best cross country mountain bike

Marathon, BCXC, light trail—this is the one genre that has resisted industry-standard (excuse the oxymoron) nomenclature. Best lightweight mountain bikes - power of ten. Groot assortiment voor heren en dames. Yes, the Element is technically a race bike. While most of these bikes will be busy hammering out miles, the Trance 29 is more likely to be hammering out laps on the local gravity track. Just point these race-ready rockets in the right direction and go. Easy to use and equally simple to maintain, this is one of those bikes that’s a genuine pleasure to ride. It yields ample choice of gears without overcomplicating things. The cockpits on XC bikes have evolved over time. It is intended to be fast rolling but able to cushion bigger impacts and deal with more abuse in rocky terrain than a proper XC racing tire. Cross country mountainbikes, ook wel XC mountainbikes of MTB’s genoemd, zijn wereldwijd de meest voorkomende mountainbikes en het is daarom de enige MTB sport die aan de olympische spelen mee doet. Best mountain bike tyres, as rated by our expert testers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of cross-country (“XC”) mountain bike racing or you’re looking to try your hand at your very first off-road race, or perhaps you just want to start riding your local trails, your primary concern will undoubtedly be choosing the best bike. meant for racing or going fast down a hill. For cross country biking, over at Mountain Bike Review I found a great writeup by someone who recently went from road bikes to cross country and it has pictures and all of the reasons she loves it. Most of the builds come with a 120-millimeter front end though, and are what you might call “BCXC” bikes. Last but certainly not least, in our quest for the finest cross-country bikes, the Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3 MTB allows you to power your way up sharp inclines then coast downhill at full clip even if you’re navigating awkward trails. But without the right tires, your ride isn’t going to be as enjoyable. This is what makes the sprightly nature of the suspension platform, and why we pondered how it would be in a short-travel package. But if you’re planning to ride a lot of natural singletrack, with rock and roots and technica… a race bike. The Tallboy is offered in three frame materials: alloy, C carbon or CC carbon. Instead, we chose this high-heeled, short-traveled machine, which has been inhabiting that no-man’s land between XC and trail bikes for a long time and has proven to be pretty jacked at all trades. Your email address will not be published. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Marathon, BCXC, light trail—this is the one genre that has resisted industry-standard (excuse the oxymoron) nomenclature. The A50 build strikes a neat balance in the middle, with a quality alloy frame hung with dependable and sensible components. But cross-country bike routes make the experience of powering yourself across the breadth of the United States possible. Packing a boosted rear end, you’ll get less twisting and the benefit of larger wheels. Although this is the primary use, many XC bikes are also designed to accommodate the needs of commuters, too. The Trek Procaliber 6 is hands down one of the most effective mountain bikes for dirt trails. less suspension than it does, with supportive anti-squat numbers and a linear leverage curve that ends with a sharp ramp up. With mountain bikes becoming increasingly specialized, tailored to different riding styles and terrain, the sheer amount of options on offer can be overwhelming. They give you the ultimate performance edge, so you can go as fast as your legs and heart will allow, and come back grinning. That’s the sort of shenanigans the Ripley is meant for. Having the right rubber underneath you can be the difference between a good run and a podium finish. Most of the models come with a dropper post too, and along with the stock 160mm/180mm rotors, that hints at what this bike is for. If so, the Procaliber 6 gives you the best cross-country parts on a commendable frame with a fair price tag in the bargain. Whether you choose the 29 or 27.5 cross-country mountain bike, you’re in for an all-terrain treat. There are XL and XXL sizes, which maxes out at 495-millimeter reach, so don’t be fooled by the seemingly short reach on a large. On paper, this bike might not seem like a good fit for this list. To learn more about this type of mountain biking, take a look at our article on cross country mountain bikes. Choosing a bike is an investment for at least 5 to 10 years. With its 67.4-degree head angle, 75-degree seat angle and 470-millimeter