Are Cross Country Bikes Still Relevant?

[@ryankan1]

What people don't get is that the only reason XC bikes evolved the way it did, is because at the world cup level, the trails evolved. Pretty sure the XCO trails are rougher than what most people ride (sometimes even with their enduro bikes). If you're still riding your regular xc trail as you did 6 years ago, there are absolutely no reason you need a "more capable" XC bike

[@letour32rr]

While I agree that most trails could be conquered on a XC bike, the question is for how long. I mean that in multiple ways. Inline rear shocks without an external reservoir tend to heat up and perform differently on long decents. Most XCO descents are much less than 1 mile or so. So they will not be a great option for big mountain riding with downhills that last for miles. Also, those pro’s get a new frame/parts instantly if they break them. Those XCO trails are no doubt really hard on those bikes. However, they get tended to by professional mechanics before and after every race. So while it may handle that hard terrain, it may not do it reliably for long.

[@manwithnoname6171]

Yes they are. For example, I love getting uphill KOMs, and can't imagine doing this with 14kg 140mm travel trail bike. Also doing long z2 rides is better with light weight XC bike.

[@s4-mtb678]

Totally agree with you. I have 160/140 Enduro/trail and a Xc bike with a longer fork travel. The fun factor is everywhere. If I had to have one bike, a carbon trail bike would be the best of both.

[@timwolf5742]

Exactly.

[@Paganiproductions84]

I love chasing pr´s and Kom´s up and down and single track etc and allways try to faster.

[@stephencaringal354]

I must agree with you

[@aaanders]

15,7 kg trail bike here. My closest trail starts with a 3,5km long hill going almost 400 meters up. I want an xc bike...

[@maestro4453]

Yes, I love my Cannondale Scalpel. 100 mm in the back and 120 mm in the front. Perfect for the terrain I ride which has a lot of short punch climbs and narrow single track. Love your videos Clint!

[@mikerotchburns1622]

i got a "downcountry" bike and havent touched my enduro bike since. i love the efficient suspension, remote lockout and low rolling resistance tires.

[@ikharl328]

Exactly my case too! I have a firebird29 and recently got on a revel ranger. For the local trails short travel bikes are just more fun! Idk it felt first time riding bikes again. Havent touched my firebird29 lately

[@thegefster1988]

Love my XC and Gravel bike. Love taking the Gravel bike on XC Trails and the XC bike when I want a change. Heck if you have a 650 b wheelset for the gravel bike then you have a 3 choices! Also, I think being almost 60 I can preserve myself by staying away from going too Fast Down hill or doing jumps! Most of the time less bike is more fun and also equals more smarts as well!

[@RobS123]

My thoughts exactly! Make going fast on gnarly downhill single track too much fun is asking for a big injury and rehab at our age!

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Hold up. Not just racers want to do XC style riding with minimal weight, and high heart rate and cadence. To many, this TRULY IS MOUNTAIN BIKING. There is no better feel than climbing a mountain fast to be rewarded with a carving speedy downhill section that may lead into another lap, JUST FOR EXERCISE. A trail bike will do it, but its not as satisfying as letting a pure XC bike do its thing. These bikes are ridiculousy fast and light to urge the rider to maintain pace.

[@YourOwnAdventure]

Coming from the trail bike jib life, I absolutely love my XC bike for it's control and speed. Probably the best choice for most FL trails.

[@JoseRodriguez-rl3ch]

Personal experience: I bought a brand new Orbea Occam with 140mm travel front & back, Fox 34 fork…awesome trail bike. But, was heavy and not very good for climbing. I rode a friends Orbea Alma XC bike…instantly feel in love with it! Traded the Occam for his Alma and never regretted it. Now Orbea has a trail version Alma. If XC bikes are to keep relevant they must keep evolving.

