My experience is that a bigger/longer bike is a better climbing bike and less prone to lifting the front wheel on steep stuff. That might be a byproduct of my fit - I like a forward saddle position and longer stem. I currently ride an XL epic 8 w/ 80mm stem and I’m only 6’ tall. I rode a large scott spark RC prior to the epic, but just didn’t like the reach on the large epic 8.
Agree that that the larger bike isn’t as good on sharp switch backs and such, but it’s a good trade off for me for descending and climbing.
Was just about to say this. When riding in Post Canyon, Oregon taking 180 degree switchbacks isn’t easy. But it’s worth it when you hit the sweet downhills!
I think that’s where these bikes have missed a bit of the mark. They’ve pushed too far into the “stable going down” mode, compromising the ability to whip in and out of tight single track at even slower speeds.
Pinkbike just dropped a Podcast where they are doing a short travel shootout in Asheville. I’m curious if there is any mention of bikes getting a biting and slack for some of the more natural terrain.
It’s just a function of shifting preferences in the market. I’m sure a lot of it is the demands of world cup XCO have shifted in that direction, but I honestly have no idea whether local/amateur XCO has followed that trend. Around here, people are racing the same terrain they were 10+ years ago. Maybe for the typical amateur XCO racer, the trend of modern XC bikes hasn’t been that beneficial. I don’t feel like my 120/120 epic is any slower overall for me than my old 100/100 scott, but there are some specific situations where it’s not as good (ie - tight switchbacks). For me, the longer/slacker bike helps more than it hurts, but I also don’t race much XCO. I mostly race XCM and the longer/bigger bike is nothing but beneficial on those courses.
At the end of the day, these bike companies are trying to sell as many bikes as possible. And modern 120/120 XC bikes are currently hitting the mark for a lot more people compared to a shorter travel steeper bike. The companies who were slow to transition toward “downcountry XC” learned that lesson the hard way. The modern 120/120 XC bikes are great/fun/versitile bikes even for people who don’t race. For people who prefer the steeper and lower travel bikes, there are plenty for sale cheap in the used market along with the hardtails. Bike companies just follow the $'s. For anyone who likes the old stuff, the move away from those standards should be good news because you can buy the old stuff for pennies on the dollar.
Here’s my thought: WC XCO races are technical with roots, rocks and steep downhill. My experience locally is tight singletrack, some small roots and rock (in comparison to WC). That’s two different bike needs IMO.
So if bike companies are pushing for the WC XCO what about us?