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Any one into it? I have a chance to get a Specialized Big Hit expert for $350, the things is meticulous and has barely been ridden. I've always been pretty heavy into BMX growing up and still ride on occasion, but this may be fun to switch it up once in a while. Where do you all go to ride?
also for those that may just do trail riding, how much more of effort is it with a DH bike and hows it feel at the end of the day?
DO IT!!! I used to ride a lot of downhill and race some of the more local events. I'm pretty sure Seth and Alex on here used to also, don't know if they still do. A dedicated dh bike is a chore to ride on the trails, but usually the big hit's allow for some geometry changes, resulting in a slightly better pedaling bike. Depending on how far you are, Lincoln Woods in RI is a great place to ride with some bigger drops and quick runs. In the summer Highland Mountain Bike Park in NH is amazing, as is Jiminy Peak, and making the drive out to Diable Freeride Park in Jersey. Also, if you ride dirtbikes you'll be fine, but otherwise it's amazing how tired your upper body gets and all the arm pump after a day of doing dh runs. Have fun!
-bryan
Ya what he said ^
If you don't mind driving a bit to places like highland, then a dh bike is a blast. I actually have fun on a hardtail or short travel bike at highland as well, they have so many rad trails and jumps.
I don't race dh anymore, got back to mx but if you have any specific bike questions feel free to let me know. A good condition bighit for 350 sounds like a great deal in general.
I like any Dh riding that has a ski lift to get you to the top!
I miss DH riding, might pick up another bike this summer. Problem was a lot of the guys I used to ride with moved away, couple had kids and gave it up.
Lift accessible riding is the best for the big-hit by far, I would check the forks/shocks/linkages as they take the biggest abuse. Make sure the frame doesn't have any stress cracks either. Big Hits are a favorite for huckers and that means heavy abuse.
Lots of lift accessible riding within reasonable driving range though.