Are downhill bikes worth it if you're not racing?

a couple years back i was considering selling my DH bike, for reasons. i decided not to - and am glad I didn't. i actually got a newer frame build up last season, and that was a good choice. 

I sold my enduro bike last year fully intending to replace it for park season, but i've found myself just ripping the DH bike everywhere this season and I'm not feeling held back at all, I think my overall speed and skill has increased as a result too

But this forum is about value. If I had more money a DH bike would be at the top of my list.

Since when?  It's about bikes last I checked and bikes can be appreciated with big or small budgets.  Lot's of riders now are older and have disposable income to spend on their hobby.  I get it that it can be hard when one is young and has much less free income and is constantly seeing high dollar bike builds and people with many bikes but I think it's an overwhelmingly more positive hobby than say Porsches or watches.  So N+1 and enjoy in good health!

Value never crosses my mind when I’m on this forum. lol

Mostly just new expensive bikes and expensive parts

The term "worth it" is famously divorced from the concept of value

I put off buying a DH bike for years. Stupid me. DH bikes are the best and you will go to more places because with 2 bikes you can cover more variety of trails. Unless your name is Asa or Jackson you will never outride the bike. Make sure you buy proper gear like a Leatt Gravity 8 helmet and moto body armour. Pants are knee pads. etc etc

Just buy a DH bike with steep seat tube angle and run a dropper post and full drivetrain. Then you have the best of both worlds! Frameworks for the win.

And for those complaining it ruins drivetrains, this XX group (minus chain replacements) has been running strong since Jan. 2023.