women's trek cross country bike

Top 12 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed

Wil reviews & rates the best xc mountain bikes.

Over the past four years that I’ve been working at Flow, I’ve had the chance to review some of the best cross country mountain bikes on the market. From the strikingly svelte Trek Supercaliber, to the plush ‘n’ progressive Merida Ninety-Six, to the lethally lightweight Specialized Epic World Cup, we’ve tested some absolutely incredible full suspension race machines.

While all of these bikes possess their own unique strengths, quirks and on-trail personalities, together they represent a broader evolution in the sport of XC as a whole. As race courses become more technical and demanding, we’ve seen the widespread adoption of dropper posts, wider handlebars and more powerful brakes, which have helped to elevate rider confidence and control. Frame designers are employing wider chainlines to accept bigger tyres, and head angles are getting slacker to improve high-speed stability. And in the case of bikes like the Orbea Oiz and Scott Spark, we’re also seeing notable increases in suspension travel to deliver more traction and comfort on rougher trails.

Not only have all these improvements allowed elite athletes to ride faster and harder than ever before, they’ve also made the premise of owning a shorter travel bike all the more appealing for everyday riders. Indeed modern XC bikes are no longer the horribly dainty, overly-twitchy, crash-fests of old. Far from it. A lot of them are actually — dare we say it — fun to ride . In most cases they’re surprisingly versatile too. Many possess the ability to accommodate a longer stroke shock and a bigger fork that allows them to morph into a lightweight trail bike.

That’s all well and good, but out of all the snazzy new models we’ve been testing, which is the best? Here we’ll be taking you through the top 12 full suspension XC bikes we’ve tested, what’s impressed us, what hasn’t, and which gets our pick out of the lot.

Canyon Lux Trail

• Highs: Great suspension, naturally efficient, crisp handling, clever storage solutions, great value spec throughout the range
• Lows: Not the most forgiving ride, cockpit ergonomics could be better, messy cable routing

The Canyon Lux Trail is the freshest bike in our list, having been totally overhauled for 2024. It represents the second generation of the platform, having first arrived in 2021 as a slightly longer travel offshoot of the Lux race bike. It’s still lightweight and efficient, but the extra travel, slacker geometry and slightly burlier build kit give it a more versatile character.

Featuring a brand new carbon frame, the Lux Trail features a 120mm travel fork and 115mm of rear travel. It’s also the first Canyon mountain bike to feature internal storage. The hatch is well executed too, and we like the optional multi-tool that sits in a dedicated mount underneath the top tube.

The practical approach extends to the threaded BB and tool-free thru-axles, but not quite to the cable routing. The main control lines pass through the headset, making for quite the nest in front of the bars. Given how efficient the Lux Trail is, we reckon Canyon could have easily ditched the remote lockout in favour of a tidier setup and better ergonomics for the dropper post lever.

Those complaints aside, the Lux Trail is a fantastic performer out on the trail. It is heavier than the Lux World Cup, but it’s still terrifically agile through twisty singletrack. You can also push it a lot harder on the descents thanks to the smoother suspension and long-stroke dropper post, making it a load of fun to ride on technical terrain. See the full story in our Canyon Lux Trail review .

Cervelo ZFS-5

• Highs: Beautifully smooth ride quality, plush & poppy suspension, lightweight but practical frame, superb spec package
• Lows: 100mm XC builds don’t come with a dropper post, headset cable routing may be a turn off for some

Although the ZFS-5 is Cervelo’s first ever full suspension mountain bike, the roadie brand was able to get a solid head start by drawing on the valuable experience of its sister brand Santa Cruz.

Indeed the ZFS-5 shares much of its DNA with the Blur, though it’s worth noting that they are two separate bikes. The ZFS-5 has been built around its own unique carbon frame that’s claimed to be one of the lightest on the market at just 1,718g. It also features different geometry with our test bike sporting a devilishly slack 66.6° head angle.

You can get the ZFS-5 in two distinct flavours. There’s a flat-out XC race bike with 100/100mm of travel, and a more versatile trail bike with 120/115mm of travel. The frame is identical between the two, with a longer-stroke shock and fork switching up the vibe.

Even in its longer travel guise, we found the ZFS-5 to offer neutral pedalling performance that responds surprisingly well to hard efforts. The lithe chassis makes it a pleasure to climb with, and the modern geometry means it’s terrifically well-balanced across a variety of trail types. Add in the excellent build package along with the plush and poppy suspension, and you’ve got an absolutely ripping XC bike that’s a whole lot of fun to ride. See our Cervelo ZFS-5 review for everything you need to know.

Trek Supercaliber

• Highs: Striking frame design, powerful pedalling performance, responsive handling, contemporary build kit
• Lows: Short travel is less forgiving on really rough trails, shock servicing and tuning are more involved, expensive

Easily one of the most striking XC bikes on the market, the Trek Supercaliber has been completely redesigned for 2023. Trek has introduced two new frames that feature updated geometry, an increase in travel and a totally new IsoStrut shock that’s now manufactured by RockShox instead of Fox.

You’ll still find the distinctive IsoStrut suspension platform out back, though rear travel has been increased to 80mm to provide more grip and comfort. Despite this, the Supercaliber retains its incredible pedalling efficiency thanks to a higher main pivot that boosts anti-squat. There’s a dual remote lockout at the handlebar, but it’s really not necessary for the rear suspension since it’s so responsive under power.

Descending performance has also improved due to a slacker 67.5° head angle, a longer wheelbase, and a 110mm travel fork. Almost every Supercaliber model comes standard with 2.4in tyres and a dropper post too, which is fantastic to see.

It’s still not the most forgiving bike on really rough terrain, especially compared to 120mm travel bikes like the Spark and Oiz. I also wasn’t impressed with the cockpit ergonomics on our SLR 9.8 GX AXS test bike, and the nest of cables in front of the handlebar is messy compared to the much cleaner Epic World Cup.

There’s no denying its razor-sharp handling and explosive pedalling performance however, which successfully splits the difference between a hardtail and traditional full suspension bike. Check out our Trek Supercaliber review for the full story.

• Highs: Lightweight and elegant frame design, superb geometry, plush and on-the-fly adaptable suspension, lots of spec options including alloy models
• Lows: Headset cable routing, not the quietest bike, limited clearance for 2nd bottle

Whereas the previous Orbea Oiz was available in both 100mm and 120mm travel variants that utilised the same chassis, the latest Oiz is now purpose-built around 120mm of travel front and rear. This commitment has allowed Orbea to optimise the geometry and bring it right up to date. Along with the increased travel and the fact that it comes with 2.4in tyres and a dropper post as standard, the Oiz is one of the most fun and capable XC bikes out there.

It’s still incredibly light, with the top-end OMX carbon frame claimed to weigh just 1,750g including the shock. It’s also impressively quick up the climbs thanks to its efficient pedalling manners and remote-activated suspension.

The Squidlock remote isn’t perfect, though it is plenty functional with the Medium suspension mode firming up the rear shock’s damping while leaving the fork entirely open. This helps to steepen the angles and lift the BB, providing a terrific technical climbing mode that maintains front-end compliance over rocky and rooty terrain. It also sharpens up the steering when you’re speeding along flowy singletrack. If you’re keen to know how it rides, see our full Orbea Oiz review .

Specialized Epic World Cup

• Highs: Exceptional automated efficiency, superb geometry, tuneable shock, clutter-free cockpit, very lightweight, dual bottle ready
• Lows: Ride can be unrelenting when not at race pace, Brain fork is jarring on rocky terrain, proprietary shock is yet to be proven in the mass market, expensive

A brand new model for 2023, the Specialized Epic World Cup is the result of a 4-year project to build the ultimate XC race bike that combines the responsiveness of a hardtail, with the big-hit control of a conventional full suspension bike.

To achieve this lofty goal, Specialized ditched the Brain damper and collaborated with RockShox to build a new SIDLuxe WCID shock. Instead of an inertia valve, the new shock utilises a clever air spring design that allows you to tune the negative chamber independently of the positive spring. The result is a tuneable package that delivers hardtail-like acceleration in its firmest setting.

The proprietary shock delivers just 75mm of rear travel, and that’s paired to a custom RockShox SID SL fork with 110mm of travel and an updated Brain damper. It’s all built around a new carbon fibre chassis that is claimed to be one of the lightest on the market.

While rear travel is conservative, geometry is very progressive with a 66.5° head angle and a hefty 58mm BB drop. It all adds up to create a responsive and highly involving bike to ride, though one that prefers to be pushed hard and fast to get the most out of it. With this in mind, riders who prefer a plusher ride quality and are after a more versatile XC bike will be better off looking at the longer travel Epic EVO .

But if you value outright efficiency, the Epic World Cup is one of the best on the market while offering a stupendously clean cockpit with no lockout to worry about. Get the full story in our Specialized Epic World Cup review .

Canyon Lux World Cup

• Highs: Organic pedal efficiency, precise handling, high-tech bearings, dual bottle ready, very appealing spec for the money
• Lows: Racy suspension feel won’t suit all tastes, headset cable routing, fork feels under-gunned, no dropper

Sitting alongside the slightly longer travel Lux Trail , the Canyon Lux World Cup is the purebred race machine of the two. It’s equipped with 100mm of travel and a new carbon frame that Canyon claims to be one of the lightest on the market.

The updated geometry has paid dividends on the trail, with the Lux World Cup offering improved balance and stability at speed over its predecessor. It ties in well with its race-tuned chassis and suspension, which provides outstanding pedal efficiency and responsive handling through tight singletrack.

Given how hard you can push the stout frame, the Fox 32 SC does feel somewhat under-gunned up front. We’re also surprised that Canyon doesn’t offer any of the Lux World Cup models with a dropper post. Combined with the firm suspension tune, the Lux World Cup isn’t as plush or as confidence-inspiring on rough terrain as more contemporary bikes like the Scott Spark or Merida Ninety-Six.

With that in mind, those chasing more of an XC all-rounder should check out the Lux Trail instead. If you’re after a lightweight, agile and deadly efficient race bike though, you’d be hard pressed to find anything that packs in the same level of features and spec for the money as this. See our Canyon Lux World Cup review for the lowdown on the stock bike, though if you’re curious about what’s possible with a few spec changes, check out my long-term review for a deep-dive into the true capabilities of the Lux World Cup.

