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XC Mountain Bikes

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Cross-country mountain bikes (or XC bikes) are lightweight, efficient, and designed for speed on varied terrain. You'll find shorter travel on an XC bike, and components and geometry optimised to be most efficient climbing and descending, making them ideal for competitive racing and endurance riding, or long cross country rides.

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What is an XC bike?

Cross-Country mountain bikes (or XC bikes) are built for riders who want to be efficient. These bikes cover more ground easily and maintain higher speeds over varied terrain.

XC bikes are the go-to choice for endurance racing, trail networks and long adventure rides. They are at home on smooth, easy single track.

XC bikes typically feature lightweight aluminium or carbon frames, fast-rolling 29-inch wheels and fast tyres. These minimise rolling resistance while still having grip on dirt, gravel, and rocky trails.

The geometry is designed for climbing and maintaining momentum. They have a slightly more aggressive position than trail bikes. Which means you're not quite sitting as upright.

You’ll find two main styles:

  • Hardtail MTB. Front suspension only. Designed for maximum efficiency and lower weight.
  • Dual suspension mountain bikes. Short-travel suspension front and rear (100–120mm) for added control and comfort over technical terrain.

XC bike Type 1: the hardtail MTB

These bikes only have front suspension. They will always be lighter than (the comparable) dual suspension bike. Because there's no added weight of linkages and a rear shock absorber.

XC hardtail mountain bikes are designed to handle easy trails. These bikes come in a massive range of options and prices.

At the mid range, bikes like the Giant Talon and Liv Tempt are designed for easy mountain bike trails, rail trails and suburban bike paths.

Moving up the range, there's bikes like Orbea's Alma. This is designed as a premium hardtail XC bike but at a more affordable price point.

At the high-end, is the Cannondale Scalpel HT. These are produced from carbon fibre and use performance parts and more carbon fibre components to keep the weight down.

XC bike Type 2: the dual suspension mountain bike

You would consider a dual-suspension XC bike for these reasons:

  • You are spending more time on mountain bike trails. And you want a bike that is more comfortable. Because you prefer the bike to absorb impacts rather than your knees or back.
  • Your trails have lots of exposed rocks or tree roots and you prefer more grip and therefore control over this type of terrain.

Some options include:

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