[@mikemenocal]

Great video. I’ve always appreciated your straight to the topic style when it comes to your videos. You’ve always been informative and I genuinely enjoy watching every episode

[@RobS123]

Great stuff! I am coming from 20 years of riding Enduro trails on a dirtbike, so love your camera work on the single track, brings back great memories! I tore my ACL in 2004 and basically quit riding as much, then quit all together. All the while, I commuted on 50/50 street and trails to work a couple times a week on an ancient, rigid MTB from 1986. I never did really tough trails until my son was older and we got him a Rockhopper Comp, and realized just how tough it is to ride trails on a bicycle that I used to blast through on my Husky dirtbike! I decided it was time to update my old Univega to a modern MTB. I was initially looking at XC bikes, not to race but to commute on with pavement mixed with gravel roads and mild trails, as well as ride more challenging trails with my son when he's home from college. Everyone I asked was pushing me to get a trail bike, since the Trek X-Caliber bike I was eyeing had "dated geometry" and a trail bike could ride XC better than a XC bike could ride trails. But I don't want something I would feel like I'm dragging along on the largest portion of my riding, for the minority of times I'd be on gnarly downhill trails. Besides, if the bike made it TOO easy to "send it" down the tough stuff, I would probably start riding over my skill level and rack myself up, and at 59, I don't heal like I used to! Your statement "a XC bike is still a mountain bike" was good perspective on my decision on what single type of bike I can get that will give me the most enjoyment, and look forward to riding. If I could afford both, I would in a heartbeat. But think an XC bike will be better for that "one" bike in our garage.

[@TheNationalTrails]

2021 Pivot Switchblade setup for long-travel downcountry. 26.5 pounds with pedals in a size Large. 2021 RockShox Deluxe Ultimate rear shock with MegNeg air can. * Never need to use shock switch. Essentially, like a true XC bike. 2022 Fox Performance 36 at 145mm travel. * Used a 2020 150mm Air Spring to keep fork feeling firm off the top. Rides like a medium/large. Very quick to handle. Rolls over tough terrain with ease. Climbs with lots of traction.

[@str8shooter160]

Fantastic explanation about the different style bikes and intended use. I have literally watched dozens of videos and this was the best. Thanks Clint

[@chriswaggett163]

Thanks Clint, always enjoy your content & especially as I’m a Ninerd too. I’m going to buy a RKT 9 RDO when they’re back in stock in the new year to complement my fleet of JET 9 RDO & RLT 9 RDO for all of the reasons you articulated. Keep up the great content & Ride On!

[@flintscott5990]

yes i am a young rider with the NICA racing, and i have recently gotten a scott scale 900 and i have loved it so much more than my enduro bikes. it is so light at 19 pounds you can hop up and throw it around so easy it really just lights up the trail. It has helped me win so many races and 2 over 100 riders in NICA and i did not even think i was that good. And now i am trying to race nationals and this is all because of that one purchase to get this bike. And gezz i even sold my enduro bike to get a road bike i am really becoming a go fast xc rider instead of a enduro jump guy. I hope i wont become a roady. i know that was really long but i loved the video.

[@mancello]

Good analysis Clint. Love my Canyon Exceed XC hardtail. It's light and nimble which allows me to get up steep climbs easily. Also good on paved roads. Use it as a winter bike in the city for light snow riding.

[@patricklindsay4626]

I went from a 26” cross country bike to a 29” steel hardtail with more modern geometry and the difference is amazing. I went over the bars 3 or 4 times on the old cc bike, but now I barrel over stuff with ease that used to make my palms sweat. It’s a rocket downhill and since it’s a hardtail it climbs like a mountain goat, even with a 66 degree head angle. Drops, jumps, roots, rocks… no problem. I hit my technical threshold long before the bike does. Cross country bikes just feel sketchy to me. Although I’m sure the newer ones are better.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Thanks Clint for the good discussion. Your comments about under-biked vs over-biked ring true for me. I would much rather be under than over-biked, and if I had to choose (fortunately I don’t have to), I would choose climbing over descending. My local trails and fire roads are not very technical and I ride them on my gravel bike, XC bike, and trail bike. It’s fun on all them, and different, but if I had to choose (again, I am grateful I don’t have to), I would pick my gravel bike as my one and only bike as the most versatile, challenging and fun. My gravel bike is a Cannondale Slate with 30mm Lefty Oliver fork, so in many ways it’s like a hardtail MTB (including the gearing I have added to it).

[@LJ-yt2io]

The quickest way to lose interest in mountain biking is overbiking. If you keep things light and agile, you'll build skills and fitness, the speeds will be higher on everything except the most aggressive dark black or double black trails. Riding XC or DC can be a positive feedback loop. The faster you go, the faster you'll WANT to go, and when you're done you'll have a huge grin ear to ear after getting a solid workout!

[@johngardner1898]

I'm getting a nice mountain bike for Christmas, so your solid technical and experiential videos (like this one) are fabulous. Thanks for posting!

