Cross Country Race Bike Vs Down Country Bike | Which Is Faster For XC?

XC races are becoming more and more technical, especially on the descents. That, coupled with a growing trend for 'underbiking,' has resulted in the Down Country bike. But which is fastest around a technical Cross Country race loop? An XC thoroughbred, or a beefed up DC bike? We found out with the help of Merida's new Ninety-Six RC and Ninety-Six full suspension cross country bikes.
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Which bike would you choose?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

Which bike would you choose?

[@ollyhmtb3607]

Down country

[@janegibbs6874]

96rc

[@matt_adelaide]

I think I’d go for the 96rc as I’m coming from a hard tail. I’d love to see a comparison between the new v old 96rc

[@joellewis759]

I'd go with the down country

[@sylvanmw]

@@matt_adelaide I dont recommend going to a 100mm full sus unless you want to race xc. If you're riding for fun I'd recommend 130 to 140 travel

[@adrian_veidt]

Can't wait for the *cross up hill bike*

[@Ali.M]

Personally I'm waiting for an Up trail bike. Wonder if we'll get Flat hill bikes some day?

[@MrBJPitt]

Already have them - emtb

[@martial8574]

I want a cross down, climb in bike park and send in the jump

[@th_js]

How about the Crossduro and CountryHill bikes.??

[@tristandesade8635]

Aero-cross-dirt-duro bike is the new black!🤩🤩🤩

[@dannymerz9986]

These two are my absolute favorite guys on the show. Love them all, but I'm excited everytime

[@mtbak8580]

Am I the only one who didn’t know there was a “down country” bike

[@chrisl2656]

It’s a term coined by Mike Levy over at PinkBike.com

[@rupedog]

In truth there isn't...it's a load of marketing drivel, trying to split categories...give labels where none are required. There are xc, trail, enduro and dh bikes. The 'down country' name is basically a bike on the border between xc and trail. All stuff and nonsense.

[@mtbak8580]

Yeah when I was hearing about the specs about the bikes and how similar they were it seemed like a lot of nonsense. thanks!

[@sm-qw9mj]

@@rupedog Why shouldn't there be more categories? If it helps people buy the right bike for them, it's the right thing to do. And the thing is, there is a difference in these bikes. The same can't always be said about trail and enduro bikes these days.

[@motofocus7927]

I didn't either 😂👌

[@andrewd244]

I do feel like with bikes this similar the rider is always going to make a bigger difference than the bike

[@James-dn1hu]

100%

[@sethmichael8188]

Similar but rides different and massive weight differences depending on what type of bike, forks and material of the bike

[@trailriders6876]

I guess the major difference in the results is based on tyres choice, everything else doesn't play almost any role

[@rafaelgodoy903]

That's why downcountry bikes are better hehe

[@rafaelgodoy903]

@Machine Fack Yes, that's it bud

[@cosmicsheep5143]

Finally, a Merida bikes been featured in GMBN!! I’ve been waiting for some big channels to give a review about Merida bikes.

[@MrRoW24]

Loved my Big Nine XT , though i just sold it after getting a mega deal on a Trek Fuel ex 9.9

[@stuarttierney6678]

👍 love my merida 140 700 trail bike But must admit would like to buy a yeti sb115 "down country " bike next

[@andymiller8877]

Definitely Love Merida, much under rated brand. Im still rocking my 26' 96.

[@cosmicsheep5143]

@@MrRoW24 I have Merida Big 9 XT edition 2020 frame and been doing xc marathon with it. That’s a great upgrade that’s for sure

[@cosmicsheep5143]

@@andymiller8877 it’s indeed a under rated bike brand they have lots of good bikes that needs some attention.

[@simoncronqvist6658]

Yee, more xc content!

[@richarddort5889]

I feel tires were the biggest difference here. I think the DC would have made up a bunch of time with out the Enduro tires. An Aggaro/Barzo combo works have been faster.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Yeah, the RC was running Rekon Races, which is more inline with what you would see on a downcountry bike. A full on XC bike would run something even faster rolling.

