Cross country bicycles have evolved both in the last five years, with the appearance of new designs, geometries or unpublished suspension systems, which is difficult to make a selection of the best of the modality.
Within the current XC, trends have been multiplied, living in the market from complete rigids to roll by clues at full speed to double suspension with mounting Cross Country but trail geometry, or vice versa.
The range of options is very wide. But this ranking of 10 models represents each of these trends, in addition to having a great development in competition behind them and a good commercial success.
10. BH Lynx Race
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMFeEfLxlDQ
Proven in the Cross Country World Cup by the Spanish MTB BH Temple Cafés, where Carlos Coloma and Rocío del Alba, the Lynx Race, has several seasons as a double suspension of the modality, in EVO versions for competition and RC for a more recreational use.
Evolved from the
BH LYNX of Trail, adopting the Split Pivot suspension system whose reliable scheme has remained almost unchanged 10 years after its launch.
In the current generation the picture has been redesigned to gain grams to the scale. But above all it is striking the new address game. Discharges of the traditional spider and leaves free hollow in the tube to introduce the specific BH FIT multi -tool. This includes useful for emergency repairs during the route (keys, screwdriver, trchagadenas, etc).
Chart: carbon or aluminum.
Suspension tours: 100 or 120 mm.
Because we like it: for its light picture, operation of the suspension and for the new design of the direction without spider.
9. MMR Rakish
Another Mountain Bike created in Spain that has nothing to envy to the models of large international brands. The
Rakish It has a long career as a competition bicycle, thanks to its use by the brand team, the MMR Factory Racing Team, in the last editions of the World Cup.
Its new generation, the 2021, lightens the weight of the painting, arriving in the high -end SL version (the one used by the equipment in the races) to 955 grams. The geometry has been maintained, instead, faithful to previous generations, with balanced measures, long reach and thin pods, to be fast and remain stable in technical sections.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: For being faithful to the classic XC, without radicalizing your picture, introducing small improvements to be lighter and pollivalent at the same time.
8. Cannondale Scalpel
The
Cannondale Scalpel It has a long trajectory as one of the fastest and fastest suspension of the market. He also emerged from the competition and is now one of the best -selling cross country bicycles worldwide.
The identity signs of the SCALLEL are, in the first place, its slight Ballistec carbon box of 1,900 g, with special absorbent fibers at the rear wheel turn point, instead of using bearings. With this, it is possible to lighten the picture, reduce the mechanical complexity of the suspension system and provide stiffness in the area, very useful when accelerating or rising.
Second, there is the work of integration of the shock absorber in the upper tube, which leaves more space for the installation of a carrier and the rapid extraction of the bottle to drink. And, continuing with the suspension, we cannot forget the assembly of the Lefty monobrazo fork, a Cannondale innovation that is still very present in the XC circuits.
Chart: carbon or aluminum.
Suspension tours: 100 or 120 mm (SE version).
Because we like it: for the design of your painting and unique suspension technologies.
7. Mondraker Podium Carbon
The letter of presentation of the
Mondraker Podium Carbon It is unquestionable: to have the Mountain Bike box manufactured in lighter series on the market. The one of the new generation remains in 775 grams, thanks to its manufacture Stealth Air based on the strategic distribution of the most rigid or more flexible fibers depending on the area of the painting.
In this way, the straps brings together the most flexible carbon, which allows absorbing the vibrations generated by the ground, while the front triangle or the direction has been created with the most rigid and light fibers. All this with a stylized tubes design that enhances aerodynamics and a assembly of exclusive components.
The result is a rigid competition with a weight of 7.8 kg in its high -end version (RR SL), lighter than many road bicycles.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: for its extreme lightness and quality assemblies.
6. Canyon Exceed
The
Canyon Exceed It is the rigid of Cross country more oriented to the German brand competition. Recently it has received improvements to adapt to the new demands of the XC circuits, much more technical than those of a few years ago. For this, the address is slightly launched up to 69 and lengthens the reach 10 mm with respect to the previous generation.
In addition, in its upper range assemblies it incorporates innovative components, such as the integrated and carbon aerodynamic handlebar Canyon CP08 or the inverted telescopic typical DT Swiss D 232 One specific for XC.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: for its adaptations of geometry to the current XC without losing its essence. Also for its cockpit handlebar-integrated power that lightens the weight.
