Down-Country Vs Trail Full Suspension Mountain Bikes | What’s The Difference & What’s Right For You?

Mountain biking loves a label (and doesn't, in equal measure) but with the emergence of the longer, slacker and more capable cross country bikes that aren't as burly as their trail bike brethren, the time is right to explore the topic - and its various labels. In this video, Henry and Neil explain what a 'Down Country' bike is exactly, and how it differs from a trail bike (and, of course, a pure cross country bike), and what bike they think is best for them.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

What do you think about the emergence of the 'Down Country' bike? What sort of bike is right for you? Let us know 👇

[@pabloismybigdad2638]

Global Mountain Bike Network seems like a new model of a short travel trail bike to me, not much difference

[@lcc8394]

i own www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-habit-5-2018-mountain-bike-EV308165 it's 2 years old and sold pretty much as a down country bike, i've fitted a dropper, carbon bars/ stem, front mudguard and it's a down coutry beast.... great for a pre work single track shred and can still rip on the trails at the weekend

[@Awesomo12000]

Had to look and make sure it wasn't April fools day, you guys are a few days early.

[@richardsteele-gray7473]

It's right for me, got the new trek top fuel. Trail bike to heavy and xc not fun enough on the downs. My obsession now is making the bike even lighter.

[@stevenjansen5283]

Been riding a downcountry since 2015, just beefed an XC up to 120 mm travel and some other tweaks. Been lmao since, the bloody thing does all...

[@user-tg6tf4ny2o]

The next mtb genre's: Downtrail Downallmountain Upenduro Updownhill

[@McLambo]

Updownhill... Lmao!

[@etooamill9528]

@@McLambo Is when you go up hill with the help of gravity

[@illuforce]

Up enduro sounds kind of cool where its enduro but all time sections are uphill.

[@dillandouglas7176]

Андрей Иванович no

[@venz5179]

i would add "reversed freeride"

[@Monkey_slapping_keys]

So it's a trail bike with....... A trail bike.

[@screew708]

I feel like now that enduro bikes have become almost as capable as downhill bikes with up to 180mm of travel, trail bikes have become the enduro bikes of yesterday with 140-160mm of travel. So now those 120-130mm travel trail bikes from 2-3 years ago have basically just been improved and renamed to "down country" bikes.

[@scubaeb]

This is so fun to watch. I started with mtb in the 90's to stay fit for Moto. I am old! We had so little to choose from. The bike I kept the longest was a Specialized Chumpjumper circa 2003. That bike got multiple forks, shocks, brakes, and suspensions linkages. We made everything ourselves trying to build Enduro bikes before there were Enduro bikes. Fast forward to old status. Sold the Demo9 (no, not Demo8), the hardtail and broke the Stump Jumper and I find the 2014 Trance SX. It was best of everything. Almost. New brakes, wheels, fork, shock, 1x12,......... Now it does it all, for this beaten body. Three bikes in one and it climbs with 160mm! I love the bike. Then I get my wife the Trek EX8 XT. Wow! What a bike in stock form. Point is, embrace all these labels. Embrace the tech. You guys now have so many options that are so much better than anything we could ever dream of. The industry is so fun right now. You can buy so much off the shelf. Don't hate new. Try it. Bomb it. Climb it all. You lucky bastards!

[@MrScrofulous]

That forest is stunning !!

[@brettgoodwin6052]

After years as a roadie, just bought a cube hardtail C62 reaction and loving the mtb world, friendly people, know idea what catagory my bike is or care, just enjoying it 😍 had all this niche bike nonsense in the roadie world

[@williamgalloway4798]

Nice bike mate. That's a trail hardtail and a good choice. My good friend has the Cube Reaction Pro TM and loves it. That's a very capable bike, there's not much it couldn't do.

[@Basement_CNC]

@@williamgalloway4798 No it's a xcRace hardtale the reaction tm is the trail hardtale

[@mtblover]

Stunning bike. Pity that Cube does not get more exposure. They have amazing bikes.

