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5 Best Downhill Mountain Bikes Available on the Market in 2017
Downhill mountain biking is a thrilling, fast-moving form of mountain biking taking place on steep trails and mountainous terrain, cycling courses, and off-season ski slopes.
Ridden at high-speeds and through a variety of rugged terrain, hardtail downhill bikes are exceptionally sturdy and feature extraordinary full suspension systems that function reduce shock and overall impact.
Much heavier in weight than traditional mountain bikes, downhill bikes are built for the most intense of riding experiences and are constructed to withstand a high degree of abuse. The frames found on downhill bikes are made from the highest-strength materials available for bicycles, including carbon fiber, titanium, and steel.
Downhill bikes are not versatile in nature and should be purchased by riders who will primarily use them for fast-paced downhill riding. Cutting-edge technology has provided downhill riding aficionados a wide variety of products to choose from, with state-of-the-art suspension systems, industrial-grade materials, and high-end performance elements that enhance lightning-fast downhill treks.
If you are interested in purchasing a new downhill bike and would like to find out the top models for purchase in 2017, read on below for comprehensive, information-packed reviews on the most awesome downhill bike models available on the market.
1. Kent Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Kent’s KZ2600 Mountain Bike features a boldly striking aesthetic composed of royal blue, black, and silver accents.
With its state-of-the-art floating-beam suspension system, industrial-grade aluminum frame, and premium suspension fork, the Thruster is a force to be reckoned with.
Further enhancing the top-performance capabilities of this bike is the presence of Shimano shift control featuring a range of 21 speeds and a rear-situated derailleur, along with exceptionally strong aluminum wheelsets configured in a V-shaped formation.
Perfect for the rider looking to cut a striking figure on the downhill circuit, the Kent Thruster offers distinctive looks, high performance, and affordable pricing to boot.
Pricing | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Around $200 | 20.1 pounds | 55 x 28 x 8.5 inches |
PROS:
- Alloy hubs featuring high flanges
- Rear and front disc brakes
- 26-inch comprehensive suspension system
- Shimano shifter controls featuring a range of 21 speeds
- Rear derailleur
- Alloy rims
Cons:
- Users have reported improperly functioning shift controls
2. Mongoose Status 2.2 Women's 26" Wheel Mountain Bike
Made specifically for women, the Mongoose Status is beautifully fashioned in a striking teal-colored body with lime green accents. High-performance elements such as an aluminum frame featuring hydro-formed tubing and a front-situated suspension fork make this bike built for performance with unparalleled durability.
A rear-situated Shimano derailleur provides riders with the smoothest of gear changes on lightning-fast rides while front and rear v-style brakes ensure the quickest of stops in rough terrain conditions.
Lightweight, super-durable alloy wheels contend with the roughest of environmental elements while the riser-style handlebars provide a secure grip throughout your downhill adventure.
Pricing | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Around $200 | 42.5 pounds | 8.5 x 27.01 x 51.5 inches |
PROS:
- Made specifically for women
- Front and rear v-style brakes ensure abrupt stops
- Durable alloy wheels withstand harsh environmental elements
- Hydro-formed tubing and a front-situated suspension fork provide heightened performance
CONS:
- Consumers have reported a difficult assembly and requiring professional assistance
3. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle
Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension bike is touted as enabling you to “breakaway on the impasse,” and leave behind life’s hassles and hectic nature by providing you exciting opportunities to engage in lightning-fast downhill biking for stress-reducing, exhilarating fun.
Making top-quality mountain and downhill-style bikes since 1974, Mongoose is one of the most trusted names in the business.
Their Impasse model features an industrial-grade aluminum framed suspension for optimal performance and comfort, while their 21-speed rear-located derailleur from Shimano enables riders to change gears swiftly.
For the most discriminating of buyers in search of a premium downhill bike, the Impasse is a worthy investment that will provide hours of entertaining fun.
Pricing | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Less than $300 | 44 pounds | 57 x 9 x 31 inches |
PROS:
- Super strong alloy wheels with quick-release functionality
- Rear-situated Shimano derailleur
- Reputable, trusted company
- Aluminum framed suspension
CONS:
- Priced at the higher end of the price spectrum; may be cost prohibitive for some buyers
4. Diamondback Bicycles Recoil 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This red, white, and black downhill mountain bike is distinctive with its striking looks and boldly robust tires.
