Canyon’s new Exceed XC race bike. BIKE logo. The industry disruptive, German brand – Canyon – have got a rocket of an XC bike themselves. Eventually rear suspension was also introduced and with it the classification of mountain bikes into full suspension bikes, or hardtails with just a suspension fork. You get a great modern frame and capable components without spending lots of money.As your skills progress and parts wear out, you can replace them with better or lighter options. Carbon wheels are light, stronger than aluminum, and much more expensive. Orbea finish the Laufey with their bars, stem, and seatpost. XC riders generally prefer twisty trails and hills instead of the more mountainous paths that trail bikes generally go on. Built around a Carbon Fiber frame, all aspects of the DV9 have been carefully thought out to maximize your speed on the trail. The 30mm stanchions are reasonably stiff and Suntour classify this fork for XC and all mountain use. This build comes with tough Niner Alloy 29 wheels. We’ll also be showing you what to look for on the buying trail. These three terms basically refer to how the geometry of a frame puts the rider and center of gravity in a position that makes riding technical off road trails easier. The seconds are being counted down, your pulse is rac-ing. Although heavier than aluminum, it has incredible comfort due to the amount it can flex and is also very strong and durable. Generally speaking, lower priced bikes will come with cheap, harder compound tires that you should swap. See the Santa Cruz Chameleon at CompetitiveCyclist.com. Modern wheels will have an internal width between 26mm and 35mm. Front suspension with 100mm of travel combined with 21 speeds gives you a rugged yet nimble mountain bike. While they do not have the same amount of power as the Guides, not everyone actually needs so much force at their fingertips. It’s generally considered that “personal choice” is usually the reason for choosing one size wheel over another. Best Xc Hardtail Mountain Bike 2020. This drivetrain is also very light. This set-up will help when the trail gets steep and technical while still providing the responsiveness you need to feel comfortable. Learn More About How We Research, Evaluate, And Why You Can Trust Us Here. The AIR 9 is probably the best aggressive hardtail that is just as at home on XC loops and enduro rides.With such a propensity for multi-day adventures however, it would be a shame not to strap on some frame bags and head deep into the mountains for a few days. Not all XC racers use a hardtail all the time though, especially as XC courses are becoming more technical. It consists of a Shimano SLX M7000 shifter and derailleur, SRAM Stylo cranks, a Sun Race 11-46t 11-Speed, and a 34-tooth chainring. People buying sub $1,000 mountain bikes just want something to ride and are usually lower skill level. The 12-speed drivetrain, a SRAM GX Eagle, comes with a 10-50T cassette. If you are the kind of rider that wants a hardtail that is not only great for trail sessions after work, but also more than perfect for weekend (or longer) bikepacking trips, the Niner AIR 9 is for you. You have a choice between carbon and aluminum, which have the same pros and cons as outlined under frame material. Read more: Best mountain bike 2020 – all you need to know. The exact geometry of a frame depends on its intended use. They come at many price points and in designs aimed at different While some of the lower end models have a 110mm front fork, which will suit marathon riders. The 45mm clamp size add to the overall stiffness of the DV9. It is billed as a hardcore hardtail and that is exactly what it is. Carbon wheels are stiffer and lighter with the inbuilt benefit of being extremely responsive, too. Most XC forks are very stiff as riders feel that anything else will rob them of power.Despite this, the Fox Float Rhythm is very responsive in the mid stroke and soaks up small bumps, smoothing the ride and ultimately making you faster.WHEELSIbis S35 Aluminum with Schwalbe Nobby tires keep everything spinning fast. You’ll get 12 speeds, which is the optimum set-up for the best cross-country mountain bikes. This build has a 150mm RockShox 35G fork. The super light aluminum frame gets you up to speed, and then you can take advantage of mechanical disc brakes to stop on a dime. XC/Marathon Canyon Tips the Scales with New Exceed Hardtail . Durable Bicycle Front Light. The average weight of enduro bikes and hardtail bikes are the same. XC racers tend not to use them to keep weight down. If you’re prepared to forego front and rear suspension in favor of a hardtail mountain bike, why not road test the Orbea Alma M15 ? Although a highly capable hardtail for a day of trail riding, bikepacking was also very much on the minds of the frame designers. If you want a modern XC race machine that combines stiffness, efficiency and great handling, look no further than the LES. Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $3000, 10 Best Cross-Country Mountain Bikes in 2020. Power is not the only concern. The introduction of suspension forks was a huge step in the evolution of the sport as it allowed riders to travel faster and at greater comfort over rough terrain. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You’ll have gears to suit all occasions with no upkeep. It's far from an XC race bike on the climbs but it's got a comfortable seated pedaling position, a 12-speed drivetrain, and a grippy 2.6" rear tire that provides excellent traction. The 2.6″ tires help soak up the bumps while providing great traction.BRAKESWith great speed comes a great need to slow down at some point. As you can see, there’s a huge variance in price between the least and most expensive models, but every Epic is a full-bore race bike. Other components, such as the handlebars, stem, and saddle may be of a well-known brand or the frame manufacturers in-house brand. The Superfly uses a 27.2 seatpost, signaling its XC race intentions. On long descents, this stiffness can become a disadvantage because carbon does not absorb bumps and this is especially noticeable on a hardtail. You get a fantastic SRAM SLX 1×12 drivetrain on the LES, made up of a X01, X1, and GX components. You’ll find most bumps nicely cushioned. You will find bikes with either one or two chainrings at the front, and between 8 and 12 cogs at the back. Expand To See MoreSee LessSHOCK & SUSPENSIONThis version of the Chameleon strikes a balance between keeping costs low and great performing products. No matter how demanding your next XC event is, these bikes are ready to race and get you on the podium. The DPS valve has both compression and rebound pistons resulting in solid lockout without sacrificing bump compliance. Read more: Best mountain bike 2020 – all you need to know. The wide tires also help you climb tricky sections. It is at home on all kinds of trails and even has eyelets for pannier racks, making it suitable for bikepacking adventures. Slackness has not reached the point of trail bikes, but head angles are certainly slacker. BIKE logo. Train voluit met deze cross country mountainbike XC 50 uit aluminium, met SRAM SX 1×12 transmissie, Sun Ringle-wielen van 29″ en Rockshox Judy-voorvork met 100 mm veerweg. There are also top-performing brakes on the AIR 9. ... What's the best MTB for XC racing? That can lead to failure under stress when you very least need it. Expand To See MoreSee LessDRIVETRAINA 1×11 drivetrain composed of a SRAM PG-1230 11-50T gives you enough range to crush any climb before attacking any descent. A good set of brakes can be the difference between safely enjoying high speed trails and squeezing the levers praying that you can slow down enough before hitting a tight corner or rock garden. Well, you’ll roll more readily over rocky terrain, and you’ll also find you can maintain speed more easily. It gives you the ability to climb hills without feeling fatigued and to barrel downhill at considerable speed. Steel is a great choice for a hardtail frame. This model comes with the former and 3.0 wide WTB Ranger tires. A:  A Full suspension bike is more comfortable to ride, and is easier to ride through technical terrain. Remember that it is not just the geometry that defines how the bike will feel, but also the components fitted to it. However, the reality is that it is better to have a shorter travel fork so you still get enough feedback from the trail to be able to predict how the rigid rear end will react, or how you need to move. The Level model also offers reach and pad contact point adjustment so you can dial in the brakes to your hand size and brake point preference. While you could also use it on tame forest roads, you would be doing it a disservice. The Hydroformed aluminum frameset gives you all the support and durability you need while weighing comparatively little. You’ll get the same amount for rear travel if you opt for a full-suspension alternative. No dropper post is included but the frame is compatible with one. This does not mean that hardtails are dead. Orbea even give the Laufey with a hydroformed alloy frame, rare to see in the price range! While the components are entry level, they are more than capable and allow you to upgrade in the future. This combination