[@Nilla_S]

Yes, the Rekon Race vs Minion DHR II is a big difference. The weight diifference is prob around 500g+ and the rolling resistance is just..woww..

[@KlintonSilvey]

100% an enduro bike with aspens is probably going to climb faster than a cross-country bike with downhill tires on it. I hate when they don't compare apples to apples

[@timnz009]

Whats with the Minion DH tyres ? agree ! Rekon race tyres will be much faster..

[@timnz009]

I've set up my Trance 29 as a downcountry bike, ditched the DHF & DHR Minions for Crossmarks and Ardent front.

[@letour32rr]

I’d be interested in seeing more content around XC racing. A whole new generation is entering the sport and would love to learn more.

[@andrei0525]

Best argument ever: this one matches my watch strap!

[@gmbn]

😂

[@Konztinental]

How I think I look like every ride: Neil How I actually look (and sound) like every ride: Blake

[@VLokkY]

You also look like Blake in the downhill sections?!

[@GThiele64]

@@VLokkY Neil didnt want to scrub the trail with his face in this video xD

[@homeboyactual]

thats actually better xD

[@Konztinental]

I mean the panting

[@notchipotle]

blake just hates working against gravity 🤣

[@drewquarrie2116]

My first serious build was a down xc bike, a Klein palomino with a Manitou minute 3 (100 to 130mm), this was close to 20years ago

[@roythearcher]

I love the contrast in your presenting styles, Neil, Factual, to the point, dry humour, Blake? well... hes just a lunatic! Great contrast!

[@joaogilhermeferreira3179]

the different tyres easily explains 90% of the difference on the bikes behaviour. For this to be a proper test you should have used the same tyres. I bet I can have a Down Country Bike by putting more aggressive tyres on my XC bike

[@craigsj]

Yes, and 90% of the remaining 10% too. This isn't a comparison of two categories of bikes, it is a comparison of two sets of tires. The bikes are the same. Also, suggesting a DHF is a "down country" tire is absurd. Put the same tires on the 120mm bike that the XC bike and rerun those tests. Will be within the margin of testing error.

[@kosurnyikovadam3203]

@@craigsj its not just the tires. There is nearly 1,6kg difference between the two bikes, that could count 10-20-30sec-s on a 15-20min loop like that.

[@craigsj]

@@kosurnyikovadam3203 No, it couldn't, nor could you ever find a test that would show that it could. Now, much slower tires are also heavier and could, even without adding that much weight, explain the difference. An interesting test would be to take the lighter bike and test it with and without 1.6 kg of lead attached to the frame. It would be highly unlikely that there would be any statistically significant difference in results.

[@kosurnyikovadam3203]

@@craigsj the more punches / accelerations on the track, weight counts more. Especially the rotating weight. On a 20min long steady climb, +4-5kg-s could count 90-100secs as I remember - at steady pace, without accelerations. I suspect that there would be that 'small' difference between the two bikes with same tire setups. It is heavier, cant be same efficient on climbs.

[@craigsj]

@@kosurnyikovadam3203 Counts more than what? Just because it "counts more" does not mean you can claim arbitrary gains. As you remember what? Do you have tests you wish to cite? Ignoring your meaningless use of the term "efficient", you seem to be claiming that a heavier bike cannot be faster than a lighter bike on a loop. That doesn't even pass the sniff test, even for the least experienced among us. Weight generally means nothing, except during sustained steep climbs and when the weight is in tires where the weight contributes to slower rolling.

[@DMMS1096]

I am LOVING this XC content!!! MORE PLEASE WOOOI

[@stop619]

Big up for the XC coverage!

[@clevelandmtb2293]

I love the effort Blake gives. You could see he was dying at the end of the climb

[@ProfeTa6]

I'm guessing tires had alot more to do with the different results than the bike.

[@pavelbzonek6907]

A pity they didn't have the same tyres.

[@shawnwells5719]

Not in that slop. The tires on the down country probably helped keep the difference minimized, even on the climbs, with much more traction and cornering ability. On a dry course, the RC would smoke the heavier bike.

