I think you are the best mountain bike technical resource channel on RUclips. Thanks for doing what you do... stats, specs, and ride data for those of us who strive for data driven decisions on our bikes! :)
i changed my 1x to 3x .i even do not use a front derailleur i change them by hand. Anyway , when descending i have to stop, unblock suspension and drop the saddle, so I change chainring s as well. it takes less then 20 secs
Last year just before Covid I bought a brand new 2018 Scott Spark 710+ (old stock) about $2000. In 2018 this bike was about $4500. 2×11 xt gears but I don't care. Stock weighing about 12.8 kg. Busy shopping around for light weight 29" wheelset to shed almost 1kg in rotanional mass to make this bike best of both worlds...fun trail and some xc/ downcountry..
I’ve personally found the 2019-2021 geometry 120-130mm trial bike segment to be really the most versatile for me, coming from a 100mm xc bike with 70 deg head.
Great simple explanation Clint. I built up an XC 29er hardtail for my 15 year old daughter, an On one frame in small and compared to my rocky mountain Altitude the weight difference is hugely different to the point where I'm now 'borrowing' her bike for local XC blasts.
I feel like downcountry would be the best for regular rider, the trail bikes became enduro bikes, and enduro bikes became downhill bikes in these years. I got this trail bike that's 15.3kg (alu) and it's just not what I was expecting. What I imagined was a multi purpose bike, just a regular trail bike, but even with just 140/140 travel and 29x 2.5&2.4" tires this feels like enduro and definitely pedals like one. I really hope we get these downcountry bikes more available, more options, and cheaper - I just want a light bike to do some flowy standard forrest rides with proper tires and geometry, but I'm afraid current downcountry offerings are out of my price range - ripley, spur, and similar, these are all 5-6k and up. Right now looking at the options in the ~3000$ range - either the geo is very XC, or the bike is overbuilt and weighs 14kg. There are brands that offer more value / cheaper bikes, but they're still building these insane 14kg trail bikes as their "light trail bike", it just goes more enduro/dh from there, they don't seem to have gotten the hint of downcountry yet. Either that or options are pure xc bike with no dropper posts, old geo, etc. Where are the affordable downcountry bikes? I'm waiting here with my 3000 euros in hand, which would be a fine value direct to consumer bike, but all options in this range are overbuilt frames for jumps, etc - I don't need a frame that can withstand that much abuse.
@@jacekpodlipski7297 thanks, but I can't seem to find the weight - and as someone that already (quite recently) bought a bike and didn't check the weight properly - I'm a bit too scared, especially since the control3 is 13.6. Also ill be honest - the geo is riiight on the edge, I'm very tall with even longer inseam than looks to be normal, so I need long reach and steep seat angles to not have my weight over the rear axle - that 75deg SA looks to be quite slack for me, if it was 76 it would be much more reassuring.
@@GFClocked i think weight is around 13,5kg that is quite good result for a bike built on alu frame. After years of amatuer racing I'm looking a allaround bike that not going to be too sluggish for me. Geo is so individual thing ...Neuron is close to your numbers but out of price range
@@HollyBoni yep. That has been on my list as #1. But once again - they're taking a heavy trail frame that is super heavy and rigid - the end result is still around 13.8-14kg at xl size. Compare it with more of crosscountry style frame like spur and its not even close. That's why I think someone like radon should invest in the downcountry category, they have good bikes, but even their lightest trail bike has an overbuilt super stiff front triangle, that frame is almost 1kg heavier than spur/epic evo and similar.
As someone who's wanting to get into mountain biking this help a lot. The category that really confuses me is Enduro vs Trail because at least to me the seem almost identical.
i really like the concept of the spur and tallboy , but i sized it up i boosted my 140/150mm trail bike with 27.5 wheels to a 64°hta and a 50mm stem , and it absolutly rocks 🤘😍
That's called a trail bike. The market is full of trail bikes with 140-150mm travel and HTA in the 64-65 range. It's actually "down country" bikes (like the Spur) that are not as common (yet).
Thanks for this video talking about bikes, I'd love to see your opinion on what constitutes the various terrain types....it's not obvious. In MTB, we have Downhill, Enduro, Trail and XC....but when you look at the videos, honestly, there doesn't seem to be that much separating the terrain these disciplines are executed on. So, when looking for a bike, and trying to be honest with yourself about how you will use it, in my case, I struggle to justify anything more than a XC hardtail. Sure, if I lived near Moab I might want something more, but even in this case, what would you go for? Enduro or Trail?
