Is a Downhill Bike Still Worth It?

I feel like downhill bikes are disappearing from bike parks. Are they too old-fashioned? I've never ridden a DH bike so I rent it and rode at the Whistler bike park! Let's smash it on huge jumps and see if the downhill bike are worth having!
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[@adrianwilkes3300]

I really admire your enthusiasm and bravery Yuka. I have been riding for 30 years but have never been able to fully commit to jumps with steep take offs and the disappointment often spoils my ride. You are a true inspiration and i am determined to keep trying (even at 53!!). keep up the great content.

[@VanGirlYuka]

what we can do is to keep on trying! but don't get disappointed, you will eventually get there!

[@toneloke7489]

👍👍🤘🤘💯%

[@ianfurqueron5850]

After a really bad crash during a DH race practice run, it took me a while to find the confidence to hit jumps again, but I managed to relearn at 49. Now 52, I have to work up to the jumps, but I can hit them. The trick is finding a bike park with a well-made (preferably by Gravity Logic - the builders behind Whistler) "blue" jump trail and then lapping it until it clicks. In reality, a lot of the lips that look like walls when you're riding up to them are more mellow than they appear. In the Northeast, I have Thunder Mtn and Killington bike parks - both have great blue level jump lines.

[@speed2live]

Me too @ sixty-four.

[@1sonyzz]

even at 530!!

[@megatryn]

Nothing gives more confidence than a DH bike. I actually find that there are more and more DH bikes popping up in bike parks now, than a couple of years ago. I've allways had a DH bike and a pedally bike. Up until a few years ago, I've usually had a DH bike and an Enduro bike, but changing my enduro bike to a trail bike, makes me enjoy the pedally trails more, and the DH bike more. Perfect match!

[@Adthin]

I find there is still very few dh bikes, I went to a bike park last week and saw approximately 10 dh bikes compared to the 200 - 300 trail - enduro bikes

[@froznfire9531]

Really depends on the park I guess... Whistler has huge jumps so a DH bike is really profitable but other parks might have more flow or Singletrails and no big DH lines where an Enduro would serve better.

[@QUincez]

The rule I live by for DH bikes: If you live near a park and ride it more than 10+ times a year, a DH bike makes a lot of sense (especially when you can pick up some older models for cheap). It's more fun in a lot of places, handles the abuse of long descents better (burlier parts), and saves your enduro/trail bike from heavy wear.

[@skippylegrandgourou2069]

Yep, especially in the alps I don't know how i will be able to do the Champery WC trail with 160mm lol. I had 5 bikepark days on my Norco Sight and i cracked the frame and destroy the rims. Meanwhile my Scott Gambler is like new with 200 bikepark days in the Alps/Whistler.

[@eve-llblyat2576]

In good shaped not that steep bikeparks you see more enduro. But in other bikeparks you only have dh bikes. with my enduro i had this feeling a few times that i am in the wrong place and everybody is giving me the looks

[@toneloke7489]

True, you can find great deals on them right now!

[@QUincez]

@@eve-llblyat2576 I guarantee you that nobody cares - they're stoked to be around other riders :)

[@rick4677]

or if you are racing

[@audetnicolas]

Yuka you make the absolute best mountain bike videos on KZbin. You are a real story teller. Your videos are not about the GoPro footage : they have a real narrative line. They start somewhere, they end somewhere else, and the images and comments create a sense of a real plot. Most often, the story is not so much about the bike, it's about you and how you are changed by the biking experience. It gives us a sense of connection with you: I too ride my mountain bike because of how it makes me feel and because of the joy I get when I realize that I have passed a milestone. Anyway, don't stop making those videos. I think that what you are making is unique and great.

[@VanGirlYuka]

I'm trying my best! It's not always easy but about this video I really enjoy riding the bike so it helped me inspired! Hopefully, I can keep improving

[@0xANIMAx0]

best mtb videos on yt? :D ähm no!

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

Bigger jumps are smoother usually. When I rode motocross, there was a 120-150 foot table out of a tight turn I would never hit, but finally I committed by having a friend tow me with the speed and just not thinking, but doing. It became my favorite jump as it was so rewarding and just felt sooo good.

