Light, fast, efficient - sounds suspiciously like a racing bike. Mountain bikes are usually rather not known for top speed. But that is so not (more) quite right! The mountain bikes specialize more and more, that thereby also come out a few nippy racing machines, was actually clear. We present you here their most important representatives and their characteristics:
1. What does XC, Race and Marathon mean?
Marathon sounds actually more like the sad truth: "Who loves his bike, he pushes!". But don't worry, you're not supposed to scramble over the mountains on foot. Marathon here simply means "enduring and fast". Marathon running is the longest Olympic running discipline, so the corresponding mountain bikes are also mainly about endurance over long distances. As touring fullys, they are suitable for bike touring and bikepacking.
XC (also CC) stands forCross Country, the gear ratio tells you where it goes - cross-country trips are announced. In principle, you also buy here a touring capable Fully.
Race bikes -who would have thought?! - spice up your cross-country rides with a good dose of speed. They are blessed with masses of propulsion. Race means race and race can these bikes best. They are still not to be confused with racing bikes (English: Road Bikes)!
The different designations of the bikes come from the corresponding racing disciplines, whose framework is specified by UCI, World Cups or Olympics. The bikes are usually optimized for the requirements of these races. But you don't have to compete with the world's elite. You can just get on your bike and have fun with the speed rush on the trail behind the house. You can but compete with the cool Fullys in competitions, fast enough they are always!
A hair-trigger subdivision of bikes, by the way, is rather difficult.They are very similar, depending on manufacturer and model, there are overlaps or tiny details that shift the talents of an MTB rather in one direction or another. To get around this hurdle, the bikes then like to XC-tourers or marathon racers mixed . Therefore, our descriptions are not set in stone, can blur or have to be completely re-sorted with the next model year.
2. XC, race MTB and marathon bike - which is which?
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CX, CC, Cross Country Bikes
Cross country races exist with different requirements. One of the most famous is Olympic discipline XCO, in the individual race is conquered after the mass start a circuit in about 90 min.
Excellent acceleration helps to have the nose in front from the beginning in the mass start, also during the relatively short race top times are driven. An XC is therefore optimized for best times on the short course. Starting power, high stiffness and rapid propulsion make the bikes ready for competition. The suspensions usually have 100mm of travel, not too much for sufficient speed and not too little to get along off-road.
A sporty, tight chassis and an extremely fast geo make Race MTBs real sprinters. The weight-optimized basis with a lot of propulsion makes the Race Fullys climb-joyful and uncompromising full-throttle capable. You can count on unstoppable propulsion and a direct driving style.
The mountain bike marathon is a separate racing discipline with a minimum time of 3 hours and 60 km, or 4 hours and 80 km (World Series)
The long distances require a mountain bike that is competitive in terms of speed, but also comfortable enough for long times in the saddle. On the marathon bike has therefore settled a suspension travel of 100 mm +, 120 mm are currently standard. The high level of riding comfort, a balanced seating position and uncomplicated handling make a Marathon MTB a sporty all-rounder. For a little more versatility off-road, there are occasionally Vario supports.
3. Arrow-fast MTBs
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It's like it always is in mountain bike design - speed and endurance are on one side of the equation. On the other is off-road capability. In the case of the marathon full, XC bike and touring full, the slider is clearly shifted in the direction of long distance, efficiency and thus speed. On the other hand, this means that for challenging terrain, technical trails or to rattle downhill at top speed, you should shop in a different department.
There are two options in the design: Marathon bikes, race bikes and XC MTBs add a frame suspension to fast hardtails. Or Fullys get a fast hardtail frame geometry. Whatever the starting point, the compromise, which comes out is offroad fast on the road.
4. touring mountain bikes are light
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If we lump the three bikes together for this one point, the bottom line is a pleasing weight class. When it has to go fast, too much weight isn't exactly helpful. Therefore, marathon fullys, XC bikes and touring MTBs are rather light, at least compared to other fullys. Many build on a carbon base, which still brings a real jolt down on the scale. But even inexpensive aluminum versions are - for a fully - usually real lightweights.
5. uphill or downhill?
First the bad news: to give everything downhill, you need a different bike. You'll get back down the hill on an XC racer, too, but you'd do better with a downhill bike. Marathon bikes, cross county MTBs and touring bikes are willing climbers though! Their efficiency and light weight lets you conquer climbs that other bikes can only manage in a lift.
In contrast to the technically demanding Downhill, there is the Downcountry division of XC fullys, where it is not quite as rough, but fast.
6. The gears
Single gears are now the measure of all things in the MTB sector, especially among the faster MTBs you will probably find nothing else. A 1x shift with a wide range gives you enough reserves for different types of terrain and climbs, biting head-to-head races and long-distance excursions.
7. The tires
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Endurance and speed - both requirements that are better met with large tires. Therefore, you will find here in usually 29-inch wheels, which score with good traction and propulsion. A little more weight - yes. A little less maneuverability - give it! The main thing is fast! Therefore, the tires do not turn out quite as thick as in other MTB disciplines. Grip and suitable for the terrain are the slippers of course, but here is always a portion of speed with in the game, less rolling resistance and weight are there of course advantageous.
8. lockout is mandatory
A damper likes to become an annoying energy sucker. With every pedaling motion, the frame and suspension fork bob along, your leg work thus ends up partly in the oil bath or dissolves into thin air. For a bike that should deliver speed and efficiency rather unfavorable. Therefore, you can block the chassis by lockout. The effect: less bounce, more speed.
9. hardtail or Fully?
We don't want to confuse you, but there's no getting around this question: "Hardtail or Fully?" You'll find the answer on your favorite bike trails. As always, technical terrain is Fully territory, while speed tends to fall more within a hardtail's area of expertise.
On climbs and in terms of speed, a hardtail always scores with its efficiency.
Hardtails can also outperform fullys in a weight comparison at any time. Without shocks and with a simpler frame design, they usually bring a few kilos less, which not only facilitates the drive, but also the handling.
Fullys, on the other hand, expand your radius significantly, especially in terms of surfaces and terrain. To the terrain mobility of a full-suspension bike comes a hardtail usually but not approach!
A hardtail can, as far as the comfort is concerned, also can not keep up with a Fully. In addition to the ride advantages, shocks absorb shocks before they rip your shoulders out of their joints or shatter your spinal discs.
10. When is a race full, marathon bike or XC MTB the right bike for you and are there alternatives?
You are looking for a efficient bike, which is also suitable for long distances and high speeds? Then you are completely right here! The suspended chassis firstly expands your off-road options, it also increases the ride comfort on uneven surfaces.
If you want to participate in the appropriate competitions, there is of course no alternative to the right bike.
If you do not plan regular trips off-road and then also rather field paths or forest trails on the agenda, a Gravel Bike would be a real alternative. The cozy road bike-touring bike mix is suitable for touring, bikepacking and everyday life and is moderately off-road capable. Also among the hardtail mountain bikes here in the online store there are marathon bikes, XC bikes or race hardtails. They have a very similar field of application, but are cheaper and lighter. If you prefer to tackle technically challenging terrain, a Trailbike or AM bike is your cup of tea. Downcountry is nice enough, but you're looking for the absolute adrenaline rush that gravity can give you going downhill? Then you should buy a downhill bike!