5. Scott Spark
The bicycle with which the Swiss Nino Schurter has proclaimed world champion of Cross Country on several occasions has become a reference of the circuits, not only those of the classic XC, also in long distance or stages tests.
Initially created for 27.5 "wheels, the double suspension bicycle and 100 mm travel has optimized its design and suspension scheme for those of 29", the only standard that has ended up adopting in competition.
The picture of the
Scott Spark It stands out for its compact shapes, a single -piece carbon rear triangle and also by the trunnion anchor of the shock absorber, which ends up being perfectly integrated next to the saddle tube. In addition, thanks to this type of anchor, the shock absorber is placed inverted, with the heaviest parts down to concentrate the center of gravity closer to the ground and thus increase stability.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: for its design and technologies oriented to the competition, in addition to its innovative rear suspension system.
4. Specialized Epic
The
Specialized Epic, Mountain Bike bike more laureate in competition in the history of Specialized, has remained faithful to its origins, which date back to 2002. Its Brain double suspension technology is still present in the current model, although with modifications.
The Brain, the brain of the rear suspension of the EPIC, is an inertia valve responsible for activating the shock absorber only if it receives an impact. The valve, initially placed on the shock absorber and perpendicular to the left strap, is "hidden" now in the left sheath, very close to the rear axle, to further accelerate your response.
In addition to the rear brain, the recent model also incorporates this solution into the rockshox sl fork, with an adjustment dial to modify its sensitivity level.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: A light picture but adapted to the most technical XC and fidelity to the Brain suspension system, now also on the front axle.
3. Trek Supercaliber
Innovations do not stop in another brand to doon as Trek. His great novelty on the Mountain Bike plot is given by the
Trek Supercaliber, a hybrid between rigid and double XC suspension that has already left a very good mouth taste among the members of his World Cup team.
Why this hybrid denomination is due to its isostrut, a structural shock absorber integrated in the upper tube of the table that offers an adjustable route of 60 mm. With this Trek wants to have a variant of its traditional procaliber rigid by adding greater absorption and stability on the rear train, regardless of making deeper modifications or adding the pieces and screws of a conventional rear suspension.
Thus, the supercaliber offers rigid yield with front suspension and uses the isostrut so that the biker exceeds better obstacles, jumps or declines from the circuits. A revolution in the modality that will surely have imitators in the future.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 /60 mm.
Because we like it: The concept of structural shock absorber is very innovative and practical and will mark a trend in the future.
2. Orbea Oiz
The
Orbea Oiz Based technology, reliability, competition character, adapted versions with contained price for amateur bikers. That is why it has been one of Mountain Bike bikes best selling in recent years.
Its current carbon picture is made of high module (OMX) fibers, with a special construction of the straps so that they can flex enough to save the installation of an extra turning point in the UFO suspension system.
In addition, aluminum versions are also very worked, with a special hydrformate that hides the welds of the metal. These aluminum variants are offered with 120 mm suspensions, more adapted to marathon or even trail use, while maintaining purely XC geometry of carbon models.
Chart: carbon or aluminum.
Suspension tours: 100 or 120 mm.
Because we like it: A leading sales bicycle for its quality of the picture, practical details and several assemblies adapted for non -professionals.
1. BMC Fourstroke
Finally, the cusp of our ranking comes a real object of desire. The
BMC Fourstroke, the double suspension of the last winner of the Cross Country World Cup, the Frenchman Jordan Tarrou. It is a bicycle that already dazzled when Julien Absalon ran with her before retiring. But now it is an improved bicycle, with a picture completely made of premium carbon, including the rear suspension connection.
The geometry has also been redefined, launching the direction angle up to 67.5º, lengthening the reach to 445 mm (size M) and keeping the pods compact (429 mm).
In addition, the Telescopic Riper stands in its best assemblies lies of two positions, 100 grams lighter than a conventional one, as well as the full guidance of wiring and special protections for pods, carbon and direction custaries.
Chart: carbon.
Suspension tours: 100 mm.
Because we like it: for the quality and lightness of its picture, aggressive geometry and practical solutions, such as the telescopic roius rad.
