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Antur Ffestiniog is great fun, I will have to get myself back there soon!
I would probably class myself as a downhiller now. I hardly ride XC any more, miles are done on the road any other riding is on the big bike or at the BMX track. Spend 5 weeks every summer in the mountains and last year I was in France for the whole of the summer season.
Got my son started early as well 😀
[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7886399222_60bc37752d.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/37621241@N05/7886399222/ ]Felix in Andorra[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/37621241@N05/ ]ianvincent[/url], on Flickr
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Took this to Aston Hill yesterday. Its old, massively heavy and has a steep head angle but I love it. Had the best days riding yesterday that I've had in ages and now planning the next one
I do like a bit of Aston Hill. Tend to go there when I visit my mates down Oxford way. What's the new track like?? Looks smooth, but fun.
Anyone else in north Herefordshire? My usual DH riding is Bringewood, Hopton or Bucknell. Though not the last few weeks as I've broken me collar bone.
I don't know if i fall under the DH label. I dont have a DH bike, do enter local DH races.
If im out with a xc crew, im the DHer of the group, if im DHing with DHers, im a freerider. My friend summed it up best though, BMXers getting loose on mountain bikes.
This basically means my riding does involve riding a lot of DH tracks, but not from a DHers perspective, that is getting down as efficiently as possible. I try to get down in as pleasant feeling and looking manner as possible, so minimal contact with the ground whilst always being a little bit sideways, chilled and fluid. Freeriding?
Riding DH tracks is fun.
I'm many miles away from being called a dh'er, but much prefer coming down rather than getting up. (As long as there's a pussy line next to the big stuff) 🙂 I havnt done any uplift days here yet, but had a few days in morzine & les gets on the ski lifts in the summer and now booked in for a day at antur stiniog.
Will be doing my first proper DH races this winter after completing my first full Enduro season and finding myself getting progressively faster.
Really looking forward to it as well.
Great thread
🙂
I wear one too... sue me :pI definitely won't mention how my neck brace definitely saved me from a bad case of whiplash, or worse, yesterday then....
It's interesting to see so many people who like riding dh trails, really cool. As far as i'm concerned, and from my personal experience DH'ers as a group are really open, theres never a feeling of we are proper dh'ers and you aren't because you ride x y or z. If you like riding downhill trails and hitting roots, jumps, berms and drops and it gives you an adrenaline rush that drags you back to the top to do it over and over then you are a downhiller. Doesn't matter what bike you ride, and that's always been the view at all the DH races/trail centers i've ever been to. Of course there will always be the occasional nob wobbler but I have to say they're probably the nicest bunch in cycling 🙂
Wish I had started early! If he keeps at it, he will be rapid one day!Got my son started early as well
This was one of the biggest talking points in my circle of riding mates for a good year or so. I think it does work for some. I started on a hardtail but moved to a cheap fully really quickly. A year ago I decided I had plateaued and needed change to improve again, so I ditched my then fully and bought a hardtail. It just didn't work for me because the feeling of discomfort and the lack of confidence outweighed the gains I made in my technical ability. So I think it's a fine line and a very personal thing. I'm better than I was then but I definitely had to find some of the confidence I lost in that period again. It works a treat for some people though and I'd suggest trying it to anyone, if just for a change.I think I want a DH bike again. I'm glad i've been racing on the little bike, and i'm interested to see if it will make me quicker on a bigger bike now.
Beast! I love the idea of a gearbox bike. Never taken the plunge though (yet.) :pTook this to Aston Hill yesterday
If you're doing black run then yes, definitely. Having said that even if you aren't doing black run I'd take goggles or some sort of eye protection just because of the time of year. If you're going to bomb all the runs as fast as you can then take full face and goggles regardless of what you're riding I reckon.I'm assuming full-face / goggles are absolutely essential here?
This might go without saying but the other thing you need are dual ply tyres. If you run them normally then your sorted, but if not you atleast need a dual ply on the rear. Pinch puncture territory and lots of slate.