For me it would be trail. They climb well and are still a blast on descents. Some descents they are even more fun than an enduro bike because they are lighter and more agile.
I struggled with deciding between a hardtail and full suspension Trail. I ended up with full suspension (Trance 2) thanks to an end of season sale and love it. The rear shock adds so much comfort and capability.
Hate to make an off topic comment. I was looking through your video lists. I’d like to see a video from you on the tires you’ve tried and your opinions on your selections. More interested in trail than xc.
I would like to see a comparison b/w xc and trail in a twisty flat section. Sort of a time trial. But focusing on twisty section no climbs or descents. Cheers
Hmm... numbers don't help me understand what do I need. I got a used Yeti SB6 recently which is a Enduro bike. Why did I decide Enduro? Just to have a bike "more resistant" to the terrain and more forgiving for me as a novice. Is that a good choice? Hard to explain even to myself as I never rode a bike on the few mountains we have at about 1.5h driving from home. I was watching people riding their bikes but they look so similar to each other that is difficult to understand which one is enduro, trail or cross country :D I didn't have courage to ask people what do they ride and even asking I guess will not help, because some ride fat bikes because of fun :)
I cant seem to find any basic bike size guides for a xc setup, just ordered a 29er size Large frame (following the company guidelines for height) but it turned out HUGE, have about 1 inch space between topbar and crotch while standing on ground. Any recommendations for what I should consider?
So in the end. Which one will be the best option.?? For somebody that is wanting to go to the trails around Los Angeles.? Which one will be best as an option to do different trails style.?
@@ClintGibbs that’s what I thought after I watched the video. I like mtb, I used to do it in a xc and it was ok in most of the trails, but I don’t have experience on other kind of bikes, so now that I live in california i would like to go back to the trails but im not sure which on will be best. So im looking for advice😅
Do you think the Niner RKT 9 RDO is still a worthwhile bike to buy today with how long ago it was designed? I want to switch from a gravel bike to a light weight mountain bike. I personally don’t like the wasted energy with many mountain bikes I’ve ridden with longer suspension travel so it’s becoming harder to find light weight short suspension travel mountain bikes. Thanks
Yes. I still have mine and ride it several times a week. There are times when I wish the head angle was a bit slacker and then there are times I feel like it’s just right. I definitely recommend getting the one with the 120 fork. As long as you’re not riding very technical terrain fast you will really enjoy the bike. So light and agile. If you get one let me know how you like it!
@@ClintGibbs thank you, I’m trying on a short loop trail today the RKT9 RDO, Cannondale Scalpel SE, Trek Supercaliber 9.8 and Transition Spur XG1. I’ll let you know which I pick.
@@ClintGibbs it’s going to be a toss up between the Niner RKT 9 RDO and Cannondale Scalpel SE, Trek Supercaliber is out, not enough rear suspension and felt worse downhill then my gravel bike. Traditions Spur, requires way too much effort uphill, also tended to not keep great traction uphill if you stand, steering was way too relaxed and required too much planning to get through tight sections. Felt like the Scalpel SE was great uphill and very good downhill, very light, actually in XL 0.4 lb lighter then the RKT 9. RKT 9 felt fastest and definitely was the most nimble, extremely fun feeling, but I got my best 1.5 miles lap time with the Scalpel SE twice. I think uphill the RKT 9 is slightly quicker but downhill the Scalpel picks up more time, since it’s more capable downhill and still is very nimble turning which was my biggest let down on the Spur. The Supercaliber was the most nimble but hitting anything downhill felt sketchy. I’m very surprised that the RKT 9 RDO 5 star X01 Eagle at $8,400 weighs in at 26.1 lbs. The Scalpel SE Carbon Ltd at $8,300 weighs in at 25.7 lbs with more rear suspension travel and a dropper. Both bikes were weighed as ridden. Another plus for the Scalpel was Cannondale kept Shimano brakes with Shram components, I liked the Shimano brakes better. I’m going to try the two once more tomorrow and then decide, but it seems like the Scalpel is in the lead for me and you seem to get more bike for the money. But I’m going to run the two on a longer loop tomorrow. Both are very nice bikes, the Niner feels faster but on a very short loop today it turned out not to be.
@@Peter-tc3ep sounds like some great testing! Excited to hear what you decide on. All great choices. If it helps at all, the RKT9 has required almost no maintenance other than basic routine maintenance over the past three years. Let me know what you decide!
