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Trail and Cross country bikes. What should you look for?

Oct 18

3 min read

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Most of the general population just likes to ride bikes. Sometimes looking at a jump or feature but mostly just to work well on the trail. Even if that trail is a paved trail.


For cross country riding, which involves climbing, riding for long distance. And the ability to go down tech sections and steeps. There are a lot of ways to look at what is important to you in a ride and will determine the bike you will want.


Short travel cross country bikes or even hard tails will be great at climbing, commuting, and long distance. With 29 wheels being the new thing or at least bigger than 26 inch wheels. Roll over is easier than ever so smaller travel is seen more. If you want to punish a climb having a hard tail or 4 inch travel frame it will attack and be light for it. All your power is going into your pedal strokes and the non existence of unneeded suspension will have your bike lighter.


But what happens when you turn down hill?

When going for a trail ride that is technical downhill you are going to want suspension. Your going to want a slack head tube unlike a short travel and a longer travel bike will take more hits and make the ride faster and smoother.


Yin or Yang? You want to make it up the hill the fastest and rip the downhill like none other, but something has to give.


I will try and give my personal experience on what you should look for when making sacrifices in performance of pedal efficiency and downhill performance easier.

I’ve ridden every thing from a 7 inch travel bike on trails to a hard tail and every thing in between.

You have to ask yourself if you want more distance and climbing efficiency with the technical downhill harder? Or have a harder climb and get down fast and smoother. This is the question you should be asking when buying a trail bike. Long travel trail bikes can still climb. With the inventions of a 52 tooth rear cog, suspension technology advances, and the amazing invention of the dropper post. Short travel bikes can still descend, with slacker head angles, cockpit positioning, and skill of rider can be big factors.


Try to take some from both sides is my best option for a bike buyer. Also including weight and suspension technology.


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Usually a 5 inch travel bike is perfect. You will be able to send fun stuff with comfort. Downhill will be great. And climbing will be possible and fun on anything you like. If you’re riding less elevation and easier trails. A hard tail would be great. You will pedal easier, long distance will be faster and you can still go downhill as it’s a mountain bike and is made for it. If you’re just getting to the top to ride down a 6 7 inch travel bike is for you. You can pedal it with the seat up and in a low gear, and then at the top, you can turn it down hill and it will eat up all the small imperfections of the trail , or technical sections.


Rider performance makes a huge difference, if you’re just a great climber you can give up the idea of worrying about to much travel. As well as if you are a great descender a 4 inch bike will be fine and easy uphill because you will be able to manage the downhill on less than most other people.


Components can lighten the bike and make everything easier. Uphill will be faster with less weight even with a bit more suspension. Also can be stronger and a small travel bike will be a xc machine. Better parts will usually make your ride easier. As I’ve said you get what you pay for.


In review set a price range for yourself, spending more at the beginning in the bike industry will help in the long term. Rent or borrow if not sure. There are always bike events with companies giving out demo rides too. Look for the amount of suspension you think will be enough but not to much. Remember what you are using it for the most and don’t overspend on applications it doesn’t need. Buy from a well known bike brand and personal reviews and seeing the same bike at your home trails might give some adcentive, or an idea of what is best for your riding.


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Oct 18

3 min read

2

10

0

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