[@eduardoguillen6385]

I just built my dream bike, an BMC agonist 2 110 mm front and 120 this bike is so capable, awesome climber and good on the downhill, I don’t do crazy jumps or anything extreme, I am 50 I didn’t want a bike a lot of slack, this has the right geometry for me I love it.

[@dontolhurst9887]

I got my replacement bike form pros closet, when my old one was stolen . Great service. I got an 2019 anthem pro 1 love the bike.

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

I am a purist and I bike for fitness and not for speed, so YES on XC bikes. I went from a old 26" HT XC to a Polygon Siskyu D7, which when I bought it, they called it a XC, but I think it is more Downcountry. As a result I am a bit overbiked for where I ride, I spend a lot of time locking out my front and rear suspension. But I admit, I am 69, and I feel safer and more confidant and actually faster on the D7.

[@tylermoser6706]

I purchased my Trance Adv. Pro 29 because of you and absolutely love the versatility of this trail bike. I came from an XC bike and don’t plan on going back. Picked up a Revolt for gravel and road and ended up riding more road this year than trail. Thank You for providing great content and reviews! I would love riding with you down in Florida the last week of March.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Nice choices in bikes (long time Giant fan) . I hope that I may be able to justify a Revolt sometime this year

[@bdmag]

Absolutely love my 2018 Giant Anthem Advanced 29er. It's fast, light, agile and fun. I do ride predominantly trails in FL and have taken trips to N GA, SC and NC. On the steeper, gnarlier trails, I find myself wishing for more travel and slacker geometry. However, 90% of my riding is on cross country style trails so it makes sense to have cross country bike as my main bike. Now, I am in the process of looking for a bike with 120-130mm travel for more versatility. I do plan on keeping my Anthem. I've done some racing on it and it is fast and fun.

[@Paulklampeeps]

For the most part I almost always ride green to red trails and pushing it to black diamond. It's also really good for climbing and descending mountains

[@gsipp00]

Still great to get out on a flowy trail with a light nibble hard tail and get up to speed...and yes still believe in learning to ride on an xc bike...so much of mtb today seems to be more geared towards jumping and going fast downhill...great topic.

[@mikestivers8302]

i do ride an "XC" bike and i find myself going back to it at least half the time. covering miles on forest roads and singletrack - but still having the modern "mini-enduro" frame geo that handles moderate downhills - and even smaller drops and jumps. that bike is the Revel Ranger.

[@discostu333]

I recently bought a Transition Spur. Hugely more capable going down than my Giant Anthem, but the Anthem is still faster everywhere else. I'm going to try a faster tyre combo on the Spur come spring, however I didn't buy it to race, and it's much more of an all-rounder, which I wanted. I think there's still a place for proper XC bikes.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I agree that they are relevant. I have three XC bikes, one of which is FS. The one I ride the most is the carbon hardtail with the least travel up front (100mm).

[@renedelgado1572]

Scalpel HT Carbon?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@renedelgado1572 When I made this comment it was a Canyon Exceed, however I have moved on to a Trek Procaliber

[@renedelgado1572]

@@ElevationEveryWeekend gotcha. I just got a scalpel

[@AOL0321]

Great video Clint. I think your selection of bike/bikes also depends on your age. If you’re nearing 60 like me, and ride technical, rocky, rooty trails( I ride in Ringwood, NJ and Sterling Forest, NY, not far from where you used to live in Jersey), you need at least a Trail bike with a minimum of 130F/120R, with a 2.4-2.6” tire setup.

[@rossking3771]

Good video, thanks Clint. I took up mountain biking 4 years ago and ride 4 - 5 days a week. I’ve had a few bikes over this period and now ride and love my lightweight XC hardtail. 100mm travel, 70 degree HTA and at just under 20 pounds in weight the bike is a playful rocket. I’m riding increasingly technical terrain, including drops and jumps, and being under-biked most of the time is so much fun.

[@ricksantana1016]

Yes I believe an XC is still relevant, A neighbor of mine didn’t want to spend a lot of money so I suggested that he get a Schwinn Axum and sure enough he bought one and now he’s hooked.

[@morrisizing]

Many people don't live where there are gnarly trials. He in the UK much of the off road legal routes are byways, bridleways or forest trails & single track. Trail bikes are often overkill.