will give you confidence to ride through rough terrain and land drops.BRAKESWhen it comes to stopping, SRAM Level brake give you ample amounts of power. CUBE Bikes AMS 100 C:68 TM 29 . First to the top of every climb. A bigger wheel rolls easier over obstacles but 29” wheels were often regarded as slower in corners and flexy. The Lefty fork provides valuable steering precision set against the rigidity you need. This bike will take you nearly everywhere, from commuting on city streets to hitting a rocky mountain trail. Although there are no eyelets for panniers, most bikepackers use frame bags anyway.You will therefore find the Laufey is also perfect for multi-day trips.For day-to-day riding, the Laufey may not be the fastest, but the huge amounts of traction and stiff frame gives you the confidence to get the most out of every trail, jump, drop, and berm. When climbing you can twist the low-speed compression dial until the fork is locked out. If you spend most of your time on smooth trails, such as fire roads and easy flow trails, then a hardtail is the better choice. The hardtail mountain bike is a timeless design, and it’s what helped proliferate the sport from the antics of small pockets of ragtag cycling rebels into the worldwide phenomenon we know and love today. Possibly the best aspect of this build is the precise and reliable SRAM PG-1210 1×12 drivetrain. From whizzing around city streets to mountain biking on a trail to competitive cross country, the Tallboy lets you do it all. Novatec intended this aluminum wheelset to be as stiff and durable as carbon at a much lower cost. The internal width of a rim (distance between the rim walls) defines what size tire you can use on it. As your confidence on rough trails increases, a wider bar and shorter stem will give you a bit more control, but to get started, this combination is perfect. Hardtail Mountain Bikes From pro-level XC race bikes to confident trail tamers, these men’s hardtail mountain bikes feature lightweight frames and a focus on ride quality. If you are looking to spend a grand and a half on a brand spanking new mountain bike, we check out just what you get for your money in the model year 2020/21. It is not just the geometry that makes the AIR 9 a special bike to ride. A game of inches ... and grams. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. This drivetrain is also very light. With the Alma, Spanish brand Orbea has redesigned its XC race whippet with a new frame, new graphic options, and – if you’re hard enough – a rigid fork. Cross-country riding puts more emphasis on endurance than trail riding. The SRAM NX drivetrain is a 1 x 11 set-up so you can shoot quickly out of the blocks, accelerate uphill, and get just the right gear when you’re twisting downhill at speed. Compared to previous models, the cockpit and wheelbase are longer, the chainstays are shorter, and the head angle slacker, making it the AIR 9 ready to take on steep and technical trails. 1×12 is newer and more expensive. What is new however, is the redesigned geometry to make it a more capable and fun ride. The derailleur in particular is incredibly reliable and works perfectly with the shifter to give you crisp gear changes.SHOCK & SUSPENSIONFox’s range of forks have a long history of top performance and winning races at the top level of the sport. There is not dropper post, but there is internal routing for one.WHEELSPlus tires and the ability to swap between 27.5” and 29” wheels mean the Laufey can be taken anywhere and do anything. Trek Top Fuel 2020: mountain bike biammortizzata… Continue Reading → If you’re looking for this, make sure the bike comes with mounts for a rack and kickstand. The stiffness of a carbon frame means that power is transferred efficiently and the whole ride feels very responsive. Shimano SLX M7000 brakes are not the most powerful brakes that Shimano produce but the LES is not intended for huge, fast paced downhill trails. 150mm of travel helps you to plow through this terrain. A slacker head angle, makes the LES more capable than ever on technical trails and race courses, and shorter chainstays help you corner at speed or weave through tight singletrail sections. Best in class stiffness to weight ratios and the world’s most efficient-pedaling suspension designs are hallmarks of Pivot’s cross-country bikes. If you want to comment or recommend a bikeI didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch. For day-to-day riding, the Laufey may not be the fastest, but the huge amounts of traction and stiff frame gives you the confidence to get the most out of every trail, jump, drop, and berm. If you are looking to spend a grand and a half on a brand spanking new mountain bike, we check out just what you get for your money in the model year 2020/21. Mountain bikes come in three wheel sizes: 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. 