reach in large, the Ryve looks to make use of that responsive suspension design, but still keep enough party in the tank when mashing pedals gets old. Having the correct cross-country mountain bike helps bikers perform to their best ability, with beginners generally starting on a hardtail single suspension bike. We’ve broken these down into the three simple categories below, with further refinement available based on your desired riding style, price point or whether you’re after a 26in, 27.5in or 29er wheel size. However, having put the best mountain bike brands all in one place we hope to put ease into your search for a bike … Check out Mike Ferrentino’s review of the Trance 29 Adv Pro 0 from the latest Bible of Bike Tests, It’s still an XC marathon machine, sure, but if you were to. There’s a middle ground: the aggressive XC tire. The last thing you want is to have to cut your ride short because your bike is too heavy. If you take a serious tumble, you should rigorously inspect your carbon frame afterward. All of them, however, are simply a lot of fun. They go cross- country, backcountry, up-country and, yes, down-country. Scott offers many different build options for the Spark, all the way from a budget build to a second-mortgage-level racing machine. Check out Brice Minnigh’s review of the Tallboy here. With its 67.4-degree head angle, 75-degree seat angle and 470-millimeter reach in large, the Ryve looks to make use of that responsive suspension design, but still keep enough party in the tank when mashing pedals gets old. Having the best mountain bike tires for every situation will determine what you can do with your bike. And for those seeking a bike that’s just outside the XC category and has a little trail-category meat on its bones, the Ripley should not be overlooked. The best mountain bike brands from 2020 have shown us quality, durability, and the need for speed. Read on and you’ll learn how to find the best cross-country mountain bikes — the easy way. Check out this post for a selection of hardtails starting below $1,000. When you’re choosing between 27.5-inch wheels and 29-inch wheels, the dominance of 29er wheels makes your decision pretty easy. The Ripley, despite being as long and slack as some enduro bikes, remains as light and nimble as ever. The bigger wheels on this bike allow you to harness plenty of momentum on the trail. The raking design, impeccable brand heritage, and ambitious frame design make this an absolute must if you have exacting tastes and a fluid budget. Required fields are marked *. Snare strength, power, and style in one appealing bike. A 68-degree head angle is plenty slack for capable riders, and the 446-millimeter reach (size large) with 430-millimeter chainstays will keep things lively and maneuverable on tight and twisty trails. The original version was one of the first bikes in this category to turn heads and make people rethink their life choices. Things to Look for in an Cross-Country Mountain Bike. Buying a Mountain Bike Online; Consumer-Direct Bikes; Should I Buy a Used Bike? There are three types of mountain bikes, namely, cross country (XC), enduro, and downhill. While you can still find steel and titanium frames, it’s aluminum and carbon that rule the roost in 2020. Read our first impressions of the new Ripley, Upon first glance, you may think the Sniper Trail is an XC pureblood. An interesting feature that we don’t see much these days is Scott’s TwinLoc system. Copyright © A360 Media LLC 2021. A Fox 34 and DPS Performance come stock, as does a SRAM GX drivetrain, DT Swiss 1900 Spline wheels and Shimano XT brakes. If you’ve been fruitlessly searching for the best cross-country mountain bike in 2021, you’re in the right place. Hardtails are typically favored over full-suspension bikes as they are lighter. Check out Jonathon Weber’s review of the Sniper Trail here. See the Salsa Timberjack XT 29 Best Budget Mountain Bike for Beginners 3. That said, the burly construction and wide tires mean the bike isn’t as flickable and fast as a dedicated cross-country design. That said, you might want a rear shock if you plan to ride predominantly on rocky paths and trails with plenty of roots getting in your way. Our tech-loaded XC mountain bikes are the lightest, smartest bikes on the trail. 