[@georgekrpan3181]

The bike I just bought came in XC or trail options, I chose XC. I found out later that's it's considered a down country bike because it has 120mm front and rear. I'm happy I chose the XC version, 3lbs lighter than the trail version.

[@mtbdawg4987]

I hope your making this video for people who are new to the sport because the question is silly. If your racing and trying to be a pro, YES it matters. If your like me ride purely for fun, adventure, and exercise then NO. Using a bike designed for the terrain you ride will help maximize the amount of joy you get, but there are no rules. Its about fun. If you aren’t a serious racer, something with beefier suspension or a 26er hardtail is just fine.

[@YYZprez]

You weren’t kidding about making this video and somehow I read your mind. I just sold my Anthem and bought NINER RKT9 (thanks to your influence) Took it out on its first ride yesterday and the difference is pretty big. Mainly how stable but maneuverable it was on rock gardens and even small jumps. It glided effortlessly over roots with its 29er wheels. The Anthem felt nervous and snappy. I live in southern Ontario and my terrain is similar to Florida. Thanks for a great video.

[@Leslie_Major]

Very well said Clint, most people always tend to go for the jacked up MTB.

[@HVYMETL]

Good advice Clint on using a trail bike to build your skills, picking your lines better, etc. I went back to my lightweight hardtail carbon Trek pro-caliber for 6 months on a rocky technical trail that I ride. 70 degree head angle! Feels like riding a unicycle. THEN, back to my full suspension I just flowed easily over downhill rocks and roots.

[@AntonioOrru21]

Awesome video and well explained where the XC fits. I use XC hard tail single speed for training and winter rides, XC full for racing cross country and a down country 120 x 120 with a 66.5 head angle for XC Marathons or Stage Races, I am not a big fun of Trail bikes I am light at 158 lbs and 5.8 ft so extra weight does not help me, it does opposite both going up and down hill. I like the Enduro Bike if used for really gnarly stuff beside enduro racing. Thank folks for your reviews. Enjoy your rides and bikes, whatever they are.

[@ketond3973]

Agree, great perspective. Another consideration is riding style and stature. I know some casual and larger stature riders not liking their short travel xc bikes as much and moving to trail bikes. It does come down to type of tails and riding style.

[@ashevillescarborough]

Great video as always! I always think geometry makes a much bigger difference than travel.. manufacturers are slowly getting onto this! Next bike is a shorter travel machine with enduro geo for sure. As you know the spur comes close to this :)

[@s4-mtb678]

yes good point!

[@pepeanza6187]

I Just finish a specialized chisel hardtail build after years on full suspension bikes the new xc bikes geometry are so good now, they are light but slack and long im impress how they handdle the downhills

[@trob6108]

Just bought a stumpjumper comp carbon this past spring, but still love my 2016 trek superfly hardtail!

[@BlackMan614]

I have a 100mm travel 2021 ProCal 9.6 which didn't have a dropper post and came with these XC tires which in wet condition were worthless. After fixing these shortcomings... I LOVE being able to make climbs I've never made before due to the lightweight of the bike. However, I revisited some old trails last time out and was brutalized by the pounding in the rock gardens. The 100mm travel definitely has its issues.

[@davecech4741]

Totally on point and my take on MTB riding and what I get out of it seems to be very similar to your view. I have an Epic Evo as well as a Highball, and I enjoy both bikes a lot, doing different kinds of riding on each to help keep it interesting. A friend of mine just bought a Spur (great looking bike, BTW), looking forward to hosting him on my local trails, so we can swap bikes for the day.

[@endoalley680]

Cool trails you have.

[@manitolas]

Xc for life, especially under 10 kg😀🤟🤟🤟

[@TrailSage]

Great video Clint. I love that the lines between bikes have been blurred, and more aggressive geo has found its way to XC bikes too. I am always stunned with how much things have changed whenever I get on my singlespeed, which has old school geo and only front suspension, lol.

[@bradsanders6954]

I just picked up a 2021 Intense Sniper,the thing just rips. Im making it even lighter and it is going to get ridden in place of my gravel bike alot. And trail ridden,and used for all day dirt road trips. Its 100mm travel but has the slacker geometry. Fun bike!

[@zxtenn]

YEARS AGO i had a Cannondale with the 'headshock' i think the travel was 80?