Scott Spark RC

• Highs: Progressive geometry, plush and traction-rich suspension, versatile chassis, split-personality TwinLoc system
• Lows: Reliant on remote for pedalling efficiency, headset cable routing adds maintenance frustration, noisy frame

The latest Scott Spark made quite the impression when it launched in 2021. Replacing what was perhaps the most successful XC bike on the market, the 4th generation Spark dropped jaws thanks to its high-tech carbon frame and cleverly hidden rear shock. Featuring an updated TwinLoc remote, the Spark also introduced envelope-pushing geometry with adjustable headset cups. It also pushed the envelope with its suspension, extending travel out to 120mm at both ends — a genre-defining statement for World Cup-level XC race bikes.

Despite all the advancements, the Spark still relies on a handlebar remote and two cables to control its suspension. You’ll need to use the remote a lot to get the most out of it too, since the pedalling performance is deliberately soft and drivetrain-neutral in the full travel ‘Descend’ position. If you’re not a fan of remotes, then the Spark won’t be the bike for you.

If you’re happy to flip levers though, and you can live with the internal cable routing through the headset, the Spark offers adaptable performance that makes it both a brilliant technical climber and a fun descender. The plush suspension and low-hanging BB allows you to rip through turns, providing traction and comfort in situations that can scare lesser bikes. It really is impressive, and it all adds up to create one of the most capable XC race bikes we’ve ever tested. Get the full story in our Scott Spark RC review .

Giant Anthem

• Highs: Very lightweight frame, fantastic all-round handling, updated Live Valve is brilliant for XC racing, near-faultless contemporary build kit, nice cable routing
• Lows: Our original test frame cracked, Live Valve adds complexity and clutter, single bottle only

As one of the most popular and long-standing XC bikes on the market, the Giant Anthem underwent a wholesale redesign back in 2022. Moving away from its classic Maestro suspension design in favour of a simpler single pivot arrangement, the new Anthem frame has shed a hefty amount of weight and now stands as one of the lightest options on the market.

While weight has gone down, suspension travel has gone up by 10mm. There’s now 100mm of rear travel that’s paired to 110mm travel Fox 34 SC or RockShox SID. You’ll also find a dropper post and 2.4in Maxxis WT tyres on each model, as well as longer reach measurements and a contemporary 67.5° head angle.

Though you can get the Anthem with a manual remote lockout, our test bike came fitted with the Fox Live Valve system. The electric wires add clutter to the cockpit, and an external battery pack protrudes from the underside of the top tube. The overall packaging also means the Anthem is one of the few new XC bikes on the market that won’t fit two bottles.

That aside we’ve been mighty impressed with the performance of the latest Live Valve system, which offers a smoother but still lightning-fast transition between Open and Firm settings. It’s especially advantageous for XC racing where its firm platform delivers stompable efficiency, while giving you access to plush and active suspension on the descents. No need to toggle remote lockouts, just focus on the trail ahead. To hear about our long-term experience, check out our Giant Anthem review for more.

Merida Ninety-Six RC

• Highs: New-school geometry, sensitive suspension performance, excellent spec for the money, dual bottle capability
• Lows: Not the snappiest pedaler, not officially compatible with 2.4in tyres, inconsistent TwistLoc remote, headset cable routing adds servicing complexity

The Merida Ninety-Six arrived in late 2020 with a new carbon frame, an updated suspension design and 100mm of rear travel. It’s available in two variants, with the Ninety-Six RC getting a 100mm travel fork, faster tyres and a more race-focussed build kit.

Unlike many XC bikes, the Ninety-Six features a non-proprietary rear shock, which is appealing from a long-term ownership perspective. Also appealing is the fact that you can get a Ninety-Six for less than $6K, which is almost unheard of these days in the world of carbon full suspension race bikes.

The updated frame has room for two bottles, and features a neat accessory mount underneath the top tube. The otherwise practical approach is somewhat tarnished by the use of internal routing through the headset though, which gives moisture and dirt more opportunities to penetrate the bearings. The TwistLoc remote isn’t the tidiest solution, and the unit on our test bike proved to be frustratingly inconsistent.

Thankfully there have been big improvements to the geometry and suspension performance of the Ninety-Six RC. The simple flex-stay arrangement has dropped weight, while also bolstering lateral rigidity. While hardcore hammerers may find the rear suspension to be a little sensitive under power, there’s excellent traction on offer. The progressive linkage also delivers terrific big-hit control, which in combination with the solid chassis and sorted geometry, sees the Ninety-Six RC inspiring a load of confidence on technical trails at racing speeds. See our Merida Ninety-Six RC review for everything you need to know.

Merida Ninety-Six 8000

• Highs: Poppy & playful ride quality, confidence-inspiring geometry, plush suspension, masses of traction, awesome value for money
• Lows: Aggressive rubber tempers rolling speed, not officially compatible with 2.4in tyres, headset cable routing, remote lockout adds clutter

Alongside the racier Ninety-Six RC, the standard Merida Ninety-Six models actually feature the same full carbon frame with 100mm of rear travel. Where things differ is with the fork, which increases the travel to 120mm and slackens the head angle out to 67° for improved descending stability. Along with burlier tyres and bigger brakes, the Ninety-Six 8000 amps up the capability for riding more technical terrain.

It still incorporates many of the same features that we love about the Ninety-Six RC. The frame will accommodate two bottles for proper long-distance trail rides, and we like the tiny integrated chainguide. It’s great to see Merida including a proper-length dropper post, along with a nifty multi-tool that hides underneath the saddle.

Unfortunately the same downsides also carry over, with the headset cable routing being our main bugbear. And given that Merida has the Ninety-Six RC as the race bike, we reckon it could have done without the remote lockout on the regular Ninety-Six models to help declutter the cockpit.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that the Ninety-Six 8000 is an absolutely belting ride out on the trail. The suspension is supple over small chatter and beautifully supported on bigger wallops, while the aggressive rubber delivers masses of grip on loose terrain. Paired to the stout carbon frame and slackened geometry, this bike is a lightweight pocket rocket that rides well beyond its short travel platform. Read about our experience in the Merida Ninety-Six 8000 review .

Specialized Epic EVO

• Highs: Class-leading frame weight, slack head angle, plush & capable suspension, clean cockpit & frame design
• Lows: Expensive, not the most efficient pedaler

It’s hard to believe that the current Specialized Epic EVO was launched three years ago alongside the Brain-equipped Epic race bike . We say that because the Epic EVO is still very much relevant today, having set the performance bar to a level that few other XC bikes have been able to reach.

In its premium S-Works form, the Epic EVO utilises a FACT 12m carbon frame that is still one of the lightest, if not  the lightest on the market. Even the ‘cheaper’ models get a FACT 11m frame that is barely 100g heaver. The fact that Specialized paired this sleek carbon chassis to a 66.5° head angle, a 120mm travel fork and 110mm of rear travel makes it all the more jaw-dropping.

Similarly jaw-dropping is the price tag. While prices have come down slightly over the past couple of years, you’ll still be paying a significant premium for the Epic EVO compared to the likes of Merida and Canyon.

It is beautifully finished though, and we love the supple suspension that prioritises grip and support over outright efficiency. Some riders will lament the lack of a remote lockout, though if it’s sprinting power you’re after then look towards the short travel Epic World Cup. In comparison the Epic EVO isn’t as responsive at the pedals, though it is far smoother and more forgiving across rough terrain, and it inspires greater confidence when pushing your limits on the descents. Combine that with the low weight, and you’ve got a ridiculously enthusiastic XC bike that knows how to dial up the fun factor. See our thoughts on this high-end XC pinner in the Specialized Epic EVO review .

Cannondale Scalpel

• Highs: Progressive and traction-rich suspension, smooth pedalling performance, precise and plush Lefty Ocho, dual bottle option, STASH tool system
• Lows: Not the firmest bike under power, proprietary fork and PF30 BB will be a turnoff for some, no dropper post on complete bikes

As the oldest bike in our list, the latest Cannondale Scalpel arrived back in early 2020 just as the world started to implode from the Covid-19 pandemic. Representing the 8th generation of Cannondale’s flagship full suspension race bike, the Scalpel employs a novel approach for its chainstays with a solid leaf-spring section just forward of the dropouts. This allows the suspension to behave like a conventional four-bar linkage, albeit with less weight and improved lateral rigidity.

On the trail the Scalpel is impressively smooth for a 100mm travel XC race bike, delivering excellent traction and uninterrupted pedalling performance over rough terrain. It’s also nicely progressive with plenty of big-hit support, though like the Merida Ninety-Six, the sensitive rear suspension may feel a little soft to some. This can be solved by running less sag for a firmer feel, or simply using the dual lockout for out-of-the-saddle sprinting.

Long distance riders will appreciate the option to carry two bottles, and the integrated STASH tool system is excellent. Less appealing is the PF30 bottom bracket and proprietary A.I drivetrain offset.

The Lefty Ocho is equally divisive, but while the long 55mm rake results in a tight trail figure for insanely quick steering response, its needle-bearing internals and triangular slider means it is exceptionally stout and very sensitive under load. Indeed the difference was abundantly clear when we back-to-back tested it with a conventional Fox fork. Get all the details in our Cannondale Scalpel review .

What else is out there?

Of course our XC bike group test is far from being exhaustive, as there are plenty of other full suspension race bikes on the market that we’re yet to review.

Some notable absentees include the BMC Fourstroke, Mondraker F-Podium and Ibis Exie, though these are admittedly bikes that we don’t see a lot of here in Australia. I did recently get the chance to swing a leg over the new Pivot Mach 4 SL and came away thoroughly impressed, and we’re hoping to tee up a bike locally for a proper long-term test so that I can include it in this list.

We’ll continue to add new options as and when we get our hands on them, and we’d love to hear from you about what bikes you’d like to see us review next. And if there are any brands out there reading this that want us to test out their bike, feel free to get in touch!

What’s the lightest XC bike?

Of course any discussion about XC racing wouldn’t be complete without talking about weight. For those who are hunting grams, you may be wondering; what’s the lightest XC bike out there?

In all of our bike reviews you’ll find a confirmed weight, which is taken with the tyres set up tubeless and with no pedals installed. However, since we’re not always testing bikes at the same price point (we’ll often receive whatever model is available at the time), those weights aren’t really comparable. Also, some XC bikes are still sold without a dropper post, which obviously tilts the weight balance in their favour.