You don't need anything to qualify lol Although underwear is usually a good thing.As far as I'm aware you need pyjamas to qualify, I'm not that comitted.
I also don't have a proper DH bike so use this instead.
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It hasn't seen much use this year due to injury, which is why it's so clean 🙂
I ride mostly homebrew DH trails in Ireland (but have rode Inners a few times).
For you scalp owners, the first 'DH' trials I rode were in Moneyscalp - where your bike takes it's name from. Nice bikes, crap trails.
I've no action pics but here's a little vid of Cavehill near Belfast.
.. I have to say they're probably the nicest bunch in cycling
I've found the "nicest people in cycling" are generally the ones that just ride bikes about the place, regardless of their head angle, length of travel or whether their car was made in Germany or not.
Coincidentally these folk are usually the fastest as well.
Edit: Can't help feeling this thread (and in fact nukeproofriding) is a wind up.
I hope it's not a wind up! Everyone seems jolly nice 😀
Full face is on order...
Why would it be a wind up? Brycey... if you've got nothing nice/interesting to say, can you just leave the thread?
Aw don't be like that! I've even got a DH bike, can I please stay? Please!
nukeproofriding have you been to stoughton DH its not that far from rogate, can do both on a day trip, rogate in morning and stoughton in afternoon. Vid of stoughton here: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/275955/
Stoughton was the first place I ever rode and was my local for years 🙂 We helped out with building some of the trails there too. Is that spud in the white t-shirt in that video? Haven't ridden there in ages, but will go back soon to see whats cracking!
i'm more of a freerider than a downhiller but i have a down hill bike which i've set up as a freeride machine. i love the way it rides and normally take it wherever i can for a blast...Lee Quarry or Llandegla B-Line are good places to unleash it...
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No spud snaped his mech be for that was filmed, it's Joe in the white. how long ago did you help out there? As you can tell from the vid its much bigger now!Stoughton was the first place I ever rode and was my local for years We helped out with building some of the trails there too. Is that spud in the white t-shirt in that video? Haven't ridden there in ages, but will go back soon to see whats cracking!
i'm more of a freerider than a downhiller but i have a down hill bike which i've set up as a freeride machine.
Oh dear....
I generally fit into the 'ride a bit of everything' category. Race BMX, commute on a roadie, all-day Lakes epics on the little bike, race DH on the big bike...
Which means I also don't fit into any category 🙂
No spud snaped his mech be for that was filmed, it's Joe in the white. how long ago did you help out there? As you can tell from the vid its much bigger now!
Probably about a year ago or something? Maybe a little more actually. How much of it has actually changed?
It's interesting to see so many people who like riding dh trails, really cool. As far as i'm concerned, and from my personal experience DH'ers as a group are really open, theres never a feeling of we are proper dh'ers and you aren't because you ride x y or z. If you like riding downhill trails and hitting roots, jumps, berms and drops and it gives you an adrenaline rush that drags you back to the top to do it over and over then you are a downhiller. Doesn't matter what bike you ride, and that's always been the view at all the DH races/trail centers i've ever been to. Of course there will always be the occasional nob wobbler but I have to say they're probably the nicest bunch in cycling
Isn't that the truth! Was talking to someone about this the other day and I think it's partly because uplifts/pushing are great levellers in the sense that some people get down the hill twice as fast, and with style...but once those 3 mins are over, they're gonna be pushing back up/riding up/in the bus with you chatting about what that last run was like. Or stood at the side of the trail encouraging you when you are trying to session a jump they have just made look easy. DH is actually good for a range of levels, whereas on an XC ride, a big difference in fitness/ability is harder to accommodate....and it's difficult to talk to that 'expert rider' when you are gasping for breath just trying to keep up.
gonzy - Member
i'm more of a freerider than a downhiller but i have a down hill bike which i've set up as a freeride machine. i love the way it rides and normally take it wherever i can for a blast...Lee Quarry or Llandegla B-Line are good places to unleash it...
Holy BB height batman! 😯
You do know you can lower the BB on that frame?
