Who Should Ride An XC Mountain Bike?

What makes a Cross Country Bike an XC Mountain bike exactly? Why would this kind of bike even be for me? I answer that and more in this video. Don't forget to tell me what you'd spend $500 on below and use code PUNTER15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase at Competitive Cyclist (exclusions apply) 👉 bit.ly/2VItcyb
Me on Instagram ➡️ / paulthepunter
Competitive Cyclist on Instagram ➡️ / paulthepunter
Winner will be chosen on 27th December 10am GMT!
Products I featured:
Shimano Deore M6200 Brakes 👉 bit.ly/3nofj5j
OneUp Handlebars 👉 bit.ly/2YhphLF
Kenda Hellkat Tires 👉 bit.ly/39Xs6Yq
Shimano Am7 Shoes 👉 bit.ly/3pQFZ0a
Subscribe to Syd ➡️ kzbin.info/door/dfi...
Subscribe to Erin ➡️ / @erinhuckyeah
Thanks to my sponsors Scott Sports, Shimano, Whistler Performance Lubricants, and OneUp Components.
🚲 Check Out Bike Details Below:
Scott Spark 👉 bit.ly/ScottSpark2020
#sponsored

[@PaulThePunter]

If you want to treat yo' self, use that code PUNTER15 for 15% off your first purchase 👉bit.ly/2VItcyb

[@BikingwithJP]

10:30 woohoo! So happy to win this! As promised Paul I’ve already ordered a Seca 2500 Enduro! www.competitivecyclist.com/light-motion-seca-2500-enduro Can’t wait for my order to arrive 🥳

[@noet5329]

Awesome video with the collaborations. With $500 from Competitive Cyclist I would get my son some nice knee, shin and elbow pads so he can stop getting hurt all the time. Maybe a new helmet.

[@That.Guy.]

I would spend the $500 on weed. Ever try mtb’ing on weed?

[@stevewalsh7082]

Sometimes we need to be realistic about how much bike we actually need and not pretend life is lived in a bike park. Love my xc hardtail .

[@YuichiTamaki]

So true, after being honest with myself I realized that 90% of the time I would ride on a flatter surface

[@nxadventures9510]

True, but sometimes the terrain around you screws you over and your flow trails are made completely out of fist sized rocks. Yay Croatia.

[@the_letti0584]

@@YuichiTamaki all the flatter stuff got boring for me but id have to get a new fork, better breaks and tires to ride some steeper stuff without destroying me or my bike but even with those upgrades i wouldnt hit any jumplines so i decided to get an enduro bike. I love it cuz i can ride without the fear of my fork collapsing 😂

[@flowstateofmind]

I want to live in a bike park though

[@toetz4491]

I like my Marin team 2 geo with 67 head angle and 120 fork.. im done with skittish steep angled xc

[@bentyler5704]

Me * buys a 170 enduro bike * Also me “hmm maybe I should watch this”

[@Safewoood]

170 bikes are prob my favorite

[@joekempz7731]

I’d say XC is a very acquired taste I bought an XC bike at the start this summer..... long story short my enduro rig comes this week

[@tristandesade8635]

I found this to be funny. XC Bike is closer to an „average“ or „normal“ bike. Perhaps you have started with enduro bike. I use to ride road bike before MTB, and only MTBs I found to be movable enough are XC hardtails and rigids. I have tried a few enduro bikes and hated the sluggish bobbing feeling from my guts. 🤔🤔🤔

[@cockedcap]

@@tristandesade8635 I share your opinion. That's the great thing about variety though. Just because Enduro isn't right for me doesn't mean it's wrong.

[@nebnollock5198]

@@tristandesade8635 may I introduce you to the aggressive hardtail, solid pedaling platform but aggressive geometry so you can tackle those decent

[@nebnollock5198]

@Oscar Bailey everything's relative 😂

[@brentharding846]

stating mtb riding on an old Turner Downhill bike so would like to experience XC bike

[@georgegande1779]

Great to have syd on this video, she’s such a smiley and bubbly person!!

