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Best downcountry mountain bikes of 2024 | Top-rated downcountry MTBs and buyer's guide

The top downcountry mountain bikes, tested and rated by our expert reviewers

Steve Behr / Immediate Media

Stan Portus

Imagine a bike that can tackle all-day epic rides with ease and efficiency, cover ground extremely fast and has just the right mix of componentry to fly down descents, and you're on your way to picturing the best downcountry mountain bikes.

Here, we list the best downcountry mountain bikes in 2024, as tested and rated by our expert reviewers at BikeRadar.

A relative newcomer to the mountain bike scene, downcountry bikes are growing quickly in popularity because they give you everything you need and nothing you don't.

Many of these bikes started life as race-ready cross-country mountain bikes, but they have been given some extra travel and a more progressive geometry, while retaining their XC speed.

Not all downcountry bikes are built the same, though. While some are more like beefed-up cross-country mountain bikes , others are closer to the best trail mountain bikes – pared-back and adrenaline-seeking.

We've put together a buyer's guide at the end of this article to help you choose the best downcountry bike for you and to help explain this new category of bike.

Best downcountry mountain bikes of 2024

Transition spur x01.

• Great geometry
• Smooth downhill, sprightly uphill
• £6,000 / $6,499 / AU$10,499 as tested

Unlike some downcountry bikes, the full-carbon frame Transition Spur is neither a beefed-up XC machine or a pared-back trail bike. Instead, Transition started from the ground up to build a bike that, it claims, will cover ground quickly and fly down descents.

The Spur has 120mm of travel in both the front fork and the rear shock , and when it comes to descending it really shines a light on how capable a bike like this can be, staying composed with an innate ability to smooth out the trail despite its modest travel.

When climbing, the Spur is quick and efficient, surging forward as you step on the pedals, and staying firmly rooted on rough pitches.

Overall, Transition has created a bike with superb geometry, well-considered kit and a ride that would put many longer-travel bikes to shame.

• Read the full Transition Spur X01 review

Cotic FlareMAX GX AXS

• Very capable downhill
• Fast rolling and responsive

Designed for riding in the UK, the FlareMAX feels capable in most situations, leaning more to the side of ‘down’ in the downcountry equation.

Uphill, the FlareMAX offers tons of traction, accelerating efficiently when you stamp on the pedals. Featuring 125mm of rear travel, the FlareMAX has a ground-hugging feel that never makes it seem under-biked when pointed downhill.

The bike comes well specced with a 120mm RockShox SID fork up front, while Cane Creek's DBair IL takes care of the rear. It also features SRAM’s Eagle AXS drivetrain and G2 RSC brakes, making the bike weigh in at 13.9kg for a size large.

Juliana Wilder CC X01 AXS TR Reserve

• Super-light, responsive build
• Impressively capable on the descents
• £8,299 / $9,449 as tested

Weighing in at 10.5kg, it’s no surprise that this range-topping new downcountry build from Juliana is a mega climber.

By dropping the VPP linkage, the rear-suspension design has helped to shave 289g off the frame weight of the Blur – the Wilder’s Santa Cruz equivalent – yielding 115mm travel using the single-pivot linkage and flex-stays.

There’s more to this new downcountry rig than pure prowess uphill though: specced with 120mm travel up-front, the Wilder is surprisingly capable when it comes to tackling rougher ground and descents.

• Read the full Juliana Wilder CC Xo1 AXS TR Reserve review

Specialized Epic EVO Expert

• Super-fast when you step on the pedals
• Short-travel but incredibly capable
• £6,750 / $6,300 / AU$10,100 / €6,699 as tested

The Specialized Epic EVO is a rocketship, reflective of its cross-country roots.

On climbs, the bike is sprightly and energetic and gives the feeling that everything you put into the pedals is translated into forward momentum. Slow up a little bit and the bike sits in the middle of its travel and feels more supportive than others.

When you point the Epic EVO downhill, it's surprisingly stable, delivering far beyond its 120mm of travel on rougher terrain, but getting the right line is important to really unlock the bike's potential.

For the price, one might expect a carbon bar rather than the alloy one Specialized has specced, and the brand's in-house tyres could be switched out for some extra bite.

• Read the full Specialized Epic EVO Expert review

Trek Top Fuel 8

• Ideal suspension and geometry
• Meaty but weighty frame
• £3,850 / $3,830 / €4,099 / AU$5,300 as tested

The Trek Top Fuel 8 won't quite match its rivals on descents, but it's highly versatile, climbing and nullifying rugged surfaces with aplomb.