Booked Antur for the 30th - I'm a bit excited!
Agree on the comments about downhillers being a friendly bunch. I find that they are the most layed back of all cyclists and generally can't be happier than when you agree to follow or be followed by them Down a run.
Every race I've entered I've only ever got encouragement from fellow riders on my run. There is, I find, a mutual respect amongst downhillers on the basis that regardless of your ability, you are giving it a go and that in itself is enough.
If any of you go to Aston give me a shout, I'll happily meet up with any of you and show you the fast line down the black run 😉
I wouldn't consider myself a downhiller, but I do ride a bit of DH. I've been slacking ever since I came back to the alps. 30 degrees every day and chairlifts will do that to you.
My ride is a giant reign x, with totems and offset shock bushings. She will be getting an angleset and some beefier brakes next year.
When I do get around to riding, it is Rogate, Kingley Vale and occasionally Cwmcarn or UK bikepark.
Probably about a year ago or something? Maybe a little more actually. How much of it has actually changed?
The big table is bigger and the rock garden is 3 times the size and lots of tweeking.
Isn't that the truth! Was talking to someone about this the other day and I think it's partly because uplifts/pushing are great levellers in the sense that some people get down the hill twice as fast, and with style...but once those 3 mins are over, they're gonna be pushing back up/riding up/in the bus with you chatting about what that last run was like. Or stood at the side of the trail encouraging you when you are trying to session a jump they have just made look easy. DH is actually good for a range of levels, whereas on an XC ride, a big difference in fitness/ability is harder to accommodate....and it's difficult to talk to that 'expert rider' when you are gasping for breath just trying to keep up.
Totally agree - and have seen the same friendly and encouraging approach in Enduro, primarily for the same reason, no matter how fast you killed it on the last stage, you too are gonna be sweating riding that 30lb 6" bike back up......
I love that friendliness and openness. But then I am knocking on a bit and remember the old friendly but mad vibe from legendary events like the Malvern Classic!
+1
The vibe at the few enduro race weekends i've been to this year has been amazing. The riding has been awesome too!
Ill head up there in the next few days for sure then! Is it all open at the moment? I see that you guys are going through the process of getting it forestry registered etc?The big table is bigger and the rock garden is 3 times the size and lots of tweeking.
What races you doing bud?Will be doing my first proper DH races this winter
I think I have ridden XC about 5 times this year. Hence the bike is up for sale. I've just been riding DH. Fitness seems to be loads better and I've lost plenty of flab. Apart form the falling off bit I think I just prefer it.
Yes and YesIll head up there in the next few days for sure then! Is it all open at the moment? I see that you guys are going through the process of getting it forestry registered etc?
Also anyone that want to race mini DH ib the south this year Gravity project are runnung a series again.
There will be 4 venues and 5 rounds. 😀
March 2/3rd - Rogate
April 6/7th - Gravity project Venue 1 or 2
May 4/5th - Gravity project Venue 1 or 2
June 1/2nd - Venue yet to be relesed (Near Petersfield) 😉
July 6/7th - Gravity project Venue 1 or 2
What races you doing bud?
Going to get in the 661 minis, whatever ones the DTV crew come up with and the rumoured winter races that Mr Bling is putting together at the moment - looking forward to it!
🙂
I've probably ridden my DH bike less this year than any other but not cuz I've gone off it - it's just the way things have been.
In the past: Morzine area (loads of times), Whistler (3 times), Les Arcs, Alp D'Huez, Stile Cop, Hopton, Bringewood, Moelfre, Caersws, Cwmcarn, Ae etc etc etc
I've never raced though.
Recently went to Antur Stiniog for the first time and I want to go back soon! First time on the DH bike since March!
[url= http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/video/15/434.html ]Sample Antur Stiog Video[/url]
Hopefully get to Whistler again next year?
Going to get in the 661 minis, whatever ones the DTV crew come up with and the rumoured winter races that Mr Bling is putting together at the moment - looking forward to it!
