Downhill Frames

Why build a DH bike from a frame?

DH bikes are simple machines with expensive components. Buying a frame lets you fit exactly the fork, shock, wheelset, and brakes you want — and if you already have a set of DH wheels or a dual-crown fork, you're halfway there. Used DH frames are also some of the best value in mountain biking because depreciation hits hard on gravity-only bikes.

Aluminium vs carbon for DH

The vast majority of DH frames are aluminium, and for good reason. DH bikes hit things — hard, repeatedly, all day. Alloy survives rock strikes and crashes that would crack carbon. Carbon DH frames from Santa Cruz (V10), Specialized (Demo), and Canyon (Sender) exist and are lighter, but they're expensive and harder to justify for most riders. Unless you're racing at national level, alloy is the pragmatic choice.

What to check on a used DH frame

DH frames take enormous forces. Check the head tube area carefully — dual-crown forks put a lot of stress here. Inspect every pivot point for bearing play and look for cracks around the shock mounts and chainstay yoke. The downtube will almost certainly have rock strikes — minor surface marks are normal, deep gouges need closer inspection. Ask how many seasons the frame has done and whether it's been raced. A well-maintained race frame is fine; a neglected bike park frame might be on borrowed time.

Shock and fork compatibility

DH frames typically use 250x75mm or 267x89mm rear shocks — these are not interchangeable with trail or enduro shock sizes. Most run coil shocks (Fox DHX2, RockShox Super Deluxe Coil) for consistency on repeated big hits. Confirm the frame's head tube standard for dual-crown fork compatibility — most modern DH frames use a 56mm lower headset cup for 1.8" steerers.

Popular DH frames on Cranxs

Common listings include Santa Cruz V10, Commencal Supreme DH, Trek Session, Canyon Sender, Specialized Demo, YT Tues, Nukeproof Dissent, Norco Aurum, and NS Fuzz frames. Need a complete bike? Browse downhill bikes.