Mountain Biking - XC vs AM vs DH vs FR

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : XC vs AM vs DH vs FR

nycphotography
08-23-07, 12:09 PM
Cross Country
All Mountain
Downhill (ok, I get this one)
Free Ride

Anyone have any links that will explain clearly these different styles these styles of mountain biking, and perhaps illustrate the differences between them?


So far, I get that DH is lots of travel, weight doesn't much matter since you ride the lift up, and fairly extreme attack on extreme terrain... ala downhill skiing or snowboarding. DH bikes have lots of travel, fewer gears, special concessions made to keep the chain from falling off, and are probably are the last thing you'd want to ride back up the mountain.

What about the others? How is Cross Country different from All Mounain or Free Ride?

born2bahick
08-23-07, 12:21 PM
http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=1083
born2bahick
08-23-07, 12:32 PM
http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=1083
Those are their definitions. Every individuals definitions are different because their terrain and riding styles are different.

ed
08-23-07, 01:41 PM
Those are their definitions. Every individuals definitions are different because their terrain and riding styles are different.

True...Freeride for me is when I get to ride back to the top of the mountain in a "buss" before the next trip down, hehe.
never
08-23-07, 01:55 PM
True...Freeride for me is when I get to ride back to the top of the mountain in a "buss" before the next trip down, hehe.

But that's only if you can ride the 'buss' for free...if you have to pay, then it's not freeride.
nycphotography
08-23-07, 02:05 PM
http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=1083

THANKS!!!

Exactly what I was looking for.... A general guide.
Tra!l !
08-23-07, 09:55 PM
haha! nice joke never.
Maelstrom
08-24-07, 08:25 AM
Anyone have any links that will explain clearly these different styles these styles of mountain biking, and perhaps illustrate the differences between them?


Nope...not clearly.
jetta_mike
08-24-07, 06:56 PM
DH = 9-11" of travel front and rear
Freeride = 8" of travel front and rear
All Mountain = 7" of travel front and rear
XC = 6" of travel front and rear
Road = 5" of travel front and rear

HTH

I wouldn't agree. What about the Transition Preston? its a 5" freeride bike, or the Transition Bottlerocket its 5.5 I think. defining a riding style by the amount of travel is not a good way too go. A better way to define it would be with frame geomet

mike


P.S. the new fad is mini-DH bikes. I think the run 6" front and rear with DH geometry.
cryptid01
08-24-07, 07:38 PM
P.S. the new fad is mini-DH bikes. I think the run 6" front and rear with DH geometry.

I've been doing that for years. I guess that means I'm part of a fad too!

Henceforth, I shall advocate a mini-dh bike to anyone who asks, irrespective of their experience level or locale.
Flak
08-25-07, 04:38 PM
I've been doing that for years. I guess that means I'm part of a fad too!

Henceforth, I shall advocate a mini-dh bike to anyone who asks, irrespective of their experience level or locale.

You're a pioneer!

...and all this time i just thought you were crazy!