[@stanstock4243]

They were JUNK and they didnt stand behind it when it broke

[@abelramos8652]

In fact xc are towards trail with that downcountry thing

[@JogBird]

im mostly a road biker and use an XC mtb over the winter to maintain my fitness, theyre great for unmaintained multi-use trails when theyre snowed and iced over

[@orlandovelastegui1391]

I ride a Giant Stance 2. I guess with what you said my bike is a Cross Country because it has 130mm suspension in the front and 120mm travel in the rear. I have swapped the pedals with lighter ones and lighter more comfortable grips and my bike weighs about 29 pounds. My main goal is to drop the weight of my bike to 25 pounds or lower I love the feel of my bike 🚴. I use it to go to work, I use it to go with my friends on some trails. I was planning in the future to go with some Rockshox suspension in the front and rear with 150 travel. Will this made my bike slower? Also when I started mountain biking I weighed 210 pounds I’m down to 190 and dropping weight fast so I believe this also has made me extra fast.

[@preetamsarmah9040]

The fact that a XC MTB does commuting , Bikepacking and long distance riding with ease on tarmac, gravel, light trails + the pocket friendly price makes it very utilitarian and one bike to do it all. Trail Bikes are awesome - Roscoe, San Quentins etc , but for a lot of people , the local trails are'nt that hard, which a XC mtb can't handle

[@al-du6lb]

I have an old 90s hardtail xc bike and it seems very similar to the modern gravel bike geo. When I was out west, I only road my enduro bike, but now that I'm back east, this old bike is actually a lot more fun. I would love to get a more modern xc bike. I haven't decided if I want to get a xc full suspension or another hardtail. I'm kinda leaning towards the hardtail. Absolutely love how they climb.

[@yancylent]

I would drive HOURS to hit some of the trails featured in this video.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

It's an interesting question. My MTB is an XC hard tail. It suits my riding style (timid and incompetent). I may go to a trail bike, but, I'm not sure the trails around me need it.

[@bbqcrew1]

My mates hassled me for ages to upgrade. I found a huge improvement in safety margin by going to a trail bike

[@SneakyB]

Trail bikes are a huge step up in the confidence they give you especially the steering feel. On a crosscountry bike you feel like going over the bars because of the body position but on a trail/all mountain bike, they feel super stable and your wheel is more in front so it feel like it's more supportive.

[@endoalley680]

You dont get pitched over the bars much anymore with the newer geometry. When I was cross county racing and trail riding back in the 1990s I went over the bars on almost every ride. If I didnt get pitched I wasnt riding hard enough.We were all a bloody mess back then. I would never want to go back to the xc bikes I was riding back then. Although, they sure were light weight.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@endoalley680 agreed. When I upgraded my nearly 20 year old MTB in 2018, I could not believe how much more capable and safe feeling my new bike is compared to the old one. I can ride rocky stuff, and steep declines without feeling I'm going to die

[@julesberrry]

Hey - cool! Yay! My riding style is timid and incompetent too! I have a 2013, 26” “trail” MTB (120mm front and rear - Canyon Nerve) which I enjoy, but wish it was tubeless and 1x. I recently test rode a very expensive trail bike, and … it rode everything up and down, but kind of felt like dragging a heavy dog uphill, and in the end I just thought it was boring, because it was like sitting on a sofa and everything was just so easy to ride. Bit of a cheat I reckon and now I wont feel inadequate anymore when the guys on bike FS (or ebikes) overtake me. Also, I think I’d just be more likely to fall off at a higher speed on one of those “more capable bikes” which would be much more dangerous, so that’s a big negative for this determinedly timid and incompetent rider. Now I am wondering whether a FS downcountry or a “hardcore hardtail” would be better…? Do HTs beat you up more than gravel bikes because you hit things harder? I really like the whole body workout and rumble massage I get on my gravel bike (I only go slow, obvs!).

[@keithhammers7404]

Just added a downcountry 130/130. My XC is actually a full rigid 29er

[@stephencaringal354]

Here in the phillipines xc bikes are everywhere! And yes they are still relevant!

[@mrvwbug4423]

And here I am considering signing up for the Laramie Range Epic on my Ripmo haha (big XC race held outside of Laramie, Wyoming every July with 31 and 62 mile options). Ok mainly interested in riding it because it's on my local trails. At least the Ripmo is actually pretty comfortable for big mileage days, though my biggest mileage day so far is 24mi, so got some training to do next spring to be able to do a 31mi trail day.

