Cross Country Bikes

Ideal for. Riders who sprint off the start line, attack the climbs, or just want an extremely light agile bike. Cross Country Mountain Bikes leap forward when you put the power down off the start line, get out of the saddle on a steep climb, or sprint to the finish line. They are also perfect for exploring as far as you can imagine thanks to their efficiency and ability to maintain speed. The XC bike is for riders who are after pure speed, efficiency and agility.

Ideal Terrain. If you prioritise the climbs rather than wild downhill trails and enjoy traversing mountain ranges, then a cross country bike is for you. XC bikes are perfect for making tame trails more exciting thanks to their naturally playful ride characteristics. If you want to attack technical climbs, a light, stiff XC bike will make even the hardest climb enjoyable. Long undulating traverses through the hills become a dream; you can just pedal away and enjoy the ride.

Frame Geometry . Cross country mountain bikes are designed to be agile and spritely when climbing or sprinting off the start line. Steeper head angles and low front ends keep the front wheel down, making climbing a breeze. The front end is snappy for getting around tight switchbacks under power. A shorter wheelbase and front end make cross country bikes extremely maneuverable, so you can easily direct the bike exactly where you want it to go.

Frame Material. The frames are constructed using lightweight alloy or carbon fibre frames with short wheelbases and steep angles. Alloy frames are not often much heavier than the carbon fibre options. However, they have a stiffer ride quality overall which can result in a rough ride. Carbon fibre frames are constructed to provide lateral stiffness for power transfer but have vertical compliance to dampen feedback from the ground. Carbon frames are lighter, stiffer and offer more comfort; however, don't count out an aluminium frame if you are on a budget.

Wheel size. XC mountain bikes are usually equipped with 29-inch wheels due to the greater rollover and extra speed. Because cross country mountain bikes, including dual-suspension XC bikes, only have 100mm of travel, the 29-inch wheels help you to conquer bigger trail obstacles. They maintain extra momentum that provides increased stability as the wheels maintain their line better and are more efficient as riders don't need to work as hard to maintain speed.

Suspension. Cross Country bikes are often equipped with 90-110mm of suspension. They have the minimum amount of travel required for increased traction and comfort. At the same time, they use the maximum amount of suspension without compromising efficiency.

Components. Cross country bikes feature lightweight components to make them as easy to get up to speed as possible. Carbon bars, wheels, cranks and seat posts are common to see on XC bikes. While lightweight, they are not the strongest, so descending is best done with skill and finesse. Cross country mountain bikes are a great way to refine your riding skills.

Our Range. If you are looking for the best cross country or marathon bike, we are here to help you find the correct bike to suit your riding style at Bikes Online. If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask our experienced and knowledgeable staff via email, live chat or phone.