Downcountry, a new mountain bike discipline?

What is Down Country in MTB

Down Country is one of the most recent mountain bike disciplines. It emerged as a natural evolution of Cross Country (XC), seeking to maintain pedaling efficiency but with geometry and suspension that provide more control and fun on descents.

Origin of the term “Down Country”

The concept was popularized by Anglo-Saxon brands and media starting in 2018, when XC bikes with slightly longer suspension travel (120 mm) and more relaxed geometries began to appear.

In essence, Down Country represents a simple philosophy:

“Climb fast like in XC, but descend enjoying like in Trail.”

How it emerges as an evolution of XC

The increase in travel, the arrival of 29” wheels, and the improvement of suspensions made it possible to create more balanced bikes, able to maintain the lightness of XC but with greater stability in technical areas.

Today, almost all brands offer a Down Country version of their best-known Cross Country models.

Differences between Down Country, Cross Country, and Trail

Down Country is positioned midway between XC and Trail: a fast bike, but more forgiving of mistakes and much more fun on the descents.

Features of a Down Country bike

Frame and modern geometry

Down Country bikes adopt a more stable geometry:

• More relaxed head angle (67–68º).
  
  

• Longer reach, which improves control on descents.
  
  

• Short chainstays, to maintain agility in corners and narrow trails.
  
  

This makes them much safer on technical descents without sacrificing climbing efficiency.

Front and rear suspension

The heart of a Down Country bike is its suspension system:

• 120–130 mm fork of travel.
  
  

• Progressive rear shock, which provides sensitivity without excessive rebound.
  
  

• Total or partial lockout to make the most of every pedal stroke when climbing.
  
  

Single chainring and wide range drivetrain

As with most modern MTBs, Down Country bikes use a 1x12 drivetrain with wide cassettes (10-51 or 10-52).
This allows for simple mechanics and a sufficient range to climb any slope.

Wheels and tires

• 29” wheels for rolling fast and overcoming obstacles easily.
  
  

• Mixed tires (2.3–2.4”): they seek the balance between grip, weight, and speed.
  
  

Some brands opt for more aggressive front tires and faster rolling rear tires, a typical Down Country setup.

Advantages of Down Country

• Versatility: a single bike for efficient climbing and confident descending.
  
  

• Fun: modern geometry that inspires confidence in technical areas.
  
  

• Comfort: smoother suspensions without penalizing weight too much.
  
  

• Efficiency: maintains the fast XC spirit but with more control.
  
  

Ultimately, it's the ideal bike for those who don't race, but want equal parts performance and fun.

The best Down Country bikes of 2025

These bikes represent the new generation of mountain bikes: lightweight, fast, and capable on all types of terrain.

Scott Spark RC

The new 2022 generation of the Scott Spark evolves into a 120 mm full suspension on both axles, with the shock completely integrated and accessible from the outside. An advanced design that gives greater stiffness to the rear triangle to fly on the descents. In addition, its geometry and suspension travel are adjustable in three different positions through the practical TwinLoc remote with three levers located on the handlebar.

Canyon Lux Trail

Another great innovation, developed and tested by World Cup XC riders, is the Canyon Lux Trail. This is a model inspired by the Canyon Lux 100 mm for cross country. But this bike with a carbon frame has been created from scratch with a geometry different from the XC model, more aggressive, with greater tire clearance wide enough for 2.40” tires and a dropper seatpost as standard on all builds. One of the most complete mountain bikes currently available.

Cannondale Scalpel SE

This is the 120 mm version of the popular XC double from Cannondale, which first appeared in 2020. The Scalpel SE increases the suspension travel from 100 to 120 mm, both in the Lefty 8 Carbon fork and in the rear suspension system. It also undergoes minor geometry changes. However, the frame design remains unchanged compared to the original Scalpel. It can accommodate tires up to 2.40”.

Orbea Oiz TR

Orbea was one of the first brands to see the potential of this type of bike, launching its first specific down country model called Orbea Oiz TR around 2018. Slack head angle (68º), dropper seatpost as standard, 2.35” tires, and the Fox 34 SC 120 mm fork are some of its most notable features.

Specialized Epic EVO

Finally, we highlight the down country variant of another popular model like the Specialized Epic. The EVO model features 120 mm suspension travel in the front and 110 mm in the rear. It also has geometry modifications in the chainstays and head angle, as well as a standard dropper seatpost. In addition, it dispenses with the Brain intelligent suspension management system from the 100 mm Epic, trusting adjustments to conventional dials.

Who is Down Country for?

• XC cyclists looking for more fun on the descents without losing speed.
  
  

• Trail riders who want more efficiency and less weight.
  
  

• Enthusiasts who do long and varied routes.
  
  

• Those looking for a versatile bike capable of tackling any route without changing models.
  
  

Down Country is no longer a trend and has become a modern MTB philosophy: lightweight, comfortable, and versatile bikes that allow you to enjoy both climbing and descending.

It combines performance, fun, and efficiency, and adapts to most cyclists looking for a single bike for all types of routes.

At Tuvalum, you will find Down Country bikes from brands like Orbea, Trek, Specialized, Canyon, or Scott, inspected and certified, ready to offer you the most complete mountain experience.