one and ive noticed the difference riding long distances and riding up hill but its like anything you get use to it you push your self more and become stronger no pushing up hill i ride it up hill and the more ive done it the easier it gets
7:54 Wow! Lada Niva.
Not bad.😉
Oh look it's the time for the annual "Do you need a DH bike " video. Not watched yet but is the answer, No - but they are fun / good at what they do / look the most 'rad' ?
That's good man , Niel the Is good
Meh, they put out 365 videos a year. For someone newer to the channel like me it's all new. :-)
Type of bikes aside, I wouldn't go down any DH trails without a full face helmet!
Got a nice inch long scar on my chin from about 5-7 years ago that agrees with you, was not nice spitting teeth out trailside, bleeding profusely from the face and eating roast dinner smoothies for a bit after haha. Open face still better than nought tho, literally 1000% wouldn't be here typing this without one.
Funny enough I went off on one at this lads older brother at one of my local dirt jump spots for letting him hit them without any protection on the head at all not that long ago. Felt a bit like a hypocrite as I did the same as a kid and knocked myself out cold at age 12. Dumb now I look back and think about it, but seemed reasonable at the time...
yup, was thinking the same. I have both, the when i ride any aggressive trail, its FF. if the wife and i go out, well then its more of a causal ride, so open face it the choice. Chasing neal down them trails... yup FF.
I miss my DH rig for those true DH days - my Aggressive Hardtail can do it but definitely not at the same speed - Happy Riding!
The ultimate bike is my bike and YOURS !!!
Im good with my XC Hardtail.. love it!
That's great! XC bikes are brilliant as well! 👍
Bought a DH bike (YT Tues) a few years ago and regretted it on the first ride - so long and heavy, real pig to change direction - BB so low I was striking tree stumps and rocks all over the trail - gearing that was so high I struggled to get going again if I got hung up on anything…I’m sure they’re great in the right hands and I love watching DH but I’m much faster on a trail/enduro bike.
Pig to change directions? Maybe it was too big?
Here in The Netherlands even an aggressive hardtail is overkill, let alone a downhill bike.
So why not have a 12 speed on it and make it the best of both???
I was riding in Saalbach last week and rode the Bergstadltrail. The feature at 7:50 looks so intimidating in real life.
same here, was a little tired before entering the Bergstadltrail and wasn't able to ride it save, in the end I walked a lot of the root stuff... what a pitty
@@Stimpy125 next time, we shall conquer the trail:D
fills my 10x15 foot bedroom with plenty of cool air. The remote is so handy by the bed at night.
Am I the only one who thought it was strange that Neil and Rich were riding the same terrain but Neil's in a full face, presumably because he's on a DH bike, whilst Rich is in a half shell because 'you don't wear a FF on an enduro bike'? Given that the DH bike is more capable on hard DH trails you would have thought the guy on the enduro bike is more in need of the FF helmet...
Yea, FF on this terrain all the time. I had a nasty highspeed crash on my trailbike in the Austrian Alps last week and impacted face-first on a big rock. I don't want to know what would have happened with a normal helmet. I'm just happy that I only have a broken bone in my left hand, with no other injury whatsoever...
And a short sleeve shirt with no gloves WTF
Almost nobody will be able to have terrain and ski-lifts to justify a downhill bike. Even the Mega Avalanche event needs an enduro bike. There are to many sections with flat and uphill. In Denmark were I ride, its almost overkill to have a full suspension trailbike, unless you build artificial obstacles to justify it. And that's what they're doing, exactly for that very reason. The normal and natural trails are best suited for hardtails and XC full sus. Large full suspension and long wheelbase just makes the downhill sections less exciting and the uphill runs more tedious.
I think it really comes down to, if you only going to own one bike, then Enduro bike. If you can afford a second bike, treat yourself to the most bad ass DH bike ;-)
Dh bikes are still sick, I love my transition tr500
It’s so impressive how you guys keep up coming with original content!! Love the vids!
💩
I bet they're sitting there stoned AF and one of dudes just writes down any ideas they come up with. lmao
@@p13cu42 Yuka literaly posted this video a few days ago, check it out, is it a coincidence? czcams.com/video/7YH5_c-gOBc/video.html
No offense but they repeat the same topics about every 1-2 years.
what? rinse and repeat... repeated content... gmbn is about as relevent as a tank is to a fishing show.