Or PORC race on the 25th Nov? I will be there, not raced at porc yet, looking forward to it!
LEGEND - i know and i've tried all the different combinations to try and lower the BB height and thats as low as i can seem to get it even with running 24" rims. having said that the BB height looks tall but once i get my lardy butt over the saddle it drops to the correct height and it rides brilliantly...or at least i think it does...
[b]@Gonzy[/b]
i-2-i is fine the shock should be mounted in the bottom hole of the black linkage plate. not the top as it is now. It looks like you need a step ladder to get on the thing.
the bottom hole should slacken the head angle and lower the bb
As far as i'm concerned, and from my personal experience DH'ers as a group are really open, theres never a feeling of we are proper dh'ers and you aren't because you ride x y or z.
I don't want to ruin the DH lovin but isn't this thread asking people to single themselves out rather than just be MTBer's?
I do a bit of everything XC, AM, DH, natural, man made. I just like like being on bikes. I probably do more DH then XC nowadays but that's cos it's easier to thrash out a few runs at warncliffe/stainburn/silton type places than fit a long XC/AM ride in now i've got kids. I don't own a DH bike, I just ride my old Five everywhere. I don;t think you really need a full on DH bike in this country unless you're racing (i'll get flamed now).
Not long 'til the first round of the FoD winter series 😀
Or PORC race on the 25th Nov? I will be there, not raced at porc yet, looking forward to it!
Chap - do you know if you can pre-enter? Thinking its going to be a busy one and don't want to travel all that way only to find I can't race.
I can't imagine you would have to pre enter for a winter DH race at PORC!
Greeble - i've tried running the shock on the lower mount in the linkage plates but the head angle becomes too slack and it steers like a bit of a pig...not that i've ever ridden a pig!! 😀
Xiphon - looks like you've resorted to the same method as me to eliminate chain slap on the chainstay!! 😆
currently the fork is still running at 150mm as i get the feeling that extending the travel to 170mm would mess up the geometry...but then again looking at Xiphon's bike maybe thats what i need to do....
greeble - normally i take a running jump to get on!! 😮
however any suggestions regarding setup would be appreciated..
currently the fork is still running at 150mm as i get the feeling that extending the travel to 170mm would mess up the geometry...but then again looking at Xiphon's bike maybe thats what i need to do....
try putting 26 inch wheels on it too
here's mine
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Another who wouldn't call myself a Downhiller but that's the bit I enjoy the most.
eightyeight
Anyone else based in Manc on this thread?
Yes, me!! Well, not quite - I'm in Cheadle Hulme.
I'm a member of the Macc Forest DH Group where I ride this:
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Just fitted an Angleset to bring the HA down to just over 64 degrees. Booked onto the uplift at Cwmcarn this Sunday and then at Antur Stiniog on Sat 1st Dec.
From the comments above it looks like I need to get some proper Dual-Plies for Antur though? What tyres for Antur Stiniog? 😆
Chap - do you know if you can pre-enter? Thinking its going to be a busy one and don't want to travel all that way only to find I can't race.
I asked that question on there Facebook this morning but nothing back yet.
Not long 'til the first round of the FoD winter series
Wicked 🙂
nukeproofriding - Member
If so, where/what do you ride? This forum seems to be mostly XC/ROADY guys but I'm interested to see if there are some DH peeps too.
Amended OP.
I used to be a downhiller but haven't done it since about 1997.
Next weekend is a fine weekend to start again. We expect to see pictures of your new bike by wednesday and pictures of you riding by sunday. :p
😆 Feeling a bit too old for it these days. Mind you most XC bikes have more rear sus than the DH bikes we used to race. 😀
Think I'll stick to my usual trail riding these days. Less chance of trying to kill myself.
gonzy -
Member
Greeble - i've tried running the shock on the lower mount in the linkage plates but the head angle becomes too slack and it steers like a bit of a pig...not that i've ever ridden a pig!!
Shock in the bottom hole *s*****, sensible sized wheels and a bit of time getting used to how a dh bike should ride and you'll be grand. All dh bikes handle like a pig until up to speed.