[@VanGirlYuka]

I know the feeling! Feels awesome, doesn't it? When the jumps is big, we just need to do it with 100% otherwise it's more dangerous I think...

[@Sheddymiata]

I did the biggest jumps of my life last week due to the confidence the DH rig gave me and they were soooo smooth. Ended up doing them on my enduro bike but I still want to swap to a DH bike. Going from an evil offering to a atherton am200m

[@Frank-gp6qr]

I don't think ya did 120-150 table top outta a tight turn, just saying, from an old motocross 'r

[@Frank-gp6qr]

@@VanGirlYuka pretty good way of putting it! Respect women.

[@NineDiamont]

@@VanGirlYuka If you don’t commit to the jump and chicken out you can’t take the ideal path and land on bad spots where your balance is shaken off.

[@rasradders9708]

I reckon it's time for Yuka to get a DH bike. Yuka had so much confidence with the extra suspension, and the video was great fun to watch.

[@brooktu4249]

I had a big stupid smile on my face when you beat the 'Ski Jump'. The "but I survived..." ideology will take you far. Well done, Yuka 🙂

[@RD1R]

I made a happy sound.

[@rnyll]

"With this sturdy bike, I should be able to use case it as much as possible. Right?" Awesome mindset and commitment right there hahahahah 😂😂😂

[@VanGirlYuka]

that's why I rent the bike for!

[@claytonthorpe]

Yuka! This is awesome! I love being able to see you progress in real time. It’s super inspiring watching you gain more and more confidence as you take on these wicked features! Keep it up!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Without even watching this video the answer for me is YES!! IF you live near many bikes parks and trails like I do in Colorado, having both bikes is very worth it. I can pound my DH bike in the bike parks all DH season (which it is designed for) without abusing my Enduro bike. When I want to ride trails/enduro I ride my GG Gnarvana, when I want to ride park, 95% of the time it's on the Intense M16 unless I want to have a little fun on the GG. DH bikes are old fashioned? Come on Yuka.

[@VanGirlYuka]

lol I agree with you!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

@@VanGirlYuka Just watched the entire video, you did AWESOME on that DH rig, and you hit Dwayne Johnson?!! Well done. And when you get old like me, a DH bike really helps as well. It is a luxury for sure and btw, I have 4 refrigerators and a deep freeze freezer. 😂

[@poprox7343]

I love you and Eric’s videos so much, Ty for always making quality videos

[@VanGirlYuka]

Thank you! We're trying our best!

[@adamgaisser1875]

Great video!! Cool to see you're confidence grow throughout the day.

[@d-nicebikes]

"Slippery but grippery"! Hahaha.....now THERE is a trail descriptor! I think it may be time for a DH bike, Yuka. Awesome run on Dwayne Johnson! Great review vid, Yuka, good to get some feedback from a strictly Enduro bike user. Thank you for another great share.

[@VanGirlYuka]

it was super fun on the DH bike actually! in the future I think I will get one

[@d-nicebikes]

@@VanGirlYuka Been looking in to one myself. Not a ton of DH options here in Ontario, as you know, but, it might be nice to have the option to switch to DH bike from time to time. Looking forward to your announcement that you have officially gotten one! Santa Cruz, hook Yuka up with a V10, let's go!!

[@brianpham2584]

@@VanGirlYuka probably consider a freeride bike as well, like a Scott Voltage FR. They have slightly shorter travel, though 180/190mm with good support should likely work fine.

[@BenBike]

Yuka you have by far the most entertaining commentary! You're videos always make me smile, keep it up

[@bingbong1966]

Man Yuka is such a legend for creating great content and still interacting with her fan base through replies and tips

[@lizzypicardi]

Thanks for the share Yuka. I love how are are always down to try and commit.

[@ytcrazies487]

Great video Yuka. I haven't been on a DH bike since the first time MTBing, which was at a bike park so we could rent and try it. After that, I got an Enduro and loved that at the bike parks. Now in our third year of riding, thinking about renting a DH bike again to see the difference. Appreciate the creative and fun videos you're doing, I also love watching the progression you are making in your skills!