I have a XC and DH bike but after couple years I’m switching to enduro let’s see where it takes me
I am not a racer or do I want to be however I do ride my dh most of the time even for commuting it's just more fun
Best test videos
I agree with Neil in fact so much that I just ordered Nukeproof dissent :) what is my master plan though is to convert it to downduro by adding 12 speed cassette and a a dropper seat post, still investigating which components will play well in the future setup, will appreciate if someone can share his/hers thoughts
Why not get a giga with 190mm zebs?
I want an enduro hardtail like Blake's Nukeproof Scout
I only wish I had the need for one, because they are BA.👍
Love the videos
Thanks! Glad you're loving the content!
funny. I have an enduro and a DH bike. I do really like the look of an Enduro bike much more. However, the reason why I'm riding the DH in bikeparks is simply: Its more robust and the spares you usually need are a bit cheaper. If I smack my GX 7speed DH dreallieur into a rock, its way cheaper than the GX 12 speed on the enduro. Same goes for cranks (descendant alu vs carbon on the enduro) and many more
I guess it depends on what do you love to do the most and the amount of cash you can spend . If you live near a big mountain with chairlift access and love to do gnarly descents then by all means have a DH bike. If you love less technical descents then a trail bike/enduro bike is all you need. If you have the cash to maintain several bikes then having a DH bike in your bike quiver may well be a must
That's a very good point to make! The decision to buy a downhill bike has to be made by looking at where you ride and how often you're going to be cycling uphill. That'll give you the best idea if you need a trail or enduro bike. 👍
Rich, your rear brake rotor looks to be on the wrong way around? 🤔
Great DH sell there Neal!
Downhill is brilliant! 😉
3:40 rotor is backwards :D
Modern geometry enduro with DC fork and you are set. Geometron ftw
I have dh bike which is my only one. I do struggle to push it on my local trails but everytime I go down I would never change it for enduro. And I had enduro. The only problem I find is with blue trails. They are usually not steep enough for dh rig. But when it come to blacks, or true dh tracks I would just die there on enduro so many times. I love the looks, but most important it just forgives so much mistakes I do. And Im not the youngest. I do have an xc bike as well so I dont feel a need for something between.
I'm from the Netherlands, so buying a DH bike would be as unuseful as a fishing rod in the desert. xD
I love riding a DH bike on me local trails simply because they're eye turners 👌😂
140 mm travel size s single speed and barspinable trail bike 🤘 way to go
But would love a big rig
My trail bikes these days are a Canyon Neuron:ON, and a Nukeproof Scout. During lockdown I got into the bike park stuff, and although the hills around here (Finland) aren't that big, I knew I needed a bike with longer travel. So, a perfect excuse to buy a downhill bike I'd always dreamt about. I scored a used 2018 Sender AL for 1900€, and since then I've used it for the gnarly stuff and saved my short travel Neuron from the abuse.
A week ago was my first time visiting Åre bike park, and I'm happy that I had my Sender to bomb down the hills. The way I see it, many red and black bike park trails still warrant the use of a proper DH bike. I know I feel more confident on one, and I'm only wearing the bike down in one, very specific discipline. Plus, a DH bike really does look cool!
These two got skills
💯%
I'm waiting till the day where a dh bike will have similar angles with an Enduro bike as a mainstream thing. The propain spindrift definitely is pointing us there.
What about about a Nukeproof Giga it is nearly DH bike?
I’m torn on whether or not to buy a downhill. With my age hitting 40, I want the least amount of force beating on my joints, but no longer caring about hitting crazy drops or getting air. Does a downhill provide less abuse downhill at moderate to fast speeds or do both set ups offer that and downhill are pointless unless I’m pushing them to their limits?
these bikes look cool asf wouldnt mind motorizing them but they cost $$ know any budget dh or enduro bikes?
I ride a enduro at the bike park every day and the braking bump are hard on you and your bike
I owned a 160mm mullet and an old (26) dh bike. I realized that the new bike was more capable than the old dh rig. I sold it, and would love to get a new, modern dh bike, but it's hard to justify financially. (Till I start prematurely destroying my Status)
Why the Mota on the back instead of another Mazza?
I have one, live in southern Ontario and never use it 😖
I'd have a DH rig! But my Enduro bike can take everything I throw at it !
My DH is still a champion!
Yeah to me they have a specific purpose. Pretty much a chair lift park bike.
That's definitely where they're most at home! 👍
Another great video guys 👏 I've just moved from a trail bike to an Enduro style Specialized Status and it seems the perfect balance for going fast downhill but it's also able to get back up them which has to be good for you health wise longer term 👍
How do you feel your status? I had to sell mine a few months ago but hopefully I will get a new 160 next week
@@dvazquez28 I'm loving it so far. How come you sold your other Status ?