The modern geometry and gearing of the Shimano XT/SLX groupset allow you to scamper up sheer inclines, provided the Bontrager XR4 tyres retain purchase.

Downhill, the Top Fuel is agile and the RockShox SID fork is only outgunned on the most technical sections.

Unlike an XC bike, the Top Fuel should be forgiving enough to pootle along on all-day adventures.

• Read our full Trek Top Fuel review

YT Izzo Uncaged 7

• Modern geometry
• Impressive climbing ability
• Good spec for the money
• £6,299 / $6,499 / €6,299 as tested

The Izzo Uncaged 7 features the same frame as the rest of YTs Izzo range, but features 120mm of travel front and rear instead of the usual 130mm.

Being direct to customer, YT has provided a high spec for the money featuring SRAM's XX1 AXS groupset and G2 Ultimate brakes. A full carbon frame and the carbon DT Swiss XCR 1200 wheels make covering ground quick and easy.

Descending is at the core of the Izzo, though meatier tyres would allow it smash gnarlier trails.

• Read our full YT Izzo Uncaged 7 review

Nukeproof Reactor Carbon 290 ST

• Downhill demon
• Great spec for the price
• £4,700 / $4,700 / AU$6,600 as tested

The Nukeproof Reactor ST is a really capable bike that comes with progressive geometry and a good riding position.

Considering the price point of the Reactor ST, the kit that is bolted to it is really impressive. There is a Fox Factory 34 fork, a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset, Maxxis rubber and carbon handlebar.

On descents, the Fox 34 feels well-controlled and the 125mm of travel in the rear can take some pretty big hits, creating a ride that is seriously fun.

The Reactor ST isn't energetic on climbs and locking the shock is advised to get a bit more efficiency on long drags. This means the Reactor ST isn't quite as rounded as other downcountry bikes, but when it comes to descending and value for money, it's hard to beat.

• Read our full Nukeproof Reactor Carbon 290 ST review

Scott Spark 900 Tuned AXS

• Lightning fast
• Suspension eases over bumps
• £8,199 as tested (international pricing TBC)

Even in its downcountry guise, with a 130mm-travel fork, the Scott Spark 900 Tuned AXS is suitably rapid. This is in part due to the Fox Nude 5T shock and fast-rolling Schwalbe Wicked Will tyres.

Thankfully, the Shimano XTR brakes can cool off that speed.

Although the Scott Spark whizzes up rock-strewn ascents, on leveller ground the suspension tends to absorb power from the pedals instead of propelling the bike forwards.

• Read the full Scott Spark 900 Tuned AXS review

Scott Spark 910

• Very fast, devours climbs
• Clean hardware

Sharing its frame with the Spark RC cross-country race-bike, the Spark 910 is a fast mile-munching monster with top-of-the-class climbing ability.

The Fox Nude rear shock provides 120mm of travel and is hidden away in the seat tube, creating a clean-looking frame and protecting the shock from the elements. A 130mm Fox 34 fork supports the front end, and the bike is specced with Shimano's XT drivetrain and features a Syncros Fraser integrated bar and stem.

Unlike some downcountry bikes, the Spark is still very much 'country' focused, and is more at home at trail centres rather than gnarly backcountry descents.

Also consider…

This downcountry mountain bike scored fewer than four out of five stars in testing, but is still worth considering.

Cannondale Scalpel SE LTD Lefty

• Incredibly comfortable
• Agile and fun
• £7,000 / $8,300 / €8,399 as tested

The Scalpel SE LTD Lefty shares the same carbon frame as Cannondale's XC Scalpel but has a longer stroke shock to increase the travel from 100mm to 120mm.

This cross-country DNA is apparent in the handling, with the Scalpel eager to get moving and climb. The bike doesn't feel quite as supportive or as bob-free as other downcountry bikes, but on long straight climbs, it can go along at a good pace.

The Scalpel really shines on meandering downhills. It slithers over roots and rocks with ease and is nimble on flowing trail park descents. But rougher terrain will reveal the limits of the Scalpel quicker than other similar bikes.

Having said this, if you're looking for a downcountry bike more at the XC end of the spectrum, the Scalpel is ready to eat up some big miles and comfortably cut through singletrack too.

• Read the full Cannondale Scalpel SE LTD Lefty review

First ride recommendations

These downcountry bikes have only been ridden by the BikeRadar testers a handful of times, so they haven't yet been given a full, rated review, but they are worth considering.