It's not my bike - just a quick Google for "Haro DHR"...
Get the geo setup right, and you'll notice a [b]massive[/b] difference in handling. Yes it will feel a bit 'wallowy' (like a drowsy hippo), but get it up to speed - and the slackness will make it much more stable.
You may be able to fit off-set bushes in there, to make it even slacker...
Judging by the side-by-side photos, the shock still looks too long?? What's the i2i of the current shock?
you're also running 24's.. wrong wrong wrong..
it rides brilliantly...or at least i think it does...
To be honest, that's all that really matters. If you find the handling a bit nervous, slacken the HA or drop the BB a bit. If you're happy with the way it rides, leave it as is. From memory, the design is either a rip off of the old Intense M1 (like the Muddy Foxes the Athertons used to ride) or actually an M1 rebadged....
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Normal size wheels will also help, but like I say - if you like it, what does it matter
EDIT: It was actually made by Intense for Haro
I've been going a few uplift days on my 160mm xc bike. I've been pleasantly suprised at how helpful, friendly and inclusive people are.
My last trip was Hamsterley, and for the first time I felt a little under-biked. What would be a good, cheap, second hand first downhill bike?
Sitting in the uplift minibus is a great place for meeting other riders. You'd be surprised how much respect if given to those doing the DH tracks on fragile XC bikes.
Makes us on long travel full bouncers look like a bunch of wimps!
Last time I was at Cwmcarn, some bloke was uplifting all day - on a rigid P7, with tiny SPD pedals, high seat and narrow bars.
greeble - i'm not sure what the eye to eye length of the shock is. but this is the standard shock that came with the frame from Haro so i would hazard a guess that it is the correct length.
i do have a set of 26" rims for the bike but they are on the hardtail at the moment but i like the way the 24's accelerate and they seem to be able to withstand more abuse.
Legend - point taken on the geometry issue but i prefer the steep head angle at the moment as i use the bike for all day rides and need it to be able to handle like a regular bike and not a full on dh bike....hence why it is set up the way it is...
having said that the missus did say i can get a new AM bike so at some point i will get the fork travel increased to 170mm and will alter the geometry so it can become the full on gravity sled it was intended to be...
greeble - thats a sweet ride you've got there!! 😀
What would be a good, cheap, second hand first downhill bike?
I believe that Sir is needing a Giant Glory in his life. Bomb proof, good suspension, loads around so cracking value, job's a good un
xiphon - MemberYou'd be surprised how much respect if given to those doing the DH tracks on fragile XC bikes.
I got some funny looks rolling my rigid-forked Carrera onto the innerleithen cattletruck... Even more funny looks bouncing down on it like a pissed ball in a broken pinball machine 
^^^safe to assume that was your reason for taking it on the uplift so job done. 8)
I ride a tr450 btw. ride and race anywhere in scotland but this year hasn't seen as much dh action as I'd like. Need to do something about that!
legend - MemberWhat would be a good, cheap, second hand first downhill bike?
I believe that Sir is needing a Giant Glory in his life. Bomb proof, good suspension, loads around so cracking value, job's a good un
Yup, I gotta second that. There are lighter bikes out there, but for something that can cope with a battering and that is good-for-the-money you can't go wrong with a Glory with a decent set of forks up front. I still love mine (2006 frame with 2010 componentry), even though I know I probably need to upgrade at some point, she's doing the job atm.
I'm hijacking the Glory advice.
Looking at this....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-glory-FR-/170938760601?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27ccbe7d99
starts searching for Giant Glory, thanks all
There dont seem to be many downhill bikes in large size for sale, is the sizing different than for trail bikes? I'm ~ 6 foot, any advice on whether a medium or large is right?
I'm hijacking the Glory advice.
Looking at this....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-glory-FR-/170938760601?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27ccbe7d99
No, make sure it was a Glory DH, not the FR. They were short, steep & horrible. They couldn't give them away when they were new.