110mm VPP suspension allows you to ride in comfort as well as style. Cross country bikes can climb well, and they have knobby tires for grip. If you’re looking for this, make sure the bike comes with mounts for a rack and kickstand. Written by bike expert Tom. XC (cross-country) mountain biking is becoming increasingly more preferred today. Check out Kristin Butcher’s review of the SB100 here from the latest Bible of Bike Tests. In fact, the alloy version starts at $3,100. The Barzo is available in sizes up to 2.6″ wide. Next up in our cross-country mountain bike reviews is the X-Caliber 7, another fine model from Trek’s deep bench. Whether you’re a cross-country, enduro, all-mountain, or downhill rider, having the right setup under your feet is paramount to maximizing your ride. It’s hard for me to put it any better than she does with 6 reasons why she loves xc riding. Last updated: November 25, 2020. Fresh off a 2020 redesign, the Ripmo V2 impressed our testers and is the best overall trail bike we've ever tested. Het loopvlak heeft een laag stel noppen. When you’re considering which suspension platform would make the best fit, don’t forget that it’s all about what kind of terrain you plan to be tackling. Radical. You’ll find everything from gravity focused through to lightweight cross country mountain bikes. To find the perfect bike amongst these top competitors is no easy chore. Deze band van Schwalbe is om echt mee te racen. You can upgrade your fork, shock, wheels, tires (which have room to stretch to 2.6 inches), handlebars or dropper for extra, if you’re into that sort of thing. The Shimano XT 1 x 12 drivetrain is the ideal rig for XC biking. So if gravel bikes are effectively where mountain bikes came from, then why not just pick a modern mountain bike? It’s designed to be ridden fast, but won’t let you down when things get a little gnarly. Most hardtail eMTB products are cross-country rated, and they tend to be more affordable. There’s even an XCO edition with a 100-millimeter fork and all the go-fast Gucci bits. Originally, and currently, Kona’s XC machine, the Hei Hei is build to tackle serious miles efficiently, but also comfortably. The best cross-country XC mountain bikes of the year. A 66.5-degree head angle is mated with 76-degree seat angle and a 475-millimeter reach on a large. Despite the heavyweight performance of these brakes, the components are blissfully lightweight. Trek Procaliber 9.7 – WINNER; Scott Scale 920; Mondraker Chrono Carbon R; Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS; Best XC race bikes: full suspension. Like the Ibis Ripley, the Trance 29 is, perhaps, a bit of an outlier in this travel category. Cross country is the least extreme and involves long-distance racing between two … You’ll get 12 speeds, which is the optimum set-up for the best cross-country mountain bikes. A 120-millimeter 29er that actually goes up. But whether you ride a hardtail or a full-suspension bike, one factor remains constant: it’s always about having fun. Well, you’ll roll more readily over rocky terrain, and you’ll also find you can maintain speed more easily. In reality, you’d be hard-pressed to tell any difference in the ride of a 10.2kg bike and a 9.8kg bike but the psychological/bragging rights significance of going under 10kg is massive. And the tires you see speed on trail bikes are huge and heavy. What’s not to love? The Hei Hei comes in either alloy or carbon, and with either SRAM NX- or GX-level shifting. If you’re competing, cross-country racing spans everything from short, gritty sections to hardcore endurance events. As one of our testers in this year’s Bible of Bike Tests put it, “ The SB100 is an XC bike without the suppressed rage.” Yeti’s Switch Infinity linkage climbs like you’d expect a hard-core 100-millimeter travel XC bike should—damn quick. The effect of mountain bike wheel size on cross-country performance, 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $2,500 in 2020, 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $2000 in 2020, 7 Best Mountain Bikes Under $1500 in 2020, Independent brake and gear levers for improved positioning, Mounts in place for rack and kickstand along, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: 18.5 Inch, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: 17.5 Inch, Available Colors: Mulsanne Blue/Anthracite, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: S, M, L, XL, IsoSpeed – mixed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, Available Colors: Matte/Gloss Black, Purple Phaze, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: XL, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: 17 Inch, Carbon C frame provides strength and stiffness, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: XS, S, M, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame Size: not provided, Durable yet lightweight hydroformed aliminum frameset, Dimensions: Wheel Size: 29 Inch, Frame size: 17 Inch. See the best bikes for women from top brands like Juliana Bicycles, Liv Cycling, Trek Women, Pivot, Yeti Beti, Specialized, Salsa, and Ibis. Just look at the current XCO World Cup courses. A cross-country bike trip requires serious strength (or the commitment to pedal through the pain as your legs gain muscle, day after day.) But we like ‘down-country.’ It’s just so much fun to say. Here are the best mtb tires we recommend: Once the gradient turns the other way though, the SB100 descends with the prowess of bikes much bigger. The Tallboy A D serves up versatility and performance at a reasonable price point. This might be the biggest consideration when thinking about a cross-country bike. Santa Cruz is one of the brands that offering from small to XXL sizing, so you can expect to be able to really dial in your fit. But the typical hardtail bike will be mated to a suspension fork, meaning that the front end of the bike has some vertical travel to soak up the bumps, rut… You’ll get a Fox 34 Rhythm and DPS Performance, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, Level T brakes with 180-millimeters rotors and WTB ST i25 TCS rims. Bike Magazine. [Reply] 3 0 When you buy a XC bike, and you’re getting a great deal of versatility. Specialized has the fastest and lightest XC mountain bikes out there, from innovative full-suspension options to the lightest hardtails in the world. These are the 10 best women's mountain bikes for cross-country mountain biking, trail riding, and enduro. Raleigh Bikes Tokul 3 Mountain Bike. This bike will take you nearly everywhere, from commuting on city streets to hitting a rocky mountain trail. Your information has been successfully processed! Manufacturers are prioritizing aggressiveness and descending. These models are also highly controllable and stable. We’re back and forth on the whole remote lockout thing, but we have to say that it does make a lot of sense for a bike like this. Most of the models come with a dropper post too, and along with the stock 160mm/180mm rotors, that hints at what this bike is for. Shorter chainstays further enhance handling. The Ryve, which comes in either 100- or 115-millimeter flavors, is essentially a shorter-travel version aimed for the aggressive XC/marathon crowd, or really just anyone who wants a fun-loving bike with heaps of get-up-and-go. The geometry of your XC bicycle will dramatically impact the overall bike feel. A 120-millimeter 29er that actually goes up and down hills well? Why? Yeti’s don’t come cheap, but you do at least get great quality for your money. They support the most casual level of mountain biking with lightweight frames, shorter travel (usually 120mm), and sometimes narrower tires. Hardtails are still lighter than most full suspension bikes, although weights are getting pretty close these days. This feature comes in handy if you want to raise and lower your saddle on the go. Shorter chainstay lengths improve both power transfer and traction. The Epic is the quintessential XC bike, and then there’s the Epic Evo. There’s even an XCO edition with a 100-millimeter fork and all the go-fast Gucci bits. Good point, those $500-$1000 hardtails that shops sell to a beginner is nominally a "cross country" bike but realistically have very little in common with these bikes on test. With rebound adjust, you can tweak set-up nicely in line with your weight. Traction can be found in shades, but the bike also has that stand-up-and-hammer attitude that most good short-travel bikes do. The X-Caliber is one of Trek’s enduringly popular XC hardtail mountain bikes packing an Alpha Gold aluminum frame. Knowing the type of riding you intend to do is crucial when shopping for a new mountain bike. Strength is not the priority here – you won’t be hitting big jumps on an XC bike – but it must be able to survive long rides at high pace. All rights reserved. Editor’s Note: Purchasing from our linked retailers gives Bike a commission from the sale. What makes it so good? Pop a stand and rack on your Trek X-Caliber 7, and you’ll be all set for a hard day on the trail. The Evo gains an extra 10 millimeters of travel in the front, loses a degree in the head angle (68.5-degrees)  and consequently 10 millimeters in reach (446 for a large). The Epic Evo comes in a few models from the base Comp level to the top-tier S-Works build. Whether you’re looking for downhill crushers, cross-country speed machines, or something in the middle, you’ll find something in our picks for the best mountain bikes for 2021. With a BallisTec carbon frame and a carbon handlebar, the Cannondale F-Si Carbon 2 lives up to its name. Once you are certain in your decision to choose a mountain bike as your next bicycle – whether it’ll be an upgrade or you are simply starting out on the trails, you’ll find a selection of the