Yeti SB115 T1

• Supple and supportive suspension
• Super-solid chassis
• £6,499 / $6,300 / €7,490 as tested

Adapted from Yeti's SB100 cross-country bike , the SB115 T1 is a solid bike that feels very planted through the chunder but efficient on the climbs.

The SB115 is graced with Fox Factory suspension that comes up trumps. High anti-squat figures keep the bike feeling stable on climbs.

On descents, it is soft enough to keep the rear wheel stuck to the ground and with enough mid-stroke support for some good pop. It also ramps up nicely for bigger hits, even though there is just 115mm of travel in the rear.

The geometry of the Yeti is fairly similar to the SB100, which contributes to its speed, but the reach is short and it could do with a bit more length to remain stable and less skittish on loose rocks and steep chutes.

• Read the Yeti SB115 T1 first ride review

Buyer’s guide to downcountry mountain bikes

Mountain biking often feels like a broad umbrella for many different disciplines; from trail to high-flying downhill, there are myriad riding styles and, of course, the bikes to match.

Downcountry bikes are one of the latest mountain biking phenomena, sitting at the intersection of cross-country, trail and all-mountain bikes.

Having existed in one form or another for a number of years, downcountry bikes have recently hit the mainstream. As demand for this type of bike began to balloon, the bike industry responded, and downcountry is now a burgeoning category.

Different brands approach downcountry bikes in slightly different ways, but this buyer’s guide will take you through everything you need to know.

What is a downcountry mountain bike?

In short, downcountry bikes are lightweight XC-style frames with added travel, trail-friendly geometry and wider, knobbly tyres.

The result? Bikes that will cover ground extremely fast but still enable you to charge down descents.

The term 'downcountry' was coined by Mike Levy at PinkBike three years ago, and is a mash-up of 'downhill' and 'cross-country'. So, a pretty neat encapsulation of what the bikes are for, and consequently a term that has stuck around.

The origin of downcountry bikes is a bit hazy. Some say it extends back to cross-country racing, where gnarlier courses demanded more technical, gravity-capable machines. Others say it comes from engineers making small tweaks to thoroughbred XC race bikes to make them more fun to ride.

Arguably, they could stem from manufacturers doing their market research and seeing consumers riding more extreme terrain on their cross-country bikes and making corresponding upgrades to existing bikes.

However they came to be, some of the biggest bikes brands now offer off-the-shelf downcountry bikes that deliver a refined balance of short travel, minimal mass and progressive geometry.

What to look for in a downcountry mountain bike

Alongside trail-friendly geometry, wide knobbly tyres and extended travel, downcountry bikes have a few other features that help them balance their fast and agile ride with their downhill performance and more relaxed feel.

Much of what makes a downcountry bike is what it is specced with, and here we run through the key things to look out for.

A lightweight frame with a relaxed geometry

Go back 10 years and tell a cross-country rider they’d one day be riding a bike with a 66-degree head tube angle and they’d probably look at you as if you’d had one too many caffeine gels. But now, this is exactly what is happening with downcountry bikes.

This angle is slacker than traditional cross-country bikes and helps give downcountry bikes their gravity-riding potential. This is because a slacker angle means the front fork sticks our further, creating a more stable ride at high speeds.

Reach figures have also increased as head angles have decreased. A longer reach number makes the bike feel more stable when you’re stood on the pedals descending.

Descending stability was going to be an inevitable outcome when combining the slack head angle, long reach and the consequential longer wheelbases created by those two figures.

Even though downcountry bikes have more gravity-friendly geometry, they remain relatively light so riders aren’t pushing too much mass, helping the bikes stay fast.

Short-travel

Although downcountry bikes have a short-travel design, they still offer a bit more travel than cross-country race machines to help them on more technical downhill sections.

As a general rule, downcountry bikes have between 120mm and 130mm travel in the forks and a variation of between 110mm and 125mm at the back, depending on brand and model.

Some downcountry bikes do offer more travel, but this is testament to how downcountry is a rather woolly category that is more about different factors coming together than travel defining what the bike is.

Large wheels and burly tyres

29in wheels are standard on downcountry bikes. Compared to 27.5in wheels, they require less effort to keep their momentum and are consequently more efficient, making them the right choice for the sorts of longer, more pedalling-intensive rides you’ll be doing on these bikes.

Downcountry bikes pair 29in wheels with wider and burlier tyres than you would expect to find on 29er cross-country bikes.

These mountain bike tyres sit between fast-rolling, lightweight XC tyres and chunkier downhill treads, making them fast and less of a drag when climbing, yet more durable and capable on the rough stuff.

