Hey guys.
I went on my first DH ride yesterday with a friend who is helping me get into the sport. I totally loved the entire day (despite my frequent falls), but the bike I am using just isn't doing it for me, as I quickly realized.
I traded an old mini-bike for an '01 Specialized Big Hit. It looks like this, but without the fenders.
I suppose for a bike 10 years old, it's not too bad, but I more or less rattled my teeth out after the day was done. The palms of my hands still have swelling on the from them repeated jerking, and it's not because I'm not used to it either. I ride cross country trails on my Kawasaki, which as never given me as rough of a go as this.
I am looking to get a better bike ASAP, as I'm pretty sure if I keep riding this thing I'll kill myself. In the mean time, I am trying to set the bike to work with my body size a bit better, as the suspension was way too stiff (or just downright crap). I went and got a new spring for my Fox Vanilla back shock and ordered new bushings today, which should help. I'm female, 5'7" and about 120 lbs, so I need something that isn't too stiff.
Anyways, after that wall of text explaining my situation, I'll get to the point.
A few questions.
I want to purchase a new (well a used bike, but it'll be new to me) that will work better for me. I am looking at an '09 Kona Stinky for $1200, an '08 Specialized Demo 7 for $1300, and '07 Rotwild for $900. I want to get a used bike, as I'm still new to the sport, but can any of you guys give me some ideas as to what to look for (considering my height, weight)? I feel that I will advance quickly due to my background in dirtbiking, as I was riding some black trails yesterday despite my terrible suspension.
Also, what can I do in the mean time to get my current bike to cater a bit more to my size so I won't get the crap rattled out of me while riding over roots (or bumps, or rocks... it rattles on everything). I don't really feel like buying new tires though, especially if I get a new bike as soon as I'd like to. Used forks and back shock are about all I'm willing to do.
Thanks very much.
I went on my first DH ride yesterday with a friend who is helping me get into the sport. I totally loved the entire day (despite my frequent falls), but the bike I am using just isn't doing it for me, as I quickly realized.
I traded an old mini-bike for an '01 Specialized Big Hit. It looks like this, but without the fenders.
I suppose for a bike 10 years old, it's not too bad, but I more or less rattled my teeth out after the day was done. The palms of my hands still have swelling on the from them repeated jerking, and it's not because I'm not used to it either. I ride cross country trails on my Kawasaki, which as never given me as rough of a go as this.
I am looking to get a better bike ASAP, as I'm pretty sure if I keep riding this thing I'll kill myself. In the mean time, I am trying to set the bike to work with my body size a bit better, as the suspension was way too stiff (or just downright crap). I went and got a new spring for my Fox Vanilla back shock and ordered new bushings today, which should help. I'm female, 5'7" and about 120 lbs, so I need something that isn't too stiff.
Anyways, after that wall of text explaining my situation, I'll get to the point.
A few questions.
I want to purchase a new (well a used bike, but it'll be new to me) that will work better for me. I am looking at an '09 Kona Stinky for $1200, an '08 Specialized Demo 7 for $1300, and '07 Rotwild for $900. I want to get a used bike, as I'm still new to the sport, but can any of you guys give me some ideas as to what to look for (considering my height, weight)? I feel that I will advance quickly due to my background in dirtbiking, as I was riding some black trails yesterday despite my terrible suspension.
Also, what can I do in the mean time to get my current bike to cater a bit more to my size so I won't get the crap rattled out of me while riding over roots (or bumps, or rocks... it rattles on everything). I don't really feel like buying new tires though, especially if I get a new bike as soon as I'd like to. Used forks and back shock are about all I'm willing to do.
Thanks very much.
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