[@70HeavyChevy]

Nice job Yuka, you are an inspiration. You have an amazing level of courage and assertion!

[@weezyslob]

Such a fun video, very cool topic trying the DH bike. It was super fun seeing your progression and trying the big jumps on it, you guys have guts. When you nailed the ski jump I cheered. 🙌🏼

[@leejohnson8719]

She DOES make good videos!! I look forward to every new on that comes out!!

[@briang43]

The utter bravery and positivity is astounding! Wow… Yuka is a true hero.

[@philipbaldassini9528]

Thanks for the video Just got a new DH bike and your video gives me the confidence to do more. Thanks

[@VanGirlYuka]

I hope you're loving it!

[@getyourgnarlon]

Thanks for this perspective. Kudos to one of the most underrated mtb channels out there!

[@paveldubrovsky7866]

Wow! A fresh and so actual video nowadays from Yuka! Best choice for your morning coffee.

[@anthonyscuderi9931]

I agree with Eric you do make good videos.. as a matter fact you make great videos! thank you for always putting up fun Content Yuka!

[@AgusItu]

As someone once said, "it's the rider not the bike!". You truly have a lot of courage and technique to hit those jumps. Congratulations!

[@9livesMtb]

Great video Yuka..some big jumps there..!! The dwayne johnson section your flying for sure..as always amazing progression..DH bikes are are amazingly forgiving...as long as your going down! 👏👏🤟

[@richr7604]

Great video Yuka! Your focus and determination to try challenges is fantastic! And I lkied your chunky, chunky, chunky going thru down the path!😄

[@Nebbzz]

Great vid! I love riding downhill bikes cuse they give you the extra boost of confidence to hit something that your terrified to do on your normal bike. Great job!!

[@mario4age]

Excelente video Yuka! ( great video!! ) greetings from Perú. I admire as well how brave you are to ride as hard as you do.

[@charliehicks2554]

Great video Yuka. You had me smiling the whole time.

[@walterbrown6388]

Great video! Love hearing your thoughts on the usefulness of a DH bike.

[@nimbuscycles2354]

Such a sick vid, I rarely find myself cheering people on but I really felt like i was living vicariously through your vid. Thank you for your awesome content!

[@VanGirlYuka]

thank you for your cheer😁

[@Charlithium]

Yuka, i love your videos and the way you narrate your porgression, I wish I had the same courage for jumps like you.... awsome video, and congrats to conquer thats features

[@77conair]

You go so often mountain biking. You should also have a DH bike for bikeparks. They are fun and they are also more save on many trails.

[@VanGirlYuka]

Our van is so small...

[@South_Van_Ilse_MTB]

Man you're videos really are great!!

[@danlakermtb]

Well done Yuka! I've always wanted a full DH bike, you have way more confidence than I do hahaha!

[@jeanboston310]

You are amazing on a bike ,I really admire you and how far you have come on riding. Well done Ross 🇬🇧🤙👌

[@97tektonik]

that is so cool! i always immagined myself do mtb like you when i was a kid , small downhills were so fun then there was this huuuuuge one with some lil carves at the end i could what it felt like ''wallride'' was so fun , youre so damn brave !

[@joshlepoer8416]

yuka you have all the fans watching you and wanting more so keep the great work

[@shaungregory4114]

Such a great video Yuka! DH bike courage is a real thing :)

[@VanGirlYuka]

Definitely😁👍

[@paispe]

I bought the mini fridge exactly for what you did in this video. For bike park jump lines :) At home my Bronson v3 does a great job on the local trails. Congrats for the commitment!

[@davidfrid2601]

I remember being at Whistler at one of the shops and i was talking to a salesperson about longest travel single crown enduro forks. A mechanic wrenching a bike about 10 feet away told me (I'm 6'-4"!) this....."A big guy like you, go dual crown DH fork".

