Cross-country cycling

cross-country trails were deemed "easy" or "intermediate", due to the concept that this discipline of mountain biking relies more on physical ability than technical prowess.

In both the front and rear, most XC bicycles have approximately 100 millimetres (10.0 cm; 3.9 in) of suspension travel and max out at 120 millimeters at the front typically (although on occasion it is 130 millimeters) and 120 millimeters in the rear, although some riders prefer 125 to 150 millimetres (12.5 to 15.0 cm; 4.9 to 5.9 in) of travel as bicycle frame strength and technology advance, but most mountain bikes past 130 mm of suspension on either the front or rear are not regarded as cross-country bikes.

Additionally, many mountain bike races are divided up into stages so as to span several days.

Unlike downhill races, which are conducted in a time trial format, cross-country races traditionally feature a mass start or interval start, where riders are released in several large groups divided by age and/or ability.

Consists of completing multiple laps around a 4–10 km (2.5–6.0 mile) circuit, with a duration of about 90 minutes for elite classes.

It has gained popularity in the last years, because XCM competition participation is open to everyone, including beginners.

29″ inch wheels started rapidly gaining popularity in the mid to late 2000s, and have become very successful in cross-country racing as a whole.

Advantages to the larger wheel formats are less need for suspension due to a decreased angle of attack, more energy propelling the bike forward per pedal stroke, and also less loss of momentum.

Disadvantages include slightly increased weight, decreased acceleration, higher rolling inertia, rider fit issues for those under 5′5″ (165 cm), and slower handling, although handling issues are being addressed successfully in newer designs with geometry changes like steeper head tube angles and higher fork offsets (although these changes are being reversed slowly by most brands to increase stability).