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. It consists of a Shimano SLX M7000 shifter and derailleur, SRAM Stylo cranks, a Sun Race 11-46t 11-Speed, and a 34-tooth chainring. What’s not to love? 120mm is all you need when XC speed is your priority, but do not be fooled into thinking this might not be enough travel for you. A: You can, although maybe not quite as fast as on a full suspension. Race Face Aeffect provide the cranks and there is a 30-tooth chainring. The stem in particular is a beautifully machined component, typical of Norco’s commitment to quality design and manufacture. It is stiffer than XC models and capable of soaking up big hit after big hit, as well as rough, high speed trails.WHEELSThis build comes with tough Niner Alloy 29 wheels. It is no surprise to see the 120mm of travel specced on the DV9.120mm is all you need when XC speed is your priority, but do not be fooled into thinking this might not be enough travel for you. Next-level geometry helps you to work your way up the sharpest inclines and head down the steepest slopes with ease and precision. Like most of the bikes we explore today, the F-Si carbon comes with a choice of 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels so that you can dial it in according to your size and tastes. Higher end full suspension bikes and hardtail cross-country bikes are designed for XC racing. The chainstay is the part of the frame between the bottom bracket and the rear dropout. If you’re motivated primarily by the bottom line, the F-Si Carbon 2 is not for you. It may have been built with trail riding and bikepacking in mind. All used to be 26” and 29” wheels were developed in the early 90s. What else makes it so good aside from that space-age material? Unless you’re planning to get involved in some serious racing, the weight saving probably isn’t worth fussing about. If your looking for the best hardtail mountain bike under $500, the Diamondback Overdrive is a good choice. It does a great job of smoothing out rough trails and softens big landings too. While some of the lower end models have a 110mm front fork, which will suit marathon riders. The brakes provide plenty of stopping power to slow you down when needed.Despite having enough power and reliability to slow you down when racing, the technology in these brakes is now dated and there are better performers available under the SRAM brand.This is perhaps reflected in the 180mm rotor on the front of the DV9, where other XC race bikes usually have a 160mm to save weight.STEM & HANDLEBARSIbis take care of the cockpit with a Mini-Riser handlebar and Forged Alloy stem. Typical handlebar width on cross country machines is anywhere from 720mm to 760mm. Also, because less effort is needed to engineer a hardtail frame, the overall cost of the bike is lower. Packing a boosted rear end, you’ll get less twisting and the benefit of larger wheels. A Supercar against an SUV. The bulk of hardtails have a suspension fork with 100-120mm of suspension travel. Like the fork, these wheels are ready for some serious abuse and are trusted by professional enduro racers who put them through bigger tests than you can achieve on a hardtail.You can trust them is what we are saying. Obviously the downside to this is the relatively high weight, but they perform exceptionally well. There used to be a rule of thumb, in the £1,500 and under category, which meant you might be better off buying a well-specced hardtail rather than a cheaper full suspension bike. A X-Fusion Manic dropper post gets the Fizik Taiga saddle safely out of the way before you hit technical sections. Recent history has seen the proliferation of exceptionally capable bikes which can be winched back to the top of a hill time and time again, but what happens if rather than making downhill bikes climb better, you make an XC bike… Here are our favourite ten cross-country hardtails that you should consider when buying your first or … The SLX drivetrains give the biggest range there is.You may find that you need to use an even bigger chainring to actually need the huge 51-tooth cog on such a light bike. You will therefore find the Laufey is also perfect for multi-day trips. While you can find the occasional 66.5-degree head, the standard head falls somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees. If you are a tall rider or looking to get maximum speed, then a 29er is probably the bike for you. Neil and Blake compare their favourite hardtails. The Diamondback Overdrive is a classic model from the 90s that has recently been revised and updated to keep up with modern trends. 