[@PaulThePunter]

She sure is!

[@edmundscycles1]

Syd or SiD ..........I'll see myself out !

[@stricklander]

I’m literally 50 seconds into the video and just had to comment about how KILLER this footage looks. The lighting, coloring...shots! Great job!

[@grantpatterson7090]

Agree. Always impressed with the production quality, shots, lighting, and narration in Paul’s videos. He’s flat out good at it.

[@timjacob991]

Completely agreed that trail bikes are becoming more capable, but leaving a larger gap between XC “Down country” is a very capable tool, and one of the most fun ‘new’ categories

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

I loved the purest of my XC HT, but I am 70 and needed some compliance for the rough stuff. I have since purchased at Siskyu D7. I lock out the front and back suspicion for most of my ride, but engage the suspensions for the techie stuff.

[@colinress]

This video really is right on! I got a XC bike and have not regretted it so far.

[@BikingwithJP]

4:30 - Dropper post is one of my favourite new inventions 🤘game changer!

[@doubletrackdodger2512]

I’ve decided to not get one, to save myself from the “never going back”

[@nate390]

@@doubletrackdodger2512 This is a problem of the past, with a little bit of maintenance you wont have issues

[@nebnollock5198]

@@doubletrackdodger2512 true ones you have one there's no going back 😂😂 Would still recommend though, you can literally half your times on those up and down sections

[@doubletrackdodger2512]

@@nebnollock5198 true... probably on my next bike, my current one doesn’t work Ben have the routing for a dropper 😬

[@nebnollock5198]

@@doubletrackdodger2512 that sucks they're not cheap. Luckily their reliability has increased with the newer ones, I've ran mine for a year with no issues, just remember to always wipe down the seals after every ride

[@davecech4741]

One of the biggest lessons learned by adding a "down-country" bike to my quiver (vs. a 29'er HT) is that bike weight just doesn't matter all that much, at least for me. If I'm going to ride 2-4 hours, capability and comfort wins out over all out efficiency. I certainly benefit more in the 2nd half of my ride with the full-suspension bike doing a much better job of soaking up the terrain than my HT. Wider tires, rims & bars, a little more relaxed geometry, a little more travel, and a dropper win the day over the 3-4 pounds you save with a toothpick hardtail and getting your ass kicked all ride.

[@bs8716]

I didn’t realize that there was a word for this type if riding. I knew I didn’t need a modern mtb (trail bike). So I found an older mtb frame (‘02 Trek 8000) and put modern parts on it. I really enjoy it.

[@69sound81]

All of this makes me think about the yeti arc. I find that bike to be a super nice middle groung between XC and Trail. This new "Down Country" family is something that to me is a perfect marriage between the fun of the trail focused bikes and the racing machines of the XC bikes. Just perfect to be that all aroung bike to use on any situation. It will be super suitable for XC, trail, commuting, etc. I am saving up to buy that frame and build it to be the ultimate tip of the line bespoke bike that can handle it all

[@maximls8121]

Please do hardtail trailbikes, especially as low budget beginner option

[@stevencole7331]

A budget version is what I ride which is a hardtail . It will be heavier and have less gearing so it will take more effort to pedal . You will get stronger but there will be an extreme pain period until your body adapts and gets in bike shape . I did not upgrade from my budget hardtail after owning the bike for a couple years . I am satisfied with what I have and I have fun on it but I have had some crashes which isn't unusual but a better bike may be a safer option to ride as it builds more confidence .

[@jayesh5131]

He will not do that, he only cares about the bikes which are comfortable, safe and premium bikes.

[@cockedcap]

Thank you Paul. This may be the best explanation is bike genres that I've seen yet. I'll be looking for the rest of this series.

[@craigellis680]

Yet another great piece of content. Let's hope the golf channel doesn't stop this kind of content coming out regular

[@WildMeff]

Paul, this is a fantastic series. Entertaining, informative, and valuable. Well done

[@CaliradoKid]

Great information in this video. Definitely helps make the whole XC bike thing easier to understand!

[@josephgoodsman321]

Personally, I would use the money to make my xc bike better suited to harder more aggressive riding by slackening the head tube angle using an angle kit, installing a 130mm fork, giving it a new front tire, and giving it a new bar and stem combo. This money would really mean a lot to me. I have done all the instructions correctly. Good luck to anyone reading this

[@That.Guy.]

So basically you’d rather have a trail bike

[@EpicMTB]

Thank you for this! I’ve always been looking at the more DH or jump bikes but these look pretty cool as well!

[@bikesnmore]

Pretty good advice there mate. On my XC F1000 Cannondale 2006 frame, I raised my bars, beefed up my rims to reduce buckling and threw on a Fox 32 140mm travel on the front. It's now closer to the angles of a Trail bike but still light and nimble. As you said it can now tackle more intense tracks and with a simple change of tyres goes well on the road as well. Good Vid!

[@KestrelYI]

Well done, Paul! Been enjoying this series.

[@rlake349]

I have the same school of thought. Just purchased a specialized chisel comp.👍🏻

[@AmsyarHanif]

I raced XC on my 150mm trail bike yesterday..let's just say I'm in love with XC racing now and am considering to get an xc bike

[@timking2822]

You are so right! I live in a mountainous region with lot's of climbing, downhills, and flats. 4in of travel with the light weight of a full-suspension xc bike is perfect for me.

[@Projectnortheast]

Down country is the new hotness... I find myself reaching for my Slacked out short travel bike more and more as bikes just keep getting more and more capable. It's great!

[@GoodTrails]

No mention of bib tights, clipless pedals or lefty forks? I want my money back!

[@jond1915]

He had to hold something back, couldn’t COMPLETELY destroy the trail/enduro/Dh market in just one video 🤙

[@Safewoood]

Yes because wearing lycra is the coolest thing ever and everyone will think you look greeeeaaat.........

[@fatdadracing]

I just bought the new Specialized Epic Evo and love it. I don’t spend my days charging rock gardens or launching big drops. 120 mm+ 29 inch wheels+ dropper post = BIG 😀

[@2fernandi]

Very sturdy, and easy to clean.Excellent product

[@magicunicorn6535]

I just got an XC hardtail, and I'm thrilled with how much better it handles, climbs and accelerates. I also went from 29ers to 27.5 tires, and that size is perfect for me. Trail switchbacks on my 29er bike made me feel like I was riding a Penny Farthing. And the light weight of a carbon bike makes life so much easier, whether mounted on the bike or handling it on the ground.

[@spencercathey5968]

Love the video! XC bikes are the best machines ever created. I would spend the money on a sick Syncros Fraser bar for my spark rc to clean up my cockpit and loose some weight for extra speed and fun.

[@guidojoe11]

Another great video with great interviews!!looking forward to the next one!

[@guidojoe11]

And I’d purchase a dropper post for my Marin!

[@pmiskovic]

I've got a xcaliber hardtail, and I bomb the city with it during the week and hit flow trails on the weekends. Best thing ever.

[@pierrelevasseur93]

Great vid Paul! I watched your BC bike race series while on the spin bike in preparation for some endurance races. I could use the $ for some extra chamois needed for stage races. And maybe a carbon bar to lighten the steed! Keep it up😁

[@Memeteam903]

Love the video! Makes me feel like I made the right decision getting a new YT Izzo!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Great series Paul. Good content, concept and production.

[@taylorklein2378]

I would 180% go with the 4 piston brakes, one-up bars and new tires!! Good call Paul!

[@stuartlawrence753]

Another excellent production Paul, watching this back-to-back with the Trail and Enduro bike episodes, its often clear we have 'too much bike' XC isnt quite my cup of tea, to be honest am happy crawling up the fire service road and blatting down a trail, but you illustrate the place of an XC bike very well and are far better taking one around Squamish trails than I ever would How is Competitive Cyclist for import duties/charges to Canada? They have a great selection to choose from 2021 is about protection for me, time for Leatt AirFlex Stealth Body Protector (Or POC, Dainese) and an IXS Trigger Full Face Helmet. Thats $500 well spent - bodies are priceless!

[@talkmauro]

Agree with all of this. I have a Yeti SB100 and a SB5.5. the SB 100 is an amazing bike for most trails and I ride this bike 90% of the time. It does get a bit sketchy on the very chunky downhill but can do it. The newer geo on the new Transition Spur makes a short travel bike even more desirable. Thanks for the video!

[@justincrone9404]

I would invest in some lights to tryout some night riding, an oval chain ring to help with the technical climbs, and supplies to convert my bike to tubeless! As a person who’s two favorite hobbies are mountain biking and golfing I’ve been really enjoying all of your recent videos!

[@benrichardson7344]

I'm just getting into repairing my bike, and this would give me the money to replace my worn out cranks, bottom bracket, and brakes and the tools I need to do it all!

[@kickerconlin9542]

I got back into the sport 3 years ago after a 10 year hiatus. Absolutely love my 130mm 29er. I've moved to Cumberland, BC this year and at times I feel a wee bit under-biked. I'd love to spend $500 on some 4-pot Shimano brakes and new rotors! 🤙

[@jayvee962]

Makes me stoked to do more xc

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

The trails I ride are mainly XC but I’d like the ability to do some gravity fee riding too, so short travel trail bikes or down country bike seem to be an appealing option to me. If I had $500 maybe I’d upgrade some components to make my existing bike a bit more robust, brakes for sure, for tackling some more downhill oriented rides.

[@AvgJoeMTB]

I would get a new drive train and dropper post for my daughter's bike. She becoming a much better rider and keeping up with me! Thanks for the great videos!

[@niklashbg]

Went from a All-mountain FS bike to a carbon HT and boy does it rip, especially on the climbs and flowy single track!

[@obxpalma]

What would I get to compliment my XC Trek I got this past summer? A Garmin 830 to find more trails! Thanks for making this video!

[@scottwilson2337]

I'm rideing a 2021 orbea oiz 120mm travel I got this bike for xc loops and now I've been sending it over 25foot doubles and love it .its how you ride not what you ride

[@amountainbiker2654]

Awesome video starting to consider an anthem

[@LRF49]

I would buy the following: *Helmet *MTB shorts *Gloves *Knee Pads *New Tires

[@bryndrew]

Great footage, Paul!

[@adventuremindsetcoaching]

Hi, Paul I am a great fan of your videos and have inspired a few ideas for my uni project, similar to a dissertation. I would spend the money on my xc bike and hope to upgrade the suspension, to something more reasonable for what I would see myself using. As well as a seat post to improve the comfort of my riding.

[@Sdcruzer99]

Thx Paul! Great video! Love the channel! I’d drop deposit on a new Scott Spark. XC fits my style riding and the local trails. I’m getting back into MTB on my classic Specialized HardRock I picked up almost 20yrs ago 😂 needless to say it’s time for an upgrade. 🙌🏼

[@jurgenotten5417]

Love this XC video! I would spend the money on briefing the weight down of my bike, for example a new wheelset would be awesome!

[@plaidtractor1937]

What a great video Paul, I'd use that opportunity to buy accessories for my (hopefully) new XC bike I hope to find this month. Cheers!

[@Hoeks21]

As a beginner to mountain biking I bought the only bike available during COVID... a Canyon Neuron. It is more XC than trail. Road a Stumpjumper Expert S6 (I'm 6'5) recently and was blown away about how much more fun and easier it was to ride. Selling the Neuron and getting the Stumpy.

[@AKandPetunia]

A lot of us got our start on XC machines, I used to SMASH my old stumpy hardtail down lines an XC bike probably had no business being. And while my enduro bike is pretty much my go to these days, I started riding a modern XC machine and I truly had forgotten how much fun they are!

[@finlaymceachan6460]

I would spend it on winter mtb trousers because all I have at the moment is shorts in scottish winter!

[@andyrams1097]

Good Info and Good Points Paul..... the perfect and ideal way to do it is to have a bike for all the terrains and conditions you ride :)

[@kalehickman5682]

I would spend the money on my next xc race bike, hopefully a Scott spark;). Just made my provincial team so I’m looking to get a more xc focused bike🤟🏻

[@questionyourself718]

i love how hes talking about xc bikes the whooe video and how they are light and nimble and more fun on some trails than a trailbike. and then as an example he shows the scott spark wich is in fact a trailbike :D

[@kalehickman5682]

@@questionyourself718 yeah that is pretty funny, Scott does have the Spark RC too which would only 100mm front and rear. Do you race xc?

[@questionyourself718]

@@kalehickman5682 no i dont. Just ride some trails on the weekends. Atm im rocking a normal giant talon hardtail since i moved from my old town and sold my dh bike. But im looking at trail bikes atm to go shred a bit again.

[@kalehickman5682]

@@questionyourself718 Nice I ride a hard tail too👍🏻

[@murd777]

I love my 2009 Cannondale Taurine SL. Super light and I can go to the trails or city riding as well.

[@kaylacaryl7528]

Great video! I would spend it on a dropper post, maybe a garmin for my husband and other gear for my 6 and 9 year old to get more into mountain biking!

[@paulhusby8344]

Finally. This is what I've been waiting for. I am trying to make an informed buying decision between carbon XC and its equally priced carbon trail bike. The few XC related videos out there seem to be mostly about the $10,000 plus sub genre. This video speaks to what XC bikes are actually like to ride and who would benefit from one the most, rather than just showing some guy flying on his trail bike. Thank you. This video confirmed my XC decision.

[@gatsmot888]

Got a Spark 5 months ago. XC/down country is about the whole mountain experience ;) did my first big ride a few days ago 1500m descending 500 climbing, bike handles everything.

[@bashfpv6244]

Def new flat pedal shoes, new stem, and some new riding kit!

[@erlendsteren9466]

I like this video a lot! Back in year 2000 I bought the Rocky Mountain Element Race maybe it has 100mm full suspension.Wednesday I will buy a 2019 model xc bike with 100mm full suspension. These bikes doesnt go on difficult trail, because I am not skilled and daring. Their task is going everywhere and more roads than trails. Comfort and safety . I dont like to get scared.

[@calebmayer8439]

I’d get some new wheels and a repair stand so I can finally start working on my bike, something I’ve wanted to be able to do for a long time!

[@theodoreroberts8524]

As someone who came from road/triathlon, and just wanted to buy a MTB as soon as I could afford it, and aluminium hardtail XC bike was the obvious choice. I've used it for alpine bike park laps and used it to tour the UKs bridleways and canal tow paths. A brilliant all-rounder that at the end of the day is plenty of bike for what most people do. Only on proper black downhill trails have I found myself feeling underbiked, but I was probably underskilled on them too anyway!

[@josephdunbar2105]

I’m 55, race locally and actually pretty competitive. I have a lot of fun and enjoy working to prepare. What I’ve found is that my XC bikes beat the hell outta me and my body feels it for a day or two or three! Modern recovery supplements help. I’ve started training more on my trail bike for two reasons. Trail bike is heavier and it doesn’t beat me up and it enhances my ability, jumping off a heavier bike to a lighter bike. I ride Epic and Stumpjumper

[@tomsadventures1001]

Really great camera work filming you riding.

[@deanpowell2924]

Keep them coming PtheP, your workshop vid also looks insane. I would spend the $500 on a new xc wheelset.

[@travisjewett7414]

I would get a new tubeless ready wheel cause I just bent my last one the other day! Love the videos and the new content!

[@owenchuarbx]

Great to have a video like this, especially I'm an road cyclist looking to transition into XC Hardtail. The ethos of XC and Road (especially aero-road and climbing) are pretty similar imo.

[@diviscadilek1764]

Get the XC bike, it's a whole different feeling than riding your road bike. It's much more engaging, and safer.