[@2002william]

You are so brave! Really good video Yuka

[@tgnilsson1]

You were killing it Yuka 👍😊👊Nice done 😊🎉👊

[@Roostsandboost]

U r my favorite!! Go Yuka!!! It’s the rider not the bike! Stoked to see Ryan tow you in!

[@michaeljordan3084]

Another inspirational banger of a video.

[@jcsworkshop5906]

Absolutely worth it. I live in Andorra, and while my Nomad 4 has been flawless in any situation, the ride quality is greatly improved with a proper DH bike. You've seen this year how our tracks are. You really need the extra stability, travel, and slack angle.

[@gregstevens2917]

So good...you smashed it!

[@dirtsurfernz]

Wow you smashed those big jumps! Wish I had half the confidence, much respect 😄🤙

[@taoquimik]

Congratulation Yuka !

[@scottlarsen3339]

Legit Yuka……. Your a CHAMPION to watch, keep up the progression! Honestly; just don’t forget….. this is honestly pure MAGIC in marketing from MTB companies, and NOT slagging enduro at all, that’s the WHOLE point to the industry it feels Like…… not ONE bike to rule them/it all, but more like, hey you like biking? But EACH bike for every discipline

[@Crazed_Pilot]

Love your vids yuka!

[@DoesItTrack]

Great riding! I'm finding that as more and more people start to realize that you can case, smash, and generally get it wrong on a DH and be just fine, more DH bikes are being used. I know when I switch between my 2, the DH just allows for more sending and smashing for my aging bones and muscles. Fun to watch Yuka!

[@tomb2289]

Great video, what a badass! 🤙

[@jeremyreinhold3620]

So cutsie when you hit the jumps. Had me laughing pretty hard. Pretty adorable.

[@GokkunGuru]

Indeed your videos and narration and content are very good.

[@tortillasarenotbiceps7622]

Wow!!! You are SO brave, girl. Braver than this dude. I'm so proud of you. Great job!

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

GREAT video Yuka!

[@matthiasmeiner8064]

"I would explode and become dust..." fell a little bit in love 😂

[@rubenvor]

This video is very inspiring! Thanks 👍🏼

[@thim8009]

You did really well, when I get a different bike it takes me a while to get used to it and I have to dial things in the way I like.

[@theyard6958]

You did it Yuka! awesome! Send it!!!!

[@allenglishknives6823]

Great video 👍🏻

[@simonhill4021]

LoL...I was cheering when you hit that ski jump!

[@fungchewy5729]

Great video Yuka! You give me confidence to push my abilities out there. I had a great day at the kamloops bike ranch after learning about it from one of your videos. Stoked you tried a DH bike since I have not and have been wondering how it would compare to my enduro and my eMTB. Perhaps this year I will have to try a day at the bike park with one like you! Thank you so much, love your content😍

[@VanGirlYuka]

You might want a DH bike after you tried 😁

[@HeatherMunive]

What a fun video!!

[@pacocote]

Yuka I have an Ibis HD 3, and I never fell confident to take big drops, so I decided to buy an old norco aurum and now I enjoy learning confident this new jumping world.

[@ericjohn5461]

You're awesome. I've been riding dh now for over 10 yrs. I'm so use to it I ride trails with it too lol

[@sexypants31]

Love my DH bike great video 🤙🏻

[@eternalsunrides]

I test rode a Norco DH bike at Whistler. I didn't like it as much as I was much more comfortable on my own enduro bike. Great video!

[@bensblues]

This was sick, i know many ppl too scared to hit that double after the rock drop or the tombstone. Important to convince yourself that speed is your friend and that clearing jumps is much safer than casing... time for crabapple hits, they were running good today in the wet haha

[@georgedefeo8809]

I have so much respect for you!! You did amazing!!! I was screaming for U when U rode the ROCK..LOL YOU DID SO GOOD!!! I DONT KNOW YOU BUT IM SO HAPPY AND PROUD OF YOU!! KEEP SHREDDING GIRL U ROCK!!!!