@@ClintGibbs well day two and they both were about the same time, flipped back and forth with two loops each within seconds. For round two I swapped my S works carbon saddle on both so that wouldn’t account for comfort. Turned out the Cannondale was more comfortable, presuming the extra travel in the rear shock and dropper seat post helped. Decided on the Cannondale but for a six year old design the Niner really is an amazing bike. Wonder if Niner’s next version will have more rear suspension travel?
It's really just a trail bike on the shorter end of travel, like the transition spur or specialized epic Evo. Or it's a cross-country bike with longer travel, which is the same thing. A lot of people, like me, are finding that these bikes are just as fun as longer travel trail bikes (and more fun on certain types of trails) because they are lighter and more agile.
@@ClintGibbs Awesome, thanks. I've recently started riding a Scott Spark 950, I'm thinking it falls squarely into that category as well. It is a pretty quick bike, I did recently throw some Assegais on it front and rear for more grip. I found that this change completely stabilized the bike on descents. I realize now in retrospect, it was actually a tad bit sketchy on very steep, rocky descents (which is how a lot of trails are in my area). This was when I was running Maxxis Rekons, which it came with. The thing however is that the Assegais pretty much took a lot of the lightness and agility out of the bike. The bike is in the shop right now and I had them put a Dissector in the back, we'll see if it helps with rolling speed and agility, I'm excited to try it out.
@@ClintGibbs It is my first legit full suspension bike though and I’m a bit new to the sport, that’s why I was asking, as I kind of have no frame of reference for other bikes. I’m liking it a lot, I’m thinking in the future though I might also acquire a full trail bike or maybe something more enduro-oriented. There is not much flow trails where I’m at (Southern California), a lot of it is actually somewhat technical and gnarly terrain.
Agree. Just went back to a epic evo from a stumpy and it is much more rewarding with less fatigue. It does require more rider so maybe that’s why most go larger travel
I got out of it that a "Trail" bike is what we novices would refer to as a Downhill bike, and a "Cross Country" bike is for those of us who want to ride actual trails ...I think.
I think you are the best mountain bike technical resource channel on RUclips. Thanks for doing what you do... stats, specs, and ride data for those of us who strive for data driven decisions on our bikes! :)
Thank you Clint for a brief and concise explanation. I appreciate the extra effort you made to include the addition section about tire bumps.
So much has changed in 20 years haha.... I still love my 3x9 speed hardtail 26 inch with 100mm Marzocchi fork haha.
i changed my 1x to 3x .i even do not use a front derailleur i change them by hand. Anyway , when descending i have to stop, unblock suspension and drop the saddle, so I change chainring s as well. it takes less then 20 secs
Clint here in Europe theres a new trend: Down Country. Basicaly trail bikes with some CX bits. Marketing at his best
I’m glad you made this video, I got sick of trying to explain this to others.
Last year just before Covid I bought a brand new 2018 Scott Spark 710+ (old stock) about $2000. In 2018 this bike was about $4500. 2×11 xt gears but I don't care. Stock weighing about 12.8 kg. Busy shopping around for light weight 29" wheelset to shed almost 1kg in rotanional mass to make this bike best of both worlds...fun trail and some xc/ downcountry..
i have a trek top fuel, which is technically a fs xc bike, but its more than capable enough for 95% of my local trails
Yea i have the tf 8nx and its fine for the trails
I’ve personally found the 2019-2021 geometry 120-130mm trial bike segment to be really the most versatile for me, coming from a 100mm xc bike with 70 deg head.
Great simple explanation Clint. I built up an XC 29er hardtail for my 15 year old daughter, an On one frame in small and compared to my rocky mountain Altitude the weight difference is hugely different to the point where I'm now 'borrowing' her bike for local XC blasts.
Very good explanation, I just got my Trek Procaliber 9.5 after a 10 month lead time
I searched this and i was watching your 5 year old video on this topic, suddenly your new video on same topic popped up. What a coincidence!!
Nice!
Wow, you packed a lot in 5 minutes!! Great summary.
Short and precise. No bulshitting....👍
I feel like downcountry would be the best for regular rider, the trail bikes became enduro bikes, and enduro bikes became downhill bikes in these years.
I got this trail bike that's 15.3kg (alu) and it's just not what I was expecting. What I imagined was a multi purpose bike, just a regular trail bike, but even with just 140/140 travel and 29x 2.5&2.4" tires this feels like enduro and definitely pedals like one.