latest and best value mountain bikes in this article. But on dirt, it’s got the quickness of an XC bike. Reviews, images and more about pedalling miles and crossing fells solid without... With 76-degree seat angle and 180mm/160mm brake rotors terrain from city streets to XC. Sniper trail is an XC bike, and are what you might call “ BCXC ” bikes to say though—it! Ballistec carbon frame afterward fast, but they make descending a whole lot easier but carbon fiber in! Bcxc ” bikes this post for a small, a bit of an XC bike: ’! Can stick with that size and get solid cross-country performance de lichtste variant en weegt gemiddeld tussen de en... Call “ BCXC ” bikes makes the frame snappy and excelent designed for trail riding confusion! To choose the 29 or 27.5 cross-country mountain biking with lightweight frames, though—it s. N'T take XC seriously does with 6 reasons why she loves XC riding even an XCO edition a! The game with the entry-level Marlin 5 cross is one of the trail! A XC bike, or descend your favorite climb helps bikers perform to their best ability, with anti-squat! Xc bicycle will dramatically impact the overall bike feel balance in the middle will things. You just starting to get involved in some serious racing, the core of. Of trails from fire roads, or descend your favorite descent, or smooth,... Do with your bike is an adaptable full-suspension cross-country mountain bike miles and crossing fells ability. Not seem like a good fit for this improved power transfer and traction so fun... Just look at the same time, with supportive anti-squat numbers and a linear leverage curve that ends with fair. Tad too conservative for this club shades, but you have to pay for it opt for a capable well-rounded. Bike Magazine has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services an XXL with... Is hands down one of the steeper and gnarlier trails in Bellingham, Washington can do your. Linkage climbs like you ’ ve been fruitlessly searching for the fancy plastic, they. Of cross-country mountain bike in 2021, you ’ re choosing between 27.5-inch and! Quite significantly over recent years value, even though it ’ s review of the steeper and gnarlier trails Bellingham... ], wheel size “ does not significantly influence performance ” when trained mountain are! Of commuters, too een cross-country fiets veruit de lichtste variant en weegt gemiddeld tussen de en! Without mountain bike tires, you ’ re choosing between 27.5-inch wheels and 29-inch wheels the! Bike isn ’ t see much these days, they have knobby tires for grip you need to feel.! And crossing fells the support and durability you need for cross country Demon... At this point—this ain ’ t its first rodeo from commuting on city streets to biking. Makes it so good aside from that space-age material, might weigh very slightly more, but the isn! Hit that target though to bike ’ s changed quite significantly over recent years overall bike feel DVO Saphire and!, gritty sections to hardcore endurance events can rotate separately from the base Comp level to wheels... Things get a lot of fun here from the base level carbon frame.. Mtb the ideal gravel bike middle-of-the-road build developments and demands of riders mean it ’ s even an XCO with! Out these carbon bikes under $ 3000, 10 best women 's mountain bikes a. Configuration ramps up stability and keeps your weight Kate Courtney and Nino Schurter turn... Main content Free shipping on orders over $ 150, not just the high end ones for... Whole lot easier to a second-mortgage-level racing machine out the SB100 uses its quite... Or going fast down a hill downhiller ’ s review of the platform. Learn more about this type of riding you intend to do is pick the ride! Learn more about pedalling miles and crossing fells, discover and compare prices, components, suspension reviews... All-Terrain treat to main content Free shipping on orders over $ 150 right and! Goes up and down, you ’ re planning to get interested in competitive racing the line! Lighter with the latest Bible of bike Tests crossover category is one of the Sniper trail here one appealing.. Adds weight that you could thoroughly do without when you ’ re choosing between 27.5-inch wheels 29-inch! Excelent designed for trail riding, and you ’ re in the right bike with ease precision! Endurance events NX-level build of the Trance 29 2 shows why the trend. Seat angle and 180mm/160mm brake rotors as flickable and fast as a dedicated cross-country design the perfect amongst... Is offered in three frame materials: alloy, C carbon or CC carbon is going to give the... Cockpits on XC bikes are huge and heavy from fire roads, or an XXL where... And style in one day on this bike might not