Its frame is composed of incredibly strong aluminum and alloy materials while performance elements include a Shimano drivetrain, 3x8 speed shift controls, derailleurs on the front and rear of the bike, and a Suntour suspension fork to provide riders with utterly smooth, reliable and quick shifting while traveling through a variety of rugged terrain.
With its large 29-inch wheels, this downhill mountain bike reduces resistance from rolling and also enables you to roll over a wide variety of obstacles such as rocks, logs, and other elements easily and safely.
A performance bike packed with tons of high-performance extras, the Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike is an affordable option with quality on par with many higher priced competing models
Pricing | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Around $200 | 20.1 pounds | 55 x 28 x 8.5 inches |
PROS:
- Handlebars, seatpost, and stem are all fabricated with corrosion-resistant alloy materials that are strong, lightweight, and durable
- Tires feature super strong thread and a Kevlar belt to provide puncture-resistance Puncture-Resistant Kevlar belt
- Shimano shift controls
- Front and rear derailleurs from Shimano
CONS:
- Users have reported bike shipments arriving poorly assembled and needing to be returned
5. Rocky Mountain Flatline Park
Heralded as the creme de la creme in downhill mountain bikes, the Rocky Mountain Flatline Park is a bike suited for seasoned pros, expert riders, and the most dedicated of downhill riding aficionados.
With its breathtaking ebony-colored frame accented by artful accents of red, yellow, and blue, this bike cuts a dashing figure on downhill courses.
Packed full of the most desirable performance elements available, the Rocky Mountain Flatline features an all-alloy custom hydroformed framed body, hydraulic disc brakes, performance suspension fork, Shimano build elements throughout and much more.
We make every effort to ensure accuracy, but reserve the right to update specifications & prices
Pricing | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Around $3000 | Varies by size | Small, medium, and large size choices |
PROS:
- All-alloy custom hydroformed framed body
- Gorgeous and unique color scheme
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Performance suspension fork
- Shimano build elements
Cons:
- Top of the spectrum pricing will be cost prohibitive for many buyers
For more valuable information on the different kinds of locks available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.
With our crew of highly-trained specialists, we are among the leading sites online for information pertaining to bicycles, security, performance, and more.
Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit Review
Riding a bike is fun for many until you encounter a flat tire. When things like this happen, having a bike pump is a must. Good thing Vibrelli has the Performance Bike Floor Pump for those who are looking for a lightweight and heavy duty bike pump.
This product features a rapid-T valve that is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves. It ensures that every time you inflate your tire the valves are tightly sealed.
Aside from this, the product also guarantees that you don’t have to worry about leaks. Another thing that makes the pump a better choice than other brands is its air pressure capacity. You can inflate up to 160 PSI precisely and accurately with the help of the gauge.
On the other hand, the barrel is long and strong and the handle is ergonomic so that you can pump to your desired air pressure faster and with less stress. Furthermore, the foot nylon base is designed for stability, providing support to your weight while pumping.
Since a punctured tire is something you need to be ready for, the manufacturer added a glueless puncture kit to the package. The patches are pocket sizes and simple to use. Lastly, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
Features of the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit
- A heavy duty bike floor pump that works great with most types of bike tires
- Has a high-pressure capacity of up to 160 PSI
- Only weighs 2.6 lbs., lightweight enough for competitive and social riders
- Features the Rapid-T Valve that compatible with Presta and Schrader and simple to switch
- Seals the valves strongly and tightly to avoid leaks
- Features a strong steel barrel, ergonomic handles, and wide foot nylon base for a more convenient and faster pumping
- Includes an emergency puncture kit with pocket-sized glueless patches that are easy to use
- Features an easy to read pressure gauge that accurately inflates tires
- Includes a sports ball inflation needle and attachment for other inflatable devices
- Covered with a 15-year limited warranty policy
Advantages:
If you are looking for a bike pump to keep your tires in good condition, there is nothing more to choose but the best one on the market, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump. The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality pumps, including mini bike pumps.
That’s why there is no doubt that this particular product is number 1 on the bestselling rank on Amazon under the floor pumps category.
With 4.7/5 stars of satisfaction rating, this product surely has good value for money. A lot of reviewers like the overall features of the bike pump that make inflating more convenient and faster.
