Photo: Getty Images : Christoph Jorda
Downhill biking is one of those sports where being confident in your equipment is of utmost importance. After all, riding across rigid, rough terrain, jumping over cliffs and avoiding big rocks on forest bed requires endurance from both, you and your bike.
Downhill mountain bikes, unlike typical mountain bikes, are built with heavier and stronger frame with front and rear suspension of around 7-8 inches of travel so you can glide quickly and safely over hard terrain. They are also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and big, thick tires. All these ‘enhancements’ are drawbacks in the smoothness of the ride. But the point here is keeping you safe by having a bike that can withstand a lot of hitting.
Do you need one? To put it simply, if you are planning on getting down the nearby hillside as fast as you can, then yes. If you are hoping it would be your everyday bike…then nope. Huge suspension and relaxed geometries of the downhill mountain bikes, make them a really hard to pedal and manage on ‘normal’ courses.
Now, which one should you choose is closely related to how much are you willing to pay. We’ve done some investigating and following 5 are the top downhill mountain bikes that would give you the most fun for your buck.
5 Best Downhill Mountain Bikes
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Specialized Demo 8 I Alloy
Price: $4,000 | Official page.
M5 alloy construction. S3 Geometry with an asymmetric frame design. Robust and built for durability. With plenty of frame access Demo 8 I Alloy offers great control response when needed.
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Trek Bikes Session 88 DH 27.5
Price: $4,999.99 | Official page.
With solid OCLV Carbon frame, exclusively patented suspension tech with Active Braking Pivot and Full Floater and with 27.5mm wheels you can be sure you'll get down the mountain fast. It's a great bike that handles pretty well and very stable at high speeds.
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Devinci Wilson XP World Cup COMMANDO
Price: $5,685 | Official page.
Wilson’s asymmetrical construction brought piles of World Cup podiums. Its low center of gravity secures you stay when push comes to shovel. If you are up for a straightforward performance Commando is for you. Sure it's pricey but it's worth every penny.
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NORCO Aurum C7.1
Price: $7,000 | Official page.
At Norco they say the Aurum is made as a purebred downhill bike, thoroughly tested and balanced out for speed on the craziest terrains. Tech wise, it is a pure beauty. What surprises is Norco incredible attention to details which make this bike one of the prettiest as well.
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Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team
Price: $9,828 | Official page.
Mondraker Summum Carbon Pro Team is a high priced, high tech profiled and the most recognized Mondraker Bike ever. And a pure piece of art. It is a World Cup race winning bike so if it is good enough for pros it will be fabulous for you.
