Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the May's Giveaway: Win the LIVALL PikaBoost 2 E-bike Conversion Kit


Cross Country vs. trail
#1
Thinking of getting back into mountain biking. I care far more about climbing than bombing downhill at maximum speed. Would a light cross country be the way to go? Trek Top Fuel? Specialized Epic? 27.5 or 29er?
  Reply
#2
(07-08-2019, 09:21 PM)dwc7 Wrote:  Thinking of getting back into mountain biking. I care far more about climbing than bombing downhill at maximum speed. Would a light cross country be the way to go? Trek Top Fuel? Specialized Epic? 27.5 or 29er?

Hey,
are you aiming for fully and not hardtail?
  Reply
#3
(07-09-2019, 05:42 PM)JoJoJo Wrote:  
(07-08-2019, 09:21 PM)dwc7 Wrote:  Thinking of getting back into mountain biking. I care far more about climbing than bombing downhill at maximum speed. Would a light cross country be the way to go? Trek Top Fuel? Specialized Epic? 27.5 or 29er?

Hey,
are you aiming for fully and not hardtail?

Definitely full suspension
  Reply
#4
(07-08-2019, 09:21 PM)dwc7 Wrote:  Definitely full suspension

My vote goes for Scott Spark 940 (or any 29er) and the exact model depends on the desired price range -> if you have specific budget in mind? Honestly this is the only fully I have biked as I am more of a hardtail MTB guy -> overall have completely moved to the 29" fan club. But have heard from others and enjoyed myself that Spark is smooth & feels great especially in uphill rides. Meanwhile the 2019 model does not differ much from 2018 in terms of upgrades so that is something to consider.
  Reply
#5
(07-11-2019, 08:50 PM)JoJoJo Wrote:  
(07-08-2019, 09:21 PM)dwc7 Wrote:  Definitely full suspension

My vote goes for Scott Spark 940 (or any 29er) and the exact model depends on the desired price range -> if you have specific budget in mind? Honestly this is the only fully I have biked as I am more of a hardtail MTB guy -> overall have completely moved to the 29" fan club. But have heard from others and enjoyed myself that Spark is smooth & feels great especially in uphill rides. Meanwhile the 2019 model does not differ much from 2018 in terms of upgrades so that is something to consider.



This is great, thanks very much for your detailed and useful reply! I'm looking into right now.

Best,

Dan
  Reply
#6
(07-11-2019, 08:50 PM)JoJoJo Wrote:  This is great, thanks very much for your detailed and useful reply! I'm looking into right now.

Best,

Dan

Welcome. I used to do a lot of downhill back in the days in Bavaria (with fully of course but I draw a line between downhill and XC bikes) but times changed with my move across the ocean. Now it is more about taking my road bikey out for a short evening ride -> but I sure hope that one day I can get back into some cross country on fully & fight through endurance events.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
20,584
04-17-2011, 10:49 AM
Last Post: Bill
 
10,601
11-17-2010, 10:05 AM
Last Post: Bill

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
New Member
Yesterday 03:46 AM
How to stay safe while biking?
Yesterday 03:44 AM
Safest bike helmets
Yesterday 03:42 AM
Biking with helmet laws
Yesterday 03:38 AM
Exploring the Hills with My Birch Hunter...
Yesterday 12:48 AM
Doctors are Prescribing Cycling
Yesterday 12:25 AM
Wearable Fitness Trackers
05-15-2025 06:08 AM
Columbia 3 wheel differential
05-15-2025 12:27 AM
Great Trail Ride - NW Lancaster, Pa
05-14-2025 05:26 PM
Pre Ride Food Intake
05-13-2025 11:12 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Flowrider
21 posts
no avatar 2. Painkiller
20 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
16 posts
no avatar 4. enkei
12 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
12 posts