The barrel is made of strong steel while the handle is ergonomic. Meanwhile, the foot nylon base is wide enough to support your weight while pumping. This tool is lightweight, too.
While there are so many bike pumps compatible with Presta and Schrader, most of them are rather difficult to switch. For this pump, the rapid-T valve feature allows you to switch between the two with ease.
Simply unlock the arrow, attach the bike, lock, then start pumping. This feature also ensures to provide strong seals by fitting the connection perfectly, thus, preventing leaks.
You can use this for high-performance tires and pump up to 160 PSI. The pressure gauge is easy to read so you can accurately inflate the tires with the right air pressure.
Furthermore, the pump also includes a sports ball inflation needle and other attachments. This way, you can also use the tool to inflate sports balls, toy balls, pools, and other inflatable devices.
For punctures, the manufacturer also added glueless patches that are pocket-sized. The company promises that their tool is made to last, providing a 15-year limited warranty.
Disadvantages:
Although the product works great for many, some verified purchasers still say it needs improvement. One of the problems they noticed is when they are pumping a Presta, the valve becomes difficult to lock and release.
According to them, the pump is only efficient for Schrader valves. Some buyers also find the locking lever too stiff and awkward to use.
Aside from this, a few reviewers also experienced difficulty in pumping high-pressure tires. They had to pump so many times in order to achieve their desired air pressure.
Verdict:
Overall, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump deserves to be one of the best pumps today. It has great features that are helpful to many riders. Those features are the rapid-T valve and the pressure gauge.
Aside from this, the price of the pump is affordable. Perhaps, this is the main reason why a lot of bike enthusiasts settle for this brand. Although there are some negative reviews, there is no denying that it is worth having. With its 15-year limited warranty, you can really shop with less worry.
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit Review
With Vibrelli’s Mini Bike Pump, maintaining your tire’s good condition is made easy and convenient. It is made of 6061 grade aluminum that is compact and strong enough to last long. In fact, the material is what some airplanes are made from.
Though the name says it is mini, the pump can be used by professionals because it is engineered for high performance. It is lightweight and robust, making it an ideal bike pump for those who always hit the road and hard terrain.
The pump stands out from the brands not just because it is durable, but also because it is versatile. It is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves so that you don’t have to change the valve, allowing you to inflate the tires right away.
This is made possible because of the clever fit feature that has a tight seal to prevent air leaks. This can pump your tire up to 120 PSI, which is the pressure a 200-pound rider should achieve.
Aside from this, the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit also has a dual telescope functionality that lets you switch from high pressure to high volume.
Furthermore, the whole package comes complete with a glueless puncture repair kit, sports needle, inflatable device valve, and a mini pump frame mounting bracket for all the other things that need to be inflated.
Features of the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit
- A versatile and portable bike pump made of strong 6061-grade aluminum barrel that does not easily break
- Includes a super fit clever valve that automatically fits Presta and Schrader Valves; no valve changing needed
- Engineered for high performance, great for high pressure and high volume tires
- Lightweight and robust, ideal for bicycle hobbyists and occasional riders
- With ergonomic handles and Velcro fastener that easily clip on bike bracket
- Has 120 PSI capacity with dual telescope feature for easy switch from high pressure to high volume
- Comes complete with a pocket-sized glueless puncture repair kit
- Includes a sports needle for sports balls
- Includes an inflatable device valve for inflating pool toys
- Includes a mini pump frame mounting bracket
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Advantages:
Having a flat tire won’t be an issue when you buy Vibrelli’s Mini Bike Pump. This product has been receiving positive reviews from both professional and occasional riders for the convenience it provides whenever there is a flat tire.
In fact, it is ranked number 1 on Amazon under the frame-mounted pumps category. That is why it has 4.6/5 stars rating from over 2000 verified purchasers.
With all those numbers, one can conclude that the product offers great value for money. One of the advantages that people like about the mini pump is its versatility.
Because of the super fit clever valve, you can seal all valve types without worrying about leaks. So, whether you have a Presta or a Schrader valve, this pump will get the job done.
Aside from this, switching from high pressure to high volume is fast, too. Thanks to the dual telescope functionality, you can pump up to 120 PSI.
Another thing that makes this brand a top choice is its durability. It is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, which makes it strong and compact.
It is lightweight and portable, which is great for riders who are always on the road. It even has a Velcro fastener so you can simply attach the pump to the bike bracket.
