Mountain Biking - Xc marathon vs regular

I know I'm new so that means I have alot of questions. Whats the difference between XC marathon bikes and just the regular all nountain or XC bikes?

I don't think it's anything official, it may very well indicate differences between product lines that are more than marketing gimmicks, but I don't know what bikes you're looking at so it's difficult to say.

All mountain is different from XC, characterized by a bit more weight, more durability and stopping power, less emphasis on high speeds (maybe a 2 chainring front crank with bashguard or a 34t cassette), and full suspension frames (though there are certainly all-mountain hardtails and a select few full suspension XC frames).

Marathon and regular could be a weight thing, it could be ergonomics related (better seat, easier shifting levers), but I don't recognize it as a standard.... at least all-mountain is fairly differentiated in terms of usage though it may borrow parts from XC and DH all the same.

a select few full suspension XC frames).
What? There are tons.

I don't think it's anything official, it may very well indicate differences between product lines that are more than marketing gimmicks, but I don't know what bikes you're looking at so it's difficult to say.

All mountain is different from XC, characterized by a bit more weight, more durability and stopping power, less emphasis on high speeds (maybe a 2 chainring front crank with bashguard or a 34t cassette), and full suspension frames (though there are certainly all-mountain hardtails and a select few full suspension XC frames).

Marathon and regular could be a weight thing, it could be ergonomics related (better seat, easier shifting levers), but I don't recognize it as a standard.... at least all-mountain is fairly differentiated in terms of usage though it may borrow parts from XC and DH all the same.


I was talking mainly about Rocky Mountains bikes because they have a "marathon" catagory of bikes but I guess its pretty logical to assume a marketing gimmick haha. Thanks though for the response

I would agree with DaJMasta on the point of ergonomics.

Marathon bikes would more likely have a frame/setup (custom might be better) that you can be on for the whole day and not ache just after 3 hours...

As for the marketing gimmick, i doubt. Although there is a possibility for that.