@@nomadic_dad it was just bc I needed some money but the bike was awesome and extremely capable and the price is unbeatable, other bikes with the same specs are way up the 3k price mark
@@dvazquez28 could you not have sold a kidney or something else first 😂
@@nomadic_dad 😂😂😂 damn I didn’t think of it lol but anyways I hope next week I will get my new status 160
that rear rotor on Rich's bike is on backwards
Sure I do not need it... But damn I want one! It looks awesome, it can perform (for what it is intended). And it looks cool as duck!
nice "inspiration" from van girl yuka
DH bike is great if you can afford it. Dreams.
Enduro! 💯
I have my road bike, my hardtail, and now I'm building a retro DH bike, just because!! 2006 Iron Horse Yakuza with White Brothers DH3 forks, 200mm front and rear. Why? just because I want to!!!!!!
downhill bikes are the most like skiing so if you're a rich fuss they're great. enduro bikes are the mountain bikes of the people
Oddly enough, I am considering going from my enduro bike to a DH bike. I had a originally planned to use my enduro bike as a "do-all" bike for trips, but I have really suffered on recent attempts to ride as a trail bike - especially compared to my much lighter 115mm travel XC/trail bike. Swapping over to much lighter wheels and tires helped a bit, but not as much as I'd hoped. But before I make any drastic bike quiver changes I need to figure out if there is some underlying reason I have not been riding well the past couple of months.
i don't understand, your enduro is too heavy so you want a heavier bike instead?
@@daydodog no. If I don't use the Enduro bike for trail riding, then there is less of a reason to have it vs a DH bike.
If you are good enough to hit Revolution hard. I’m not. a downhill bike seems the way to go. When I went recently I was one of the very few on an enduro bike. Plus they look cool
I just questioned this and saw this lolll
We read your mind, Ryan! 😉
on a bike park for safety if youre not superskilled....is safer, allows you to have a worse technik
I would say enduro bc u can use it on any trail doesn’t have to be just enduro trails
So true! They're the perfect do it all tool! 👍
Pedal your DH for a good leg workout and for the amazement on other faces when they realize what you're riding up on.
I love my DH for the fact that it's a tank. I can ride the daylights out of it and I never worry that it's going to fail.
Need…., no
Want…., yes!
Xc bike are the best bike for my flat land Nebraska areas. No downhill to ride
An interesting question. Unfortunately the video was unwatchable thanks to the weird farting sounds which occurred during the riding sequences. One day GMBN will realise that that the sound of wheels on the ground is by far the best background soundtrack.
Lol. There is a video with neil where he takes the honor of the dh bike
We all know Downhill Bikes are just mega. It's like having an affordable two wheel monster truck. Lol.
we need GMBN Italia
Huh?
My enduro bike can't hang with my DH bike on these steep rocky descents we have. Almost 30 seconds faster down a 4 minute track.
I think a lotnof it comes with confidence in that front fork on a downhill bike. But really when you look at travel. Now days a downhill bike will have like 200mm front travel or 8 inches. Where the enduro has like 160-180 in some cases. Which if youre riding bike parks Youre probably not bottoming out so that 20mm isnt really doing much to help send through rough stuff. Now. The rear sus. Thats why ill always always always ride the biggest coils i can fit while keeping geo the same no mayter if its enduro or downhill because the back really will say a lot on trail about what kind if bike youre riding. Thats where i see the benefits of the downhill bikes more is in the rear because of the 7.5-8 inch travel that most of them will have now days. But its still mostly the fact that its a coil shock to me because you can dial it in superbly to what youre riding. And with 8 inches of travel you can afford to go super soft.
All about using the right tools for the right job... if you do down hill and xc bike is no good but will work OK... and if xc is your thing yes a dh bike will be ok but its not the right tool for the job in hand....
DH bikes look fast standing still. I'd love one but don't really need one.
Downhill Frame with Single crown fork that is barspinable became my new taste on bikes but companies designing their DH Bike for racing and making ugly Freeride frames
Over $600 and no shock absorbers!?? Wow 😅😂
Epik
180mm rotors have no place on a bike with Fox 38!
Sounds like you don't need either of them unless you actually live in the mountains.
Enduro is good enough for most. If you are at the point where the bike is slowing you down, then the DH makes sense, but yeah, only use for mountains you have chairlifts…
Downhill bikes are best for going uphill and xc bikes are best for cross dressing.
Why is this the same comparsions all over again but with different bikes? Is it just an advertising?
200mm is the golden number for downhill bikes, if it isn't 200mm, replace it! 🤣
Titanium nuts
Actually, all you need is really big nuts
Downhill never dies, as Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves.