Ultimate Cross Country Mountain Biking Tips | How To Get Started In XC MTB

Rich is partial to the odd bit of cross country shredding, so we asked him to share his tips on how to get started riding and racing in the most accessible MTB discipline!
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XC can be ridden on nearly any bike, but a lightweight 29er is the most suitable; ride as much as you can to improve your fitness - miles mean smiles! Choose fast rolling tyres, and enter some races if you fancy it!
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GMBN is dedicated to inspiring and unlocking your riding potential. Our videos cater to fans of every mountain bike discipline: from mile-munching cross-country (XC) riders, through adrenaline-fuelled dirt jumpers, gravity-hungry downhillers or aspiring enduro racers, and beyond.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

Do you enjoy cross country riding?

[@bennymalone9756]

I love cross country racing

[@riptheguys3635]

Global Mountain Bike Network if I’m riding a bike I’m love’n it 👍🤘🏻

[@auzarkhant3255]

hell yeah!!!

[@robleschristianq.9219]

Super!

[@hibana2quicc165]

Global Mountain Bike Network yes it is great

[@thegefster1988]

Thank you for not forgetting about us xc riders. Not all about massive jumps and downhills

[@blairis22]

I didn't forget the 80s either man. Love my Kenny Loggins on a nice long XC ride over gentle gravel paths

[@DJ-zq2pb]

@@blairis22 XC over gentle paths. Hah. More like the danger-zone, pal.

[@thegefster1988]

@@blairis22 I would not know about that. I use my gravel bike on fairly rough stuff and my xc bike on rougher stuff.

[@vulpes536]

I just had my first race and its an xc race,best first experience!!

[@thegefster1988]

@@vulpes536 Cool!

[@Fulgur98]

Definitely need more XC vids. Especially as it's so accessible for cheaper price brackets. Not everyone has the money especially in these times. Great video for sure!

[@jamiehay1027]

I only really ride XC. Perfect video for me!

[@bradyntomforde5763]

Same! Limited by my location

[@ZOMBIE-kl6cp]

Me 2

[@clemensklosterer1342]

I wish they would do more xc stuff like how to overtake taktics ore how do do a good mass start

[@grooveseeker6269]

Here in Spain 90% of bikes are XC

[@joeyswash]

I have been racing downhill since i was 11 and just recently got into xc, gotta say, so much more fun than you think

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

XC is very underrated in skill & effort & fitness training.. Speed & efficiency

[@wyatth6824]

Anyone else got an xc bike they use as an all arounder?

[@policies8534]

Wyatt H a trail bike is an all rounder

[@troywatson3975]

2020 specailzed epic comp ht. Flipped the stem and added carbon riser bars. Its my allrounder. Luv it

[@CyberdyneSystemsSkynet]

Scott Spark 950, put trail tires and a dropper on it and it's my only MTB. But the geo is STEEP so I'm not saying it's a great idea, just that it's the bike I own so I use it as such.

[@bigbang3881]

@@troywatson3975 so you guys are telling me I can us a xc bike as an Allrounder? Cause I'm planing to buy an xc carbon bike, but don't know if I can use it as an Allrounder

[@troywatson3975]

@@bigbang3881 2020 specalized epic carbon comp ht is what i bought to replace my 06 stumpjumper. Needed a different stem and riser bars to get the perfect fit tho

[@carlwilliams3488]

Good to see the oldest MTB discipline get some love. I've been riding XC since the late 80's and it's still my goto ride, trails and DH are fun but don't offer the sense of achievement that a big XC ride does. I'd imagine that with the way the world currently is it is the most popular MTB discipline at the moment because you can just go out and do it. The principles and tips haven't changed over the years either which is good. Everyone just get out there have fun, munch those miles enjoying the countryside, smile and say hello if you pass me.

[@nadavstein4471]

I would add one more tip: Try not to bob up and down while climbing, it doesn’t help you that much and it is wasting precious energy, and while you’re racing it will basically say to your opponents that you are tired and that can attack

[@habe88]

XC is for everyone who wants to ride MTB, trails and downhill tracks are not all places. MORE XC please from GMBN

[@zogzoogler]

In the UK we have loads of Bridleways, GMBN you could do a series of vids on this, no cars needed just get out of your back door go xc riding down bridleways with an OS map or GPX reader.

[@spacejamgoliath]

Lucky

[@bagofchips55]

I'm a total weight weenie on my canyon lux. But what it really comes down to is putting down the burger and picking up a salad more often

[@mrifqib4266]

"Cross country can be enjoyed by anyone on any bike" me: riding a dual crown 200mm downhill bike on an xc trail🥴

[@nicoingusan1846]

Hahahahahahaha

[@cadecurrent344]

m rifqi b I’m the exact opposite 100mm in a downhill park

[@elisderwas85]

@@cadecurrent344 xc bike at a downhill bike park 😂

[@mrifqib4266]

@@cadecurrent344 no worries mate, sam pilgrim use 100mm hardtail on audi nine😂

[@cadecurrent344]

Elis Derwas ya I just pump up the psi

[@lordchazz1717]

Just purchased a new Scott spark after saving for a year, perfect timing gmbn, love your videos👍

[@jesuisFORTIO]

A road bike to build endurance and give a break to your expansive XC components is a great idea.

[@bikeswithb8829]

I love wearing my kit and bring my BMC 2stroke to the dirt jumps. Those dudes don't know what to do with me. It's epic 😂

[@davidholy161]

There is nothing better than XC racing :) especially in mountains at technical track

[@philippedeutsch]

i XC on a hardtail fatbike. climbing is AWESOME

[@philippedeutsch]

@Nathan Cheung never said it was fast, but fun crawling trough the woods ups and down ways

[@philippedeutsch]

@Nathan Cheung my gf loves em tho 🤷‍♂️

[@shaunroach7829]

I got two fatties single speed and geared use them both 24/7. Great on the trails and in XC races!!!

[@nickcarolan2805]

My Favourite pastime. XC plus my daily commute to work is all I need. Love it 👍🇮🇪

[@danielskaron9645]

thanks for this! lots of cyclists seem to think xc isn't for beginners and only experienced cyclists should think about getting an xc bike. I disagree. and your video is friendly and welcoming to cycling newcomers :)

[@jirkaoja267]

Gmbn presenter wearing lycra; NICE

[@ApexHerbivore]

noooooooooooooo

[@Dmnick155]

B U L G E

[@fv_shorts8681]

Rich: its not all about the super series Also Rich: rides a 4.000 dollar bike

[@Pienimusta]

Thats cheap for full carbon full sus xc bike. Watch the latest XC bike series from Pinkbike, all other bikes are around 10k.

[@sebcopeman5542]

Fabian Vorhauser pounds, gmbn is British

[@Svenmpa]

I think that bike he has cost a quite bit more than 4k I am afraid.

[@Pienimusta]

@@Svenmpa Running rock shox fork, I think that is either 6.0 or 8.0 , costing 2899€ or 3999€.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Mine is more expensive 😶

[@Itscherry_07]

I'm from India and I loved cross country riding😊🇮🇳

[@demeterpogorelc2562]

Curry

[@ezrastevenson5417]

Aye mon

[@kishannabiyal2076]

Bharat mata ki jay

[@mrchrisdavies]

Another brill video Rich! Xc IS mountain biking to me! You and doddy and even neil and blake are all loving it. Some great tips. Im just getting back into it but am xc bike on a downhill is so much more fun and useable than a downhill bike. You dont need 180mm of travel on a push bike!

[@fiver9647]

One of the best videos I've watched as we're not all downhill shredders. I'm rebuilding my XC bike at the moment so any tips are very welcome, especially about tyres. Luckily I also have a trail bike and would agree that XC bikes are somewhat challenging at trail centres, definitely horses for course.

[@jonathankowalsky3143]

Great to see some more XC content !

[@kishannabiyal2076]

Lot's of love from india namaste 🙏🙏 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@saygnileri1571]

This is one of the best inspiring video in all gmbn videos, thanks very much ;)

[@bizinmotion6260]

This is amazing, appreciate your thoughts about travels and adventure!

[@curtisf.r6233]

Cheers Rich cool video! lots of info to get into XC 👊😎

[@TheRealGOTdurrrred]

I can't wait to get that same tire setup. It's expensive but most people seem to prefer it over anything else so I must try.

[@joemama3049]

Love Xc videos, hope you guys can do more videos like this!