[@GuyZoghby]

Yes, XC get my vote! Especially for endurance type riding on most trails in the Tampa, Florida area.

[@JerryNelsonBike]

YES,YES. and YES cross-country mountain bikes are my favorite bike.

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

I ride XCountry and being in Central Mississippi I can get good hills and adventurous Flats! But just getting back into Bikes for health so thanks for the info. My claim to fame, I conquered Nimitz Hill (Guam) three times in one day! OORAH

[@matthewkramer8613]

My Mtn. Bike is a Giant anthem X which is XC. Initially I went for this type of bike inspired by light wieght. But have to agree about the bike matching to place intended to ride. I find that XC is best for rolling terrain where it is beneficial to keep your speed up and fast rolling tires can play their part. Trails that are rough or have long climbs are probably better for trail bikes or the newer down county builds. Bigger tires and more travel with a more upright geometry can be heavier but also provide more comfort than XC. My bike is pretty old now so my perspective may be jaded with older designs. These day I just want to comfortable but still some agility and a downcountry bike with a dropper seatpost is looking like the answer.

[@GFClocked]

I don't think I could agree more with this video. I kept saying "yes" "yes" the entire time. As someone that lives in mega flat central Europe - very similar woods/leaf trails like in your vid, the xc/downcountry IS the mountain bike. The older xc bikes, with 2.0-2.2" tires, narrow rim, no dropper post, 70 deg head angle bikes - I'm glad this is not the xc of today. I had one (trek super fly 6), and it was just not great for anything other than dirt road, made me want to get a full sus / beefier bike. But then I got a 140/140mm" all mountain bike " (Lappierre zesty) and I regretted that too - on 90% of the trails its sooo overkill. So I'm very happy that literally yesterday I've got a lux trail cf6 delivered. I think this bike is what 2022 XC bike is - dropper post, wide rims, 2.4" tires, 110-120 travel, progressive geometry, capable, but still light - it's going to be a perfect middle spot, and for half the price of brands like specialized or trek - which I wouldn't be able to afford/justify. If you change the front tire you can even race with it, if that's what you wanted!

[@janpesek4862]

I have recently bought 140/130 trail bike that I enjoy immensely, however, I could have bought capable 120/120 down-country bike if they were actually available. I want to learn jumping and ride rougher trail but Im not there yet. Too bad bikes are so expensive these day as I would love to own both a longer travel trail bike and down-country bike to pick best tool for a ride...

[@TheDarKris]

I have an XC hardtail frame that I bought early this year and I built it up as a drop bar bike for gravel and trail riding for not too much and it’s one of my favorite bikes I’ve ever owned

[@maxrep12]

Commentary was superb

[@brianromine5573]

There is indeed much to be discussed, and I'd like to hear Clint's take on this from the angle of how efficient trail bikes are is there much justifiable advantage with a CC bike? The Spectral 29 CF 9 is a perfect example as it's made to be a fast trail bike with poppy, not plush, suspension. It seems no one needs to use the climb switch and they always leave it wide open. I've gone back and forth between the Trek Topfuel 5.8 XT and the Spectral above and it's hard to imagine the Trek being much more efficient than the Spectral. Let's discuss the angle of putting XC tires on a trail bike geared toward efficiency and speed and then ask how much faster is a dedicated CC bike? Maybe instead of being bummed that it's a heavy inefficient bike, you're stoked that it is very efficient and yet is going to perform incredibly well on any descent. Maybe it's not just how much travel, but how the bike and suspension were designed? If that's true, then make a DC bike with more travel so the two categories overlap in a serious way in amount of travel and the distinction becomes plush vs. snappy. My CC hardtail has a heat tube angle of 72. It's already scary with the 110 stem, but I took it down to 35 and that was serious fun.

[@911sareforever]

I would say the only issue with riding a mountain bike as a daily bicycle is the width of the handlebars mine are 800mm

[@usa68355]

If I want fs,I will buy a springy seat post for the hard tail in the future my bike currently is only 22 pounds

[@timwolf5742]

I think your statement..."xc bikes are designed for riding trails that aren't as rough and technical..." answers the question. Nowadays a lot of trails are machine built and as such are much smoother than those hacked out of the woods "back in the day." So much so that I'm of the opinion, and I've told a few HT 26" riders this, that less suspension is needed. They can get back out on their "old" bikes. Having said that (and I have 2 xc bikes, a 27.5" 100mm dually and an older 29" 100mm dually), I have been considering a 29" down country bike, 120mm front 100 mm rear, for a couple of old school trails that seem to have gotten rougher over the past decade. I'm 74 and have riding xc since I was about 45.