[@arturkrzemien2373]

Great Job guys. Please do it again after swaping the wheels out!🙏🙏🙏

[@mrvwbug4423]

DHR2s roll like boat anchors. Even something like Dissector/Rekon or Dissector/Forekaster would give decent traction in the muddy-ish track and roll much faster. The Rekon Races on the RC were much more inline with what a downcountry bike would typically run.

[@nl3712]

@@mrvwbug4423 good point - agreed

[@NorthDesigns]

I love these types of videos where it’s just pure riding

[@bermshark]

I'm not much of an *XC* person but this is entertaining

[@neildaniel8232]

The FOD red trail is massively underrated as the blue gets all the attention. the red is pretty easy to pootle round but hit it hard like they did and it's a proper workout. As for the bikes, unless you're into XC racing or epic, fast and long rides where speed is everything then the new style of 'Downcountry' bikes make a lot of sense. Switch out the tyres for faster ones for speed or out on tougher tyres for burliness and you basically have two bikes in one.

[@craigsj]

"Switch out the tyres for faster ones for speed or out on tougher tyres for burliness and you basically have two bikes in one." That is true for literally every bike.

[@erich8258]

Down country basically seems like a trail bike from 5-10 years ago, at least the geometry. For those of us whose trails look more like what Neil and Blake are riding here instead of Squamish or Whistler, they make more sense than low and slack modern trail bikes.

[@aradoran]

Blake: Putting it all out there. Camera crew: Okay now talk for the video. Appreciate your effort m8...cheers

[@robleschristianq.9219]

Please make a detailed bike check of this two bikes, specially on cockpit setup.

[@MrWhatever847]

I like everything from road to downhill, but love to see XC being covered more. Thanks!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

What's faster for XC?: Older dad vs fresh dad edition! ;-p ;-p

[@nathanhawk665]

I'm always a little irritated by how unscientific some of these comparisons tend to be. At a minimum, the tires/wheels should be the same. Also, doing both bikes on the same day doesn't seem to make sense because you are tired from the first lap if you are giving it hell. As someone who designs clinical research projects, it seems like doing multiple runs on each bike, on different days, under the same trail conditions would maybe make the most sense to get a proper comparison. Maybe they don't have the time to do it that way. At least standardize the tires/wheels and do each test lap when you are fresh.

[@FrédéricGodbout9719]

Yeah sure but at the end of the day it’s just entertainment and to be honest you can pretty much tell which one is going to better up hill and downhill just by the name.

[@alexanderhamilton2338]

While I agree with most of that, I have to disagree about the same tires part, "downcountry" bikes typically have beefier tires than xc.

[@TheNutButter_]

If you did runs on different days you’d risk environmental conditions being markedly different and impacting results. Obviously we’d prefer hundreds of runs with different riders in differing conditions while standardizing as much about the bikes as possible and to be able to use all of those factors to create a model for predicting segment time, but they’re not trying to get a study published. They wanted to race with different bike and film it.

[@xd1be9nb7v]

These comparison tests are so very scientific! Well suited for the highly critical target market.

[@breakawayadv8626]

Yes! 🤘🏻 good to see some Merida bikes on the show! Got a Merida Big Nine 100 XC Hardtail after watching the show 🤙🏻

[@creepylavalamp]

I love these bike vs bike videos!!

[@willbros1499]

I realize Blake might no longer be with us if you did it, but I would have loved to see the exact same test....but swap tires. Nothing else. Obviously there is more time to be made up on the climbs and level pedaling on that course, and with less tire drag from XC tires on the RC....I think the RC would turn times VERY close to the non-RC model by simply swapping tires only. We're probably talking a second or two on the 1:30 descent by having less aggressive tires, but on the uphill and level stuff....that's where the added drag would be felt. The 2 lbs difference between the bikes would probably make a little difference, but I still think the tires would even the playing field pretty dramatically...AND are probably close to 1 lbs of the weight difference, AND it's in rolling weight. Just my thoughts!

