What is Cross-Country Mountain Biking

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There are many disciplines of mountain biking for amateurs and professionals to enjoy, from downhill mountain biking to enduro. The differences between each discipline can be very subtle, as a few have many similarities. 

What is cross-country (XC) mountain biking? In this article, we will be providing you with all the key information you need to know about cross-country mountain biking and what makes this discipline different. 

Cross-country explained

Simply put, cross-country mountain biking focuses on distance and speed instead of technical terrain. Unlike some of the other disciplines like downhill mountain biking, a few parts of the course may require uphill pedaling, instead of taking a cable car to the top. Endurance is essential due to the long distances typically covered, and the bikes used are lighter than the mountain bikes used in other disciplines, such as downhill. 

Can anyone participate?

Cross-country mountain biking is a very accessible form of mountain biking, as it requires a much lower level of technical skill in comparison to a few of the other disciplines. However, it is recommended that if you’re looking to do your first race, you should be able to ride confidently off-road and on uneven terrain. 

If you’re an amateur, you don’t have to throw yourself into the deep end by riding a challenging trail during your first ride. In most cases, there are beginner-friendly trails that you can take instead of the ones with multiple jumps and rock gardens, which may be more suitable for advanced cross-country mountain bikers. 

Types of cross-country races

During cross-country races, riders usually all race concurrently. This differs from some of the other mountain biking disciplines, where riders complete a trail solo and their times are recorded.

Within cross-country racing, there is a subset of specialized races.

  • Cross-Country Eliminator (XCE) races – the last people who cross the line are eliminated.
  • Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) races – the times recorded to complete a short circuit are compared.
  • Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) races – individual riders compete to get the best time for an extended length, usually at least 25 miles or more. 

Trails cross-country riders use

Although cross-country mountain biking may seem closer to road cycling, cross-country riders ride on trails like in the other disciplines. These courses can range from singletrack paths to fire trails. The paths are generally quite mild, featuring twists and turns, hills and occasional jumps.

In fact, one of the key differences between downhill and cross-country riders is that downhill riders usually prefer more adrenaline-inducing trails allowing them to go faster. Generally, cross-country trails are milder, so riders can also race each other up hills and between certain distances for the quickest time. 

What equipment do cross-country riders use?

Cross-country bikes are light compared to bikes used in other disciplines, as the paths they ride on aren’t as rough or steep. The bikes are designed to support cross-country riders' riding style, since they travel lower than downhill mountain bikers. There are many options you can choose from which allow you to pick the right bike for you, from tire size to seat height. 

Typically, cross-country bikes’ wheels are 29 inches, which is the same as the average mountain bike. However, cross-country bike tires are skinnier than downhill mountain bike tires, as downhill mountain bikes need to be able to navigate rocky terrains featuring jumps. 

What gear you need to take part in XC

You don’t need to bring a lot of equipment or mountain bike protective gear to ride cross-country, but here is a list of a few essentials you should consider:

  • A bike - make sure you bring a bike that is designed for cross-country mountain biking, as these are better designed for riding uphill. 
  • A helmet - bringing a helmet is a must-have for safety purposes. 
  • Cycle gear - many cross-country riders wear tight-fitting clothes whilst riding, to help with muscle compression and minimize resistance. 
  • Essentials pack - although it’s not mandatory, bringing a pack with a repair kit for your bike and a first-aid kit is beneficial, just in case there’s a hiccup while you’re on the trail. 
  • Mountain bike shoes - wearing the right mountain bike shoes will provide you with the best grip and help to keep your feet secure on the pedals while riding. 
  • Mountain bike knee guards – as your knees are typically one of the first areas on your body to hit the ground in a crash, it’s important to keep them protected. With D3O-protected knee guards, you can take on as many trails as you like, for as long as you like without sacrificing freedom of movement. 
  • Mountain bike gloves – mountain bike gloves help mountain bikers keep a grip on the handlebars and brakes, and maintain control while maneuvering tight turns or going downhill.