Wide bars and short stems

Wide bars and short stems are the go-to for downcountry bikes.

The wide bars give you more leverage and help make downcountry bikes super-stable, agile and less skittish than bikes with more XC-focused components.

A shorter stem also improves handling. It gives the bike quicker handling characteristics by making steering more direct and makes the bike feel more responsive.

Dropper seatposts

Dropper posts are a common feature on downcountry bikes because they give riders a bit more space for moving around and shifting weight on technical descents.

It’s possible to raise the saddle for efficient pedalling and to make the most of downcountry bikes’ cross-country-style speed, combining the best of both worlds.

It might not be a surprise that downcountry bikes come with dropper posts considering their versatility, and dropper posts are even making their way onto gravel bikes .

Gearing on downcountry bikes is slanted towards the cross-country end of the spectrum. Front rings tend to have between 32 and 38 teeth compared to the 30- to 34-tooth rings on trail bikes.

This allows for more speed, which is always appreciated on the smoother trails and fire roads that a downcountry bike is at home bombing along, and for long days in the saddle.

When it comes to brakes on downcountry bikes there is a mix, but they tend to use two-pot rather than four-pot mountain bike disc brakes , where there are only two pistons rather than four.

This is because downcountry bikes don't need the braking power of four pistons because they aren’t descending at the fast, white-knuckle speeds of downhill mountain bikes .

Two pistons rather than four also saves weight, helping downcountry bikes achieve their svelte builds.

In keeping with this, downcountry bikes also tend to have a mix of rotor sizes; 180mm on the front for better braking and heat dispersion and 160mm on the rear, where braking isn’t so strenuous on the disc and a few grams can be saved.

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Scott Spark 2022 970 vs 960

By RocketRacer March 14, 2022 in What Bike to Buy

Recommended Posts

Rocketracer.

Ola Riders. I am looking at getting a new Scott Spark. I initially looked at the 970 but saw that the price difference between that and the 960 was not huge. I made a little comparison sheet with the differences highlighted in yellow. would the 960 be a better option over the 970? if yes, why? I look for ward to your feedback. 

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While there is nothing wrong with Shimano, for the last 2 years they have been less than pathetic when it comes to spare parts.

Sram wins out easily just based on being able to run the bike knowing you will find a cassette, chain or some other obscure part.

For the price (around R50k), I'd rather look at the Trek Top Fuel 7. No integrated cabling, better fork, shock and groupset with a lifetime warranty to the original owner

Dexter-morgan

I think the new Alu Scott ranges are very heavy or is it just me.

24 minutes ago, Furbz said: While there is nothing wrong with Shimano, for the last 2 years they have been less than pathetic when it comes to spare parts. Sram wins out easily just based on being able to run the bike knowing you will find a cassette, chain or some other obscure part.

this makes great sense. thank you.

12 minutes ago, thebob said: For the price (around R50k), I'd rather look at the Trek Top Fuel 7. No integrated cabling, better fork, shock and groupset with a lifetime warranty to the original owner

Th problem I have is finding stock in Durban. I did also look at the Trek initially. I have reached out to TrekSA for a Durban agent. 

3 minutes ago, Dexter-morgan said: I think the new Alu Scott ranges are very heavy or is it just me.

what should be the weight for this type of bike?

Not sure what size you are after, but Biket has some available and they are in KZN:

2022 Top Fuel 7 - Matte Dnister Black – biket.co.za

2022 Top Fuel 7 - Matte OliveGrey – biket.co.za

Also, getting the correct sized bike trumps every single spec item and should be the priority

4 minutes ago, thebob said: Not sure what size you are after, but Biket has some available and they are in KZN: 2022 Top Fuel 7 - Matte Dnister Black – biket.co.za 2022 Top Fuel 7 - Matte OliveGrey – biket.co.za Also, getting the correct sized bike trumps every single spec item and should be the priority

Thanks thebob. I will call the store, I am currently riding a L hardtail (Silverback Stride Comp). 

40 minutes ago, Dexter-morgan said: I think the new Alu Scott ranges are very heavy or is it just me.

True that, almost 15kg for a 50k bike regardless if its alu, eish. 

3 minutes ago, Spafsack said: True that, almost 15kg for a 50k bike regardless if its alu, eish. 

and that is without pedals or anything else.

1 hour ago, RocketRacer said: Th problem I have is finding stock in Durban. I did also look at the Trek initially. I have reached out to TrekSA for a Durban agent. 