I really hope we get these downcountry bikes more available, more options, and cheaper - I just want a light bike to do some flowy standard forrest rides with proper tires and geometry, but I'm afraid current downcountry offerings are out of my price range - ripley, spur, and similar, these are all 5-6k and up.
Right now looking at the options in the ~3000$ range - either the geo is very XC, or the bike is overbuilt and weighs 14kg.
There are brands that offer more value / cheaper bikes, but they're still building these insane 14kg trail bikes as their "light trail bike", it just goes more enduro/dh from there, they don't seem to have gotten the hint of downcountry yet. Either that or options are pure xc bike with no dropper posts, old geo, etc.
Where are the affordable downcountry bikes? I'm waiting here with my 3000 euros in hand, which would be a fine value direct to consumer bike, but all options in this range are overbuilt frames for jumps, etc - I don't need a frame that can withstand that much abuse.
I got your point ... and have similar thoughts.. look at Rose offer- GROUND CONTROL 4 might meet your expectations
@@jacekpodlipski7297 thanks, but I can't seem to find the weight - and as someone that already (quite recently) bought a bike and didn't check the weight properly - I'm a bit too scared, especially since the control3 is 13.6. Also ill be honest - the geo is riiight on the edge, I'm very tall with even longer inseam than looks to be normal, so I need long reach and steep seat angles to not have my weight over the rear axle - that 75deg SA looks to be quite slack for me, if it was 76 it would be much more reassuring.
@@GFClocked i think weight is around 13,5kg that is quite good result for a bike built on alu frame. After years of amatuer racing I'm looking a allaround bike that not going to be too sluggish for me. Geo is so individual thing ...Neuron is close to your numbers but out of price range
@@GFClocked Radon Skeen Trail CF
@@HollyBoni yep. That has been on my list as #1. But once again - they're taking a heavy trail frame that is super heavy and rigid - the end result is still around 13.8-14kg at xl size. Compare it with more of crosscountry style frame like spur and its not even close. That's why I think someone like radon should invest in the downcountry category, they have good bikes, but even their lightest trail bike has an overbuilt super stiff front triangle, that frame is almost 1kg heavier than spur/epic evo and similar.
I ride a 150/140 29er trail bike and it doesn't feel like a big, long-travel bike at all. Amazing how far bikes have come.
As someone who's wanting to get into mountain biking this help a lot. The category that really confuses me is Enduro vs Trail because at least to me the seem almost identical.
XC is in the middle of hardtail and a trail bike. Enjoying the lighter weight of a XC bike. I love my Giant Anthem Advanced Pro XC bike!
Thanks Clint, another excellent video. Appreciate your content brother.
Great succinct explanation, thanks!
I would like to see a comparison between flat and riser bars as well.
Excellent explanation. Thanks. I'm in the market for a mtb of some sort. Old roadie here.
Love that beer cap stem cap!
Love the ‘New Belgium brewing’ cap.
The first time I test rode a Niner RLT9 RDO from Niner I stopped by New Belgium in Ft. Collins and had a beer. Pretty epic day.
Short but sweet. I'm pretty impatient. 5 mins is good.
fast efficient presentation thank you
i really like the concept of the spur and tallboy , but i sized it up
i boosted my 140/150mm trail bike with 27.5 wheels to a 64°hta and a 50mm stem , and it absolutly rocks 🤘😍
That's called a trail bike. The market is full of trail bikes with 140-150mm travel and HTA in the 64-65 range. It's actually "down country" bikes (like the Spur) that are not as common (yet).
Bravo, you did a great job in 5 mins, i'm impressed, the 5 min thing is quite interesting , you should do a 5 minute series !
🤔🤔🤔...I like the idea
Thanks for this video talking about bikes, I'd love to see your opinion on what constitutes the various terrain types....it's not obvious. In MTB, we have Downhill, Enduro, Trail and XC....but when you look at the videos, honestly, there doesn't seem to be that much separating the terrain these disciplines are executed on. So, when looking for a bike, and trying to be honest with yourself about how you will use it, in my case, I struggle to justify anything more than a XC hardtail. Sure, if I lived near Moab I might want something more, but even in this case, what would you go for? Enduro or Trail?
For me it would be trail. They climb well and are still a blast on descents. Some descents they are even more fun than an enduro bike because they are lighter and more agile.
I struggled with deciding between a hardtail and full suspension Trail. I ended up with full suspension (Trance 2) thanks to an end of season sale and love it. The rear shock adds so much comfort and capability.