[@nagylevi3827]

@@diviscadilek1764 that is quite interesting, the utter opposite of my experience. Since I've only been doing XC for six months or so, I cannot disagree with you or anyone with experience but, to me, road cycling is actually far less dangerous. On the tarmac I feel both faster and safer while on the path I feel like I'm playing with my life for no good reason. It might be more engaging but it comes at greater risk and, ultimately, a greater cost.

[@diviscadilek1764]

@@nagylevi3827 would you rather slam into a tree at 40kph and break a collar bone 10 times, or get rear-ended by a car at 90kph once? Because that's the difference in safety between mtb and road. And another thing, while you feel in danger while riding mtb right now, it's probably because you don't know what you're doing, and aren't really in control. Work on your skills, watch "How to bike with Ben Cathro" on youtube, and you'll feel in control. As a result of your newly gained skills, that fear will transform into confidence and fun.

[@nagylevi3827]

@@diviscadilek1764 that is a valid point and I will continue to practice. My biggest issue right now is that I don't yet know the trails I ride on very well. I can handle the bike well enough for a beginner but it's the unknown trails that intimidate me. Just recently I encountered a blind jump at 20+ mph that took the "paint" off my entire left side, shorts and shirt included. That's the kind of unpleasant surprise I've never had on my road bike.

[@Musicandbikes848]

Great video Paul! Footage looks amazing!!! What I'm going to buy with the 500 is -carbon handlebars -xt shifter lever -xt brakes Or maybe just use it all on a i9 rear hub. Hope I win 🤞! Keep putting out great content!!

[@freerangemtb]

I love this video. Your video quality has improved a lot, and I really like the documentary style you employ now. Also, thanks for letting me know what Syd's last name is. I watch both of her channels all the time and never knew that. For the contest, this would be a perfect opportunity to upgrade some of the components on the bike I'm putting back together. I have a 2015 Specialized Fuse 6Fattie Expert that is in need of a drivetrain upgrade (move from old-school 10-speed to modern 11-speed) and a new dropper post (just discovered last night that the one I currently have is broken). A $500.00 gift card would be perfect to cover all of that. Thanks for the opportunity! Stay upright and keep the rubber side down!

[@bradsanders6954]

Great video! Wonderful trails. Ive got a 2021 Intense Sniper Ive finagled down to 24.5 lbs, and its a blast. The slack geometry means its very happy at 42 mph on the right downhill gravel road , its a fun bike. I use it instead of my gravel bike usually. MUCH more comfy. To offset it I got a Canyon Spectral ON E-Bike, the CF8, to take the place of my KTM 300. That is also a really fun addicting bike. More fun than I thought and can fly on the right trail. Rocks hardly matter.

[@immyk7965]

I would use it to buy some tools and clothing, also some parts for my bike and save the rest to go toward another bike. Love the video.

[@davidcarrasquillo467]

I enjoy riding XC, mainly because I live In FL and no Mountain, but we make do, and I enjoy every mile.

[@derekkim6512]

Love your content. I would spend the money on new riding shoes for my wife. Lights for myself, my wife, and 2 boys. And a dropper post for our full suspension xc bike. I’m fortunate enough to ride a very similar sized bike as my wife so we share. I ride the fs when I’m solo and she rides it when we go together. Keep putting out great stuff!

[@roylavender3433]

Hey Paul! Great video! I would spend the 500 on some winter riding gear, tools for bike repair and some gear to dial in my bike better (tyre pressure gauge, Shock pump, etc...). Also I might try to get some new pedals for my new Ransom I bought!

[@markalvis2037]

I would invest in a second wheel set to have the option to run my 27.5+ as a 29er.

[@byelick]

I'd by tires! Always more tires! I'd also like to try those OneUp bars, their dropper posts are great!

[@letour32rr]

I have a 2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er. Changed it from 3x10 to 1x11, added a dropper post, and stiffer wheels w/ wider rims and the bike is completely transformed. Not sketchy at all and still runs quick. They’ll pry this bike from my cold dead body.

