Questions tagged [downhill]

Downhill mountain biking is type of biking sport which is held on steep and rough terrain. It involves jumps, rock gardens, and other obstacles. Practiced on steep, rough terrain that often features jumps, drops, rock gardens and other obstacles. Jumps can be up to and including 12 meters (39 feet), and drops can be greater than 3 meters (10 feet).

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Is a downhill scooter lighter than a downhill MTB with same performance?

I saw scooters for rent at some downhill MTB sites. I have never tried them, but I wonder anyway: is a scooter significantly lighter than a bicycle? I assume both are built for downhill riding, ...
anatolyg's user avatar
  • 1,264
0 votes
1 answer
131 views

Can I put a I fox 40 on 2018 Commencal Supreme SX?

I recently bought a Commencal supreme SX, which came with a double crown fork. The bike was a really good deal and I had never had a dh bike. This was one of my only selections, so let me know if I ...
Theo's user avatar
  • 1
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

How and when should one use the "On the drops" position on drop handlebars?

This question may be addressed completely by this canonical answer, and I'm happy to remove the question if so. However it's only one answer, and I don't think it could hurt to have more here; I have ...
Cerulean's user avatar
  • 1,061
7 votes
4 answers
860 views

Heating of hydraulic oil with hardtail electric MTB brakes

I do an ebike commute here in NZ with a steep downhill at the end of the ride at night and a longish downhill in the morning.Brakes are Shimano Hydraulic MT200, 180mm Rotors and pads were Shimano ...
Ian Hankin's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
2k views

How safe is v-brake system with handbrake and coaster brake for child going downhill?

I have bought a Volare blaster 16” bike for my 5 year old son (due to arrive tomorrow), but am now a bit concerned whether I have chosen the best braking system for him. The blurb for the bike states ...
Lucy's user avatar
  • 71
3 votes
5 answers
185 views

Pain on bottom foot when freewheeling for a time in a gravel descent

One of my favorite touring routs is on a rural route. It is 15 km* long, I take about an hour to complete it since a part of the first half is sandy and I need to dismount to traverse it. At the 10 km ...
LoremIpsum's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
734 views

Does the size of a bike tire matter when going up and down hills?

I am doing science fair and my question is if the size matters when going up and down hill on a bike. I looked all over your site and I couldn't find anything about the size of a tire for going up and ...
Logan Kranendonk's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
1k views

Compatibility of 41mm x 107mm bottom bracket shell

Hi I have spent several days looking for a bottom bracket and crank. At this point it seems that there is nothing but 1 traditional pressfit bottom bracket and 1 crank that fit this shell. However, I ...
Ricardo Garcia's user avatar
9 votes
4 answers
4k views

How old is too old for aggressive cycling?

Downhill, freeride, dirt jumping, BMX. Am I too old for complete experience of these styles at 28 ? Have no prior experience, but think to jump in. I did extensive reading on this topic, forums, blogs ...
Terry Glebnerr's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
608 views

Bickepacking saddle bag touches rear wheel on mountain bike

I am planning a 2 weeks trip following a mountain bike itinerary consisting of 650 km including single trails and 25'000 m of positive (and negative) elevation. I planned to go with my full suspension ...
Puck's user avatar
  • 171
21 votes
9 answers
6k views

Is it worth buying a lighter bike? If so what kind?

I've started cycling recently and am clocking decent mileage now. The only problem is, the bike is very old and weighs just shy of 20 kg. It's a heavy one! It also has Kenda Kinetics tyres, I think ...
KillerKode's user avatar
-2 votes
1 answer
125 views

Santa Cruz but idk which model and year, please!

Hey can someone please tell me the model and year of this Santa Cruz frame I just bought... thanks!
Juan Manuel Cadena V's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
215 views

Should I get a downhill bike a little bit smaller size?

My question would be is if I should buy a YT Tues CF 27.5 2017, size M when my height is 181cm, and the bike's chart goes up to 178 cm. And it is used by the way.
Gergő Kancsár's user avatar
31 votes
15 answers
5k views

Braking one-handed to signal down steep traffic-heavy slope

I've just recently picked up biking and will be cycling to work when I start in a few weeks. One thing that's really bothering me on my route is a very steep hill that gets very busy during rush hour. ...
hellzfc's user avatar
  • 319
-1 votes
1 answer
707 views

Can I put other type of fork to a downhill frame? Is this a DH frame?