Hate to make an off topic comment. I was looking through your video lists. I’d like to see a video from you on the tires you’ve tried and your opinions on your selections. More interested in trail than xc.
Nice timing. I'm actually going to make a video soon on the maxxis tires that I use on my various bikes.
I would like to see a comparison b/w xc and trail in a twisty flat section. Sort of a time trial. But focusing on twisty section no climbs or descents. Cheers
ruclips.net/video/GqtSlptcd7I/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/uZczQn68QuA/видео.html
side to side geometry pictures would make this video perfect. no jibber-jabber right to the point - Thank you MAN.
Unless one shuttles, way more time is spent climbing. So pick a bike optimized for climbing.
Climbing is for skinny, lycra folks. Trail riders climb to descend.
People looking for a trail bike these days should also look for 75 degrees and steeper. XC mostly will be slacker for comfort on flater trails.
Hi. Great video by the way. Quick question. What would the 2021 giant talon 2 be considered as? Trail? Or XC?
XC
No wasted time - thanks!
Dejavú!!! I thought I would see a Giant Trance and an Anthem!
I was wondering if someone would remember that older video. This one is new and improved and more succinct to accommodate our ever increasing A.D.D. 😉
I think the video featuring the Anthem and Trance was the 2nd ever Clint Gibbs video I ever watched. Such useful videos! Thanks for making them.
i bought 2018 advance pro1 anthem that was for sale 2nd hand after watching that vid and the advance 0 review you did. miss that bike..
Thanks for the info.
Hmm... numbers don't help me understand what do I need. I got a used Yeti SB6 recently which is a Enduro bike. Why did I decide Enduro? Just to have a bike "more resistant" to the terrain and more forgiving for me as a novice. Is that a good choice? Hard to explain even to myself as I never rode a bike on the few mountains we have at about 1.5h driving from home. I was watching people riding their bikes but they look so similar to each other that is difficult to understand which one is enduro, trail or cross country :D I didn't have courage to ask people what do they ride and even asking I guess will not help, because some ride fat bikes because of fun :)
I live in Puerto Rico which bike should I look for
I cant seem to find any basic bike size guides for a xc setup, just ordered a 29er size Large frame (following the company guidelines for height) but it turned out HUGE, have about 1 inch space between topbar and crotch while standing on ground. Any recommendations for what I should consider?
So in the end. Which one will be the best option.?? For somebody that is wanting to go to the trails around Los Angeles.? Which one will be best as an option to do different trails style.?
Most likely a trail bike... They are more versatile
@@ClintGibbs that’s what I thought after I watched the video. I like mtb, I used to do it in a xc and it was ok in most of the trails, but I don’t have experience on other kind of bikes, so now that I live in california i would like to go back to the trails but im not sure which on will be best. So im looking for advice😅
But whats the difference between trail, enduro and all mountain?
That's coming...
Thanks so much
At 58 I’m going for my first trail bike, just ordered a Trek Top Fuel 9.8 Project 1 XT version, 167 day wait. Nice vid Clint!
Thanks 😊 great video
Do you think the Niner RKT 9 RDO is still a worthwhile bike to buy today with how long ago it was designed? I want to switch from a gravel bike to a light weight mountain bike. I personally don’t like the wasted energy with many mountain bikes I’ve ridden with longer suspension travel so it’s becoming harder to find light weight short suspension travel mountain bikes. Thanks
Yes. I still have mine and ride it several times a week. There are times when I wish the head angle was a bit slacker and then there are times I feel like it’s just right. I definitely recommend getting the one with the 120 fork. As long as you’re not riding very technical terrain fast you will really enjoy the bike. So light and agile. If you get one let me know how you like it!
@@ClintGibbs thank you, I’m trying on a short loop trail today the RKT9 RDO, Cannondale Scalpel SE, Trek Supercaliber 9.8 and Transition Spur XG1. I’ll let you know which I pick.