[@anthonykelly6619]

Its a great idea but I ended up with a pure xc bike that I will stick a dropper on. I was actually eyeing up the orbea oiz TR The problem is I think 90% of riders are actually overbiked and dont even realise how capable xc bikes are now, have you seen recent elite level XCO tracks? Over then the twitchy head angle I find most of the geo and travel on an XC bike pretty damn capable.

[@jaymueller2418]

Spot on.

[@DanRoddy]

"Ohhh, for crissake, Neil, you're going to give me a migraine." Henry delivers the best line on GMBN in years.

[@leeteemtb9587]

Amen to that 1 brother

[@jrbechthold]

Henry definitely has a gift with words! 🤣

[@davidvagenende7452]

@@jrbechthold e

[@TooMuchBike]

"Down Country" Okay y'all just making stuff up now.... j/k but really, the MTB industry creates labels for niche biking for one reason only: sales. You have a dedicated enduro bike, a dedicated trail bike, well of course you need a Down Country bike!!!

[@garytomas1757]

It didn't need a new name. Lots of people set up their XC bikes like this depending on where you're riding. It's not a new thing.

[@Paulklampeeps]

Most xc racers are using downcountry tho. I think they still should call in an xc bike

[@Pienimusta]

Especially when compared to something not so aggressive trail bike like Neuron, with 130mm suspension, can't really see a difference. Just new marketing gimmick?

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Yes it is my friend....lol yes it is.

[@casualgamervids]

Exactly, my Whyte hardtail is 120mm travel. The model has been going a few years and i would consider it a trail bike from the geometry. Its hardly a new idea but I guess they have to try make new categories look like they are being innovative.

[@screew708]

It's just that trail bikes have been pushed into enduro territory so they need a fresh name for those shorter travel trail bikes.

[@smokedsalmon3907]

Seriously, cross country is 100mm or below with different geometry. Once you go to 120mm with a bit more progressive style, it's a trail bike. And probably up until about 140mm when you start getting into the light Enduro/aggressive trail. Down country is just part of the lower travel spectrum of trail bikes and is unnecessary.

[@rolux4853]

Smoked Salmon I don’t think the bikes are unnecessary, in fact they are great for me, since I want a really poppy and playful trailbike, which can jump every little root and stone! But what’s really unnecessary is a new term for it. It’s a traditional trail bike and nothing else. The „modern“ trail bikes just got more and more suspension travel and became enduro bikes.

[@RawburtPurez]

I just want to say THANK YOU for choosing an Orbea for this video. There are not many videos on it and I'm glad YOU GUYS actually posted one!

[@timmyboy525]

Amazing cinematography here guys feels super slick and professional...Those straight down drone shots where so nice!

[@robin1987100]

the difference is one has a silly name?

[@rupedog]

Which one, Neil or Henry?😋😂

[@AntiProPHO]

So my trusty 2016 Trek Fuel EX8 that I've fitted with a wider bar, shorter stem, bigger rotors and a 1x is now a hip down country bike :)) ok then.

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

Nope a trail bike...my superfly with 100mm front travel and 2.4 new xr3 tires is a down country.. my fuel ex8 is still a trail bike...

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Honestly, I think if you want one bike to do it all I think personally you should consider a trail bike around 140mm to 150mm. I have a 2019 Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Comp 29er and it has a 140mm frame with a 150mm fork and it is really good for everything, especially on the downhills. It's super slack (63.5°,which is the same as the new Demo 29 and 64°in the trail mode which I prefer as the bb is quite low in the slack position, even though 64° is still very slack), 29x2.6inch tyres paired with 4 pot, 200mm Sram Code R's. So it's safe to say I love trail bikes

[@cspr1329]

I totally agree with you! I got an Orbea Occam 2020 with a 140mm shock and 150mm fork. You really can ride everything with it. 50km days or a long day in the bike park is not a problem for it.