[@koskkon3770]

I know you guys showed the side by side results at the end of the video, but in general in your videos it would be much better if you showed data for before and after at the same time as you're talking through the video in the 1st place. (whether it's geometry comparisons, times, etc) Otherwise I find I have to do a lot of skipping forward and back to see how one thing compares to another, and it really takes away from your work. Thanks!

[@themanwiththedog1]

How much of that difference is the tyres. I think the bike has minimal difference.

[@rwilliamjacob]

I’m on the fence. I used my down country two races in a row. One very tech XC and I got a podium, other fast traditional and it was a top ten but was super hard to keep speed.

[@jimdurham13]

I have a Santa Cruz Blur that I’ve set up both ways. 100 front and back and 120 front with the new SID ultimate. Also have had both type tires. Very similar to what you guys tested. I found just what you two showed. The SID is a big difference maker as far downhill technical feel and capabilities. I do think the biggest speed difference in in the tires though. Would like to see a comparison with the same tires.

[@gianmarcocostanzo1380]

The XC race bike would be my choice, riding slightly more carefully downhill and enjoying the benefits uphill. You spend much more time climbing than descending. Also, nowadays there are fast rolling XC tires in 2.4 size, which is mind blowing.

[@zzlat_]

Damn, Merida really stepped up its game. Those bikes look very modern and nice!

[@marcdemichele2689]

A 22lb full sus. racing machine. Super impressed with this bike. Not to mention, it looks pretty sick!

[@Nunesfan]

Defently more xc from you guys!

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Great video Blake and Neil Very nice looking bikes That challenge looked hard work great effort from both 👊 Great work #GMBN 👍

[@SuperBlansh]

100 vs 120 reminds me 29 vs 27.5 debates. I would like to see those bikes comparison with similar tyres, and in different weather conditions. Though this one was very interesting and useful video. GMBN Please keep doing your great job! Thank you!

[@Actionmannin]

Should of swapped the wheels for a 3rd test for full comparison. Do you think that would be worth implementing?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Yeah, bizarre tire choice on both bikes. The RC was running light trail tires, which is more akin to what should go on the non-RC, the non-RC was on full blown enduro tires.

[@Actionmannin]

@@mrvwbug4423 my point was if they swapped the wheels and tires would the DC bike do a faster or slower time than the xc bike

[@bmichfrr]

I love both

[@meteormedia7021]

Wow, those bikes are gorgeous!

[@mrvwbug4423]

I wonder how much of that time difference was down to the tires. The downcountry bike was running DHR2s at both ends, which of course roll very slow, which is not something you would typically see on a downcountry bike. The tires on the RC are more in line (Rekon/Rekon Race) with what you would typically see on a downcountry bike, and a full on XC bike would probably use even faster rolling tires like Ardent Race/Ikon or Racing Ralph/Ray. DHR2 at both ends is more akin to what you would see on an enduro bike.

[@antoinethevoz7767]

Sick video and sick bikes! Love you guys keep it up!

[@tom2038]

Basically it doenst really matter. Pick whatever bike you like best :)

[@swanboy_1328]

I've been wanting to see one of these videos for months.

[@juluisreyes9094]

Nice flowy trail guys.

[@77kristatos]

Great vid guys, thanks - can you let us know what tyre pressure you were both running please?

[@JonathanFisherS]

Love this video format!!! Super fricken cool

[@joshiboy31]

100% it's TYRES. Xc tyres in not to muddy conditions are at least 10-20% faster than the fastest lower profile 'trail' tread

[@mrvwbug4423]

Except the downcountry bike was on DHR2s, which are enduro/downhill tires. The Rekon races on the RC seemed to have enough traction to get the job done. This would've been much closer on the same tires, or even just a less aggressive trail setup on the non RC such as Dissector/Rekon

[@joshiboy31]

@@mrvwbug4423 didn't spot that, in that case kind of what's the point of the downcountry may as well get a trail if your hampering that much with drag. I've converted my lapierre 929 to essentially downcountry (raised forks 20mm, offset bushings so 67 degrees up front) but kept an aggressive xc on the rear and trail king up front. Probably give these a run for their money even though 6 years old

[@strenkp]

6:55 that face expression was priceless 😂

[@johngreen787]

What a session boy's, that was awesome, 👍🍺

[@Ralph811217]

Really good video! Looks like you guys put max effort into your times too 👍

[@christenrten]

Dual crown on a cyclocross: The Down Cross. Make it happen.