For those reasons, it’s no surprise that the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Team is the lightest XC bike in this list at 10.22kg. The heaviest bike is the 11.57kg Orbea Oiz M10, though it does feature 20mm more travel at both ends and a full-length dropper post.

Where things get a little easier to compare is frame weight. Shown below are the claimed weights from each manufacturer, which is for a frame with the rear shock and basic hardware;

• Specialized S-Works Epic EVO – 1,659g
• Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup – 1,712g
• Cervelo ZFS-5 – 1,718g
• Giant Anthem Advanced Pro – 1,735g
• Orbea Oiz OMX – 1,798g
• Scott Spark HMX SL – 1,870g
• Canyon Lux World Cup CFR – 1,894g
• Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod – 1,910g
• Santa Cruz Blur 4 – 1,933g
• Trek Supercaliber SLR – 1,950g
• Merida Ninety-Six RC – 2,064g
• Pivot Mach 4 SL – 2,087g
• Canyon Lux Trail CFR – 2,104g

Amusingly, the lightest XC bike is supposedly the Specialized S-Works Epic EVO , which has more travel than almost every frame in the above list. However, Specialized has acknowledged that it’s become more realistic about its claimed weights in recent years, so it’s entirely possible that the Epic World Cup frame is actually lighter.

Indeed since all of these claimed weights are from the manufacturers, it’s important to take them with a pinch of salt. It’s not always clear whether a listed weight is for a painted frame, or what size. Often chainstay protectors and cable ports are omitted, and most manufacturers leave out the rear thru-axle for some reason.

For those who are interested, I did end up getting my hands on a Giant Anthem frame to weigh on its own. It came in at bang-on 1,807g (with a Float DPS shock but without the rear thru-axle), which is jus 65g more than the claimed weight.

I also stripped down the Canyon Lux World Cup recently, and that frame clocked in at 1,941g (with the shock but no thru-axle). Canyon stated that the 46g weight difference came down to the paint job on the CFR Team model, compared to the almost-naked carbon frame of the CFR LTD model.

So which is the best XC bike out of the lot?

Out of the twelve options in our list, which is the best XC bike we’ve tested? Which bike should you choose?

Honestly, I’ve been impressed with the performance of all of these bikes. And really the answer to the above question is going to come down to what your priorities are.

For those who value maximum efficiency, the Trek Supercaliber and Specialized Epic World Cup are the most efficient XC bikes we’ve tested. These short travel specialists really are a sprinter’s dream, allowing you to forget about remote lockouts so you can concentrate on the trail ahead. I personally prefer the clean cockpit and tuneable shock on the Epic World Cup, though it’s worth noting that set up is simpler on the purposeful Supercaliber, and for many folks its dual-lockout will be a must-have. Regardless, each option does a bang-up job of splitting the difference between a hardtail and a traditional full suspension bike, albeit at a very high price.

If you’re after more comfort and capability, the Canyon Lux Trail, Orbea Oiz, Scott Spark and Specialized Epic Evo are no doubt the most versatile XC bikes in our list. These have all committed to bigger forks and longer travel platforms, and that gives them more grip on technical climbs, along with a smoother and calmer ride on the descents.

The Canyon, Orbea and Scott are still very much race-ready thanks to their 3-position remote suspension systems, though they all come with highly integrated cockpits that I find less appealing from a maintenance perspective. In comparison the Epic EVO offers a tidier and more practical approach, though it isn’t as efficient as the others and some riders will lament the lack of a remote lockout system. When it comes to outright versatility however, it’s the Spark that takes the cake with its adjustable head angle and the ability to fit a longer travel fork.

If it’s bang for buck you’re after, then you’d struggle to look past the Canyon Lux World Cup and Merida Ninety-Six. These are the best value XC bikes we’ve tested, offering great spec options for the money whether you want to source your new bike online through Canyon or buy a Merida from your local bike shop. On the trail these two bikes do ride quite differently, with the Lux World Cup being closer to the Supercaliber and Epic World Cup thanks to its business-like handling and efficient pedalling manners. The Ninety-Six is plusher and more progressive, giving it a fun-filled ride quality that puts it closer to the Oiz and Spark.

The two bikes that manage to balance all of those attributes without going over-the-top with integration and proprietary components are the Giant Anthem and Cervelo ZFS-5. Both are terrific examples of a modern XC bike, featuring excellent geometry and traction-seeking suspension. The Anthem’s party-trick is its Live Valve suspension system, which adds clever automated efficiency, albeit with smoother bump absorption compared to the Supercaliber and Epic World Cup. The electronics do add complexity and cost however, and the fact that the frame will only fit a single bottle may make it a non-starter for some.

The ZFS-5 takes a simpler approach, though its neutral suspension performance means it’s still surprisingly efficient even in the longer travel configuration. Serious racers will naturally gravitate towards the 100mm travel XC builds with their dual remote lockout, though they’re crying out for a dropper post to add the cherry on top. If you don’t need a remote lockout however, the 120/115mm travel platform is the one to go for thanks to its well-rounded blend of efficiency, comfort and control. Add in the seriously lightweight but practical carbon frame, and the Cervelo ZFS-5 stands as the best XC bike I’ve reviewed.

Flow’s Verdict

So there you have it folks – those are the top 12 best XC bikes that we’ve tested here at Flow!

As mentioned earlier, this isn’t an exhaustive list. As we test more bikes however, we’ll be adding them here so that we can compare them directly with the competition.

What this ongoing test series has made abundantly clear is that modern XC bikes are getting really bloody good. All of these bikes have impressed us in one way or another, and their unique personalities and quirks will make them appealing to different riders.

If getting a new bike isn’t in your current budget, then consider checking out our article on the top 8 upgrades for your XC bike . There may actually be a few modifications you can make to your existing bike to level-up its performance and capabilities, while helping to scratch that new bike itch.

Bikes tested

• Canyon Lux Trail Review
• Cervelo ZFS-5 Review
• Trek Supercaliber Review
• Specialized Epic World Cup Review
• Orbea Oiz Review
• Canyon Lux World Cup Review
• Scott Spark RC Review
• Giant Anthem Review
• Merida Ninety-Six Review
• Specialized Epic EVO Review
• Merida Ninety-Six 8000 Review
• Cannondale Scalpel Review
• Submit for Review
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Results have arrived, the 13 best xc-cross-country mountain bikes 2022: singletrack mtb speeders.

To cross the finish line first, beat your own PRs, or just explore local trails, you want a fast cross-country MTB by your side. For those who live to pedal, these are the best XC bikes around.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Apr 6, 2022

Posted in: Bikes

There exists a special breed of mountain biker, whose M.O. is to cover ground as quickly as possible. These riders crush climbs, blast down flow trails, and sometimes, they even wear lycra (though it’s not required!). Their weapon of choice? The cross-country (a.k.a. XC) bike. These hardtail and full-suspension trail missiles are designed to keep weight low and speed high. For riders who love to pedal hard and explore faraway trails, these are the XC bikes they need to keep on their radar. 

[button] Shop XC bikes [/button] | [button] Shop all mountain bikes [/button]

Best XC-Cross Country Hardtail Mountain Bikes

For minimal weight and maximum efficiency, nothing beats the XC hardtail. The rigid rear end makes sure every watt goes from the pedals into the ground. They are perfect for less technical trails, flow trails, and rides that mix in fire roads, gravel, and even some pavement. These are our favorite fast hardtails.

Specialized Epic HT

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Specialized replaced its long-running Stumpjumper Hardtail with the new Epic Hardtail in 2017, which takes its name from the brand’s ultra-successful full-suspension XC bike. Weight weenies loved it because, at the time of its release, the 895-gram Epic HT frame was the lightest frame Specialized had ever produced, road or mountain. In 2020, it received a geometry update with a slacker head tube to enhance its downhill capabilities. 

Trek Procaliber

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Trek took a traditional hardtail and added extra comfort with its IsoSpeed Decoupler technology to create the Procaliber. First used on the Domane endurance bike, IsoSpeed fully decouples the seat tube from the top tube. A set of bearings and elastomers allow the seat tube to flex independently so it can absorb bumps and vibration without the extra weight of rear suspension. 

Cannondale F-Si / Scalpel HT

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Supposedly, “F-Si” means "For those with Serious Issues.” It’s a joke, but it gets at the core of what the Cannondale F-Si is all about. XC racers obsess over having the most efficient, agile, and lightest race bike possible. They’re the type to ride the F-Si. Its party piece is Cannondale’s distinctive single-sided Lefty Ocho fork . For 2022, the F-Si was replaced by the Scalpel HT, which has dropped seat stays and a slacker head tube angle.

[product-block handle="2020-ibis-dv9-xt-m"/]

With the DV9, Ibis wanted to create an affordable cross-country hardtail for racers on a budget. But just because it’s affordable, doesn’t mean it’s a slouch. It has a lightweight carbon frame with clearance for wide 2.6” tires. It’s compatible with 100mm-120mm forks and has a nice, slack 68.5-degree head tube angle that makes it easy to transition from fast and flat short track races to steep and gnarly downhills. 

Specialized Chisel

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Carbon fiber isn’t for everyone, and some just prefer aluminum . You can pretty much think of the Specialized Chisel as a slightly slacker aluminum version of the Epic HT. To increase stiffness and strength while reducing overall weight, the frame uses the same D'aluisio Smartweld technology found on Specialized’s ultra-popular Allez Sprint. The Chisel is perfect for a budget race rig or newer XC riders building their skills. 

Best XC Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

XC racing has evolved over the last decade, favoring gnarlier courses with technical features and big descents. To keep up, modern full-suspension XC bikes have taken geometry cues from trail and enduro bikes, while maintaining efficient pedaling platforms for uphill assaults. Full-suspension bikes provide more traction and comfort on rough trails. Here are our favorite fast full suspensions.   

BMC Fourstroke 

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In the cross-country world, the BMC Fourstroke is kind of a big deal right now. It’s the bike of choice for multi-time XC world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and most recently, it was piloted to Olympic Gold by rising star, Tom Pidcock. The Fourstroke is pretty progressive too, with long and slack geometry for tackling downhills, and a sleek BMC RAD integrated dropper post that looks like a standard seatpost. 