3. Plus size bikes with extra wide tires will have even wider rims. Dropper posts, on the other hand, might weigh very slightly more, but they make descending a whole lot easier. The Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy A D is one of the most versatile bikes on our list today. Required fields are marked *. It also has a huge amount of adjustability so you can get it tuned in exactly to your weight and riding style. Backed by an unbeatable lifetime guarantee, the Trek Marlin 5 Cross is one of the best mountain bikes for beginners. What makes each frame different, regardless of whether it is a hardtail or full suspension, is the geometry. Travis Engel 4 months ago. This means that it is not the fastest bike to get you up or down a mountain, but you will absolutely have a blast wherever you are! While hardtails are the best option for pure power transfer to the ground, there’s not a lot of energy lost on full suspension XC bikes anymore. If you are a fan of big descents, you may want to upgrade to some finned pads to avoid heat build up.Norco do not just make frames. An XC mountain bike is a great way to get into mountain biking. No votes so far! By far the best value of components To Whom? The frame is strong and able to haul you and your gear through the mountains. A Stallion vs a Donkey. This means that your top speed will be pushed up as well when using the 10-tooth cog at the other end. This combination will give you confidence to ride through rough terrain and land drops. It will also hold its own on jumps and small drops but if these features become a regular part of your rides, you will probably want to upgrade the fork to something more capable.DRIVETRAINA 3×8 drivetrain made up of Shimano Altus M310 shifters and derailleurs, Shimano cranks and a KMC chain gives you just about enough range for your adventures.No pedals are included with the Overdrive which is typical, as most new bikes do not come with pedals as pedal choice is personal to each rider.STEM & HANDLEBARSThe Overdrive also provide a reasonably wide 740mm handlebar and a 70mm stem. There is a chainstay on each side of the bike. The seat tube angle is 73 degrees regardless of whether you go for a small, a size large, or an XXL. A hardtail also gives the rider a more direct connection to the trail, allowing him to “feel” more of what is happening under the bike. A: A hardtail is a mountain bike with a rigid frame and a suspension fork on the front. Travel is limited on a hardtail, as the ones with greater travel are usually on full suspension. Like other hardcore hardtails, you have the option to swap the 27.5 plus wheels for 29” wheels. Around you agitation and crowds, but you're focused - and your bike as well. REACTION Show Bikes Speed is fun, but comfort and versatility are important too. AIR 9 Cross-country quickness with a tough guy trail bike attitude, available in this accessible aluminum hardtail… It will also hold its own on jumps and small drops but if these features become a regular part of your rides, you will probably want to upgrade the fork to something more capable. XC bikes will have either a 100mm or a 120mm fork and more aggressive bikes will have more travel to absorb the bigger hits. Tough and lightweight 29er alloy wheels complete an alluring package and make this one of the strongest cross-country bikes in a crowded vertical. The flagship Lux rolls out with 100mm of suspension travel, front and rear. What Orbea set out to do with the Laufey is a make a hardtail with a focus on having fun. There is not dropper post, but there is internal routing for one. When climbing you can twist the low-speed compression dial until the fork is locked out.DRIVETRAINA SRAM XG1275 Eagle 1×12 drivetrain is great to see. The essence of mountain biking, distilled into its purest form ­– that's the beauty of the hardtail. Norco do not just make frames. Designed in British Columbia, the Torrent has been built for, and tested on some of the most technical trails there are. The geometry of your XC bicycle will dramatically impact the overall bike feel. 3. The ALUXX SL Aluminum build gives you a frame that’s built to withstand some serious punishment without weighing you down as you shoot off cross country. Vying for primacy, should consider the Santa Cruz Highball makes your decision pretty easy any bike that does absorb! 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