[@derekhellmann515]

I transitioned to Mountain Bike (Cannondale M700) after BMX (Hutch Pro Racer) in the late 80s. This was before front suspension was introduced with RockShox (early 90s). Rear suspension was not a thought or possible. I too remember when there were only XC bikes to choose from , less complicated than today. I agree , climbing the technical climb in XC bike is fun , downhill a bit sketchy but you adjust. This takes skill. Today is so confusing with bike options. I would prefer more XC style with some robustness of trail. No interest in downhill, I reserve this for winter and skis.

[@MTBIKEXC]

You nailed it in this video! Match my thoughts exactly.

[@kubat1987]

Merry Christmas! :)

[@EpicEvolution]

Downcountry means not only capability but light weight too. Spur is the perfect example. Versatile but still pretty light. I wonder how it will feel with light carbon wheelset and a pair of xc-tyres...

[@JamieMMac]

Just ordered a Large Transtion Spur that will be here in April...going to sell my 4 star XO1 build 2019 Jet nine. I want to see what all the hype is about. Going for longer, lower, slacker and a bit lighter. The Geo and weight is what interests me about the Spur the most and I like doing longer rides at Chicopee Woods in GA. Still love my Large Jet nine at 27.5 lbs (with Candy 7 pedals). I'm thinking the flexible rear in the Spur might actually feel like it has more travel and be slightly better on downhills than the Jet... I wonder if I'm splitting hairs? Guess we will see in April. Curious what the difference will really be? At 47 I care about uphill fitness based PRs more than hero downhill PRs...but it's always fun to be faster no matter what!

[@day1strength917]

Interesting video. I have an carbon xc hardtail and an aluminum fs trail bike. I enjoy riding them both, for different reasons, bc their such different bikes. I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately and I think it's what makes mtb such a great sport.

[@theephemeralglade1935]

Here on the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, if you're riding a trail bike you are a masochist. On the flip side, You can rage down the hill on your trail bike and take out some elderly hikers. Even many of the single track-like paths on the Echo Mountain side of things are better suited to XC, IMHO.

[@Pesmog]

Today I rode my heavy 16kg trail bike on a planned 28 mile muddy ride. Five miles into the ride I realised I was overbiked for an open country endurance ride. I really struggled as it wasnt as muddy anticipated and the bike felt sluggish draggy and heavy on nobbly tyres. I really wasn't enjoying myself so threw in the towel early and went home. I should have taken my 11kg downcounty bike instead with less aggressive tyres and it would have been perfect.

[@HollyBoni]

I regularly do 40-45 mile rides on my 15.2kg trail/AM bike and I enjoy them a lot. 😇

[@venusanat8]

Thank you so much for this video !!! I ride exactly the bike you mentioned: carbon, 120 front, 115 rear. Sometimes I want to jump with them but I do not know if it's okay, and if so, what is the maximum height that can be jumped with the bike without destroying them. I must mention that I am in love with my bike !!

[@GwenchesterMagnum1138]

FS bikes can take a lot if the suspension is set up well! It probably depends more on your wheels- do they have a reputation for durability? For example, Stans Crest wheels are known to be soft.

[@venusanat8]

@@GwenchesterMagnum1138 I have no idea what these wheels and suspensions are. I ride a KTM MT SKARP bike...

[@XCRiders]

I just picked up Orbea Oiz m-team tr a true down country

[@elononoras1902]

Allways will be. One just has to look around the trails and paths, XC style hardtails all around. One has to go to a bike park with jumps and DHs to find FS bikes. Current Grand Canyon lineup is one of those MTBs for everyone (like every 99 out 100 one).

[@armandojuan64]

I have a 26" 2012 Ironhorse Warrior 3.1 which is totally upgraded with 110 mm upfront and 95 mm in the rear , I enjoy that bike so much . My other bike is a 2021 Trance aluminum 27.5" which is awesome but I would never neglect my down country bike . I enjoy both . I hate 29s , they are not for me .

[@jackmehoff915]

I used to into mt biking but havent been on a bike since like 1998! I used to own a M@ stump Jumper comp ...saw one and ebay thinking about buying and building it out , does any one have an opinion on the older hard tails?

