If you want DH bike, buy a DH bike.
As stated in a few posts before, the SX was good in the day (kinda) but not for proper DH, not for a mere mortal/have a go merchant like me.
I bought a new one and hoped I could use it for everything, bought it with Van36’s moved on Totems when I realized it was too much for any distance, thought it might as well just be a dick about bike:
A few years ago – I swapped with a mate at a DH venue, he rode my SX and rode his IH Sunday, he couldn’t stay with me and he’s a massively better rider than me, that was enough, I sold it and bought a fairly cheap 2009 Demo8 as I was convinced I had the wrong tool for the job.
(cheaper freeride angle version) I still have it and would love a newer DH version one but don’t use it enough to justify the change.
If money is tight and as said before go for a Demo7, they are pretty cheap and can become 8″ travel buy taking a spacer in shock – most people do, the only thing to be aware of are the 66’s that came on the Demo7 were in some cases not that great – Marzocchi are back on form now
Examples:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-demo-dh-bike-/321276586970?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4acd93abda
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Specialized-demo-7-down-hill-bike-mint-condition-/190998885390?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c786bb40e
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/specialized-DEMO-7-frame-/251404455350?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Fragrances_Women_s_Fragrances_PP&hash=item3a88df8db6
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Demo-7-Dh-Bike-/291029083667?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item43c2af6613
etc….
I also have an Enduro Evo which I think is a better bike than the SX ever was, same travel, better angles and way lighter:
Ti spring on order…