What is a marathon bike? What type of use is recommended for a mountain bike for cross country (XC)? When should you buy a trail bike? Is a rally bike the same as a cross country bike? When choosing a mountain bike, many people are guided by aspects such as the brand, wheel size, gear group, or frame material. However, one of the most important factors is the type of use the bike will be given.
Just as a utility car is not the same as a luxury sedan, mountain bikes are designed for different types of terrain and specific uses. In this article, we explain what the 4 most popular mountain bike disciplines are: trail, downhill, cross country and enduro, and help you choose which is the best option for you.
Cross country (XC) bikes: lightweight and fast
Cross country is a competition discipline in which cyclists cover long distances at high speed, facing mixed terrain. Cross country bikes are designed to be lightweight and very fast, optimizing every pedal stroke. Generally, these bikes have forks with short travel, from 80 mm to 100 mm, or may even lack suspension to reduce weight, which would be the rigid MTB.
Features of an XC bike
XC bikes stand out for having ultra-lightweight components, such as carbon fiber frames and 29-inch wheels. They are designed to cover long distances quickly, with geometries that favor an aggressive posture to maximize pedaling efficiency.
When to choose an XC or marathon bike?
If your goal is to compete or do long-distance routes at high speed, a cross country or marathon bike is the best option. These bikes are ideal for cyclists seeking lightness and efficiency, and who are willing to sacrifice some comfort in favor of performance.
What is a marathon bike?
It is a type of mountain bike designed for long-distance races or technical terrain. A marathon bike could fall within the cross country (XC) category. This type of bike usually has full suspension and forks with a greater travel (up to 120 mm), which offers more comfort on long routes. Marathon bikes are used in competitions such as the Titan Desert or the Andalucía Bike Race, where endurance and speed are essential.
Differences between a marathon bike and a cross country (XC) bike
The cross country (also known as XC or rally) is a competition discipline that demands speed and agility on mixed terrain. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, a rally bike is basically a cross country bike designed for competitions. The difference is that rally bikes can have more aggressive geometries, shorter suspension forks, and ultra-lightweight components to optimize race performance.
Bikes of trail: versatility for all terrains
The trail bikes, also known as all-mountain, are the most versatile of all mountain bike types. They are designed to ride on a wide variety of terrains, from forest trails to rocky roads or mountain paths. They are perfect for cyclists who want to do a bit of everything without specializing in a specific discipline.
Features and use of a trail bike
The trail bikes usually have 29-inch wheels and are equipped with suspension forks that range from 120 mm to 140 mm of travel, although some models can reach up to 160 mm. They are ideal for both climbing and descending technical terrain, offering great maneuverability. Also included in this category are hardtail mountain bikes, with front suspension.
When should you buy a trail or all-mountain bike?
If you are a cyclist who enjoys exploring different types of terrain without the need to compete, a trail bike is your best option. It is ideal for long routes and for those looking for a bike that offers comfort and performance in various conditions.
Downhill bikes: designed for speed
The downhill (or downhill) bikes are designed exclusively to descend at full speed down hills, tracks, or even urban sections with stairs. These are the type of bikes you see in RedBull videos, where speed and endurance are key. These bikes are optimized to withstand impacts and falls, and usually have forks with suspension travel of up to 220 mm.
Features of downhill bikes
Downhill bikes have very robust frames and a geometry that lowers the center of gravity to improve maneuverability at high speeds. They feature dual suspension and a saddle positioned as low as possible, since the rider is usually standing for most of the descent.
Who is a downhill bike ideal for?
If you are passionate about speed and technical descents, a downhill bike is perfect for you. These bikes are specifically designed for racing or enjoying fast and technical descents, but they are not suitable for pedaling long distances.
Enduro bikes: fun on any terrain
Enduro combines the technique of downhill with the endurance of trail, offering bikes that are as capable on descents as they are on climbs. Enduro bikes are ideal for those who enjoy mountainous routes with lots of elevation changes and some jumps. These bikes are designed to be fun and versatile, with long-travel suspension and dropper posts that adapt to every terrain situation.
What does an enduro bike offer?
Enduro bikes have suspensions with up to 180 mm of travel and are designed to withstand technical terrain and steep descents. Often, these bikes also incorporate dropper posts that allow you to adjust the saddle height depending on whether you are climbing or descending.
Differences between an enduro bike, trail, and XC
Unlike cross country bikes, which are designed for fast climbing, enduro bikes seek a balance between ascents and technical descents. While trail bikes are more versatile, enduro bikes are better prepared to enjoy terrain with steep slopes and technical descents.
Which mountain bike discipline is best for you?
The choice of the right mountain bike discipline depends on your preferences and the type of terrain you usually ride on. If you are looking for a versatile bike for different types of routes, the trail bike is your best option. If you enjoy fast and technical descents, a downhill bike will let you experience the adrenaline of mountain biking. For cyclists who value lightness and speed on long routes, a cross country or marathon bike is the ideal choice. And if you want to combine climbs and descents with fun on technical terrain, an enduro bike is what you need.