[@PxulSR]

@@cspr1329 I also buy the occam (H20) with the fox 36 float factory (150mm)

[@PatrickCavanaugh0420]

Absolutely loving my trail bike, 150mm of travel front and rear. 4 pot 200mm in the front with 180mm 2 pot in the back and a sram nx eagle drivetrain. 2.6" tires with a 65° head angle so still somewhat slack. I'd really like to change the front fork out for a 160-170mm of travel somewhere down the line. So for me the trail bike fit right there as the do it all bike.

[@cspr1329]

@@PxulSR did the same and upgraded to the dpx2 as well. And last week I also bought the xt m8120 brakes at my local bike shop to complete the bike^^

[@Slow.Smooth]

I agree. Just built up a Single pivot steel full sus with 150 in front 140 on the frame. 63 degree HTA 77 degree seat tube angle, along with 29x2.5 DHF (front and rear) Feels like a DH bike as soon as you start coming down. This is my first bike after riding a Steel 27.5+ hardtail and I Love it. Feels perfect to be honest!

[@area4race]

You need a GravelBike and an EnduroBike. You get the Range from Street to Bikepark covering also fireroad, light trail, day trips, enduro stages. The 120/130mm class was always there, slightly above xc, nothing new.

[@joanetmontserrat702]

area4race The problem is you cannot race nothing serious with these two bikes.

[@MrTheSkiper]

I agree, best combo if you want cover everything. If you want to be top in one category then you need more specific bike.

[@nerdexproject]

Interesting topics wonderfully presented and stunningly edited! This is GMBN! ❤

[@Vanowm]

So my take from the video is: there is absolutely no difference between the two and comes down to personal preferences. Basically it's a marketing gimmick.

[@paulmulryne8405]

So now I’ve got XC hardtails - fully rigid, front suspension, full suspension, a ‘hooligan’ hardtail, a fs trail bike, enduro bike and a downhill bike... and now a downcountry bike... hold on there’s some large men knocking on my door. They don’t look happy.

[@mrdrifty6580]

You're forgetting about ebike that will have all kinds of categories

[@davidharbour4547]

Still need a hard nose/soft tail and a gravel bike. Oh and don't forget to have an adventure bike too, oh and get a trials bike while you're at it 😂

[@kastmodder]

Don't forget the marathon bikes and long travel hardtail, and 99 other varieties

[@eddevincentis2218]

Is there a single speed version yet?

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

You missed quite a few....hundred categories there

[@themeatpopsicle]

Instead of a versus, I think it should be emphasized that with the right tools and some mechanical knowledge you can set up a lot of modern bikes to skew whatever flavor you want on the day.

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Great video, great scenery, great bikes, great riders. Nice one Neil, Henry and GMBN 👍👊🤘

[@flyingnorseman]

I have a gen 3 Santa Cruz tallboy 29er. In the winter I use Spank Oozy 350 wheels, 2.5 DHR/DHF tires and a 130MM pike fork. In the summer I use Race face Next SL wheels, Maxxis Ardent race/Forecaster tires and 120MM Fox SC fork. Heavy and strong set up for messy winter training. Light and nimble for summer 6 hour racing. Its like having 2 different bikes.

[@jakdbgaming6640]

Nice videos guys! You guys have helped me with tips and tricks and just great content. Keep it up 👍

[@CL-dh2mf]

Henry and Neil!😀👍So entertaining and it doesnt feel 2 much like a sponsored video - really good job! For now I'm sticking with my Hardcore Hardtail = Whyte 905. Greetings from Germany to the UK! ✌

[@aitaissamehdi8628]

Thanks for the video. Great explanation between these 2 different bikes. And I would say only comfort makes difference , so it’s good to pick the right geometry which fit your ridding style.

[@zunasawada617]

Woah it's my first time seeing Henry riding clipless pedals. Keep shredding guys! Love the vid!

