Downhill mountain-bike racing requires skill, commitment and the right equipment. Evolving from time trials on cross-country bikes over modest courses to its own adrenaline-packed competition, downhill racing also has advanced in bike materials, suspension technologies and design innovations. There are many terrific downhill bikes on the market, but only a few complete bikes have all the right components, technology and experience to make them stand out.
Santa Cruz V-10 DH
Santa Cruz has stirred up the dust in 2010 with the V-10. Available in a few options, the DH kit comes with 10 inches of suspension travel, provided by a Rock Shox Vivid 5.1 rear shock absorber and a BoXXer World Cup fork. According to SRAM.com, owners of Rock Shox, both items feature Drop Stop technology, a way to slow the suspension toward the end of its travel, avoiding bottoming out. The aluminum-framed V-10 is a race-driven design, and, with plenty of travel, it can plow through rough conditions instead of delicately navigating them. The DH kit comes with SRAM components, TruAtiv cranks and burly Kenda downhill tires. The V-10 is a top-notch race contender at 40 pounds, and it sells for $6,600 as of 2010.
Kona Stab Supreme
Kona's Stab Supreme reached the World Cup podium more a dozen times from 2005 to 2010, according to Konaworld.com. It's flagship down-hiller uses Kona's famous 4 Bar Linkage platform, a stabilizing and durable suspension technology, with it's D.O.P.E. (Drop Out Performance Enhancement) braking system, which stops brake jack, or braking-induced interference with the suspension. Topped off with a Rock Shox DHX RC4 rear shock and a BoXXer World Cup front shock, Shimano Saint components and Sun Rims, the Kona Stab Supreme sells for $5,700.
Specialized Demo 8 II
Specialized has been leading the industry with its developments in full suspension, and since the introduction of its FSR technology, the company hasn't looked back. According to Specialized.com, frame geometry was redesigned for 2010 with racing in mind. The alloy Demo 8 II is a beefed-up version of Specialized's patented and proven suspension, with 8 inches of travel and an added magnesium link as structural reinforcement to keep things solid. The Demo 8 II comes with SRAM components, Specialized cranks and tires, and Avid brakes. Like other leading downhill bikes, a Rock Shox DHX RC4 covers the rear, and a BoXXer World Cup takes care of the front end. The Demo is the company's race winner and costs about $5,500.
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