Ask Reform Cycling. Leeroy should be able to source one for you

52 minutes ago, PregoRoll said: Ask Reform Cycling. Leeroy should be able to source one for you

Thanks, I have spoken to Leeroy.

1 hour ago, Spafsack said: True that, almost 15kg for a 50k bike regardless if its alu, eish. 

now thats crazy!

3 hours ago, RocketRacer said: Ola Riders. I am looking at getting a new Scott Spark. I initially looked at the 970 but saw that the price difference between that and the 960 was not huge. I made a little comparison sheet with the differences highlighted in yellow. would the 960 be a better option over the 970? if yes, why? I look for ward to your feedback.   

Those are pricey for the specs. Maybe I just don't know what new bikes cost?

6 minutes ago, Dusty said: Those are pricey for the specs. Maybe I just don't know what new bikes cost?

and here I am looking at the "cheap" dual suspension bikes. It seems that around the 40-50k mark is now considered entry level for a dual suspension. the Trek Top Fuel 7 comes in at R50k as well. 

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MBUK’s Trail Bike of the Year 2022

“It’s easy to look at the bike from afar and assume this is just another downcountry rig... It wasn’t until I’d fired it over some jumps, nosed it down the odd steep chute and slung it through my test loops’ berms that I realised the Top Fuel is, simply put, a bloody brilliant trail bike.”

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Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow

• 1.1 By plane
• 1.2 By train
• 4 Events, Festivals

Zelenograd and New Moscow are two large parts of Moscow city, that lie (often far) outside consolidated residential zone of the city, which lies within and just beyond the MKAD (Moscow Ring Road).

Zelenograd was added in Moscow in 1968 as one of the leading scientific centers. New Moscow was added to Moscow in 2012, forming Novomoskovky and Troitskiy Administrativniy Okrugs with plans of new vast expansion. New Moscow territory is yet to change according to its new city status. Even though suburbial kind construction intensifies in Novomoskovsky Administrativniy Okrug, Troitskiy Administrativniy Okrug still mostly has a rural feel.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Vnukovo and Ostafyevo airports are situated in New Moscow proper, though from Ostafyevo airport you still have to go through the "old" Moscow. It is possible to get from Sheremetyevo to Zelenograd without going to the old city - you have to change to 400 minibus on Leningrad highway or on local train on Planernaya. From Domodedovo airport you'll have to go through the old city anyway (the route through Domodedovo and Podolsk will take more time).

By train [ edit ]

Local trains connect Zelenograd with Leningrad Train Station, Tver, Klin and Konakovo. Local trains from Kiev Train Station pass through northern part of New Moscow between Novoperedelkino and Krekshino. To go to Zosimova Pustyn you may want to go all the way to Bekasovo, but trains there are infrequent. It is possible to get to New Moscow through Podolsk, but you'll have to change to bus there.

By bus [ edit ]

Most frequent bus to Zelenograd is bus 400 from Rechnoi Vokzal. It has special pricing. Buses are primary way of public transport to get to New Moscow, new buses are often added. Most buses start from Yugo-Zapadnaya and Tepliy Stan metroes, and Podolsk train station. Troitsk serves as a bus hub.

By car [ edit ]

Zelenograd is accessible by M10 highway. Major highways in New Moscow are M3, A101, Warsaw highway Podolsk - Kresty (joining with A101), first "Beton Ring" A107 and Borovsk highway Peredelkino - Vnukovo - to join with M3. M10 and A101 are often highly congested, M3 may be less prone to it, except Moscow vicinity, and crossing with A107, A107 is congested near M3 crossing, which is northwest of New Moscow; Warsaw highway is congested in Podolsk, and you'll have to pass congested M2 to get there from MKAD.

Connect [ edit ]

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Early History

In the December 1812 manifesto, Tsar Alexander declared the cathedral would “…signify Our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the doom that overshadowed Her and to preserve the memory of the unheard of efforts, loyalty, and love for our faith and homeland displayed during these difficult days by the Russian people…” While planning for the cathedral began as Napoleon and his army retreated from Russia its completion was decades later.

Under a plan by the architect Vitberg an initial start of the construction of cathedral began on October 12 , 1817 with laying and blessing of the cornerstone. The site chosen was on Sparrow Hills between the Smolensk and Kaluga roads. The site, however, was found to be unstable and not suitable for the planned structure. As alternatives were considered Alexander was succeeded by his brother Nicholas I who had different architectural preferences. Konstantin A. Ton presented a second plan that placed the cathedral on a different site on the bank of the Moscow River that was occupied by the Aleksevevsky Convent and the Church of All Saints. The new plan was approved by Nicholas I on April 10 , 1832.

