Bike Mania Club

Downhill mountain (DH) biking is pure, gravity-assisted fun. Held at ski areas worldwide, DH races are individual time-trials (racing against the clock, riders go one at a time down the course). The terrain is mostly very steep and often extremely technical. There are many impossible-looking obstacles and drops that the riders jump, and the entire course is designed for high-speed descending. DH bikes are not designed for climbing!

DH riders wear motorcycle-style full-body protection. Even non-racers are encouraged to wear full body armor because of the danger of the sport. This is not a sport for beginning riders. DH requires superior bike handling skills, and above all, no fear. Being timid on a DH bike will only lead to crashes! In DH, speed is a friend, not an enemy – but it takes skill to control the bike on a fast, rocky, steep course.

DH has brought welcome business to ski areas during the summer. Many ski areas offer DH bike rentals and classes. DH bikes are transported to the top of the mountain by chairlift, and the riders descend back to the base on a variety of trails. Most ski areas have beginner, intermediate and advanced courses.

Great article about bike prices (What Should I Pay? by Tom Demerly):

"Deciding what to pay for a new bike is a first step in narrowing your choices. Price is a metric that positions you on the “good/better/best” continuum of fit and position, components, materials and overall ownership experience. How do you decide what to pay? Your options may be decided for you by budget. Within those constraints understanding your options and how bike prices work is powerful knowledge before you hit the sales floor of the local bike shop...." (read full article)