I've recently bought a 29er downhill frame and since I am new to MTB, I was wondering if I can put an other type of fork to this dh frame. Something like an enduro fork with 180mm travel? ! The ...
Agamemnon's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
424 views

Hydraulic Disc Brake (how to choose correct model)

I recently broke off the lever of my front brake and am looking for a replacement lever or front brake. Need some input/suggestions from more experiences riders. Some of my questions: What are the (...
Maarten -Monica for president's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
133 views

Downhill bike frame conundrum

So I am starting a bike from scratch and really want a downhill frame as I'll be riding downhills and commuting. How and what parts could I use and add to the frame so it is able to commute though I ...
John's user avatar
  • 1
1 vote
1 answer
134 views

Full-face helmet/downhill context and short sightedness

I am short-sighted and doing downhill. Until recently my setup was full-face helmet (obvioulsy) plus eyes-glasses (normal or sunglasses according to the weather). Until recently because I had a mud/...
Olórin's user avatar
  • 177
1 vote
3 answers
8k views

Putting a DH fork on an enduro bike: consequences?

I am into downhill (DH) but I don't live 1) in a country with a lot of DH parks with lifting services etc 2) near such parks. Still I like riding rough stuff (in forests or in town) so that I would ...
Olórin's user avatar
  • 177
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Does using a DH fork reduced to 150mm (6") make sense on an ebike?

I recently found out that you can apparently reduce the travel of 8" DH forks such as Fox 40 to 6". This raises the question: would it make sense to do this for ebikes? I like dual-crown forks because ...
Dmitri Nesteruk's user avatar
11 votes
4 answers
6k views

How to decelerate during long downhill rides and avoid brake glazing

I mostly ride touristic style, and its not uncommon descents of few hundred meters or even 1000 meters (vertically, usually average gradient is around 5-10%). What's the best technique to brake to ...
Wiktor N's user avatar
  • 111
2 votes
1 answer
100 views

Modifications and changes to 2011 Specialized BigHit, anyone done these?

I am looking to go from 36 tooth front ring to 32 or smaller.., possibly 30. The 2011 BigHit comes with 36 tooth front ring and medium cage rear derailleur stock. Has anyone made this change? Will a ...
hyperhank's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
263 views

Has the Mongoose Black Diamond 2 Frame been released?

Does anyone here knows if Mongoose has already produced this frame and is out on the market? Or it was just in their drawing table and didn't produce it? Because i haven't seen this frame on their ...
yhaj's user avatar
  • 21
4 votes
3 answers
5k views

Buying a DH frame to build an Enduro?

First of all, I haven't set my budget yet but I want to build a full suspension MTB in the near future. I was thinking if it is a good idea to build an Enduro bike with a DH frame. I mean I know the ...
Rizki Hadiaturrasyid's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
120 views

Nasty noise from chain device

Hi I've purchased and fitted a superstar components plasma chain device in my specialized big hit. It makes a terrible noise and I really don't see why. As far as I can see I've set it up correctly ...
user31395's user avatar
  • 123
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Minimum brake rotor sizes

Might be bit of a silly question really as there are many different calipers designed specifically around rotor size like the old hope IS mount calipers but here goes. Specifically for long travel ...
user31395's user avatar
  • 123
2 votes
0 answers
288 views

Is the FOx TALAS 32 RLC suitable for reasonable jumps, ligh DH?

Here is the details of the suspension: FOx TALAS 32 RLC At the end it sais, that INTENDED USE is XC, AM. Not exactly sure what AM means, I have a few light enduro trails nearby, and the biggest jump ...
trialboj's user avatar
  • 141
1 vote
3 answers
2k views

Can I ride my Giant Talon 3 downhill?

I have bought a Giant Talon 3 recently. I was wondering if it could possibly be used for the occasional trip to one of my local downhill tracks. I'm just getting started in downhill and so I really ...
user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

Maximum Descending Speed

This is a hypothetical question but I'm curious. Assuming an endless, freshly paved road with no turns, what would be my maximum speed? EDIT My question is too general so to help I'm adding some ...
Calvin Smythe's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
224 views

Need to know what type of bike frame this is

Bought this frame a couple years ago as project to build. Want to start getting it built but can't find any of the info I got with frame when I purchased it.
K.Allan's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is there water in my forks?

Hi I bought a used downhill bike with a 2009 Marzoochi 66RCV fork. I hear a gushing sound whenever I compress the forks. At first I thought it was oil but am just wondering and don't want to ruin ...
Tanker Beast's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
920 views

Best posture to ride a road-bike down hill?

I know it's been "answered" here, but I am still not satisfied. In my view, you either have to decide whether you feather the brakes (go down hill at pace) or let go of the brakes (go down hill at ...
Fandango68's user avatar
  • 1,282
11 votes
1 answer
457 views

How to talk to authorities to convince them to bicycle initiatives?