After moving the convent to Sokolniki, construction of the Cathedral began on September 10 , 1839 with the laying of the cornerstone. Construction of the huge structure continued for forty years. By 1841, the walls of the lower level were completed, followed by the joining of the arch of the main cupola in 1846. Covered by scaffolding, work continued on the exterior facing of the building and a start was made on construction of the metal roofs and lesser cupolas. The main cupola was completed in 1849. In 1860, the scaffolding was removed and the Cathedral was revealed for the first time in all its glory.

Construction continued on details of the structure while areas around the Cathedral, including riverbank terraces and squares, were completed. By 1881 the major construction was finished, including a bronze balustrade and exterior lanterns. Work on the interior frescoes continued for another twenty years. The Cathedral was formally named the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on December 13 , 1880, when the priests and other clergy were also assigned to it for the first time. The Cathedral was consecrated on Ascension Day, May 26 , 1883, the day that Tsar Alexander III was crowned. Chapels , located in the upper gallery, were dedicated to Ss. Nicholas and Alexander Nevsky , on June 12 and July 8 , 1883 respectively.

The design of the cathedral followed that of ancient Russian churches that were built in the Byzantine style. It differed in having a more regular shape and was lighter in form. The cathedral contained a number of altars . The staff of the Cathedral was relatively small; the rector , an assistant rector, three priests, one protodeacon , two deacons , two subdeacons , four readers , two sextons, twelve bell-ringers, one baker (who made prosphora ), and the choir. Among the leaders of the choir were the famous composers A. A. Arkhangelsky and P. G. Chesnokov.

In the following years services were held regularly. Among the important events marked in the Cathedral were the 500th anniversary of the death of St. Sergius of Radonezh , the 100th anniversary of the war of 1812, the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, and consecration of memorials to Tsar Alexander III and Nicholas Gogol. The opening session of the council of 1917-1918 , that reinstated the patriarchate in the Russian Church, was held in the Cathedral. The Cathedral became the center for education and enlightenment.

After the assumption of governmental power by the Bolsheviks, the Cathedral was eventually closed. The site that it was on, as well as for ideological reasons, became an important factor in Bolshevik urban planning. Their plans entailed construction of a grandiose Palace of Soviets on the site topped with a statue of Vladimir Illich Ulyanov (Lenin) as a symbol of socialist victory and the leader of world proletariat. On December 5 , 1931 destruction of the Cathedral began under direction of Joseph Vissarionovich Djugashvili (Stalin) . It was a year before the site was cleared.

The construction of the palace was hampered from the start by lack of funds, problems with the foundation soil, flooding from the nearby Moscow River, and then World War II. The hugh hole blighted the area for years until Nikita Khrushchev had the site converted into a hugh swimming pool during the 1950s.

Recent history

The political thaw of the late 1980s brought on by a period of perestroika and the fall of the Soviet Union created an opening in which the Holy Synod of the Church of Russia , led by Patriarch Alexei II , requested the government of Russia and the City of Moscow for restoration of the destroyed Cathedral. Having been given approval in February 1990, the construction of the restored Cathedral began under Aleksey Denisov replicating the original design. Ordinary citizens contributed greatly to the construction fund that was started in 1994. After construction of the restored cathedral was well under way Denisov replaced by Zurab Tsereteli who made some controversial changes to the original design.

In 1996, the lower part of the building was completed and, in 1996, the church within it was consecrated to the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The completed Cathedral of Christ the Savior was consecrated on August 19 , 2000. Monumental statues of the Tsars Alexander II and Nicholas II were placed near the Cathedral and several chapels were built on the cathedral square.

On May 17 , 2007, in the assembly hall also located in the Cathedral, the ‘‘Act of Canonical Communion between the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia’’ ( ROCOR ) was signed, restoring full communion with the Moscow Patriarchate. The reunion was celebrated by a Divine Liturgy concelebrated by Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia and Metr. Laurus , First Hierarch of ROCOR.

External links

• Index - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• History of the Cathedral (1812-1931)
• Wikipedia:Cathedral_of_Christ_the_Saviour Moscow
• Churches in Russia

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Chance of Clearer Skies

Daily chance of precipitation, average monthly rainfall, average monthly snowfall, hours of daylight, chance of muggy conditions, average wind speed, average water temperature, tourism score, beach/pool score, growing season, growing degree days, average daily incident shortwave solar energy, data sources.

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