what bike to start on

aus_rider said:

hi

ive been watching shows on tv lately that have involved mountain biking and i have been very interested in the sport ever since. So I want to get a bike that will suit downhill and freeride.

I have been looking at norco and kona but dont know what to buy. i have a budget of around $1000-1500 aus.

I dont want to buy a bike off ebay because i recently bought a bike off there and the swingarm bracket bent after only three rides.
I also dont want to buy a bike that will break if i start to get serious about the sport

thanks for the help

Hey man I do not know what the conversion rate from AUS to US is but The Trek Liquid is a great downhill bike in your budget range.

I hate to put a damper on your plans but the chances of finding a decent freeride bike for $1500 Aus brand new are almost zero.

You may get a Giant AC for about $2000 new (I think) but if you are going to take DH seriously then you are looking at big bucks.

Try the trading post, a lot of people buy those types of bikes and then ride them a few times before finding out that hurtling down a rock covered hill at 50km an hour is not their thing.

Duckwah said:

I hate to put a damper on your plans but the chances of finding a decent freeride bike for $1500 Aus brand new are almost zero.

You may get a Giant AC for about $2000 new (I think) but if you are going to take DH seriously then you are looking at big bucks.

Try the trading post, a lot of people buy those types of bikes and then ride them a few times before finding out that hurtling down a rock covered hill at 50km an hour is not their thing.

if you're just starting out, a freeride/DJ hardtail is a good bet and fun for the $$

you can even go a cannondale for that price range...

plenty of choice and plenty of fun to be had

Perhaps a kona hoss de-luxe. Tough, and in your price range