Trek Supercaliber

[product-block handle="2021-trek-supercaliber-9-9-xx1-xl"/]

The Supercaliber is Trek’s lightest, most efficient full-suspension XC bike, and it too recently won Olympic Gold under Jolanda Neff. It uses Trek’s unique IsoStrut suspension system with a frame-integrated shock that provides 60mm of travel. That is just enough to take the edge off bumps and harsh impacts while maintaining hardtail-level weight, stiffness, and efficiency. It’s the perfect compromise for those torn between a hardtail and a full-suspension bike. 

Scott Spark RC

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The Scott Spark is a modern XC legend thanks to the exploits of Nino Schurter, current world champion and one of the greatest XC racers of all time, and his teammates, Kate Courtney and Lars Forster. The Spark received a massive overhaul in 2022, switching to Bold’s hidden-shock suspension with 120mm of travel, but the previous generation 100mm bike is still a threat in any race and perfect for riders not ready to commit to a new school 120mm bike. 

Specialized Epic

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No list of XC bikes would be complete without the Specialized Epic, one of the most popular and successful XC race bikes of all time. The Epic’s suspension uses Specialized’s proprietary Brain damper. An inertia damper keeps the suspension stiff and efficient for pedaling but during impacts, it opens up instantly to allow the suspension to move. This means you never have to think about locking and unlocking the suspension while riding.

Cannondale Scalpel

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Cannondale’s Scalpel has been in production for nearly 20 years and it has always prioritized low weight and efficient rear suspension. Of course, the Scalpel also comes equipped with Cannondale’s trademark single-sided Lefty fork , which really helps it stand out from the crowd. It’s not all for show though. The Lefty’s unique design provides more fore-aft stiffness than traditional forks so you can charge harder into technical terrain. 

Canyon Lux CF

The Canyon Lux is all about efficiency and agility, and its 100mm of travel is stiff and well-controlled so the bike leaps forward whenever you get on the gas. Of the bikes listed here, it has the steepest and most traditional geometry numbers, so it will appeal to riders who want their mountain bike to fit and feel like their road or cyclocross bike. That’s exactly why Mathieu van der Poel chose to ride the Lux to his multiple World Cup victories.  

[product-block handle="2019-orbea-oiz-m30-l"/]

The Orbea Oiz (pronounced like “Oy-eth”) was developed in the mountainous Basque Country in Northern Spain. It features a rear shock that is neatly recessed into the top tube to create a sleek silhouette and free up space to fit two water bottles. It also has an impressive race pedigree with several World Cup XC wins and a win at BC Bike Race. For riders who are a bit more downhill-focused, the Oiz TR beefs things up with 120mm of travel front and rear.  

Santa Cruz Blur

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Santa Cruz doesn’t just make downhill-shredding freeride, enduro, and trail bikes. The Blur brings Santa Cruz attitude to the XC world, and it’s sure to appeal to the cool kids on the trail. The first generation Blur used Santa Cruz’s tried and true VPP suspension system. Then in 2022, it got updated to the same single-pivot flex stay system seen on nearly every other bike on this list. Either way, the Blur is a bike that goes fast uphill and shreds back down. 

I’ve had the pleasure of riding most of the bikes on this list. Among my favorites have been the Santa Cruz Blur, Cannondale F-Si, and Orbea Oiz. I’m currently riding a Specialized Epic (albeit the Evo version ) and absolutely loving it. For my future bike, I’m incredibly curious about the Trek Supercaliber. I often find myself wishing I could own both a hardtail and a full suspension, but I don’t have the space or funds. The Supercaliber could be the perfect solution because it manages to split the difference. Ultimately, if your goal is to beat your personal bests out on the trail, you can’t go wrong with any of these bikes. 

Which XC bike would you choose? Or do you think there’s some other XC bike that belongs on this list instead? Let me know in the comments!

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Best cross-country mountain bikes 2024 | 13 top-rated XC mountain bikes and our buyer's guide

The top cross-country bikes as rated by our expert reviewers, plus our buyer's guide for everything you need to know

Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Joe Norledge

Cross-country is one of the most exciting disciplines within mountain biking. Races are often close, with elbow-to-elbow action right until the line, and the best cross-country mountain bikes combine everything we love about mountain biking – riding fast, uphill and downhill.

Cross-country mountain bike technology has advanced quickly in the last few years. Cross-country bikes are now lighter, faster and more capable than ever, while many cross-country race tracks have become more demanding at the same time.

If you’re thinking about buying a cross-country bike, then read on for our pick of the best bikes reviewed by our expert testers.

We’ve also put together a buyer's guide so you can learn everything you need to know about cross-country bikes at the end of this article .

If you’re tempted to start riding competitively, we’ve got a separate beginner's guide to cross-country racing .

Best cross-country mountain bikes 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Lapierre prorace cf 9.9.

• Fast, fun, comfortable and good value
• Frame compliance adds speed
• £5,999 / €6,799 as tested

The Prorace is Lapierre's top-end carbon race hardtail and uses its 3D Tubular concept that the brand has employed on its road bikes since 2015 to boost compliance. This is effectively a triple-triangle design, which sees the seatstays separated from the seat tube.

We found this really helped when climbing because the frame reduces the amount the bike skips and slips around and it smoothes out the trail when descending, too. That said, don't expect it to tame the trails to the extent of a full-suspension bike.

The Prorace handles well and the geometry gives it a fun and engaging ride, even if it's not the most progressive.

This SRAM-heavy build features a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork up front, a wireless AXS drivetrain and a set of Level TLM brakes.

We really rate the Maxxis Rekon Race tyres, their low-profile, densely packed tread rolling fast on smooth surfaces, balanced with their suppleness.

• Read our full Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9 review

Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2

• Direct feel with capable geometry
• One-piece bar and stem plus narrow tyres
• £10,800 as tested

The Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 is a thoroughbred cross-country race bike, delivering razor-sharp handling and a direct feel under power. 

With its IsoStrut rear shock partially hidden in the top tube, the Supercaliber is intended to offer the efficiency of a hardtail with the comfort of rear suspension.

Pair this with the updated and more capable geometry and you have a bike that balances efficiency and composure. 

If you want a top-spec race bike for more demanding trails, the Supercaliber would be a great choice, but you might want to swap in some wider tyres. 

• Read our full Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 review

Vitus Rapide FS CRX

• Balanced modern geometry and smooth suspension
• Excellent spec for the money
• £3,999.99 as tested

Vitus’ Rapide FS CRX is a great performing full-suspension cross-country bike that packs a punch with its value-for-money spec.

The unidirectional carbon frame utilises a four-bar linkage system and a flexstay design to deliver 100mm of suspension travel.

One look at the geometry sheet tells us Vitus has drawn from its experience in the trail and enduro market for the Rapide’s design – the reach comes in at 500mm in size large. The head angle, at 67 degrees, is also rather slack and the 77-degree effective seat tube is bang on trend.

The Vitus is decked out with some of the best components on the market, including a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork and Shimano XT brakes.

On the trail, the Vitus Rapide FS CRX is quick to pick up speed and efficient under power. Pointed downhill, the capable suspension and geometry make for a confidence-inspiring ride.

• Read our full Vitus Rapide FS CRX review

YT Izzo Uncaged 7

• A riot of a descender that still climbs like the best of them
• Makes the most of YT’s signature value for money
• £6,299 / $6,499 as tested

With the Izzo, German direct-to-consumer brand YT has entered the world of XC with a bang.

Packing 120mm of suspension controlled by a four-bar linkage, the Izzo Uncaged 7’s carbon frame also features adjustable geometry.

A flip chip offers 0.4 degrees of adjustment to the head and seat tube angles and a 5mm bottom bracket height adjustment, enabling riders to set their bike up to suit a variety of trails.

The Izzo’s geometry is very progressive, with a 66.5-degree head angle and 77.5-degree effective seat tube angle in the slack setting. The reach comes in at 475mm in size large.

As we’ve come to expect from YT, the spec offers incredible value for money. The Izzo is equipped with top-of-the-line RockShox SID and SIDLuxe Ultimate suspension, SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes and a wireless XX1 AXS drivetrain.

On the descents, the YT’s balanced suspension and capable geometry make it a riot to ride fast and it comfortably takes on trails well above its pay grade.

Despite packing more travel than most other XC bikes, the Izzo also excels on the climbs, offering a supportive pedalling platform and fast-rolling performance.

• Read our full YT Izzo Uncaged 7 review

BMC Fourstroke 01 Two AXS

• Decent geometry and an eager climber
• Great suspension feel
• £8,300 / $8,999 / €8,499 as tested

BMC’s Fourstroke piloted Tom Pidcock to Olympic Gold . On our trails, it made for a fairly poised race-ready ripper.

The Fourstroke’s geometry is up-to-date and it climbs with near-impeccable pedalling manners. It pumps through rolling terrain well and the bike eggs you on to accelerate and push yourself towards your limits on a wide variety of trails.

The SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain performed flawlessly and the Fox suspension package felt supple.

However, it does require a tyre change to fully unlock its potential because the stock Vittoria Barzo tyres made the ride feel nervous and skittery. We’re not fully sold on BMC’s RAD integrated dropper seatpost, but admittedly it looks aesthetically pleasing.

• Read our full BMC Fourstroke 01 Two AXS review

Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4

• Impressive all-round capability
• Good spec for the price tag
• £2,600 / $2,300 as tested

The Scalpel HT Carbon 4 is the most affordable bike in the Scalpel line-up, aimed at the gnarlier end of cross-country.

Cannondale has evolved the typical XC race geometry by offering slacker head angles, giving the Scalpel HT handling character similar to an enduro bike. Steeper seat tube angles retain climbing ability and we were impressed by the traction provided by the zones in the rear triangle.

The Scalpel HT Carbon 4 features a RockShox SID SL fork and uses both Shimano XT and Deore drivetrain and brake components.

• Read our full Cannondale HT Carbon 4 review

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1

• Excellent modern geometry
• Agile yet confident handling
• £6,999 / $7,500 / AU$9,099 as tested

The Giant Anthem saw a refresh in late 2021 with updated geometry, a longer 110mm-travel suspension fork, and flexible seatstays and chainstay to simulate the articulation of a pivot point.