Glory is a fairly safe second hand buy, as would be a 224 (Evo, so it doesn't crack), Iron Horse Sunday, etc.
Thanks Hob Nob. No one on here looking to offload then?
I'm a downhiller, I ride my Blindside far more than my 805. Ride at FOD, Aston, UKBP and the Alps when I can.
Never raced, but hoping that will change next year, can't be many 30+ females entering their first DH races about.. 😆
My Blindside..
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No one on here looking to offload then?
eightyeight - My Supreme DH V3 is for sale, see page 2 of this thread for a pic. My email is in my profile if you are interested. 🙂
Never raced, but hoping that will change next year, can't be many 30+ females entering their first DH races about..
You couldn't be further from the truth!!
So many ladies in their 30's (and well beyond) have started off racing in the last few years, myself and several friends included. My first 'proper' race was at 34 years old this year....and I guess my first 'proper' season will be next year when I'll be 35 and counting.
The popularity is increasing rapidly, with support from the decent race organisers. Two years ago it was rare to see more than a handful of ladies at races. But out of the 6 races I have entered this year, 4 have had 10 or more ladies. The mini DH round on the 2nd of December has just added another load of places for the ladies as the original ones sold out quickly. 😀
seems to be plenty of lady riders on the uplift days I have done. All way faster than me as well.
I'm loving this thread by the way! beats the usual rubbish about tyre choice and gear ratios
No, make sure it was a Glory DH, not the FR. They were short, steep & horrible. They couldn't give them away when they were new.
Glory is a fairly safe second hand buy, as would be a 224 (Evo, so it doesn't crack), Iron Horse Sunday, etc.
Agreed, my Anthem was slacker than a Glory FR!
IronHorses are a good bet too, but all the mounting/pivot hardware is much much better on a Glory (Mrs Legend has a Sunday, I had a Glory)
Thanks pocket. *Think* it might be a bit out of my price range!
I've got a boardman FS pro to be running on with so should be ok for the stuff I'm doing atm. Am heading to the FoD this Sunday for a whizz around, might see some of you there.
[s]What tyres for DH?[/s] Sorry, couldn't resist!
@ 88 my riding buddy has had to strip his bike down and sell off parts, he has his 224 frame for sale with some mint 888's he may have some other stuff too..all good stuff from a nice chap...
his mail is charlesworthdan AT hotmail DOT com.
You couldn't be further from the truth!!So many ladies in their 30's (and well beyond) have started off racing in the last few years, myself and several friends included. My first 'proper' race was at 34 years old this year....and I guess my first 'proper' season will be next year when I'll be 35 and counting.
The popularity is increasing rapidly, with support from the decent race organisers. Two years ago it was rare to see more than a handful of ladies at races. But out of the 6 races I have entered this year, 4 have had 10 or more ladies. The mini DH round on the 2nd of December has just added another load of places for the ladies as the original ones sold out quickly.
I did read about the Diva Decent race a month or two ago, if I'd known about it earlier I may well have gone along for the experience.
It's nice to hear I'm not the only one. I don't see many ladies out riding, all the uplift days I have done I have been the only girl, and I ride with male friends, can't seem to talk female friends into riding!
I think I'll give myself the winter to 'hone' my skills, then think about it next year. Good starter race suggestions welcome!
What would be a good, cheap, second hand first downhill bike?
Doubt mine is getting ridden again in a hurry! Hardly ridden. Pop round for a brew and make me an offer!
hey gravity slave, hope things are good with the family?
I will drop you a mail, cheers, officially I am on a bike buying ban at the moment though so I have to tread carefully
Thanks Hob Nob. No one on here looking to offload then?
Im selling my Glory FR, Its not very slack but is good fun to ride.
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1123252/
Edit: Mine comes with brakes 😉
karen805 - MemberIt's nice to hear I'm not the only one. I don't see many ladies out riding, all the uplift days I have done I have been the only girl, and I ride with male friends, can't seem to talk female friends into riding!
FWIW the womens' class at the SDA Glencoe red round was one of the most subscribed- really nice to see.