new to dh racing

[shorerat]

I will be entering my very first downhill race next summer (2009) on whistler and am looking for some tips and info for what to put together between now and then. I have the full face helmet, arm and leg armour and gloves and shoes but do I need body armour? Also in terms of bikes, I ride a banshee scream as my primary bike but have a kona stinky and a brodie diablo also to work with. which would be the best option for racing? Should I swap out the chainring for a chainguide and how should I set up my suspension? There are many more questions I have so any info would be great help. Thanks

[walleater]

Lay off the weed, beer and pies?

Seriously though, work on yourself rather than the bike. Steve Peat would kick most peoples asses if he was on a beach cruiser....I used to spend stupid amounts of money upgrading my bikes, but in the last year I've spent very little, yet I'm riding better than I ever have. DH is more about fitness and technique than the bike. Plenty of pro DH racers jump on a road bike for example.

[bighitter]

Lay off the weed, beer and pies?

Seriously though, work on yourself rather than the bike. Steve Peat would kick most peoples asses if he was on a beach cruiser....I used to spend stupid amounts of money upgrading my bikes, but in the last year I've spent very little, yet I'm riding better than I ever have. DH is more about fitness and technique than the bike. Plenty of pro DH racers jump on a road bike for example.

thanks, you just shot my whole DH training program down the drain.

So your trying to tell me the pizza and beer lastnight was an unwise choice? shit i was even thinking of having a slice for breakfast this morning....thought it would go great with the coffee.

[apeshape]

Lay off the weed, beer and pies?

Seriously though, work on yourself rather than the bike. Steve Peat would kick most peoples asses if he was on a beach cruiser....I used to spend stupid amounts of money upgrading my bikes, but in the last year I've spent very little, yet I'm riding better than I ever have. DH is more about fitness and technique than the bike. Plenty of pro DH racers jump on a road bike for example.

Tell that to Nathan Rennie...The dude has Fosters in his water bottle.