This particular model uses the Fox Live Valve suspension system . The system has electronic link sensors on the fork and frame, which automatically open and close the fork and shock’s compression circuit when a bump is detected.

With its modern geometry, the bike climbs reasonably well, although there is some bob. Heading downhill, the bike feels stable and secure over loose surfaces with supple suspension (Live Valve settings-dependent).

The Anthem is equipped with a Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, which offer next-to-identical performance to Shimano XTR. The bike has own-brand carbon wheels and handlebars.

• Read our full Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 review

Intense Sniper XC Expert

• Composed on climbs and descents
• A carbon-everything frameset
• £3,699 as tested

Although Intense is best known for its gravity-oriented bikes, the Sniper XC has an engaging ride quality that’s fast around a cross-country race course.

The geometry is nice and modern, with a long 468mm reach and a 67.5-degree head tube angle, which is slack for a cross-country bike.

The Sniper climbs well, bearing in mind there is no remote lockout. There is some pedal bob though, especially when sprinting.

The bike descends assuredly, offering a smooth ride on rough descents while maintaining stiffness.

Shimano’s third-tier SLX drivetrain performs excellently, as does the Fox Performance suspension. The bike comes with a dropper seatpost.

• Read our full Intense Sniper XC Expert review

Merida Ninety-Six RC 9000

• A classic-feeling race bike with inspired handling manners
• Solid spec choices
• £7,300 / €8,900 as tested

Although Merida’s Ninety-Six seems conventional with its 100mm of suspension travel front and rear, it features trail-friendly geometry with a 68.5-degree head tube angle and a steep 76-degree seat tube angle.

The bike features a Shimano XTR groupset, Fox Factory-level suspension and own-brand finishing kit.

We found it to be a rocket ship up the climbs, with the active suspension helping you maintain speed up rough and loose climbs. It has plenty of character through corners thanks to its reactive steering.

On descents, the Ninety-Six is slightly more nervous than the long reach would suggest.

The rear shock can lurch deeper into its travel than expected.

• Read our full Merida Ninety-Six RC 9000 review

Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT/XTR

• Geometry inspires confidence
• Fast and fun
• £6,750 / $6,199 as tested

Pivot's LES SL is a carbon race bike with clean lines and an innovative carbon construction, in that the frames are moulded from the inside out to reduce imperfections. The carbon frames have also been optimised to provide the same ride feel, whatever the size.

The bike climbs well, with the frame feeling stiff but not to the point of being harsh. The winning geometry also means there's room to shift your weight around to maintain traction.

Heading down the other side, the LES SL handles well, thanks to its moderately long reach, head tube angle and 60mm stem. It holds its speed well over chattery trails and the handling feels precise.

The LES SL is adorned with a host of Pivot-branded kit, a Factory-level Fox 32 StepCast fork and a Shimano XT groupset, with an upgraded XTR rear derailleur.

The only real criticism we can level at the bike is the spec doesn't represent the best value for money when compared to its competitors.

• Read our full Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT/XTR review

Santa Cruz Blur C X01 AXS RSV

• The brand’s lightest cross-country bike yet
• Inspired geometry with dependable handling
• £8,099 / $9,149 as tested

This Santa Cruz Blur is a bang-up-to-date cross-country mountain bike, with 100mm of suspension travel both front and rear. The Blur's geometry is just right – not so long and slack to feel sluggish, but stable enough for descents.

The bike offers a precise and composed ride, descending with plenty of confidence. It’s comfortable, fast and reactive, making it ideal for short races or marathon events.

Our only major reservation is that the TwistLoc lever-based lockout is not as intuitive to use as others. We found we needed to twist it quite far around the bar to lock the shock and it’s not the lightest either.

• Read our full Santa Cruz Blur X01 AXS RSV review

Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS

• A radical but modern XC bike with an internal shock layout
• Bang up-to-date geometry
• £4,699 as tested

Scott’s latest Spark RC underwent quite a radical update, getting a new internal shock suspension layout and upping the travel to 120mm at both ends.

Despite the shock not being visible, setting up the Spark was incredibly easy and there’s a sag meter printed on the non-driveside seat tube and seatstay junction for guidance.

The updates result in a bike that’s dominant on the descents, despite not being specced with a dropper seatpost or particularly wide handlebars. Grip is excellent uphill and Scott’s TwinLoc remote lockout lever is incredibly easy to control from the bar.

The bike is specced with a SRAM GX Eagle AXS wireless electronic groupset, which impresses all who test it, and the suspension comes courtesy of RockShox, with Scott’s in-house brand, Syncros, featuring heavily for the rest of the build.

• Read our full Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS review

Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup

• Reacts to pedal input like a hardtail
• Performance comes at the cost of versatility
• £12,000 as tested

The Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup is unapologetically XC race-focused.

The bike is an exceptional climber, thanks in part to the tyres and Roval Contact SL wheelset. Pedal bob is virtually eliminated when you run the rear shock in its ‘No Gulp’ setting, making the Epic feel a lot like a hardtail.

The 75mm of rear travel takes the sting out of descents rather than flattering your skills, but with a bit more thought, the bike can certainly compete against 120mm-travel XC race bikes.

This isn’t a hugely versatile bike. The suspension and harsh cockpit will leave you wanting a more forgiving ride when cruising around. But if you’re heading off to a race, this bike will reward your full-gas efforts. 

• Read our full Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup review

Cross-country mountain bike buyer's guide

What is a cross-country mountain bike.

A cross-country mountain bike is designed to cover a variety of off-road terrain as quickly as possible. It needs to be equally capable of climbing and descending, while also being efficient when pedalling on flatter terrain, or picking a line through tight, twisting singletrack.

Cross-country bikes are usually the lightest type of mountain bike you can buy for a given price and are often made from carbon fibre, although more affordable aluminium options are also widely available.

XC bikes have less suspension travel than trail bikes and enduro bikes , so won’t be as adept on very steep, rough and technical trails. That being said, in the right hands – for example, a professional rider – a cross-country bike is surprisingly capable.

While cross-country bikes are designed mainly for racing, they’re equally at home on mellower trails, or a big day out in the hills when you’ll value the all-round capability of an XC bike on varied terrain.

What about downcountry?

Before we go any further, we need to quickly mention downcountry bikes.

Downcountry is a fairly new term within mountain biking. In essence, it refers to bikes that blur the line between dedicated cross-country race bikes and more forgiving trail bikes.

A downcountry bike will have a little more suspension travel than a cross-country race bike; normally in the region of 120 to 130mm at the front and 110 to 115mm at the rear.

It will also have geometry that leans more towards descending performance than pedalling efficiency. For example, a slacker head angle, longer reach and longer wheelbase.

Finally, the componentry will be chosen with descending in mind, with more powerful brakes, larger/grippier tyres and a dropper post.

For riders who want a fast, versatile bike for a variety of terrain, downcountry bikes fill that gap. If this sounds like the type of bike for you, then check out our buyer’s guide to the best downcountry mountain bikes .

Hardtail vs full-suspension for XC racing

The first decision you need to make when buying a cross-country bike is whether you want a hardtail or full-suspension bike .

A hardtail only has suspension at the front through the fork , while a full-suspension bike has suspension at the front and rear.

There are pros and cons to each for cross-country riding, and this will influence which option will be best for you.

Hardtail bike for XC riding

For a given spec, a hardtail will nearly always be lighter than a full-suspension bike. So if you live somewhere hilly, or just prioritise climbing performance above all else, then a hardtail could be a good option.

With suspension only at the front of the bike, a hardtail is simpler in its design, making it easier and cheaper to maintain than a full-suspension bike.

Finally, for the same cost, a hardtail can often come with a better spec than a full-suspension bike, so may require less, if any, upgrading in the future.

Full-suspension bike for XC riding

While a hardtail will typically be lighter, more affordable and simpler to maintain than a full-suspension bike, when it comes to descending performance, a full-susser will win every time.

They’re also more comfortable than a hardtail, which is especially important for longer rides or races.

On rough, flat terrain, full-suspension bikes will often enable you to pedal more efficiently because the rear suspension soaks up any bumps in the ground.

As we’ve already mentioned, they will usually be heavier. However, this gap has narrowed over recent years, and at the top end, they may only weigh a kilo or two more than a hardtail.

For many riders, the relatively small weight penalty of a full-suspension bike is worth the benefits of better descending, more comfort and increased pedalling efficiency on rough terrain.

What to look for when buying a cross-country bike

Now you’ve decided between a hardtail and full-suspension bike, here’s what else you need to look out for when buying a cross-country bike.

Cross-country bikes have traditionally had ‘steeper’ geometry figures than trail or enduro bikes. The logic was that the ‘quicker’ handling made cross-country bikes better in tight singletrack and elbow-to-elbow racing.

However, modern cross-country racing now takes place on much tougher courses, which are equal parts tricky descents and lung-searing climbs, so geometry has had to keep up with this trend.

Head angles as slack as 67 degrees and reach figures once only seen on trail bikes are not uncommon on modern cross-country bikes.

They will also have steeper seat angles of around 74 to 75 degrees, which puts a rider's hips in a better position over the bottom bracket for pedalling efficiency.

Prime examples of modern cross-country geometry are the Specialized Epic and the BMC Twostroke.

Frame material

There are two main frame materials to choose from: carbon fibre and aluminium.

When it comes to professional racing, every rider will use carbon fibre; it’s lighter than aluminium and can be designed to be stiffer, so makes perfect sense if all you're worried about is going as fast as possible, with little concern for budget.

The downside of carbon is it’s more expensive than aluminium, and in certain situations, more susceptible to crash damage.

Aluminium is more affordable and better at resisting damage from certain impacts. This makes it ideal if you’re looking to save money or want your bike to be as durable as possible. The latest aluminium frames can be impressively light, too.

Titanium and steel cross-country bikes do exist, but these are in the minority.

How much does a cross-country mountain bike weigh?

Your power-to-weight ratio is important for success in cross-country, so naturally riders want the lightest equipment possible, while still being able to withstand the demands of hard riding or racing.

You might find a top-spec hardtail weighing in at under 8kg, which is incredibly impressive considering what these bikes are capable of. More affordable models typically weigh anywhere from 9 to 11kg.

When it comes to full-suspension bikes, a top-spec model could come in just under 10kg, with more affordable bikes weighing anywhere from 12 to 14kg.