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

Very helpful. I just ordered an XC dual susp last week.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

If you're wondering about racing but aren't sure, or a little timid, just take your bike, enter something at the Novice/Beginner level, and go for it. The community will welcome you. You'll be pleasantly surprised that not all riders are built like Rich, and most don't ride $4,000 XC bikes. At least not until you get up to the Elite level.

[@AndreiDragonulBGS]

i prefer riding with trail orientated tires on my xc, i don't have enough grip on theese fast rolling resistence tiers. plus on the tehnical stuff i found them more grippy when i dire on roots or rocks. if i'm using it on the asphalt i swap in my spare slick tires (maxxis hookworm)

[@pellejaspers4854]

Most of the time less grippy tires are just a thing of getting to know them, where im from everything is mostly sand so we ride with the fastest knobless tires we can find but if you remember that a sliding tire is a tire thats searching for grip and not one thats lost you can get very far in all dry and medium wet conditions on tires like thunderburts and ikons you just have to ride cleaner lines if there are rocks and roots involved.

[@Azman.]

Hai to all XC rider! I've been riding a cross country trails since 91' until now (xc hard tails). Really love the morning nature smell surrounded the trails while riding! My normal riding from 20 - 25 km every weekend or more km depending. The high peak ride about 60 - 65 km (mostly on double trails)! P/s; I also do ride on all mountain and trail track. Great tips guy! Keep it up more on cross country ride tips! Greetings from XC rider Kuala lumpur.

[@yengsabio5315]

Hello! I'm confused between an XC & a trail bike. What exactly are their differences? Thanks a lot!

[@alwinlee5864]

Do you ride with flats or pedals ?

[@dodoontherocks]

Im really enjoying watching your guys videos. I'm moving to Switzerland this month and I bought a new xc mtb. Can't wait to try it out...

[@dodoontherocks]

@Brad Stankiewicz Im moving from Northern Germany. Round about 1000km

[@davidyoung2081]

Xc is the best.

[@marksaunders379]

Thanks great vid. Have to go find a race now. Then maybe the Lycra

[@rayrunfitness5798]

It’s my first mtb race on Sunday January 17 2021...thanls for the tips

[@vilhenajorge]

Great video! You should do more videos about XC.

[@drewstreet4178]

Been riding the local trails and nature reserve (sort of xc but its what I class proper mtb riding not this downhill stuff) and recently had a guy on a raw polished full sus xc race bike in lycra fly past me and send it through the trails (no doubt race training) and it's got me loving xc riding more just awesome

[@mexodroid1848]

I just did 70 km trip. 35 On forest road gravel and 35 on paved road on a 30+ year old taifun citybike rust bucket. I really liked it and am in the market for a new bicycle.

[@diegochapin]

Well explained, thank you

[@joshiboy31]

Good to see some XC loving

[@OneTwoFive0]

I bought a Superior XC 859 without knowing what it even was lol, it’s amazing and I’ve never ridden anything like it! Honestly I feel so much faster when I ride it than my old crappy bike!

[@jasoncooper2469]

XC video thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@Shevock]

Great info.

[@harrisrogers2208]

🎉Finally some gmbn xc content 🎉

[@oninsadventure1212]

So nice thanks for the tips sir I really appreciate that....

[@brekdakbanchamek6454]

Definitely an Xc Bike Rider growth Tutorial!

[@funiguy8779]

Brilliant , thx.

[@notgaryoldman1178]

Excellent video.

[@jackbrittton]

I race cross country on my 2019 Santa Cruz Chameleon, and I run 2.3 width downhill tires. I have noticed little to no speed difference when compared to a xc tire... Plus I can rail corners and get rowdy without worrying too much about sliding out

[@mauithebikermtb558]

Love xc setup !

[@AngeloDeValPhotos]

Great! More XC please!

[@Zsmart17]

Loved this video.

[@Mati03x]

I love xc bikes !

[@jon35ymedia]

Loved this i also ride xc

[@crispypotato4279]

I love cross country!

[@jerryanker2289]

GREAT JOB

[@lwittrock1]

Great video!

[@Sophie-jf4wr]

love the xc videos! the skills videos help a ton with speed and smoothness on descents but maybe we can get some tips on endurance skills and how to stay composed when you’re dying? lol

[@svensshed1564]

Mate, honestly, as a returning XC rider this was bloody awesome, thanks

[@gmbn]

Great to hear Sven!

