Originally Posted by zx108
yes i am also stumbling on that xc/all-mountain deference
That's because it has more to do with the bike and the rider than the trail. Telling someone that rides a XC hardtail bike that they shouldn't be dropping 4 foot ledges is silly. If you can do it on a xc hardtail then you can.
I do a several 100 mile rides and race in Ultras. I ride a 24 lb. 4 inch full because I think it's the best bike for that type of riding ...for me. But I know a guy who has joined me for a few of these day rides. He rides a 42 pound trail/dh bike. He hangs all day. Aside from being impressed with his strength, I say that he rides the bike that best suits his style ...not the terrain.
Matching a bike for terrain makes sense to a point. It also can limit ones ability to be a versitile rider. That's where I'm coming from.