While overall bike weight is a factor, especially if you’re an elite racer, there are much better and cheaper ways to get faster when you’re starting out – such as training.

So, try not to get too hung up with weight early on. There’ll be plenty of time to start counting those grams and emptying your wallet as you progress gradually through the ranks.

On modern cross-country bikes, nearly every model will feature 29in mountain bike wheels .

While 29ers took a while to truly catch on, they’re now considered a smart option for many riders, thanks to their ability to roll over obstacles more easily, and arguably provide better pedalling speed.

In some circumstances, such as for particularly short riders, it may be best to go for smaller 27.5in wheels, but for most people, 29ers are the way to go for XC bikes.

If you want more information, we’ve got a guide to mountain bike wheel sizes , covering the pros and cons of 26in, 27.5in and 29in wheels.

Tyre choice comes down to a balancing act between rolling resistance/speed and grip, so the best cross-country tyres will usually have smaller tread blocks than trail or enduro tyres.

XC tyres may also have thinner sidewalls to save weight, and in some cases be made out of a slightly harder compound, which can roll faster.

However, remember a harder compound will, in theory, provide less grip, and thinner sidewalls offer less puncture protection. As we said, there’s always a compromise to be made somewhere.

Cross-country tyres were traditionally much narrower than trail or enduro tyres – but, as the sport has changed, the tyre sizes have increased, so you’ll now find cross-country tyres in the 2.2in to 2.4in range.

How much travel do you need?

When it comes to suspension travel , nearly all cross-country bikes will have 100mm of front and rear travel.

As we’ve already mentioned, downcountry bikes up this travel a little, with around 110-115mm at the back and 120-130mm on the front.

That said, it’s also worth bearing in mind how the Scott Spark, a pure XC race bike, now has 120mm at both the front and rear. As we said, XC race bikes are changing.

Scott knows a thing or two about making great cross-country bikes – the outgoing Spark was hugely popular on the XC scene – so it’ll be interesting to see if longer travel on dedicated race bikes will start to catch on.

Just like the best trail mountain bikes , cross-country bikes have almost exclusively moved to 1x drivetrains , with Shimano and SRAM mountain bike groupsets dominating the market.

1x drivetrains have one chainring at the front (removing the need for a front derailleur), with a wide-ranging 11- or 12-speed cassette at the back to still provide a big spread of gears.

Stronger professional riders have been known to run up to a 38-tooth chainring at the front. However, at the amateur level most riders will normally go for a 32- or 34-tooth chainring instead.

Cassette sizes usually range from a 10- or 11-tooth sprocket for the hardest gear to a 51- or 52-tooth sprocket for the easiest climbing gear.

This is a pretty big spread and should keep those legs turning up the steepest of climbs.

Cross-country bikes will commonly be fitted with lightweight disc brakes. These will have smaller rotors, with most riders opting for 160mm front and rear.

Some particularly powerful riders may pop a 180mm rotor on the front, and the lightest riders may go for a 140mm on the rear, but in general, 160mm is what’s seen most commonly.

XC disc brakes won’t be quite as powerful as the brakes you’ll find on an enduro bike, but they’re more than capable for the job at hand.

On the most affordable bikes, these may be cable-actuated disc brakes, but from the mid-range and up, you’ll find hydraulic mountain bike disc brakes on all cross-country bikes.

Dropper posts

The best dropper posts enable you to lower your saddle height at the touch of a button or lever mounted on your handlebar. This helps with descending because you’re able to move the bike and your weight around more easily.

Droppers were once unheard of in cross-country racing because most riders thought they were too heavy and unreliable. But as the sport and dropper technology has progressed, they’ve become more popular, with many pro riders making the switch.

Dropper posts aren’t necessarily cheap, but if you can afford one, or your bike already comes with one, they can be a great addition for a relatively small weight penalty (around 400 to 500g).

For many riders, adding a dropper post can really increase the descending capability of a bike, which is why it’s one of the smartest mountain bike upgrades you can make.

How much should you spend on a cross-country bike?

You can spend anywhere from £500 all the way up to £10,000 on a cross-country bike. While elite riders may want the best money can buy, most keen amateur racers will usually spend between £2,000 and £5,000 on their XC bike.

That said, more affordable bikes in the £750 to £2,000 range are still excellent options for beginners or riders looking to save money.

As ever, it’s a case of weighing up your priorities when it comes to price, component choice, weight and so on, before taking the plunge.

• Best mountain bikes under £3,000
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• Best mountain bikes under £750

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The 12 Best Bikes for Women Who Commute, Tour, and Enjoy Leisurely Rides

From gravel rides to e-bikes, these are the best women's bikes out.

Let’s be clear on one thing. If you’re a woman shopping for a bike, your choices aren’t limited to only women’s models. (Even some women’s bikes are a better fit for men!) The point is: If you love a bike, you love a bike. Simple. If it fits, it’s comfortable, and it makes you happy, you’ll ride it more often than one that doesn’t.

Gear up for your next ride. Check out our picks for the best women's shorts , bike saddles , and spin shoes .

Best Women’s Bikes

Best Overall

Liv avail ar 3.

Best E-Bike For Women

Aventon level.2 commuter e-bike.

Best Beach Cruiser for Women

Electra cruiser 1 step-through bike.

Best Value Women's Bike

Aventon pace 350.2 step-through e-bike.

Best Gravel Bike For Women

Co-op cycles adv 2.2 bike.

Best Step-Through Women's Bike

Rad power bikes radcity 5 plus electric commuter bike.

Best City E-Bike For Women

Cannondale adventure neo 4 bike.

Best Road Bike For Women

Cervélo r5 force etap axs.

Niner 2-Star Apex 1 Gravel Bike

Best Hardtail Bike For Women

Specialized fuse comp 29, what to consider, then and now.

Few bike categories have seen bigger shifts in the past dozen years than women’s bikes. When first introduced, the “shrink it and pink it” mentality reigned supreme, and “women’s bikes” often simply meant smaller frames with stereotypical paint jobs and a lower level of components than their unisex counterparts. Then women-specific geometry took over. Bike companies started cranking out frames with shorter top tubes to better accommodate the average female body’s tendency toward longer legs and shorter torsos.

While some companies like Liv have stuck to that philosophy, others like Trek , Specialized , and Santa Cruz instead favor using the same frame for their men’s and women’s bikes and adjusting some parts—primarily touch points like the bar, grips, and saddle—for the intended gender. Most women’s mountain bikes also come with a fork and shock tuned for lighter riders. And city bikes are often offered as step-over and step-through models, with the latter aimed at women.

Know Your Fit

For city and mountain bikes, which generally run from XS or S to M or L, it’s easy to estimate the size needed based on your height. Road bike size can get a bit trickier. If you don’t know your bike size, getting measured at a bike shop—or even getting a professional fitter to assess you—can make an enormous difference in helping you choose a road bike that’s comfortable for you. Just remember, you can get a good fit on a women’s frame or a unisex one; it just depends on your body and riding preferences.

With so many different options these days, it’s a great time to be a woman on a bike. In addition to choosing from bike style and fit, you also have frame material : carbon, aluminum, and steel. All are strong options, though carbon is generally the lightest and most expensive, and steel is generally the heaviest and most durable.

You also want to choose between rim brakes and disc brakes , which cost a little more but offer better stopping power. Discs are pretty standard on mountain bikes and are becoming more common on road bikes that cost more than $1,000. Rim brakes are still popular on city bikes, but discs are gaining popularity there as well, because they offer more control and consistent stopping power in wet conditions.

How We Tested

Every bike on this list has been ridden and loved by women on our staff. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience riding these bikes to determine the best options. Our team of experienced test editors spent many hours and miles using these bikes for their intended purpose—from road races and trail rides to gravel adventures, commutes, and beach cruises. Then we evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, fun, and—yes—looks (because the mere sight of your bike should get you excited, too).

While other brands on this list have shifted to gender-neutral geometry, Liv is one of the only ones still manufacturing women’s-specific sizing. Instead of strapping a cushier saddle and a pink colorway to deem a bike feminine, Liv produces in-house stems, handlebars, saddles, and seat posts to accommodate the female body better.

The Avail AR 3 is a gravel bike that can handle dirt and trails, and smooth pavement. It’s got sturdy aluminum Giant S-R2 Disc wheels, a D-shaped seatpost that dampens bumps, a carbon fork for extra absorption, a Shimano Sora drivetrain, and internal cables that make it stylish and sleek. Although its Tektro disc brakes feel a bit gummy, this ride does well on bumpy roads, steep climbs, and uneven terrain. This is an excellent option for commuters doing light off-roading, and anyone looking for a bike packing workhorse.

Read our review

This class-3 e-bike will spin you up to 28mph through pedal assist or you can use the throttle and hit a max speed of 20 miles per hour. Those speeds sound fast for newer riders, but the bike has strong brakes and a balanced ride. The battery is housed cleanly in the downtube and provides 672 watt hours of power. The controls are easy to use, the dip in the frame’s top tuber makes getting on and off a snap, and the price is hard to beat for everything this e-bike fantastic city and commuting bike delivers.

It’s hard to beat a cruiser’s simple, functional, stylish appeal. Made for boardwalks or rolling around town like it’s is a beach day in July, this one is full of summertime vibes.

The Electra Cruiser has high wide bars for a relaxed riding position, and Electra’s Flat Foot technology, which places the seat further behind the pedals, so you can ride with it lower, making it easy to keep you feet on the ground when you stop. A single-coaster brake helps control your speed and a single gear means no fussing with shifts or keeping your derailleurs in tune—but also means that this one is best enjoyed on flat roads and sandy boardwalks.

The $1,000 price level is where e-bikes can get sketchy: Lithium-ion battery technology is still pricey, so corners must be cut elsewhere to keep costs down. At $1,199, the Aventon Pace 350.2 is one such bike, but our test revealed it’s not too cheap to be quality. The Class 2 e-bike tops out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal assist or a throttle. There’s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options. You don’t get lights or fenders, but the Pace 350.2 feels viable for daily commuting.

Co-op Cycle’s ADV line of adventure bikes has impressed us for years, whether we’ve tested their lower-cost paved-path models or ones equipped for more ambitious rides like this one. The 2.2 is made for gravel and dirt roads but handles itself well on paved paths and city streets, too. You get Shimano’s excellent 1x10 GRX drivetrain, 40mm tires, a dropper seatpost, and a carbon fork to keep weight low and take some buzz out of bad roads. Plus, there are plenty of mounts for racks, bags, and other adventure gear should your trips extend into the next zip code.

