Adownhill bike (also known as a downhillmountain bike) is afull suspensionbicycle designed fordownhill cycling on particularly steep, technical trails. Unlike a typical mountain bike, durability and stability are the most important design features, compared to lighter, more versatilecross-country bikes. Downhill bikes are primarily intended for high-speed descent, and downhill riders will usually shove, or shuttle via chairlifts or motorized vehicles, to the trailhead.[1] Downhill bikes share similarities withfreeride bikes due to their large strong frames and increased travel.[1]
These bikes will also have very slackhead tube angles (63.5 degrees or less),[2] longwheelbases (over 45 inches or 1,143 mm),[2] and will accommodate the use of up to 2.5-inch (63.5 mm) width knobbed tires. Downhillframes are also overbuilt to handle the stress of riding over rocky terrain,drops, andjumps. Bike weights have been typically over 34 lb (15.4 kg), but modern downhill bikes have broken the 30 lb (13.6 kg) weight barrier (with some custom builds on carbon frames weighing between 27–29 lb (12–13 kg)). Some newer downhill bikes can be built to weigh under 30 lb (13.6 kg), but it is rare, because nowadays riders tend to care more about quality and performance rather than sheer weight.
Adjustablehead tube angles are also available to adapt the bike to the owner's preferred style of riding.[3]
Will typically have 7–10 inches (178–254 mm) of rear suspension travel, and be designed around a 7–8-inch (178–203 mm) suspensionfork.[2] The suspensionsag is also much higher than cross-country bikes (25%-50% of total travel vs. 10%-20%) for a more supple ride at higher speeds.
Other innovations include the use of OnePointFivehead tube standard, which uses a 1.5 in (38 mm) widesteerer tube, instead of the more conventional 1.125 in (29 mm) diameter, for added stiffness and strength.[4] Most downhill bikes use dual crown forks which allow longer travel at the front(usually 203 mm or 8 in and increased stiffness that a single crown fork cannot offer. Drawbacks though, are increased weight and reduced turning radius.
Downhill bikes usually have hydraulic, quad pistondisc brakes, and the discs may be 200 mm or larger.[5] Brake discs and calipers may come with finned heatsinks for better heat dissipation.
Downhill bikes usually have a chain guide to prevent accidental chain derailment. Some manufacturers are experimenting withinternal gearboxes for improved reliability. Cassettes will usually only contain a few small sprockets instead of the 12 sprockets found on other types of mountain bikes.
Downhill bikes need very strong tires and wheels. The standard wheel size for downhill bikes was 27.5, but with recent changes to UCI World Cup Downhill rules, almost all brands have switched to 29″ and "mullet" 29″ cross 27.5″ downhill bikes. Tires are usually 2.5-2.6″ wide, plus tires are 2.8-3.0″. Plus tires are only used in recreational riding, not competition.
Downhill bikes are typically made of steel,aluminum orcarbon fiber. Some manufacturers have started using 3d printed "lugs" for a more personalized geometry.
The downhill mountain bike is equipped with a heavier frame.
Running Rockshox Boxxer forks with 8″ and their dual seat stay rear triangle with 8″ of rear wheel travel. Head tube angle = 64º. Wheelbase = 1,171–1,208 millimetres (46.1–47.6 in).
Today Cane Creek has officially unveiled their all-new Angleset, an adjustable angle headset that lets you fine-tune your bike's handling.
The Onepointfive Standard® uses a 1.5-inch diameter (38.1mm) steering column.
the heavy 203 mm rotors are best for downhill