[@UnimpressedAussie]

Before I even watch it I predict that itll come down to 'which bike works best for your riding style' and 'theyre both fantastic bikes'.

[@UnimpressedAussie]

I bloody well knew it. If it isn't just every review ever these days,

[@peteys_mtb]

lmao these two make great videos together

[@Goodbashop]

Merida going places :) Owner of 96 (100/100) myself and loving it

[@msagoo29]

Their carbon construction and quality control is impeccable

[@skyworks1621]

Love your XC tests, great stuff. Iam still on Procaliber, for my ride enough to go up fast.

[@robertstrobel7338]

Same here!

[@cornishcactus]

I do see more and more reviews of bikes put a lot of emphasis on the tyres they come spec'd with and some commenting the bike would be this that and the other if only it had a different one so it gets marked down in the test. Guess what? you can swap them round to suit what your riding and they're a small part of the overall cost. With the bikes so close here it's whats faster, Rekon Race F&R or DHR II Maxx Grip F&R? Few owners would continue to use those tyres on these bikes in those conditions. If you're sticking Maxxis, Aggressor 2.5 rear and DHF 2.5 front would of been a great combo for that ride. Still waiting for tyre demo days to be a thing. Would love to try Wild Enduros and Vittoria Mota's vs my Minions.

[@chiefsilverback]

I’d like everything demo days, bars, grips, stems, saddles, tires, wheels etc...

[@pclouw]

Blake : "This trail is techy, rooty slippery, I am going to give Neil some time, I don't want to catch him up".

[@leeteemtb9587]

You may not of been able to film this in an exotic location but the background trail music is very far Eastern Ali Barba Turkish delight 😀

[@josephwright7925]

XC bikes all day long guys! 🚴🏿‍♂️🏁

[@gunday6015]

Hardtail video please

[@jto-mtb]

That was a great video. at the beginning of the season, i bought an Orbea M10 TR. I love it, but its not a race bike. I am looking to sell my XC XTR Hardtail and not sure if need to replace it. After this, i guess i just might have to buy a full suspension XC bike. Not just for racing, but i the Orbea TR does not have the agile sprinty feel that i love on short sprinty rides. Good informative video.. ;-)

[@stevecrump1375]

You should not sell your old bikes ....just buy more new ones...

[@curtisf.r6233]

Cool video guys 👍😎Cheers Neil n Blake 🍻

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Great idea for a vid. Thanks!!

[@gmbn]

Glad you enjoyed it Matt! 👊

[@eywa5]

Minions DHF/R vs Rekon Race?!? Damn, that part is the most important out here!!! It's almost 1kg weight difference just there, and not even gonna mention the rolling resistance!

[@justinmills556]

Change the tires and do another lap. I would think the tires have a huge impact on the times.

[@lio220]

Yes but when you buy them, they dont have the same tires.

[@kalijamies]

More XC content! Please!

[@jb-il3vh]

Interesting comparison, but its of two bikes very similiar

[@T_C2024]

Great clip, entertainment with just enough fact.... Interesting how tyres, a few grams and 20mm travel changes things

[@stokesyperth]

I would like to see the results with both bikes on the same tyre.

[@erikwings2800]

Nice, a merida up by GMBN 👍

[@edikopi2730]

i lover xc hard trail

[@gcygnet8817]

Nice color on these bikes!

[@nl3712]

More XC please! 👌👌👌👌

[@valentinvas6454]

Woah... Merida MTB's on GBMN? I thought I would never see this day.

[@darrengilbert1936]

Awesome video

[@lwittrock1]

Excellent video!