Rad Power Bikes has become one of the most popular e-bike brands based on its great pricing, reliable customer service, and, more recently, having products to buy. One of the brand’s latest offerings, the RadCity 5 Plus, comes in a traditional frame or this step-through model. Both are excellent options for spinning around the city, running errands, cruising on bike paths, or getting from point A to point B as blissfully as possible.

This model comes with a hub-mounted 750-watt motor, which saves cost over mid-drive options, hydraulic brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and a rear rack with a 59.5-pound capacity—enough for hauling groceries or a kid.

In the world of e-commuter bikes, the Adventure Neo 4 hits a happy medium between a traditional townie and a larger, more cumbersome cargo model. With an excellent Bosch motor that assists you up to 20 miles per hour and wide, cushy tires, the Adventure is ideal for cruising along bumpy streets and bike paths. The alloy frame keeps weight modest, and the step-through frame makes it easy for anyone to hop on and start spinning. There are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes to slow you safely, and the 60-plus-mile range means you can ride for hours before recharging.

Cervélo, the sponsor of one of the most dominant women's teams in professional cycling , Jumbo-Visma, makes one of the best road bikes available. The R5 Force eTap AXS is a carbon-framed beast with carbon wheels to match. It's built with highly component components that make it light for climbs and stable on descents. Its Full SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed drivetrain gives it power, and according to our tester Tara Seplavy, the longer you ride it, the more comfortable it feels.

Our tester liked this aluminum version of the RLT bike even more than the acclaimed steel model. The RLT 9 is burly enough (and has the gearing) to put up with whatever challenge you could sling into its path. The bike is stiff, agile, and responsive no matter how much weight you pack. With what Niner calls “fire road geometry”—longer chainstays, a lowered bottom bracket, and a slacker head-tube angle—the RLT 9 was comfortable enough to ride on gravel all day. Rack and fork mounts make multiple touring and commuting configurations possible, and the tire clearance of up to 42mm allows you to take it as far off the grid as you want. A carbon fork, disc brakes, and dual thru axles complete the package.

This hardtail 29er has a semi-slack setup and a 130mm RockShox Recon RL fork, making it a capable and maneuverable little ride. Adding to its ability to take on rowdier trails is the smooth-operating TranzX dropper post and the well-knobbed 2.6-inch tires. The grippy, wide tires are not quite plus-size (the frame accommodates 27.5+ tires and wheels, too), but they deliver handfuls of traction on rock, snow, and slick clay. On climbs, the combination of the steep seat angle and longer reach help keep the rear wheel driving you forward and the front wheel tracking where you want it to go.

For the price, this bike has a huge range of capabilities and features, including hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle 1x drivetrain, and a 750mm-wide handlebar (780mm on sizes medium and up), which slows steering for a more stable ride. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a vet, the fun-loving Fuse can turn every ride into a party.

Cannondale Cannondale Quick CX 1 Bike

We love the versatility of this lightweight bike from Cannondale. It’s got a little suspension, excellent brakes, cushy tires with lots of traction in sketchy conditions, and great parts from Shimano. The 1x12 drivetrain eliminates the finicky front derailleur and gives you 12 gears to shift through—enough to keep up on fast bike path sprints or to spin up the town’s tallest hill. It’s made for fun, but with all the features you need to be a practical city or town bike capable of paved and dirt adventures.

Quincy CC GRX

What started as a dedicated ’cross race bike has turned into a ’cross, gravel, and bikepacking beast that is one of the liveliest and most versatile “gravel bikes” we’ve ridden. On the spectrum between ’cross and gravel geometry (the former prizes agility and the latter tends to prize stability), the Quincy remains ’cross-biased—Santa Cruz wanted this to be a bike you could race in between your gravel adventures. It rides like a road bike on pavement and a gravel bike on dirt, and when it hits mellow singletrack, it transforms into a mini mountain bike.

With its endless grip on long, fast, swooping fire-road descents and over gravel sections, the Quincy will encourage you to dive into turns faster, brake less, and test the traction of the 2.0-inch tires in corners. But its light weight and shorter wheelbase keep it agile enough to dodge or hop over obstacles and washouts.

Juliana sells two versions of the bike—this one and another with SRAM’s Force AXS electronic group and 650b wheels. Both use frames with the company’s premium CC carbon and accept 650b or 700c wheels. Read Full Review

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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2023 Trek Factory Racing XC team preview: Ready to strike

TFR XC has BIG goals after a roller coaster year of breakthroughs and close calls

2022 was a battle for Trek Factory Racing XC. In hindsight, the World Cup opener was a microcosm of the season. Illness spread through the team before the race. Evie Richards, Anton Cooper and Vlad Dascalu all missed either the short track or Olympic-distance events. Jolanda Neff sat out racing altogether. What had been a highly-anticipated opener at a beautiful new venue got off to an inauspicious start.

But despite being forced to play a bad hand, the squad made the most of the weekend. Richards took third in short track, and Dascalu took third in his XCO debut as a TFR rider. Riley Amos, also racing for the first time as a full-time TFR rider, placed fourth in the men’s U23 event. The team squeezed everything it could out of the event. Problem was, circumstances didn’t allow it to accomplish as much as it would have liked.

That theme prevailed throughout the year.

Charting a course for podiums!

To the good: Neff led the way with three World Cup victories, including a perfect weekend in Mont-Sainte-Anne , and a second-place finish at World Championships. Vlad Dascalu stood on eight World Cup podiums, finishing second three times. He and Anton Cooper combined to be named the “Best Men’s Team” at back-to-back races in Nové Město and Leogang . And Maddie Munro had a breakout season, winning the U23 U.S. National Championship before earning the first two U23 World Cup podiums of her career in Snowshoe (third) and Mont-Sainte-Anne (second). 

But there were also several instances of what-could-have-been . Richards, coming off a World Championship in 2021, was forced to sit for much of the season due to a nagging back injury. Dascalu fell achingly short of his first career World Cup win, often due to untimely crashes or mechanical misfortune. Amos, who won back-to-back U23 World Cup races in 2021, couldn’t get on track like he hoped, especially not after suffering a broken collarbone.

Watch out for Vlad Dascalu in 2023.

If 2022 was the year of scrapping and clawing and fighting against forces greater than themselves for every place in the pack, then 2023 will hopefully be a year of discovery and re-discovery. TFR XC’s riders — young and veteran — have all flashed the potential to win against the very best in the sport, starting with Gwendalyn Gibson, a new addition to TFR who busted out with a short track win in Snowshoe last year.

All they have to do is make the most of their training and savvy while avoiding injuries, equipment mishaps and bad luck of any sort. Simple? OK, not exactly in a sport as fickle as XC racing. But what better time for hope than now? When circumstances align, there may not be a better group of riders anywhere ready to pounce on their opportunities. 

We can promise you this: A TFR rider will drop your jaw at some point this season. We suggest you pay attention, lest you miss the moment.

Gwendalyn Gibson is TFR's newest rider.

5 stories to watch

Gwendalyn Gibson on the rise

Gibson teared up when talking to the Race Shop about her win in Snowshoe last July. She had broken her kneecap in May, and according to her initial prognosis, she shouldn’t have even been on the start line. But she returned more quickly than expected and proceeded to prove she belongs among the best riders in the world. 

“After a season with setbacks, it was really special for me to see all of the time and hard work finally come together,” Gibson said. “I think of it as a turning point in my career where I really began to believe in my capabilities. I’ll remember that day forever.”

Gibson, just 23 years old, has worlds of potential. She excelled in short track racing last year, taking podiums in Les Gets and Mont-Sainte-Anne in addition to her win, and wants to push herself to succeed at Olympic-distance events as well. Step 1 will be learning to believe in herself and her place within a hyper-competitive women’s field.

“Something I am always working to overcome is my anxiety associated with racing at this level,” Gibson said. “With a little more self belief, I think there will be no limit on what I can achieve.”

After a year of setbacks, Evie Richards is anxious to get the new season started.

Evie Richards getting her groove back

Richards called 2022 “the hardest season I think I’ve ever done” from a mental standpoint. Setbacks stacked upon setbacks, from illness in Brazil, to back problems, to a bout of Covid, all making her season in the rainbow jersey less magical than she had hoped. The highlight of her season was returning from three months off World Cup racing to see her teammates at World Championships in Les Gets.

“It was just a bit of a terrible year, and I really missed seeing everyone and being around the team,” Richards said. “So when I got to be back with everyone at Les Gets, it just made me so happy to see everyone’s faces. I just felt like I’d missed my family.”

When I got to be back with everyone at Les Gets, it just made me so happy to see everyone's faces. I just felt like I'd missed my family. - Evie Richards

Richards has a bright outlook on 2023. She wasn’t able to get up to full speed last season, but she still closed the season well, taking fifth in short track at World Championships and seventh in XCO in Val di Sole. This year, she has a new team around her — from coaches, to physios, to nutritionists — and she’s focused on being “the healthiest Evie I can possibly be.”

“I think it’s gonna be a really good year and a really exciting year for me,” Richards said. “Last year, I was struggling to finish races with the injury, so I don’t have to go too much faster to be better than I was last year, which is a great thing. But I definitely want to be miles better than I was, and be back up to that level where I was in 2021.”

Vlad's not messing around.

Vlad Dascalu World Cup watch

The one thing you need to know about Dascalu is that he never, ever gives up . He may be the fastest rider in the world who has yet to win a World Cup race. He came ridiculously close last year, taking second in Nové Město after making a move that dropped everyone except Tom Pidcock , who outsprinted Dascalu for the win, and seemingly making a winning attack in Andorra before an ill-timed mechanical. 

The next week, he suffered a bad crash in Snowshoe, and was unable to fully recover before the end of the season.

If you do the hard work and enjoy the process, when it’s time to race the body and mind are ready to give it all. - Vlad Dascalu

“I went from one of the best moments of my life and also probably the best shape of the season to not being able to ride my bike without a lot of pain,” Dascalu said. “Mentally and physically it was a tough moment.”

Dascalu figures to be a podium fixture once again. That first win feels inevitable, but when is still an open question. He certainly feels the pressure to finally break through, but his approach to every race remains the same. You can always count on Vlad to put his best self on display in every race.