Since at least 1998 in unkempt, secluded place in Warsaw, PL, there was an unofficial downhill track. Between the bushes some youngsters constructen on their own ramps etc. Between september/october ...
krzyski's user avatar
  • 2,711
8 votes
4 answers
4k views

Is there a limit to safe downhill speed on a bike

I have a very steep hill on my route which levels out after about 2 km. The first quarter is extremely steep and shortly after I enter it the bike skips around a little bit and by the time I'm at the ...
Kilisi's user avatar
  • 1,658
12 votes
8 answers
6k views

How to brake without falling during wet weather?

A couple of days ago I fell off my bike. I was on a wet, steep downhill, asphalted road with a lot of curves. I didn't expect neither the weather, nor the 15+ km downhill route. I was always reducing ...
unintelligible's user avatar
10 votes
5 answers
5k views

How does weight influence your speed when descending?

I have recently bought a road bike and went on a little trip with a friend who is also a novice. We have approximately the same height but he weighs a lot more (I weigh 67-68kg for 1m81 and he weighs ...
MoebiusCorzer's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
230 views

What are the considerations before buying a Full Suspension bike (India)?

I am planning on buying a new Full-Suspension Bike withing few months specially to use in hilly terrain. So far I've been to few hills around my home town, they are roughly 100-400 meters high. What ...
Pushkar. M's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
460 views

When in a UCI race, does the helmet have to be to be fitted properly

I noticed that Nibali's helmet was very loose when he went down during one of the last stretches of the 2016 Giro d'Italia. A helmet is almost useless if it's not properly fastened. I understand that ...
BitAccesser's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
3k views

Tall rider - good cockpit/body position for downhill

I have been riding mountain bikes since a long time, and I am riding only downhill/bikeparks since 2009. I've had several bikes, but I've never been in a real comfortable position when riding (or if I ...
Borissov's user avatar
  • 366
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why do many full face bicycle helmets not conform to the ASTM F1952 standard?

It seems to me that a lot of full face bicycle helmets do not conform to the requirements of the ASTM F1952 standard for downhill bicycle helmets. Some noteable examples from the best selling list of ...
user1049697's user avatar
  • 4,208
6 votes
3 answers
989 views

Which components affects downhill speed? [closed]

So my riding buddy can never keep up with me downhill. I'm slightly heavier than him (5-10lbs). I have an older non aero bike. He has a newer aero bike. His is probably a few lbs lighter than mine. ...
John_911's user avatar
  • 173
4 votes
4 answers
640 views

Should I go clipless? [duplicate]

My bike is a Giant Reign, and I ride in the UK. I like going to local gravity parks and trail centres and my local tracks are mainly downhill orientated but I also like to get out on longer rides. I'm ...
Ben's user avatar
  • 43
-1 votes
2 answers
120 views

Need to practice quick braking - any hills nearby?

So, in order to keep my rims cool enough to use while riding down hill, i've been practicing quick braking for the last 3 or so weeks, and have become confident in my ability to control my bike while ...
Hellreaver's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
337 views

How can I gauge what angle I can safely ride at on a downhill curve?

On a Strava segment featuring a 80-100m-long, 40-50m radius curve going downhill on a paved road at about 8-10%, I make generous use of my brakes out of fear of wiping out on my 23mm, fairly slick ...
Jules's user avatar
  • 475
5 votes
2 answers
7k views

How do I prevent my chain from dropping down while going downhill on bumpy surfaces?

I have a Merida Duke 650 hardtail mountain bike. The issue with my bike is the chain continuously keeps coming out of gear while I am going down hill on bumpy surfaces. Is this happening because my ...
10K35H 5H4KY4's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
81 views

Downhill bike build [closed]

What frame should I choose for free-ride / downhill between Kona Stinky and Specialised Big Hit? I am a hobbyist downhill-er / free rider with average height 1.68 meters and 67 kg. I am asking your ...
Ionut Ciprian ANESCU's user avatar
9 votes
8 answers
7k views

Safety comparison, downhill mountain bike vs. downhill ski

My twelve-year-old recently tried downhill mountain biking when we were in Lake Placid. He found it thrilling and would like to continue with this new sport now that we are back home. I am hesitant ...
aparente001's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
84 views

Stressed spoke on downhill turns

I am on a road bike and when I descend quickly going downhill and lean severely into tight turns I almost feel a ringing crunchiness type feeling and it seems like one spoke is receiving more stress ...
maxwell's user avatar
  • 283
0 votes
1 answer
104 views

Giant Glory size

Hi my friend found an Giant Glory 2 2013 large for a good price. He is 180cm tall and the recommendation for the bike is 185cm+ so my question is will he be able to ride it or will it be too big?
Kyeman's user avatar
  • 3
0 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is the bike i'm using right for Mountain Biking?

Im not exactly down with the terms used in MTB, I have recently bought a new bike. It was within my price range and its great for riding on the road and forest trails. Its a "Carrera Hellcat II ...
JMB's user avatar
  • 3