[@henryvaneyk3769]

You can also do gravel races with your XC bike without having to go and buy a dedicated gravel bike.

[@KotakMeister]

I'm waiting for the delivery of my 2022 Scott Spark 970 cos like Clint said, cycling to the trail isn't as fun when you have to do it on a burly bike...and my old 2012 Trek Remedy 8 is pretty burly for my size. The Scott Spark will be my first downcountry bike and i have the feeling I'll be enjoying my local trails like never before.

[@paulkruglov7280]

Great video and awesome topic, Clint! I have a XC MTB with only 100mm travel up front. I think the bike you need comes down to trails you ride....the biking industry loves trends, so bike geo/drivetrains/wheel sizing will always change....I ride the same trails as I did years ago, and don't need a more capable bike. Given that gravel bikes are a big rage now, do we need road bikes anymore? There are those that ride rigid single speed MTB out there and are just fine shredding same trails I would ride on a more capable MTB. Ride what you have and have fun doing it!

[@mellissanash7517]

I think bikes like the Salsa Cutthroat with 100mm of travel(from the factory when parts aren't an issue) will take the place of some of those 80-100mm xc hartails. It has a 69* hta(at sag I think), which is the same as some current XC bikes I've recently seen with 68.5*(maybe at sag?) & can take up 29x2.5 tires in the rear, which is more than the what Specializes offers on the Epic HT at 2.35 or so. Full sus at the spec is still safe as gravel isn't full sus yet. My friend just recently picked up an hardcore trail bike with a set up 120-140mm of travel. Then someone in my riding group just got an xc bike with 130mm from the factory. Manufacture's site calls it a progress xc hardtail designed around a 130mm fork.

[@downundermtb4744]

I tried xc and didn’t enjoy it ,felt difficult to jump (2015 Epic dual sus) sold it. I have a gravel bike now just recent purchased (2021 Diverge). I’m no racer that’s for sure . Bit of gravel and ash felt roads I enjoy these days..I love trail bikes and enduro bikes.We have one of each. 👍

[@sveng5319]

yes they are relevant. I ride my hard tail XC and have no need for a fully, but cannot substitute it by a Gravel or CX due to the terrain around here.

[@Aanonymous88]

Yes and also it depends on area, culture or country. Like example Japan are big enthusiast but Road, Fixed, folding and Gravel bikes are popular in their. I prefer XC bikes but I may get a gravel bike first if I had chance.

[@glennoc8585]

HT xc is still very relevant to me both 650b and 29er. I prefer modern geometry and wider tyres now. I like trail bikes but I don't do gnarly trails and jumps these days and I just like a light bike.

[@martynprice87]

I would say unless you hit the bike parks regularly or live where it's really narly then 120-130 is probably enough travel. I ride a Camber and it's capable for most trails I ride

[@smoothmoose]

Do you ever run your gravel bike with XC tires 2.0-2.2"? That too me makes it almost like an XC bike.

[@julesberrry]

I have 2 inch 27.5 tyres on my gravel bike for winter. I ride on the same trails as on my 26” MTB…

[@christopherphillips5608]

Great informative educational video. I am a roadie and have just moved over to the dark side. I have ordered a Hardtail , what clothing would you advise Clint

[@ClintGibbs]

Typical road kit works fine for cross country and what I use most often. I also like riding in baggies and a loose fitting jersey, especially for my trips to the mountains.

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

Very informative.

[@Planetone.]

I just bought a Blur, but I don't see myself wearing an xc helmet, is that not cool, I like my Troy Lee A1😁 I just started riding further and this bike definitely helps!

[@JamesLG4]

I am glad XC bikes exist for those that want them but I would much rather have a trail e-bike (Orbea Rise or Specialized Levo SL) over an XC bike. The Rise or Levo would be a much more fun way of covering distance across flat ground (XC) and still be very capable trail bikes when thats the task at hand.

[@benwithrow5044]

I started with XC bikes, as I was fascinated with the light weight and nimbleness. However, I feel like they inhibited my development a bit as they are less capable and confidence inspiring. When I transitioned to a good trail bike with enduro tendencies, the learning process took off for me because I was just more comfortable and confident. The day I broke the seat stay on my specialized epic was a great day for me. I know the trip can be the opposite for some, but a do it all trail bike or down country bike is so nice to start with.