As someone who got really into road cycling last year and comes from a trail running background, the next logical step in the progression is mountain biking. Based on the internet, it seems like XC would be my preferred style as I’d prefer to go long and hard rather than a lot of super-technical ter…

Depends mainly on your budget and the type of riding/terrain you’ll be on. A full sus will obviously be heavier and more expensive but allows you to ride trickier stuff and cover longer distance more comfortably.

Budget would be preferably in the $2.5-4k range if possible

I’m exactly the same as you (used to be an avid runner, got into road last year and mountain this year). Sounds like a hard tail is the perfect option for you. But ask yourself, are you going to get really into it and wish you could hit more technical trails at speed/take some risks? If so, consider…

As for tips, keep riding road/trainer for fitness and use mountain biking to work on skills for a while. You’ll get some free strength and anaerobic work while you’re at it but the best place to train is still on the road unless you have long easy climbs to hit on your mtb.

[image] 2020 XC Bike Thread Equipment Since the other user bike thread is 99% road bikes, can we start one for mountain bikes? I’ll start it off, just finished building up my 2020 Scott scale 930 for this season. Fork: fox rhythm 32 100mm (this may get upgraded) Wheels:…

[image] Ivanecky: Boulder/Longmont Worth getting a full sus. You’ll likely do rides elsewhere in Colorado also - and most of Colorado has long climbs and descents. Full sus really helps on long descents. But this also depends on budget. HT generally cheaper than FS. [image] Ivanecky: s…

Full sus with 100-120 in front and back. [image] DaveWh: Worth getting a full sus. You’ll likely do rides elsewhere in Colorado also - and most of Colorado has long climbs and descents. Full sus really helps on long descents. Agree. Also a full sus is more forgiving of errors.

[image] Ivanecky: Budget would be preferably in the $2.5-4k range if possible When you’re talking full sus that’s going to add a bit more to the price. A mid range full sus is going to be about $5,000. You will find some closer to $6,000 and others closer to $4,000. That’s not to say you c…

Go full suspension. It’s faster in so many more conditions. Especially when your technical skills aren’t ingrained. A full suspension 29er will help you roll much faster when the trail gets rough. The modern bikes are so efficient you lose hardly anything compared to years.

Scott spark rc team is $4000 and you get hell of a kit

TrainerRoad

Road to XC - what bike for long & hard?

Equipment

alexstenerson July 27, 2020, 4:30pm 6

Tons of info in here

Topic		Replies	Views
Roadie becoming MTB curious Equipment bike	50	2556	November 6, 2022
MTB Advice for a Road Cyclist Equipment bike	29	3053	June 27, 2020
I want an XC mountain bike, school me in what's what these days Equipment bike	32	8341	August 15, 2023
Roadie needing XC bike advice for long event	6	155	June 4, 2026
Full Suspension or Hardtail for XCM Equipment bike	18	2663	September 2, 2021

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Road to XC - what bike for long & hard?

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