[@gmbn]

He's a talented lad is our Henry 😉

[@hananas2]

My bike is somewhere between XXXC and trail, it's 120R/140F travel, 2-pot 180mm brakes (at the moment), a 1x11 and 26" XC tyres and a 60mm stem and 740mm bars. It makes a lotta stuff really enjoyable

[@johndixon9551]

Went back and forth between a Canyon Neuron and Trek Fuel EX 8 but ended up with a Canyon Spectral. Love the extra travel and the playfulness of the 27.5. Great all around bike!

[@bartomiejdobrowolski6953]

Epic shots, good music, great bikes! Got neuron and lov this bike!! Its a trail bike with some XC dna. I can use it in marathons and all day trips. I don't care about category, down country etc. I just love to ride!

[@sebastien1966]

Love your vids this is cool

[@retroonhisbikes]

When your finished with the orbea I can give you 6 toilet rolls for it

[@Peanutdenver]

Hold up...you could get a 2020 Pivot Switchblade with Fox Live Valve for 6 rolls of TP and have enough left over for a clean 2018 911 Carrera S.

[@adamski1182]

Anyone looking for the song played just after the racing/migraine comment, it's incorrectly listed in the comments. Track is: Issue AB - '8 Hours'

[@th_js]

Great video Neil and Henry 👌🏻

[@gmbn]

Cheers Tomi 👍

[@D4WeeMaN]

"Hey! What type of bike do you have?" "One that I like. And feels comfortable. And can afford"

[@juluisreyes9094]

Nice one guys..i prefer my Sta.Cruz Tallboy geometry..the short travel fork is just enough for me for small jumps and drops..and i can use my bike on roads with enough pedalling efficiency also..

[@tedhollander2066]

I ride my modified 2015 SWorks Epic a lot more than my new Devinci trail bike out in Park City. It gives up speed on the rougher downhills but is so much faster going up and accelerates much better on the rolling stuff. Running a Stepcast 120mm fork and an offset shock bushing, 730 mm bar and 70mm stem and a Thomson dropper.

[@bazzamtb4805]

I’ve got the new Santa Cruz Tallboy, irrelevant what you call it, it is just a fun bike on the down trails and efficient uphill. Swapped 160mm travel in my old bike for 120 rear/130mm upfront and not yet missed the extra travel.

[@asylumDAYS]

Nice vidéo i never knew about down country bike 😊

[@jozephsky]

Brilliant feature this. I went for a Stumpjumper 29 rather than the Enduro because the Stumpjumper is actually a better choice if you want to be able to rip BPW reds with your mates on Patrols and DH rigs but you also want long days riding the more challenging all day rides of Shropshire and Mid Wales. I used to have 5 bikes. Now I just have the 150/140mm 29er and a Checkpoint SL5 gravel rig. I love them both, can keep up with most people and don’t need anything else! Let’s face it, at 3-5k a pop who can afford multiple bikes these days and why bother when a we’ll chosen Trail or ‘Downcountry’ bike will probably make you happier anyway! The only mods on the Stumpjumper are some Hunt Trailwide wheels for XC days, Maxxis Shorty F & Minnion DHF R on the Rovals for BPW days, and the MRP Ramp Control on the Fox 34s. It’s an awesome setup. Just need a Cane Creek DB Air now......

[@allenrafaeldalanon275]

I like how I'm still watching GMBN though I don't have any bikes lol

[@deanmalaluan2623]

hope to see Henry on the channel's latest videos.

[@netbookings]

I have a 2089 Norco Revolver (100mm) much like the Orbea and a 2017 Norco Sight (130mm) 29ers. I used to ride the Sight all the time (more forgiving) , but now ride the Revolver most of the time, now that I am used to it. Can't really lose with either style.

[@Cycling-Addiction]

The bike I have ordered..and the bike I have ended up purchasing after months of waiting, the Oiz TR! Love it. Please tell us which one is faster!! Just take some times in nearby trail (up&down) with the same rider😃

[@zizzinpuss]

My 2014 Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt has 120mm travel front and rear. I can't believe it's taken six years for downcountry to finally catch on

[@BMH1965]

I've just bought a used 26" XC and put a dropper and slightly wider bars on it and converted it from a 2x10 (40-29Tx11-36) to a 1x10 (36Tx11-42). As a returning rider (I rode XC some 40 years back), I did not want to spend crazy money on something that looked and operated like a space ship - and costs the same as a space ship! I paid £1000 for a Giant Anthem X with XTR equipment and DT Swiss 240 Hubs.