[@tristandesade8635]

You should see my UPCOUNTRY bike. I bought a Scott Scale, and put on a carbon rigid fork.😎🤟

[@Ropetable]

Yey for XC. Id choose a XC hardtail

[@markusjohansson9225]

Nice to see a Merida feautured video :D What is the framesize of the bikes you tested and how tall are you? :)

[@RoyalDudeness]

You forgot to race a 10kg 26'' XC bike from 2010!

[@haa.8583]

Latest Nino Schurter Scott Spark RC 2022 has 120mm both front and rear and has a 2.30 or 2.4 tires i forgot, but he's a legend though so the bike is not difficult for him😂

[@donutbarbell]

Sick tunes, felt like I was playing Prince of Persia

[@cullenperkey1881]

No lycra.... not a thorough enough test.... lol. Nice vid guys!

[@markpotts4428]

How many people actually wake up in the morning and say " I might go for a down country ride today " 😂

[@mrvwbug4423]

That type of bike is for people who like trail riding, but live somewhere where most of their trails are rather mellow, but they want more comfort than a super short, super hunched over XC race bike will give. XC bikes may be fast and beastly climbers, but they are not comfortable for long distances unless you're some ultra fit racer. The downcountry bike basically gives you the pedaling efficiency and light weight of an XC bike, but the comfort of a trail bike.

[@kevpark9853]

I like these videos two items so similar and what is faster but also what would you choose. I'd go for the extra front travel being tall and heavy I've always felt better on 120-130mm forks

[@tcrossau]

I don't mind a DHR II on the front of a trail/enduro but it has no place on that downcountry.

[@phantasma2323]

Sick music good video as always.

[@gmbn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Bebopin-69]

This goes to show that the pure xc bike will benefit more to a rider in top shape. Like a racecar driver can drive a racecar way faster than a street car, whereas me i would likely not go that much faster in a racecar. There is extra potential in the xc bike accessible to top rider. That is on a xc trail though.

[@Hitechredneck81]

Just goes to show how much a effect tires have

[@jhoellopez4224]

That gap on the dh section can be reduced with wider tires on the xc bike.

[@iliyadavoodipour258]

Today I bottomed out my fork REALLY BAAAAD, because i overshot a stair gap and accidentally had put way less air into my fork than i should. It made such a bad noise, that I got a bitter taste in my mouth after that. Can anyone tell me if my bottom out bumper on my zeb ultimate is destroyed, or how i can find out?

[@derman3658]

It be fine. Just don't do it every time ya hit a bump or jump.put more air into it. And check if it's losing air. That would be more of a problem

[@iliyadavoodipour258]

@@derman3658 thx for the response. Last night ilet out tge air out of my zeb and my old rockshox recon. I pushed them down as hard as icould, and the bottom of the zeb felt like hard on hard, while the bottom of the recon felt like gum. Doesnt thatmean thatmy bottom out bumper is destroyed?

[@derman3658]

@@iliyadavoodipour258 if it sounds like metal on metal, it's bad, stop. But rubber on rubber or plastic feeling, I think your fine. If worried bring it to a bike shop or ask on the trails and experienced rider what they think or has a similar fork. It's possible that's just how the Zeb feels, and same with other fork.

[@iliyadavoodipour258]

@@derman3658 thx for responding and giving tipps, really!

[@jarob9255]

Love it, xc is my favorite, nice bikes more, xc content 😍😍

[@OxxidCZ]

i see blake got used to the clipless pedals quite well:)

[@lachlan_bakewell]

Basically just the difference between the tyre setup. Also it's not really a scientific test unless you have both people do maaaaaannnny more timed laps.

[@discostu333]

The Ninety-Six comes with overkill tyres for a downcountry bike. That definitely explains why it is slower.

[@rupedog]

So aside from frame carbon, basically fitting a 20mm longer fork is the key difference...more travel and slackens it out....

[@derman3658]

Heavier tyres and probably wheels. Blake must have out out some serious power to beat Neil on the downhill. Just couldn't recover quick enough.