Cross Country Mountain Biking

Since the start of its popularity the mountain bike has become the favorite bicycle for adventure seekers, free riders, downhill enthusiast and street riders. Because of its virtually unlimited characteristics on the type of trail one would choose to discover. The cross country mountain bike made its mark as an all around mountain bike

 TERRAIN
Due to the type of terrain which is a mixture of rough forest paths and smooth fire roads. Cross-country or XC mountain biking is considered one of the most demanding cycling event. For this type of racing one can never determine what type of terrain one will be facing. Endurance, technical skill and experience are the key ingredients to go over these challenges.

THE RACE
Races are divided up into stages so as to span several days. Races can be either point-to-point or lap-based. Traditionally cross country races begin with a mass start or Le Mans start where racers begin the race with a short sprint towards their bikes. Often riders are released in several large groups divided by age and/or ability.

THE BIKE
Cross-country bicycles are some of the lightest mountain bikes, typically between  (15 and 30 lbs). They usually feature a suspension fork in front and sometimes have suspension in the rear but others still prefer a hardtail or a bike without the use of any suspension.


This is for easier control especially on tight turns. Because of its quality of being very light and very strong Carbon Fiber is becoming the standard material use for making a cross-country mountain bike.However aluminum alloy is still being used and there is a lighter type of aluminum that was developed for these type of bikes.

EQUIPMENTS
Bicycle helmets are often used for cross-country riding this is because of the different terrain a rider will need to travel. However, XC riders only rarely wear full-face helmets and do not wear the full body "armour" like of that used by downhill riders. Cross country cyclists are more prone to injuries than road cyclist however, the injuries sustained by these riders are usually not as severe.