Cross Country vs. trail

[dwc7]

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?

[JoJoJo]

(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?

[dwc7]

(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

[JoJoJo]

(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.

[dwc7]

(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

[JoJoJo]

(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.