“I really believe that the hard work always pays off,” Dascalu said. “So if I want to be the best version of myself it’s something you have to work on every day. If you do the hard work and enjoy the process, when it’s time to race the body and mind are ready to give it all.”

Maddie Munro is rocking the Stars and Stripes as the defending U23 U.S. national champion.

Riley Amos and Maddie Munro growing up before our eyes

The last two years have been transformative for the two young American riders. They have firmly established their presence at the front of their respective U23 fields. Both have won U.S. national champs — Amos in 2021, and Munro in 2022. And both have put themselves on multiple World Cup podiums, with Amos winning two races in 2021.  

The question now: Where do they go next?

The both displayed their mettle last season by bouncing from injuries — Amos broke his collarbone and missed nationals and two World Cups, and Munro suffered a concussion just before she was set to race in Albstadt. ( She documented her recovery process here .) Next up is polishing themselves as racers. For two 20-year-olds, that means improving their maturity and race savvy first and foremost.

Another year older, wiser and faster for Riley Amos.

“The last 2 years have felt a lot like learning the ropes — what it takes to be a part of a factory team, and race all year at the highest level of competition,” Amos said. “I learned my strengths, weaknesses, and now I feel I am ready to approach my last 2 years of U23 with a level head and with everything I need to perform. I guess we will just have to wait and see if that’s the case, but there has been a lot of really good signs so far.”

This offseason, Munro has been working with new coach Kristin Armstrong to up her technical skills. 

“Together we are going to target all levels of my skills to help me gain more confidence and ability on these World Cup courses,” Munro said. “Not to mention we will be working on my epic finish line wheelie.”

I will be even faster this year because I believe we have the best team on the circuit, filled with the most enthusiastic, supportive and hard working athletes, staff and fans. - Maddie Munro

Both Amos and Munro are grateful to be surrounded by a strong veteran core of riders. Amos recalled a training in Andorra with Dascalu and Neff as one of his favorite memories of the year. Munro said that the moral support she has received from the team has had a tangibly positive effect on race days.

“I will be even faster this year because I believe we have the best team on the circuit, filled with the most enthusiastic, supportive and hard working athletes, staff and fans,” Munro said. “Each rider adds something unique and uplifting to the team that will enhance our team atmosphere and give us all extra watts.”

No feeling like being back with your teammates.

A jam-packed schedule

The 2022 World Cup schedule was designed to produce a steady drip of racing. Events were never held more than two weeks in a row, and every month from April to September featured a World Cup race.

The 2023 schedule, by contrast, features two jam-packed racing blocks split by a long bout of down time. The first race takes place in May, not April, and early July to late August features no racing at all. But from June 9 to July 2, there will be three World Cup events in just 23 days. And beginning with World Championships in Glasgow from August 9-12, the team will take on a gauntlet of six World Cup-level events in nine weeks, closing with Mont-Sainte-Anne from Oct. 6-8.

The new schedule places even greater pressure on riders to stay healthy. With races so densely packed, an injury or bad bug could mean missing multiple races. 

That's my goal for this year. Do less, ride more. Worry less, smile more. Just enjoy what I'm doing and appreciate how lucky I am. - Jolanda Neff

Both Jolanda Neff and Anton Cooper understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. Neff seemed poised for a big result in Brazil after winning a warmup race by more than six minutes , but illness kept her off the World Cup start lines. Cooper caught Covid just before the Commonwealth Games in early August, and struggled during the closing stretch of World Championships and Val di Sole. Both are focused on being more mindful of the stress they place on themselves that can keep them from performing their best.

“I’m learning from past mistakes and becoming wiser each year,” Cooper said. “I’m working on overcoming some struggles at altitude races and also staying injury free and in good health, which will allow me to build form throughout the year.”

Anton Cooper (pictured last season) is poised to shake up the men's field.

One potential benefit of the new schedule: There won’t be much time to focus on anything but racing for long stretches of time. For a rider like Neff, whose success and popularity means a lot of demands on her time, having a dense slate of competitions could be a benefit.

“Sometimes I struggle to enjoy the simple things and just turn my brain off from going through my to-do lists and what I still have to do,” Neff said. “I would love nothing more than to just ride my bike and not worry about anything. That’s my goal for this year. Do less, ride more. Worry less, smile more. Just enjoy what I’m doing and appreciate how lucky I am.”

You won't find a tighter squad.

Schedule and how to watch

MTB World Cup broadcasts will be moving from Red Bull TV to Discovery this year. And though timing and streaming details are still being ironed out, you can expect to find the races within the Discovery family of streaming services. 

Round 1: Nové Město na Moravě, May 12-14 In a nutshell: World Cup staple with punchy climbs and flowy descents.

Round 2: Lenzerheide, June 9-11 In a nutshell: Unbelievable fan atmosphere at high altitude with fast racing.

Round 3: Leogang, June 16-18 In a nutshell: An all-around test — climbing, steep descents and tech.

Speeding towards the World Cup opener.

Round 4: Val di Sole, June 30-July 2 In a nutshell: A bruiser — hope you like roots and rock gardens.

World Championships: Glasgow, August 9-12 In a nutshell: An exciting new venue for many riders. Climbing, uneven descents, and a strong chance of MUD.

Round 5: Andorra, August 23-27 In a nutshell: An absolute lung buster, with long climbs at high altitude.

Round 6: Les Gets, September 7-17 In a nutshell: A speedy tech-fest in the French Alps.

Squad, from L to R: Vlad, Evie, Maddie, Riley, Gwendalyn, Jolanda. (Anton unable to make team camp, but terribly missed and there in spirit.)

Round 7: Snowshoe, September 28-October 1 In a nutshell: Another battering ram of a course where the American contingent will be going all out.

Round 8: Mont-Sainte-Anne, October 6-October 8 In a nutshell: Jolanda Neff’s favorite course! Super technical; SUPER fun.

You can follow the whole squad at all the races at the Trek Factory Racing XC Instagram page . Stay tuned over the coming weeks for individual rider catch-ups ahead of Round 1 of the World Cup in Nové Město. Also be sure to check out our cool new kits , our cool new paint and our cool new tire sponsor . 

Racing is just three months away. It’ll be here before you know it. Get. Hype.

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Lidl-Trek head to La Vuelta Femenina with high ambitions

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WATCH: Why Trek Factory Racing Downhill is FIRED UP for 2024

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The sweetest way to win

Elisa Longo Borghini and Gaia Realini round off a great day of teamwork to take 1st and 2nd in the Queen Stage with one flat stage remaining

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USA Cycling Announces Team Competing at 2024 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships

The Continental Championships will be held in Midway, Utah, USA on May 8-12.

The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, Utah will host the 2024 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships from May 8-12, 2024. Athletes from more than 40 countries in North and South America will compete in the Pan American Championships across several Mountain Bike disciplines including Cross-Country Olympic, Short Track, Eliminator and Team Relay. This marks the first time the international competition has been hosted in the United States in over 20 years.

Over 200 racers will be representing the United States at the championships across several age group categories. USA Cycling will be supporting a team in the Elite, U23, and Junior races. The following athletes have been named to USA Cycling’s championship team:

Elite Women

Kate Courtney (Kentfield, Calif.; SCOTT-SRAM Factory Racing)

Haley Batten (Park City, Utah; Specialized Factory Racing)

Kelsey Urban (Kentfield, Calif.; Team 31: Outride)

Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing)

Bradyn Lange (Fairfax, Calif.)

Madigan Munro (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing)

Sofia Waite (Littleton, Colo.; BH Coloma Team)

Bailey Cioppa (Durango, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Riley Amos (Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing)

Brayden Johnson (Littleton, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Carson Beard (Middlesex, Vt.; Team Segment 28)

Robbie Day (Evergreen, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Lasse Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Junior Women

Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear National Team)

Lucy Hillstrom (Pleasant Grove, Utah; Spry Custom Bicycles)

Alice Hoskins (Charlottesville, Va.; Gravity Collective MTB)

Elisabeth Knight (Moab, Utah; Spry Cycles DRT)

Nicholas Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Ezra Caudell (Acworth, Ga.; Gravity Collective MTB)

River Valdez (Sedona, Ariz.; Bear National Team)

Colin Oneil (Franklin Tenn.; Gravity Collective MTB)

*Gwendalyn Gibson and Henry Coote were also selected to the team but declined their nominations.

This Article Updated April 24, 2024 @ 02:02 PM

For more information contact: [email protected]

Rock County to Host the 2024 Para-Cycling Road National Championships

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Field hockey - Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow

Hockey Club Dinamo Elektrostal is a field hockey team from Russia, based in Moscow. The club was founded in 1994.

Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow - Results

2021/2022 2018/2019 2017/2018 2017 2015/2016 2013/2014 2011/2012 2007/2008

Men's Euro Hockey League - Final Round - 2021/2022

Dinamo elektrostal moscow - identity.

• Official name : Hockey Club Dinamo Elektrostal
• Country : Russia
• Location : Moscow
• Founded : 1994
• Wikipedia link : http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinamo_Elektrostal

Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow - Titles, trophies and places of honor

• Best result : First Round in 2021/2022
• Best result : 1st
• 1 times first in 2010
• 1 times second in 2009
• 1 times third in 2017

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Trek Marlin 6 Women's

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / S - 13.63 kg / 30.05 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Marlin 6 Women’s is a quality introductory women’s cross country mountain bike with front suspension, parts designed specifically for women, and an upgraded 2×8 drivetrain that’s light, simple, and easy to use. It’s built in Trek’s trail heritage, but also equipped with details like mounts for a rack and kickstand that make it a great choice for daily commuters.

Where To Buy

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR
• Fork SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout,100mm QR, 100mm travel
• Wheels Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.20"
• Chain KMC Z8.3, 8 speed
• Crank Shimano M315, 36/22
• Shifters Shimano Altus M315, 8 speed
• Brakeset Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Ajna Women's
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset
• Stem Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree
• Grips Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on
• Headset Semi-integrated, 1-1/8"

Q: How much is a 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's?

A 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's is typically priced around $650 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's?

The 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's weigh?

A 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's weights S - 13.63 kg / 30.05 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's have?

The 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2020 Trek Marlin 6 Women's should I get?

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