[@rupedog]

It's like putting a bike rack on an Aston Martin, hey Neil!

[@singyuenlau423]

I got turned on the mountain biking from your videos! With how beautiful the places you guys get to explore in such a unique way and how could I not mention how infectious (in the best way) Mr Blake Samson’s personality is. Only when I bought myself a nice-ish trail bike recently did I follow a colleague to a local single track and damn was it tough! I hope I’d have the opportunity to build my mtb skills enough and go on a great mtb adventure one day! Cheers!

[@gmbn]

Cheers for following Sing! Keep it up 🤘

[@singyuenlau423]

Keep safe and stay well! 💪🏼

[@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_]

What are these halfway bikes? You are supposed to go up the hill on your xc bike, switch to your dh bike and ride down.

[@letour32rr]

My 2018 Specialized Camber is essentially a “Down County” bike. 120mm travel, 75 degree Seat Tube, 68.5 Headtube angle. They stopped making it and for my preference the Stumpy ST is too slack up front. The Camber was essentially replaced by the Epic Evo (120/100) which after demoing rides circles around my Camber both up and down. I don’t hit jumps or go to downhill parks, but I also like a bit more upright geometry. I like the idea of a light, agile XC bike with just a touch less aggressive geometry.

[@0GekkeGerrit0]

I've got the 2016 model. I did upgrade the stock Revelation to a Pike and purchased beefier wheels. Great allround bike!

[@MikeDrake_]

I’ve also got a 2018 27.5 camber and put a fox factory 34 150mm up front, and a set of maxxis dhf/dhr. Made a substantial difference on the down and still climbs great.

[@3.2.1.0]

It's a shame the Giant Anthem SX series ended, but the bike was aimed at people that want to go fast and be a little more capable downhill. My 2016 model is still rocking, fast uphill and very capable down fast technical rock gardens. Love it!

[@henrylaird9028]

Probably be the only people out at Rowberrow/mendips around this time

[@rupedog]

Thought it looked like rowberrow

[@rupedog]

It was no doubt filmed a few wks back

[@guillempenacchiotorres8835]

Love it!!

[@Mrunknown13.6]

I think that you just can't say that the bike is a Down country because of its travel. The real differenc are in the Geometry and design

[@NilabhUmredkar]

Great topic actually. I am planning for a Giant Trance 3 29er 2020 model. Where do you think this bike fits?

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Here's a challenge in these lockdown times: What would you suggest to keep MTB / trials fit & hold the stoke if we can't get out in the street? Imagine you've got a typical backyard or garden, say 7m x 7m and no more than three pallets and a ten foot scaffold board. Your allowed some nails & 25m of rope. Also some bits and bobs found in a house, like some chalk, paper cups etc. Curious challenge in tough times??

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

I am actually embarrassed at the industry, trying So hard to make last years stuff irrelevant, just to sell more stuff.... embarrassing Still love the videos though.

[@TheCockyPerry]

This is why i am still riding this bike... www.giant-bicycles.com/au/anthem-x-advanced-2012 and I love it...!!! I want to buy a dropper seat post and get rid of the remote lock out since it doesn't really work...

[@DudeGameOver]

True but to be fair new bikes are getting cheaper.

[@brauljo]

It's called capitalism

[@brauljo]

@@TheCockyPerry Ew a 2x?

[@pheeranatheron7817]

Braŭljo I

[@johncarrington8612]

I figured this out a few years ago. I have a spec. I changed from a 2x to a 1 x 10 11-36 out back, 32t up front. It has 120 ml of suspension front and back. I put a couple of volume spacers in the fork to help with bigger hits but with that set-up I can climb well and do the downs fast. You have to be fit to do it though.