[@capaseto]

Amazing video! Thanks!

[@lddufresne]

I'm curious to see what the new Spark will look like.

[@mr.d7429]

Shoot! This is just great! I have a 2021 Scott scale 940 and a 2018 genius 940, will have to buy spark 940!

[@thealliest]

I'd definitely get a dropper post and some consumables - tubes, tires, etc. Not sure what else.

[@TheDarreltempleton]

Great video Paul! I would buy a new drive train and bars for my hard tail!

[@tygastfield613]

I love your videos! I would spend the money on a new rear shock with a lock out to help me on climbs.

[@enriquemaya7624]

Love to get new brakes and some winter gear

[@roberttakacs9353]

Loving these vids and and this one was great for the explanations! I am a full blooded punter...oh, I would buy more ride specific clothing to enjoy myself more both in winter and summer!!

[@jddallager1699]

Paul: Wonderful trail and now XC bike looksees from a different perspective that stretches the envelope and challenges the status quo. Just as there are "horses for courses" there are "riding styles for smiles". Given the type trails I enjoy and the intermediate MTB skills I have, and only having one bike, I chose a trail bike. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the next video in this series! :-)

[@ThaStonedGardner]

Kinda surprised me you said you wouldn't do any drops on the xc bike. I used to anything and everything on my old hardtail back when I was young. I just bought a brand new hardtail for the first time in years. I'm older now and riddled from combat and surgeries; gonna take me a good while to be doing gnarly stuff again. I'll get there. Been practicing on my big box store bike, it was definitely time for an upgrade. I could definitely still use $500 worth of upgrades! I know you already picked a winner, but still, who doesn't need an upgrade? Frog pedals by Speedplay or one of their other pedals if those aren't available anywhere, maybe a dropper post. Not sure what I need on the new bike yet aside from clipless pedals. Won't get to ride it for two more days. Great video!

[@lgrankin]

I would purchase some Winter riding apparel to keep me going through the long and cold winter months here in O'town. Cheers!

[@rascal1234]

I definitely enjoy my Scott Sparc.

[@RobS123]

I am in the market for my first new mountain bike in 30 years, though I really haven't ridden regularly in 20. Wasn't sure if I needed a XC or Trail type as I have ridden both types of trails, as well as a bit of commuting on the road. I wish I could afford one for each. I'd love one for tighter, more technical downhills, but don't ride those often and always had to push my old bike up hills as I'm pushing 60 now and need to get back in shape. Most of my riding will be road, gravel roads/fire roads, easy trails and some rooty, rocky trails, in that order. Your video really helped me sharpen my focus as to what type of bike to cover all my bases the best. I think the extra weight of a Trail bike and more aggressive geometry downsides on cruising on roads is more of a disadvantage to my overall riding style than the less capable geometry and fork travel of a XC bike would be on the occasional gnarly, tight downhill trails I might ride with my son. Fantastic video work, scenery, shot setups, everything! The trails through the logging area looked like something I used to ride on an enduro motorcycle back in my younger years, brought back great memories. I was happy to see you were able to tackle what looked like the absolute maximum downhill challenges I could ever face on a XC bike, and feel like I will be more than fine on that type of frame. Well done!

[@nrg4285]

I didn't come here for the advice, but for the B-roll of Paul on the trails 😂

[@youngstadan4999]

Been looking at sparks recentley , the 130 mil travel ones , very clean looking bike with the hidden shock. Its on my final list

[@dcasandman]

Great video, I’m stuck between XC and Trail. My trails I ride 99% of the time are XC bike trails. Nothing exciting at all, but like you trail bike video I’d like to go other places occasionally. I’d love to have both, but wife would kick my butt.

[@neadventures3293]

I would save the $500 till the spring when I hopefully have enough money to buy a bike that I don't constantly break. Keep up the great videos!

[@rdelao]

I would beef up my XC bike with some better brakes for sure. I've upgraded my XC bike all around. I think the only thing I have not messed with is my brakes which are Tektro, handlebars and grips. Great video.