Based on that title, you'd guess I'm new to this, but I'm not, exactly.
I'm a MTBr for going on 35 yrs, including BMX, been getting after it for over 40 yrs. I'm 53. I like Windrock (my local mountain), and I can handle almost everything at the bottom of Red Bull Ravine, as well as most of the steep tech. I used to race, but am now looking to just spend a season having fun on a real DH bike at Windrock...maybe put a video together about my time in Knox. I'd like to get a good, well-suited DH. I've been riding Windrock on my Nukeproof (170), and Nomad, before that, but for the "final phase" of my time in TN, I'd love to ride something stable, but yet poppy enough to suit my more enduro-esque background.
Favorite trails there are: Rolling Coal, Snake Rock, Cave Boy, Trail One.
Given the build / price standard of the new Polygon Collossus, I think, no more than 6k for a new bike, or, around 4k for a used v-10 or Transition. I'm considering:
Polygon Collossus
Giant Glory Advanced
lightly used V-10 (medium)
lightly used Transition Tr-11 (medium).
I have some opinions but will keep silent since I really don't "know" modern DH bikes. I've had a 26" Glory in 2013, didn't love it. A demo before that, loved it. Yeti 303, didn't love that, and came to TN with a 2016 Transition TR-500 that I couldn't get to work for me. It would seem like bikes have changed enough to not hold anything against Transition or Giant for their bikes from 10 years ago.
I'd love to hear from knowledgeable, non-speculators--actual, skilled riders--about the best choice for popping-off some big jumps at Windrock, but also ripping tech trails there, or elsewhere.
Thanks, please comment as much as you want (if you know what you are talking about).
Not knowledgeable, not speculating, and also probably not a skilled rider - But, have you ridden the rental Spesh Demos at windrock?
The bike runs small by today's standards, but it keeps it snappy for a big bike. It was a blast on the trails you mentioned as well as enduro trails like Windmill. Also, with the new demo on the horizon, I would hope the current one decreases in price soon - there are used ones for sale at any given time on the other site.
Hey mate, I’m far from Windrock here in Germany but consider myself a skilled rider. BMX background and love for jumps are present, too
This year I’ve been searching for a playful and reliable DH bike for bike parks in Alps that I could still race occasionally. Ended up with a bargain deal on Nukeproof Dissent 297 AL in mint condition with Ultimate suspension, XT brakes, Nukeproof parts. I knew the brand is technically non-existent at the moment but I’ve found a company from UK (Ascend Components) which bought a stock of Nukeproof parts before the brand collapsed.
Other bikes on my shortlist were:
- Scott Gambler (previous iteration)
- Polygon Collosus
Criteria to be on the shortlist:
- Aluminium frame (especially if buying used)
- MX wheels
- Ability to do a test ride
- Specific geometry numbers (reach, CS, WB )
TR11 would also be an option (I own a carbon Patrol and LOVE it) but there are not many Transitions in the area, so used market is quite poor, and new bikes were out of my budget.
Hope my experience is somehow useful for you. Cheers!
I would get Raaw Yalla all day.
Was in the same boat earlier this year and the Polygon was on my short list. I ended up getting a Tues Core 3 for $4700ish otd. It was stacked for that price, Carbon, Ohlins, FR1500s, etc. Now have ridden it all over Whistler zero issues and love it. It's playful, jumps amazing, and handles the steep stuff great. My last DH bike was a Wilson, I have ridden many others and like V10s, Gamblers, and Demos.. I prefer a lively ride over a full on race plow. The YT doesn't lean to the extreme in any direction and it has some adjustability with the flip chips. Corporate drama aside I don't think YT is going anywhere and I feel like it was a good choice for me. Good luck on your hunt.
Under 6K?
The Yalla will be an unicorn in the aftermarket.
I haven’t, but that’s a great idea!
A lot of full 27.5 bikes on the use market for peanuts while still being a great ride. I paid 2 k for carbon tr11 with a brand new never ridden frame (crash replacement) and reasonably good parts. Might be a bit slower than the current top race bikes but I wouldn’t say it’s any less capable whether on technical or jump trails.
That's a good point. Hell, if I was only going for fun-factor, 26" is the sheeeiiit! Having ridden 27.5 for about a dozen days at Windrock, then switched to mullet, there's definitely less chance of OTB on the mullet. Which, at my age is not a good outcome!
Interestingly, though, in my own riding, as well as watching WC...I'd say maybe there's less sinking of front wheels into holes with 29", but waaaaay more washing-out of the front wheel in turns.
My current "downhill" bike is a Mega. Fun, great bike, but I'm looking to spend a little more time in the air, and looking for some stability / confidence there. I don't think there is any Nukeproof presence in the US right now. Perhaps next year?
Very nice, '63! I got a 5010, gx, for a little over 3...same color. Maybe I should set the google search to "v-10"?!
I actually found the bike advertised in the BuyandSell on the other site.
Have you ridden a Giga? You can set it up to be plow or more playful, and it still pedals excellently for such a hitter. I still see the frames floating around here and there for pretty cheap. I never felt the need to put a dual crown mine but it can be done.
The current V10.8 is a very good all-round DH platform. Very good ability to jump, pump, and maintain speed. Maintenance is easier with all the bearings in the two links. With the amount of adjustability you can also make it suit many riders. Recommended sag is 21-24%. Square edge isn’t as good high-pivots, so it won’t eat chunk the same way. But with my mid skills, I haven’t noticed that being a problem. O-Chain or Sidekick makes a big difference on the V10.
Can add another vote for the V10. I have mine set up singlespeed with the WRP zero drag hub. I'm very happy with the fit. The suspension feels good over a broad set up range and the amount of dial in ability is tremendous w/o being able to take it to a 'bad setup' place. Just a lot of truly usable range.
Fit and finish and frame alignment appear to be excellent as well.
I ride my 29er spire at the park as well. I really wouldn’t worry about any otb difference. That said if you can afford a newer bike (especially long term) there ain’t too much of a reason to not get a v10. The current session or demo may be an easier find used as they are popular rental bikes.
man that's a sick looking bike!
Can you share a bit of ride experience from the wrp zero drag? Works well?
Very pleased - total silence between it and the SS setup. Although Williams say's it's not suspension enhancing product, I'm pretty sure I'm getting an Ochain or Sidekick effect from it. I'm about 25-30lbs oversprung for my weight and the rear never feels harsh. Just able to stay higher in the travel which I usually struggle with running too much dynamic sag/choppered out
Only noticeable thing is a hard clunk once in a blue if you catch the reengagement at an odd angle. Maybe happens once every 5 rides. Seems to be harmless so far.
thanks for the feedback, I'm very keen on the idea of a completely silent hub, but have seen mixed experience with onyx and taurin hubs. Dt hubs have always been solid for me and hoping this can be the best of both worlds. Another question is. It always disengage as well?
Pretty much. Engages as you pedal forwards. You can hear/feel it.
WRP kit doesn’t help with pedal feedback from chain growth or chain damping. I think when your suspension requires chain growth, the WRP hub will engage in lower wheel speed situations.
I have been told the O-Chain/WRP combo works well. O-Chain should have some lower cost options in the future or you can look at Rimpact, which I think b/c of patents can’t say pedal feedback.
Wait for the new CentreHub to be released and and combine the DT Zero Drag kit:
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