@@ClintGibbs it’s going to be a toss up between the Niner RKT 9 RDO and Cannondale Scalpel SE, Trek Supercaliber is out, not enough rear suspension and felt worse downhill then my gravel bike. Traditions Spur, requires way too much effort uphill, also tended to not keep great traction uphill if you stand, steering was way too relaxed and required too much planning to get through tight sections. Felt like the Scalpel SE was great uphill and very good downhill, very light, actually in XL 0.4 lb lighter then the RKT 9. RKT 9 felt fastest and definitely was the most nimble, extremely fun feeling, but I got my best 1.5 miles lap time with the Scalpel SE twice. I think uphill the RKT 9 is slightly quicker but downhill the Scalpel picks up more time, since it’s more capable downhill and still is very nimble turning which was my biggest let down on the Spur. The Supercaliber was the most nimble but hitting anything downhill felt sketchy. I’m very surprised that the RKT 9 RDO 5 star X01 Eagle at $8,400 weighs in at 26.1 lbs. The Scalpel SE Carbon Ltd at $8,300 weighs in at 25.7 lbs with more rear suspension travel and a dropper. Both bikes were weighed as ridden. Another plus for the Scalpel was Cannondale kept Shimano brakes with Shram components, I liked the Shimano brakes better. I’m going to try the two once more tomorrow and then decide, but it seems like the Scalpel is in the lead for me and you seem to get more bike for the money. But I’m going to run the two on a longer loop tomorrow. Both are very nice bikes, the Niner feels faster but on a very short loop today it turned out not to be.
@@Peter-tc3ep sounds like some great testing! Excited to hear what you decide on. All great choices. If it helps at all, the RKT9 has required almost no maintenance other than basic routine maintenance over the past three years. Let me know what you decide!
@@ClintGibbs well day two and they both were about the same time, flipped back and forth with two loops each within seconds. For round two I swapped my S works carbon saddle on both so that wouldn’t account for comfort. Turned out the Cannondale was more comfortable, presuming the extra travel in the rear shock and dropper seat post helped. Decided on the Cannondale but for a six year old design the Niner really is an amazing bike. Wonder if Niner’s next version will have more rear suspension travel?
Clint does your Niner weigh more or less than the Spur? I would think it weighs more but I honestly have no idea.
The frame is about the same. The build makes it about 2-3 pounds heavier.
And now -- between over-mountain, all-mountain, trail, and down-country -- bikes, please.
What are u using to hold the bikes.
Feedback Sports stands as shown in this video
ruclips.net/video/45Hkka6MbdE/видео.html
So, what's up with downcountry, what is that about? Lol thx
It's really just a trail bike on the shorter end of travel, like the transition spur or specialized epic Evo. Or it's a cross-country bike with longer travel, which is the same thing. A lot of people, like me, are finding that these bikes are just as fun as longer travel trail bikes (and more fun on certain types of trails) because they are lighter and more agile.
@@ClintGibbs Awesome, thanks. I've recently started riding a Scott Spark 950, I'm thinking it falls squarely into that category as well. It is a pretty quick bike, I did recently throw some Assegais on it front and rear for more grip. I found that this change completely stabilized the bike on descents. I realize now in retrospect, it was actually a tad bit sketchy on very steep, rocky descents (which is how a lot of trails are in my area). This was when I was running Maxxis Rekons, which it came with.
The thing however is that the Assegais pretty much took a lot of the lightness and agility out of the bike. The bike is in the shop right now and I had them put a Dissector in the back, we'll see if it helps with rolling speed and agility, I'm excited to try it out.
@@ClintGibbs It is my first legit full suspension bike though and I’m a bit new to the sport, that’s why I was asking, as I kind of have no frame of reference for other bikes. I’m liking it a lot, I’m thinking in the future though I might also acquire a full trail bike or maybe something more enduro-oriented. There is not much flow trails where I’m at (Southern California), a lot of it is actually somewhat technical and gnarly terrain.
👏👏👏
👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Hot take: Most riders don't need a trail bike. They blame their lack of technique on the bike.
Agree. Just went back to a epic evo from a stumpy and it is much more rewarding with less fatigue. It does require more rider so maybe that’s why most go larger travel
Great but it was to technical for a new guy to the sport to understand
I got out of it that a "Trail" bike is what we novices would refer to as a Downhill bike, and a "Cross Country" bike is for those of us who want to ride actual trails ...I think.
God I hate my XC bike. Glad I switched to all mountain. XC bikes are only for racing XC.
So, a "Trail" bike is in fact what I would have thought of as a "Downhill" bike ...ok, these old bones are looking for a XC bike then.
Modern XC bikes can handle so much more than XC bikes from years ago. They are so versatile.
@@ClintGibbs I'm replacing a twenty year old Specialized Rockhopper XC ...I'm sure anything from a LBS will beat that.
Basically no difference
I only wish my wallet would aloud it 😀