Since you never know when your tires will be punctured, the company includes a glueless emergency puncture kit. This kit has pocket-sized patches so you can ride without much worry.
For other things that need to be inflated, the whole package comes complete with a sports needle, inflatable device valve, and more. Plus, it also has a 5-year warranty.
Disadvantages:
Though many buyers think highly of this brand, there are some people who think it needs improvement. Most of them say that the mini pump is good for low-pressure tires. However, using it for high-pressure tires is hard.
It will take you many pumps before getting the desired pressure, unlike using a bigger pump. According to their experience, the pump was not able to provide enough air pressure for a tire that needs 60 PSI.
Therefore, it is difficult for a man or a woman with average strength. Aside from this, others also complained about the quality of the patches. They say that it does not hold when inflated.
Verdict:
Despite limitations, the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit is still a good choice. However, it might not be a good idea if you only have this pump at home.
The mini pump is great for emergencies and for those who are always on the road. Since it is smaller, you need to exert more effort and energy to inflate tires properly. For faster pumping, it’s better to get a bigger pump like CO2.
The Mechanics Behind Bicycle Pumps
Cyclists know the importance of having bike pumps for bike maintenance. They use them on a regular basis to ensure that the tires are in good condition and are able to withstand the challenges of the road and terrain. This way, they can ride the extra mile without worry.
Everybody knows that the purpose of this tool is to provide air pressure to tires. But have you ever wondered how a bicycle pump works?
Do you ever ask yourself how this tool increases and provides the right level of air pressure for your tire? If you are curious to know the answers to these question, read on.
Brief History of Bicycles and the Mechanics Behind Bicycle Pumps
There is no definite day as to when the first bicycle with rubber tires was invented. But most experts assumed that it emerged in the late 1880s when John Boyd Dunlop produced the first inflatable or pneumatic tire in Scotland. The development of the pneumatic tire paved the way to the development of modern bicycles.
Because of this air-filled tire, riding on two wheels became smooth, comfortable, and stable. It made biking more popular to people. However, because air escapes when a tire is punctured, bike pumps are needed.
The First Bike Pump
The first bike pump had a metal cylinder with a metal rod going down the middle of it. This tool forced the air out of the cylinder and pulled in new air whenever the metal rod was pulled up. You can see the same pumping mechanism in modern pumps today.
There are different types of bike pumps, but generally speaking, most of them aim to force the air out of the valve and increase the pressure of the tire to the appropriate level. The only difference between all the types of bike pumps is the method of doing it.
Some require hand pumping while others need foot pumping. The most common method is manual hand pumping.
The Basic Parts of a Floor Pump
To understand the pumping mechanism, you need to learn the importance of every part of the tool. All bike pumps have similar components.
- Body of the Pump – Outside part of the pump.
- Compression chamber – Stores the air inside the pump.
- Hose – Connects the compression chamber and the tire valve together.
- Piston – Compresses or sucks the air into the chamber and forcing the air into the tire. It is connected to the handle, which you have to hold in order to pump up and down
- Inlet valve – A one-way valve inside the chamber that allows air to enter the chamber and prevents it from leaking. It works in conjunction with the piston.
- Outlet valve – A one-way valve inside the chamber that allows air to flow through the hose into the tire and prevents it from flowing out of the tire. It works in conjunction with the piston.
How Does a Bicycle Pump Work?
In order to learn how a bicycle pump works, the entire process is divided into five stages. Just like the parts, most pumps also use the same pumping mechanism manually or without the use of electricity.
Piston rises
When you hold the handle and pull it upward, the piston also rises. This stage sucks in the air, drawing it into the body of the pump.
Air enters the compression chamber
The air in the body of the pump soon enters the compression chamber by pushing the inlet valve open. The air that is contained in the chamber is ready to be decompressed.
Piston lowers
As you pushed the handle down, the piston now lowers. At the same time, the inlet valve closes to prevent air from escaping. This means that the air has no other way to go but into the tire.
Outlet valve opens
The fourth stage opens the outlet valve because of the pressure pushing the air. And since it is a one-way valve, the air flows in one direction out of the chamber, through the hose, and into the tire.
Air inflates the tire
The air inflates the tire as it enters the tire at each downward pump of the piston. Every time you pull the handle upward, the outlet valve closes, preventing the compressed air to flow out of the tire.