[@tarmacsurfers]

I’m sure down county will stick and it won’t be the last mtb genre plucked from the sky 🤣

[@mrvwbug4423]

They are already trying to re-apply the "all mountain" moniker for the longer travel trail bikes that are edging into enduro territory. Then you get bikes that defy classification like the Ibis Ripmo and Canyon Strive, they pretty much straddle the line between trail and enduro.

[@nathanbeck1165]

@@mrvwbug4423 but a 140 travel bike can still be a all mountain/trail bike so i dont see why they want to change all mountain to different travel bikes when its been the same for years

[@pedroburrito8038]

I recently purchased a new bike after 17 years on a 26" XC bike and debated if I was going to get a pure XC 29" bike or go with something a little bit more fun. After seeing so many riders on the trails being overbike and struggling on the climb I didn't want to make the same mistake and went for the trail bike, a SC Tallboy V4 with 130/120 front and rear travel and still climb like a pure XC bike but with the slacker geometry and longer travel. To me the climb is not punishing with this bike and its worth the reward of a fun downhill with the longer travel. Of course it's really the type of trail you frequently ride that should dictate your type of bike, I know I found mine and I love the new ride.

[@speedforcesimracer1712]

nice DC bike cool video stay well guys

[@benlukkie]

Same thing imho, you have to be pretty pro to even feel the difference. All changes are in the aftermarket range.

[@mtblover]

The single and only pity about the Canyon is the limited space in the triangle. If the top tube was just slightly higher at the seat tube one would be able to fit 2 bottles in there which would make it the supreme all day bike. Now one has to wear a back pack/ Camelback.

[@Danil-Crypto]

gray(or silver) canyon ,the best colo, i loved

[@johnesteban9752]

Kindly do a review about the cannondale habit 2020 model. Thank

[@garygilbert1127]

Giant done an Anthem a few years ago, the xs but could easily be wrong, think it had 140mm travel, light as a feather, super efficient, fast and poppy, I almost bought one but couldn't get the model I wanted in my size, in hindsight I'm glad I didn't.

[@vomErsten]

XC bikes are often still hard tails and the smallest current full-sus is the Trek Supercaliber at 60 mm of rear-wheel travel, I think. That said, FULL ENDURO BROOOOOO!

[@tntrailrider7379]

They can call it whatever they want.. I like the specs.

[@eloscilatore]

I switched my canyon lux for inflite, but despite the fact, that it is super capable CX bike, I miss the technical trails and really considering switching it for this oiz m20 TR

[@robertritchie2860]

I've got my BMC Speedfox 01 and I think it seems to tick all of the above boxes... 😊

[@bigbo1764]

I’ve always considered 120-130 a trail bike, and 140-150 a long travel trail bike or a “all mountain”, with anything more being enduro, super enduro, or DH.

[@benjamind165]

As someone who can only afford to have one bike, it’s a enduro bike, since I’ll never be racing I’d rather have the feeling of thinking my bike is perfect for going down hill, even though a trail bike would be more than sufficient for the riding I do

[@Djangoat68]

Anyone know where this was filmed? Very nice spot

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

I upgraded my trek superfly ai elite to a down country...lol...works great, is comfortable..has a 1x11 drive train

[@murilomiranda8009]

Scott used to have a bike like this, the Spark, without the WC sulfix. Not sure if still available. For the more aggressive XC bike, what size of tires were you running?

[@MrTheSkiper]

Neil how would you compere Orbe OIZ TR vs Canyon Lux?

[@williammarkey5068]

For me downcountry is just a lightweight trail bike with slight tweaks in geometry, tires, maybe a little less travel to make it a little more efficient climbing. Also more antisquat characteristics in the suspension to pedal more efficiently fully open. Still refusing to use that term though. Think Trail/XC vs Trail/Enduro.

