For beginner riders, choosing a mountain bike is tedious. Not only are there several types of mountain bikes on the market, but most bike brands also have different features for the same type of mountain bike.
It’s all a bit overwhelming. If you’re graduating from a road bike (or have an interest in the sport), you’ll need to narrow down the pool in order to choose.
Cross-country bikes and trail mountain bikes are two of the most common mountain bikes around. They’re also the most beginner-friendly (with enduro mountain bikes coming in close in third place).
You do, however, still need to differentiate between the two. The below criteria explain what to look for when trying to find the right bike.
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What to Look at Before Choosing a Mountain Bike
The below features are not only applicable when analyzing the bike parts of cross-country mountain bikes vs. trail mountain bikes, but they’ll also come in handy if you need a more specialized bike down the line.
1. Geometry
As with most gadgets, accessories, and equipment, knowing the specifications is a key part of determining what you should prioritize before visiting the shop.
These specifications in mountain bikes are known as bike geometry and include measurements like head angles, suspension travel, and handlebar width/reach.
The specs and bike parts of these two bikes are analyzed in detail below.
2. Components
Bike components are similar to geometry, only this time, we’re dealing with the mechanical bike parts (and not their measurements). These include the brakes, the suspension, and the chain.
We’ll also look at the components of the two mountain bikes below.
3. Sizing
This might sound like an obvious point, but you’ll be surprised how many people buy mountain bikes (or even road bikes) only to find out they’re either too small or too big for them.
A good shop lets you test out the size while you’re there, so do it as carefully as possible. Get a bike that suits you, your body dimensions, and your riding style.
4. Frame Material
The bike frame is the component that holds everything in place – the wheels, the seat, the handle, etc. It’s the main component of the bike, which is why knowing what it’s made of is important.
The most common materials are carbon fiber and aluminum. But while carbon fiber is lighter, it’s also more fragile.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is more durable. However, it’s also heavier.
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the bike frame. It all comes down to whether you’re trail biking or cross-country biking.
5. Pricing
When pricing, try to get the best bike you can afford.
The quality of the bike is what matters most. When satisfied, you can then go through different brands and see which brand offers your chosen bike at the best possible price.
Cross-Country Mountain Bikes
A cross-country (XC) bike is all about speed and climbing prowess. If you’re crazy about speed, the cross-country bike is tailor-made for you.
The geometry is also similar to that of a road bike.
That said, the XC mountain bike comes with some drawbacks. The comfort of the rear suspension is the largest sacrifice because cross-country mountain bikes are known to be a lot less comfortable because they have no rear suspension.
Aside from modifying several components and specifications to suit its purpose, the frame of the cross-country mountain bike is made of carbon fiber. Not only is it light, but it’s also expensive, meaning maintaining it is an uphill ride (no pun intended).
To make up for all of this, cross-country bikes have the broadest riding discipline. You can ride an XC mountain bike on rock gardens, forest trails, and everything in between.
Features of a Cross-Country Mountain Bike
Because it’s made for long-distance rides, pedaling efficiency is the number one priority in an XC bike. The head angle ranges from 69 to 71 degrees while the seat tube angle ranges from 74 to 75 degrees.
The handlebars on cross-country bikes are also narrower so that the rider can see the movement of the front wheel. The stem length is longer to further enhance speed and acceleration.
Cross-country mountain bikes have the least possible suspension travel i.e., the distance the suspension is allowed to move before being fully compressed. The suspension travel falls at around 80mm to 100mm and is why the mountain bike is perfect for going uphill.
The rear suspension has been eliminated in XC bikes to increase pedaling capability.
That said, shocks on cross-country bikes are much higher compared to trail bikes. So if you plan on going downhill with an XC bike, you better hold on tight.
Because of this, cross-country bikes have smaller brake rotors/disc brakes when compared to trail bikes. Powerful brakes on a bike with little to no descending ability are a recipe for disaster.
Because of the importance of speed, a cross-country bike has smoother, thinner tires to reduce any excess weight. This, however, also means the tires are more prone to punctures, bringing us back to the point of maintenance.
The seats on cross-country mountain bikes are also more rigid than those of trail bikes.
There are several pros and cons to cross-country mountain bikes. If comfort is your number one feature, read further below.
If, however, you’re more interested in racing or anything else that involves speed (and don’t mind sacrificing the rear suspension, and comfort), pick one of these up at your nearest shop.
Trail Mountain Bikes
Both XC and trail bikes are the most common mountain bikes. But when it comes to which is the most popular between the two, a trail bike is likely what pops into your mind when someone mentions the word “mountain bike.”
Trail bikes are more of an all-purpose bike when compared to cross-country mountain bikes. They come in different styles that accommodate most types of terrains when trail riding.
They are also great for trail riding both up and down technical terrain, unlike XC bikes.
Some trail bikes have short suspension travel while others have suspension travel of 150mm or more. This means you should carry out extra research when shopping for a trail bike as some also have features suited to more specific trails.
Trail bikes are more suited to a beginner as they provide much-needed comfort and versatility. However, they don’t move as fast as the slicker cross-country mountain bikes.
Features of a Trail Mountain Bike
As they’re built for more general use, the rear and front suspension on trail bikes varies quite a bit. It can range from anywhere between 120mm to 160mm of suspension travel, making trail bikes versatile enough for riding on different trails.
The head angle on a trail bike ranges from around 66 to 68 degrees while the seat tube is steeper, ranging from 74 to 75 degrees. This all contributes to the good ascending and descending ability of the mountain bike, enhancing stability and proper traction.
It’s also worth noting that most trail bikes are full suspension. The front suspension here is mostly air spring.
The wide handlebar on a trail bike gives the rider more control. The front wheel is also far ahead for efficient stability when riding on technical terrain.
A trail bike also has a shorter stem length (40mm to 80mm) for the same purpose as above – more stability.
The components of a trail bike are more customizable. And the more you progress in your riding skills, the more likely you are to tweak your bike.
Contrary to cross-country bikes, trail bikes have large brake rotors/disc brakes (140mm – 160mm) to accommodate the ability to go downhill at high speeds.
Trails bikes also have heavier and wider tires for more durability and traction. This also makes the bike more resistant to punctures.
The trail bike doesn’t have a specific rider in mind. This is a good thing if you’re a beginner, but not so much if you already know which kind of bike suits you.
If you’re new to mountain biking, trail bikes are your best bet compared to cross-country bikes. If you need something that moves fast or is tailor-made for a specific riding style or terrain, skip the trail mountain bike and go for the cross-country bike (or even the enduro mountain bike).
Conclusion
Nothing beats the good old test ride when determining if a bike suits you or not. We can talk about chains and head angle measurements all day, but most of the time, the cross-country bike vs. trail bike debate comes down to whether or not the bike feels right.
Ride your trail bike/cross-country bike on different terrains, starting with those you’re familiar with.
How does it move? Is the grip strong enough? Which terrains are the toughest?
All of this helps you figure out if the bike is right for you or not. So when you get your ideal bike, you can grab your helmet and start riding!