Classic Bikes Downhill
Buying advice for: Mountainbike: Fully: Downhill
Frame material
The Downhill Bike features a frame made from robust, high-quality materials to withstand the extreme demands of downhill riding. Aluminium is the most commonly used material for downhill frames due to its excellent strength and durability. Aluminium frames offer an optimal combination of stability and weight, which is crucial to withstand the stresses of fast descents and hard landings.
Chassis
The suspension of the downhill bike is the heart of the bike and is crucial for performance on fast descents and technically demanding passages. High-quality suspension is therefore essential. Most downhill bikes have full suspension with a long suspension at the front and rear, which effectively absorbs shocks and bumps. The suspension is usually adjustable to suit personal riding style and terrain conditions. This allows the rider to optimise the suspension for maximum traction and comfort. The suspension components are lightweight, robust and durable to ensure reliable performance on the toughest tracks.
Wheels
The wheels of the downhill bike are designed to offer maximum stability, durability and traction to withstand the extreme stresses of downhill riding. They are usually made of high-strength aluminium or durable carbon and are generally larger and wider than on other mountain bikes. This improves traction and riding stability, especially at high speeds and on rough tracks. The rims are often tubeless-ready to minimise the risk of punctures and reduce rolling resistance. The hubs are also equipped with high-quality bearings to ensure smooth rotation.
Tyres
The tyres of the downhill bike are specially developed for the demands of downhill riding and offer an optimum combination of grip, rolling resistance and durability. They have an aggressive tread pattern that ensures excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, from rocky trails to muddy descents. The tyre width and tread design are tailored to the demands of downhill riding to optimise rider performance and ensure maximum control on the trail. Many models are tubeless-ready to minimise the risk of punctures and improve riding comfort.
Brakes
The brakes on downhill bikes provide powerful and precise deceleration, which is essential for safety and control on fast descents. Hydraulic disc brakes are standard equipment and offer reliable braking performance in all conditions. They allow fine adjustment of the braking force and are low-maintenance for a long service life. The brake discs are available in different sizes to suit the rider's requirements, while the brake pads are made from high-quality materials to ensure consistent performance.