Do you Own a Downhill Bike?

Even those who ride downhill regularly may not own a dedicated DH bike as today's enduro bikes are nearly as capable.

By Matt Miller
December 24, 2023

13 comments

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Before the craze of enduro bikes, sparked by developments in suspension and geometry which made them more capable than ever while increasing their climbing capability, the shredders, shuttlers, and downhill parkers sought after downhill bikes.

But slowly, many of the downhill bikes we used to see on the trails have faded away–at least anecdotally, and the sport of enduro racing opened up avenues for competitors who could also race on their everyday bike, making them more practical than a DH bike.

Still, DH bikes are far from obsolete and hold advantages over enduro bikes, though it largely depends on where you’re riding.

If you own a DH bike or enduro bike, tell us which one and why in the comments below.

United States

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Canada

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Tennessee

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13 Comments

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andycb15 Illinois // 2022
Dec 25, 2023

Man, I wish I lived near a bike park. If there were any nearby me I would 100% get a dedicated DH bike. Riding downhill is too special to compromise with an enduro rig.

3 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Dec 25, 2023

I can relate!! A genuine Dirt Couch is a unique experience. I must admit, back in the Turner DHR era, the frames were too confining and always felt like my knees were restricted by the handlebar/reach being too bloomin short.

0 reply

JSTootell 2017
Dec 25, 2023

I want one, but it's a low priority. I don't like shuttling except for rare occasion. I have several bike parks I go to, but my favorites still allow me to pedal up to most, if not all of the available downhills, which is great after the lifts close. Time spent in a lift line is time not spent riding. So my 170mm coil enduro bike is my do everything (except XC race) bike.

2 reply

highland.hippie Queensland // 2021
Dec 26, 2023

I would, if I could. And we will at some stage, when it becomes financially viable. Only so much cash to go around, so we (relatively recently) bought our newest bike to serve enduro and downhill duties.

CF DEMO8 British Columbia // 2023
Dec 25, 2023

I Own A CF Warden And A CF Demo8 .The Warden is Very Capable 170/160 220mm Rotors Saint Brakes. I Live And Ride Vancouver/ Whistler. My CF Demo8 is 200/200 Mar Ti380 Ti Spring and a TTX in Back with TI Spring 227Rotos Saint Brakes 32mm internal Stans Wheels . The Warden Is a 70kmh Bike and the Demo8 Is A 100kmh Bike . So ya you have to Ride the Enduro at the Limit to Keep up Maybe .😎

1 reply

MurseDubya Colorado // 2022
Dec 25, 2023

I have a downhill bike for the 4 times a year I get to a park for the weekend. Total waste of money. Would recommend! It's a wildly different beast than the Reign Coil that it replaced. And three other mission specific bikes. I probably only need a few more to have all the bikes I need!

Barry Walstead Washington // 2023
Dec 28, 2023

Haha, hopefully this will be me in the future. I've got a 135 trail bike and it's perfect for nearly everywhere, but... For those days at the bike park I would love to have money wasted most the year on a DH bike.

MXLord327 Maine // 2022
Jun 1, 2024

At my age and skill level, a DH bike would be wasted... My YT Capra is more capable downhill than I am! I'd love to try one though.....

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Dec 24, 2023

I can say this, Matt, I do miss the "Dirt Couch" days! Had a Turner DHR with a Mr. Dirt fork back then. Caaaan you say, P L U S H?? That bike was a Fleetwood Brougham on two wheels and the terrain that bike could rail was impressive. Gazza 3.0's on Snowcat rims, 10 psi... Traction for daze!! Heavy af, but at that point in life, I didn't really think about it. Could pick up the bike, hold it 3-4' off the floor and drop it, would plant without boucing. Just absorbed the impact with the long travel Caddy suspension. Mmmm, those were the days!!!

7adrian7davis7 Washington // 2023
Dec 26, 2023

I have a 2002 banshee scream that I ride on beacon hill in Spokane Washington and it rides and handles so well that I've even replaced my commuter bike (a fixie) with it for travels within the city ; )

Jacklocco Ohio // 2024
Apr 30, 2024

I own a 2013 Divinci Wilson set up in a single speed mullet. I am excited about the new Intense M1

Gregory Nichols Massachusetts // 2022
Jan 6, 2024

I'm a hardtail person because cheap plus jumps but I am sure I will buy a janky used one if I get the chance

moto484 California // 2024
Jun 6, 2024

Used to have a downhill bike and I trail/ AM bike, and dirt jumper. After having a kid I had to trim down to one bike so I ride a banshee rune now, it's a great bike and holds it's own every where I've ridden it, but nothing compares to a full on DH rig, the big bikes are so much fun on the right trail and I'm definitely looking to get one again if I can find the right deal.

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