[@Jgomez5]

Oh thx I’m gunna use all this👏👏👏

[@0lioderso]

Nice profilepic bro

[@Jgomez5]

Oli ikr lol

[@jamiehay1027]

The hamsters meet

[@simonsays171]

Good to see some xc love!

[@bizinmotion6260]

Agreed!

[@billfleming8344]

Great video. More please

[@adrianjasperlim1989]

hope more xc specific bike reviews

[@deweythecat1792]

I just got an Xc bike thanks to you!

[@frits8986]

Get an oval, one of the best upgrades I did!

[@teddbaker]

finally Cross Country ✌🏼🤪

[@paulaltena]

Love it, i like to ride big km.

[@samuelberrer7234]

Yes

[@kevin5wolf]

I ride XC hardtail bike with fast rolling tyres tubeless, but i don't like it, i don't feel confident on cornering so i slow down, next time i will try Enduro tyres on my XC

[@michele73michele]

all good tips, I disagree about tire pressure though. I run at 1.4bar. If I run at higher pressures I find that my tires bounce all over the place especially on rocky climbs (and I weigh 90kg at 192cm height). I do have inserts though to help with puncture prevention.

[@Siblove7]

How do I enable an aggressive lower xc position on a mid range hardtail? Go down a bit in framesize and raise the saddle? Or invest in steeper negative and longer stem? I wanna be able to keep up with my gravel friends and won't ride much gnarly rough trails but rather fast and long..

[@antaltieri7154]

I'll put a smile on YOUR dial!

[@sgtthor7830]

I race XC on a high end fat bike with a suspension fork, I find it to be just as fast ion most of my trails as a 29er.

[@anticrossviper1609]

Carbon frame, carbon rims, titanium pedals and Race Face Ride stem :)

[@nobodyisbest]

Always tilt your seat forward. It'll make a world of difference for your ride comfort.

[@kevincastro4355]

Good video

[@djmonkyass6368]

Woah very epic

[@PogiFromButao]

Hi, i just want to ask if i can install 29x2.5 or 2.6 on my hard tail xc with stock tire of 29x2.4, thanks a lot mate!

[@kylescicluna1541]

Is there going to be an updated XC kit?

[@matteocolombo6010]

love xc but very hard

[@tvnja]

I like going uphill more than downhill. Some people think I'm weird but I really enjoy challenging my endurance. The steeper the better.

[@gbxd]

What fork travel is best for XC setup?

[@shrimperlincs3395]

This what we used to call 'going out on your bike'.

[@zubenathimkumla9666]

You guys are sick

[@hectorhector737]

what is the standard head tube angle being used these days by the por XC riders?

[@aryangadekar8955]

I have a XC hardtail bought 2 months ago

[@jonienglish3231]

Good Video what size Frame ? and how tall are you mate ?

[@reversed9757]

I really want to shred xc trails, but im not sure i can since the bike i have (2006 Scott Genius Rc 10) is almost 16 years old and has been a pain in the ass to fix and repair lately. It runs good on light jumps and easy trail lines (by easy i mean really really easy). Im scared to go bigger and further since the bike is old and creaks and squeaks loudly after each ride and im afraid that i might break something :(

[@francesco2d326]

Are chinese suspensions good at xc? My bike (hardtail) has zoom suspension with preload adjustability.

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

Miles mean smiles 👍

[@JSINGLETON]

I have been looking for XC 'sportive' type events. Are there any events like this around and where would I look to find them? I've looked for hours trying to Google events or do I just have to book onto a race a come last? 😂

[@beny6920]

Can you do the same type of video for enduro and dh pls

[@donmanuel8917]

Finally!

[@arccibernardo4040]

How much travel of fork do you prefer or best for a hardtail frame specialized chisel? 120 or 100? Cause i cant decide which fork should i use RS sid sl ultimate a 100mm one or RS sid ultimate a 120mm one.

[@Juanchoyo00]

Chisel always has a 100mm fork even on the Expert. I think 120mm would change the whole riding experience, not in a good way. I’d stick to the 100. Check the GMBN video where they put a 180mm fork on a hard tail to see the effects of fork length. Good luck!

[@arccibernardo4040]

@@Juanchoyo00 thank you so much, take care and God bless 😇☺

[@Philatlondon1]

British Cycling events page is hopeless. There must be more racing going on than is listed. Any idea where I can find a comprehensive list of UK events?