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A Downhill Bike is a "full suspension" bicycle that is used for racing downhill on particularly steep, rocky trails or for riding downhill only. It has both shock absorbers in the front and the back of the bike. The shock absorbers soak up bumps that the bike receives as it is travelling. Most downhill-specific bikes have 5" or more of movement in the suspension.

Downhill bikes are typically made of aluminum or steel, will have 7-10 inches (180-250mm) of rear suspension travel, and be designed around a 7-8 inch (180-203mm) suspension fork. The suspension sag is also much higher than cross-country bikes (25%-50% of total travel vs. 10%-20%) for a more supple ride at higher speeds.

Because of the amount of travel in the suspension, it is very hard and inefficient to ride a downhill bike on flat surfaces because the mechanics of the suspension absorb all pedaling efforts.

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