Cross country | XC bikes

What is cross country riding?

Cross country riding (also often referred to as XC riding and XC bikes) focuses on riding fast everywhere, and not just downhill. Unlike enduro or downhill, cross country riding is all about riding fast up climbs, on flats, and downhill. Mountain biking has its roots in cross country riding and racing, and the scene is still going super strong today. 

The right bike for cross country riding is a light mountain bike. But because even full suspension cross country bikes optimize for weight and efficiency, it also means they’re less able to handle super burly descents and features like an enduro or trail bike

Are cross country bikes only good for racing?

Cross country bikes are fantastic for racing and riding fast, but they’re also awesome for weekend riding and day-in, day-out use. Light bikes are fun to ride fast, and that goes for racers and the rest of us. They’re also way more efficient than bigger full suspension bikes on flats, hills, or paved/dirts roads in between trails. So while many cross country bikes and builds will be made in-part with racing in mind, they can make for fantastic everyday bikes for riders looking for efficiency and pace across constantly changing terrain. Just don’t try to go too big on it. Generally, cross country bikes will feature shorter suspension (the 100-120mm range instead of the 140-160mm range).

Why should I pick a cross country bike over a trail bike? 

If you’re looking to race or ride competitively on fast, flowing, undulating trails—go for a cross country bike. It will be able to handle similar trails to a trail bike, but will climb much faster and hold better speed on flats. A cross country bike is also a great option if you prefer mellower, flowy trails over burly and steep trails. You’ll still have excellent handling manners and competence when trails get a bit rough or wild, and you’ll save energy and feel fresher at the top of short’n’steep climbs or long steady ones. But if you enjoy charging fast and hard downhill and railing a bike hard through corners and the odd jump or feature, consider a trail or enduro bike. 

Looking for something different?

Gravel bikes

What is a gravel bike?

So many things. A gravel bike is a beautiful and weird hybrid of road bike, adventure bike, and cyclocross bike with just a hint of mountain bike thrown in. In terms of geometry and ride feel, a gravel bike is very similar to a road bike.

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Fat bikes

What is the ideal fat bike?

The best fat tire bikes are tough, durable, and feature massive amounts of tire clearance. If you look at a fat bike, it’s pretty simple. They’re usually rigid (re: they have no suspension), they have disc brakes, and they have massive tires. Those massive tires are key (more on that below). 

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Cross country bikes

What is cross country riding? 

Cross country riding (also often referred to as XC riding and XC bikes) focuses on riding fast everywhere, and not just downhill. Unlike enduro or downhill, cross country riding is all about riding fast up climbs, on flats, and downhill. Mountain biking has its roots in cross country riding and racing, and the scene is still going super strong today. 

Learn more

Trail bikes

What is trail mountain biking?

Think of a trail mountain bike as a jack of all trades. Because a good full suspension trail bike can do a bit of everything. It can climb, it can descend, it can flick through tight, flowy singletrack. Trail bikes are popular because they really are a “do it all” solution.

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Enduro bikes

What is enduro mountain biking?

While enduro mountain biking has its roots in racing, enduro bikes are a popular option for riders looking to charge down hard trails, but still want to be able to ride efficiently up climbs and between steep trails and sections. 

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Freeride bikes

What is a freeride bike? 

A freeride bike is a bike that combines elements of downhill, trail, and enduro bikes. A 180mm travel bike is usually the go-to for freeride. So, bigger and burlier than an enduro bike, but slightly less travel and lighter than a dedicated downhill bike.

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Pump track bikes

What is a pump track bike?

Pump track bikes are purpose-built for riding the rhythm of pump tracks. What are pump tracks, all about? Imagine a tight circuit of rollers, berms, and jumps. It's a playground for riders that are looking to sharpen skills and dial in tricks.

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