Downhill Bikes

Browse used downhill bikes for sale from riders across the UK. DH bikes run 200mm+ of travel with dual-crown forks, ultra-slack geometry, and are purpose-built for one thing — going downhill as fast as possible. Built for bike parks, uplift days, and race runs.

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Buying Guide

What is a downhill bike?

Downhill bikes are gravity-only machines. Around 200mm of front and rear travel, dual-crown forks, 63° or slacker head angles, and chain devices as standard. They're not designed to be pedalled uphill — you shuttle, uplift, or push. Everything about the geometry and suspension is optimised for hitting things at speed and staying in control when the trail gets genuinely rough.

Do you actually need a DH bike?

If you're riding uplift days at Bike Park Wales, Fort William, Revolution, or Hamsterley regularly, yes. If you race DH or want to session gnarly lines without worrying about breaking your trail bike, yes. If you ride one bike park day a year, an enduro bike will handle it. DH bikes are specialists — brilliant at what they do, useless at everything else.

Aluminium vs carbon

Most DH bikes are aluminium. Carbon DH frames exist from brands like Santa Cruz, Specialized, and Canyon but they're expensive and harder to justify when the bike takes constant abuse. An alloy DH bike with good suspension will outperform a carbon one with worn-out components every time. Spend money on fork and shock condition, not frame material.

What to check buying used

DH bikes get absolutely hammered. Check the frame for cracks around the head tube, shock mounts, and chainstay yoke — these are high-stress areas. Dual-crown forks are expensive to service so check stanchions for scratches and bushings for play. Wheels take massive impacts, so look for dents and cracks around spoke holes. A DH bike with fresh bearings and a recently serviced fork is worth far more than one with better paintwork but neglected internals.

29 vs 27.5 for DH

The World Cup has gone 29" and most modern DH frames follow suit. 29ers roll faster, carry speed through rough sections, and offer more stability at pace. 27.5" DH bikes are more flickable and playful — some riders prefer them for tighter UK tracks. Mullet (29/27.5) setups are popular as a compromise. If you're buying used, don't overthink it — wheel size matters less than suspension setup and rider skill.

Popular DH bikes on Cranxs

Common listings include the Santa Cruz V10, Commencal Supreme DH, Trek Session, Canyon Sender, Specialized Demo, YT Tues, Nukeproof Dissent, Norco Aurum, and Giant Glory. Browse DH frames if you're building up.