Differences in opinions on DH from a retro perspective

[echihn]

Well guys, I figured I'd make a post here to see what some retro collectors and fans thought about downhill (In general really). I'm really curious to see some of the viewpoints on it compared to other sites.

I generally see a lot of bashing on downhill and it's bikes, from the older folks on other sites (especially the pavement bike sites). Comments ranging to dislike/disagreement with any bike with either suspension, or more than middle length (say 5 inches) travel. This is where asking you guys comes in, as I know a lot of you have been through all the years of the suspension advancements and each have set opinions.

Another thing that regularly comes up, is many riders criticizing downhillers for being "fat", "lazy", "fake riders" or whatever other of the gazillion derogatory terms I have seen said and typed. With this, I'm wondering how many of you guys were ski / shuttlers, and how many of you guys dug hacking it out and completely hike and biking it (pedaling whenever you felt the need to have your legs go numb). I know a lot of the older dh bikes were do it all bikes so did many of you guys ride up a lot of stuff as well?



I have to say, I haven't seen a bike forum this laid back in awhile Especially when the Brits can be a lil wild at times lol. Haven't been to Britain in awhile but may have to go one of these days and see me gma. Any good downhilling (& bike rentals) somewhat closer to Derbyshire?

 

[brocklanders023]

I'm not in to proper dh but I do like going downhill as fast as I dare. I'd never have the balls or skill to do the crazy stuff and would never need a bike that could handle it but as with all types of mtbing it's got to be cool if people are getting out and riding.

As for full suss bikes...... Good ones are ace, poor ones are tat. First one I had was a GT XCR4000 and after that I swore I'd never have another bouncy bike. Things change and I now have an Orange 5 which is the best all round bike I've ever had. Planning on getting a new one when I get some pennies. I love my retro bikes but if I could only have one bike it'd be a 5.

 

[xizang]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

 

[tintin40]

MTBing is all about x country to me.

 

[echihn]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77419&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

yes yes yes I've been looking at that thread for awhile. The issue there is I get so damn distracted by the pics I forget any point I had in looking at the thread to begin with. IE why I created this thread just for typing )

 

[jonnyboy666]

i am of the live and let ride view. but then i have about 18 bikes, ranging from early 90's mtb's to an '06 orange patriot!

because of where i live (in the flatlands of hampshire!) i tend to ride mostly XC but i venture to wales regularly and i think that demands a modern full suss for the trail centres which is where my '08 orange ST4 comes in. i also go to the alps for a week or two most summers so that is why i have the patriot, 6 1/2 inches for the abusive riding out there.

i am not and have never been blinkered into thinking only ONE bike is all you need, horses for courses etc . . . fill up the stable i say!

 

[mikee]

BITD we went mountain biking
as technology moved on we did more and down hill became the "thing"
a downhill bike then was a bike with a shorter stem and riser bars
and mebee bigger tyres
then the magazines drove us to full suss and on and on
the GT rts was pushed as a downhill bike that could do xc stuff
but we looked at this new fangled stuff with suspicion ,and we couldn't afford it anyway
i bought a dale super V IN 1995 that was a down hill bike with xc abilities
suppose it still is
in about 2005 i bought a kona stinky 6" travel and on the downs a real hoot
but i spent as much time pushing this 38lb lump up hill as i did riding it down ,so it went ,to call it a mountain bike kinda contravenes the trade and descriptions act , as i see it
did a lot for my fitness tho (pushing this lump up hill)and also my riding confidence

 

[Tazio]

On a hardtail my fear and ability balance each other out.

On a full suspension bike then my fear would be diluted and I'd end up hurting myself a lot.

I'm sure it's an absolute hoot though.

 

[echihn]

On a hardtail my fear and ability balance each other out.

On a full suspension bike then my fear would be diluted and I'd end up hurting myself a lot.

I'm sure it's an absolute hoot though.

your exactly right. Especially as you get into the dh realm of travel. It does allow leeway for error, but none the less, generally injuries will be much greater on a big bike, just due to the nature of riding. Which is why I always wear my full armor, even on local rides. Even ones I'll be wearing my protec, I'll still have my armor on.


I guess one real side to dh is it's really not just downhill anymore. Freeriding is a major part of it, which is what I really dig. Ultra rough/rock, deep non trail forest riding, rutty stuff, basically a lot of riding that just can't be achieved on a hard tail etc. I'm not one for making trails too much. I guess this is why I like hiking so much. You get to look around and enjoy the environment, rather than focusing on keeping a good spin up or breathing etc. I guess one of the nice things about the hike up. Granted you could still hike up with a hard tail, or even carry it on your back.

 

[echihn]

damn I wanted to post this is my original post :/

O well, finally got a working link to it.

Hike and bike anyone?