[@bentyler5704]

Down country is perfect for a trail bike that you want to climb better. Enduro Is like I just want to get up the hill and shred the decent. I have a neuron and it’s a gold all rounder.

[@bentyler5704]

but it’s actually the same thing

[@mrvwbug4423]

Trail bike itself is a broad category. It ranges from short travel bikes like the Neuron to bikes like the Trek Remedy and Canyon Spectral which are just about 27.5 enduro sleds, just with a bit more nimble geometry. My own trail bike (Giant Trance) is approaching enduro levels of travel at 140/150, but with more nimble geometry and still climbs very well.

[@kieranrae]

from this, all i'm thinking is that in the range of what's termed 'Trail bikes' (120mm - 150mm travel), this 'Down Country' category is just the lighter end of the 'Trail bikes' range. so it's not new or different, it's just been given its own name, for, marketing reasons...

[@callumyoung7785]

Where is this it looks sick!

[@mattcooch6912]

Callum Young Somerset, Mendip hills and Cheddar Gorge 👌🏼

[@majoromg449]

@@mattcooch6912 thanks

[@tabsmtb6301]

Yes, this is quite near Cheddar but it’s actually at Rowberrow Warren/Trails

[@sevencoloredmage8726]

These bikes seem to be what All-Mountain bikes were a few years ago, before they inched towards becoming almost Enduro bikes.

[@VonSC2]

Orbea make some beautiful bikes. I have 2020 Occam M10 and love it.

[@magmajh7611]

I wish I had a bike like those

[@Tc-hb8vp]

I still like a trail bike but I'm a hardtail fan at heart

[@lukefarrell117]

I was literally on the fence between these exact 2 bikes (I got the canyon tho)

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Better choice IMO. Get stoked

[@AliasHSW]

Sounds awesome: Safari 911 + roof bike rack!

[@paulandrews7573]

You kept talking about how lightweight downcountry bikes are, but you never mentioned the weight of the two bikes...

[@steveoutdoors471]

It's an interesting move from the manufacturers. Me as a rider wants a bike that does XC well and a bike that does trail well. I could see a world where the creating a bike that does both well a typical consumer could end up only purchasing one vs. two.

[@vtecmossy]

On one codein 27.5 160 front /150 rear, 203mm/180mm rotors is it a beefed up trail bike or an enduro 🤔?

[@dioneconomic662]

I like the funny stuff u guys said

[@TimToesWalters]

How do these categories line up with the astm standard for usage? Doddy?

[@ReZ_Trombone]

Should have talked more about geometry and how it plays a bigger role in a bike's capabilities than suspension numbers.

[@cornishcactus]

Probably get a bigger difference swapping my T130 from it's Minons to something more xc. Put mountain king 2.4 front and back on last weekend as I had them and we're not doing any interesting riding in the UK now. Much quicker on the flat not so grippy on loose rock but was great on the dry trails through the woods. What was Henry running? looked like forecaster front and rear but much tighter spacing on the back?

[@neildaniel8232]

So a down country bike is pretty much what my 2015 Trek Fuel EX is? 1x11, dropper post, decent 2-pot brakes, wide bar, short stem and decent pedalling efficiency? Great, saves me buying a new bike to keep up with the trends!!

[@Pienimusta]

Feels like most over a year old trail bike fits that category.

[@shaun1900]

ignore the catogarisation and buy the bike you need. IMHO most people overbike for 95% of the trails they ride. That's to say they buy bikes that they really don't need or can't ride like the Atherton's to fully exploit thier potential and woud be better of with something 120/130mm at both ends.

[@louisroy5553]

good to know

[@peterbayliss1484]

The 2017 and later Giant Anthem’s, would fall in the category of “Down-Country“. 😊

[@carlospineda8923]

Correct sir! I have an Anthem Advance that is very close to featured bike in video. A mix of xc and trail. Great bike.

[@bodieterrill]

how to knack knack vid please!!!

[@socialising6037]

I've got a 2012 felt six 50 hardtail with triple xtr crank 170mm travel there 8 years to late