[@nestorlopez3763]

Your are amazing keep up the good work

[@JohnnnyCat]

Hello Yuka, i have an old downhill bike, and i do everything with her, it's the ONLY i have ! 😄👌, Love to se you evolve!! came here to visit the single tracks of Sintra, you and your husban don't be desapointed ! I be you guide to show the trails and the Woods of Sintra , my home town. I give you a place to rest in my house, you Will be my guest, an it's an honor to have you here!! Cheers from Sintra Portugal!

[@j3f423]

Great video yuka thank you you are shredding

[@bshu66]

That was amazing!

[@akohch4696]

Very nice trail you got there., awesome.. 👍 Keepsafe and trailsafe..

[@jasonharris3873]

Way to send it! Good DH test.

[@ErichVonCartmann]

SUBSCRIBED! You have just been DECLARED Erich von Cartmann's Favorite Mountain Biker

[@Martinnrw100]

Wow 😳 Great Jump Yuka 🤟

[@LowBr4in]

cool video Yuka :) I am debating this very topic for myself and am looking to get some cheap but good downhill bike for the bikepark riding eventually :D

[@dhrida5518]

Great video! Great content! You should get one! Something you like! This santa cruz is great by the way but they are very expensive! you can also try other things like a 26dh bike wich is even better for bikeparks and as they are smaller wheels they can also be lighter so less unsprung wheight, also on dh bikes we usually run with higher pressures also to avoid punctures wich is very easy to happen if you go over rocks at 30kmh 😅

[@mmoltich]

Another great video Yuka. Please don’t explode into dust!

[@VanGirlYuka]

cross finger!

[@IronMountainx]

I have just done the same thing this summer and I personally was slowly blown away by the DH bikes at the bike parks in Europe. As an all in one bike its a no to the DH bike, but for bike parks and extreme rides, absolutely yes they are the way to go for sure, just so much more fun and confidence inspiring.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Wow that's amazing!

[@tptrsn]

Excellent, fun, and information filled video! :)

[@tptrsn]

SCAMMER ALERT!!!

[@mikemorgan4280]

Love the video

[@ZaniniGabriele]

This is the reason because i ride my canyon torque 5 2021 with 180mm front and 175mm back, i love it, i can use it to do DH and for enduro without problems 💪🏻

[@woutervanteerling]

I’ve been back and forth on downhill and enduro bikes.. rentals, friends, high end, high high end, cheap rentals…. I still can not decide what to buy for next season.. Respect for sending it! (Good reason to go for a downhill, a bit more fail safe) And good fridge comparison… hmzz

[@robertoberon]

"LA BICICLETA PUEDE VOLAR MI MENTE"... Genial lo qué has dicho Yuka👍💙💙🇦🇷🚵🚴🚴🚴🙋

[@danmartinez4401]

Great job 🤙🏽

[@MbKTheGLow]

Quite an inspiring video. Thanks

[@crishernandez1847]

I'm excited to see this video because I just got my first DH bike

[@VanGirlYuka]

That’s exciting! I hope you love riding it😁

[@aarondgallegos]

Everyone should have a dh bike in their quiver! Nothing else compares!

[@toneloke7489]

Awesome video Yuka, I think if you spend a lot of time on a dh bike, you'll be able to get the full potential out of it, also that's a smart thing you and Eric do by wearing a neck brace, anywhere you need a full face helmet at, you should be wearing a neck brace 👍👍🤘🤘

[@FlowFinderUSA]

Awesome on the DJ line!

[@rmohr6764]

🇺🇲Excellent Topic ! I to, wondered about this DH bike myself, I'm on a Enduro 2019 Pivot Firebird which is excellent, but Jumps is fun, and watching you, your critique offers an abundance of me, heading in the DH direction👍. And yes Jumps, Step-up pull-up on the handlebars a bit depending on what ya wanna do, you see . . . .👍❤❤

[@ryansteiger6960]

Good job yuka!

[@99MrJ99]

I rented the 29er xl santa cruz from evolution last summer. I pretty much leveled up instantly in how fast I could ride the trails. You can make more mistakes that would absolutely destroy you on an enduro. Its not until you really pick up the speed on steep tech that you notice how much easier it is on the dh. Going through slow tech felt pretty similar to the enduro and not too lively.