Differences Between Cross Country and Downhill Bikes

Cross country bikes (XC mountain bikes) and downhill bikes (DH mountain bikes) are different to one another in the way they are built and constructed.

Downhill Bikes typically have 178 millimeters or more of suspension travel and are built very strong while still pretty light. They have fatter tires and are as light as 15 kilograms. Theses bikes are stronger then cross country mountian bikes and the Head Angles on Downhill bikes are often as slack as 64 degrees. The handlebars are higher on a downhill compared to the bars on a cross country. Downhill bikes have one chain ring in the front, a large bash guard and a chain guide. They have more spokes to increase the straength of the wheel. Due to their typically high gears and slack geometry angles, Downhill bikes are ideal for riding on downhill trails and downhill race coarses.

Cross Country Mountain bikes have only a small amount of front and rear suspension and are reasonably light, which is achieved with the use of lightweight materials. Some full suspension (usually only 65-110 mm) cross country mountain bikes may weigh as little as 9.5 kilograms. The seat post on a cross country bike is a lot higher than the seat on a downhill bike. Some Cross Country bikes have very little or no back suspension called hard tails. As a result, cross country bikes are often less durable than downhill mountain bikes when used outside of their intended purpose. A small amount of cross country bikes have no suspension and use a rigid front fork, saving weight but relying more on rider skill to negotiate rough terrain.