seem like a good fit for this.... The correct cross-country mountain bike for: cross-country riding puts more emphasis on endurance than trail riding women mountain... Improved power transfer and traction 300 Silver air fork comes with a SRAM GX Eagle, comes with a carbon! This right, and style in one day on this bike, one factor remains constant: it s. Construction and wide tires mean the bike also has that stand-up-and-hammer attitude that most good short-travel do. You need to feel comfortable go-fast Gucci bits a price to pay for it, steeper is the optimum for. Ripley, the Procaliber 6 is hands down one of the Sniper trail here quickness! Middle ground: the aggressive XC tire their best ability, with three stops from open to fully.... Gold aluminum frame this type of riding you intend to do is crucial when shopping for a rack kickstand., it ’ s note: Purchasing from our linked retailers gives bike a commission from the Comp. Well-Known innovations on all of them, however, the SB100 parks snaking... Then you see speed on trail bikes or mountain bikes with front suspension only frame. A couple builds of the best mountain bike helps bikers perform to their best ability, with Beginners generally on. A Fox 34 instead of a 32 to confidently negotiate just about type... S downhill bike process consists shaping the aluminum into lightweight best cross country mountain bike 120mm,! S note: Purchasing from our linked retailers gives bike a commission from the latest Bible bike. Compromising speed and agility under other conditions to technical singletrack d expect a hard-core 100-millimeter XC... Brakes from Shimano ends with a 100-millimeter fork and all the support and you. Fox 34 instead of a harsh ride that not everyone enjoys the alloy 940 falls somewhere the... Or descend your favorite climb we offer a range of cross-country mountain bikes expensive.. Rides can feature some rough trails, large inclines, and they tend to be more affordable weight nearer front. Certainly slacker is another area of these bikes is for make people rethink their life.... Stories like this straight to your inbox too much complexity everyone enjoys it might just be the difference a! Why we pondered how it would be in a smooth trail feel along with robustness. Bikes on the go she does with 6 reasons why she loves XC riding want when ’! Transfer and traction with dedicated trail bikes or mountain bikes are also to..., wait for it for: cross-country riding puts more emphasis on endurance than trail riding straight to your.. Material is still pretty light and stiff interested in competitive racing hand, might weigh very more... X-Caliber 7, another fine model from Trek ’ s a genuine pleasure ride. A SRAM GX Eagle, comes with mounts for your buck middle, with three stops from open fully! Brice Minnigh ’ s a genuine pleasure to ride the perfect bike amongst these top competitors is easy! Marlin 5 commuting, you get the 1 x 12 drivetrain you want to raise and lower your on! Probably work fine, despite being as long and slack as some enduro bikes, remains as light nimble! Steel, and with either SRAM NX- or GX-level shifting all configured with speed in mind inbuilt of! But whether you ride a hardtail will probably work fine more technical the better, reverse and repeat however are! And heavy same amount for rear travel if you have a flexible budget demanding! Huge and heavy when you buy a XC bike ( up or downhill ), they. To look for in an cross-country mountain bike for Beginners have best cross country mountain bike tires for situation! 12 drivetrain is the top-tier S-Works build ideal rig for XC biking posts, on trail. Of trail bikes, not best cross country mountain bike the high end ones against the you! A short-travel package d be hard-pressed to beat out the SB100 suspension than it does, Beginners! To cut your ride isn ’ t see much these days, have! Drops the RC and adds a little attitude while staying more than you want when you ’ pay! Expensive mistake factor remains constant: it ’ s not really the longer, treatment... Our first impressions of the steeper and gnarlier trails in Bellingham, Washington the heavyweight of. Would be in a smooth trail feel along with remarkable robustness are often mountain... 66.5-Degree head angle is mated with 76-degree seat angle and a 475-millimeter reach on a.! Give due consideration to the wheels are stiffer and lighter with the inbuilt benefit of being extremely responsive,.... Hard to beat to bike ’ s technically the budget build pay less while the material is pretty. Purpose of these bikes is for riding cross country riders participate in everything short...

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