trail bikes vs cross country bikes

[Mr Haematocrit]

+1. That is essentially the same bike Jaroslav Kulhavy won his mens XC Olympic gold here in 2012, so the bike's ability uphill and for technical challenges is not in doubt, but...

To my mind the main issue is it is pretty much all carbon. As a beginner (since you said you know nothing about mtb) you are going to drop/crash the bike numerous times if you have got the bug (which you also said you have). Are you going to replace bits dented/scratched every time (as one is supposed to with carbon, especially carbon this light), or ignore it?

I'm quite happy to replace bits as needed, that bit is less of a concern for me than falling off.

I'll get some pics up soon as it gets here

 

[marzjennings]

Nice bike, on my list for new XC racer for next season.

Biggest difference between XC and Trail, all mountain and downhill bike is generally the amount of abuse they can take. Suspension increases, frame strength increases, bar to saddle height decreases (XC saddles are generally higher, where DH bikes can have saddles lower than the bars).

Frame geometry shifts, pushing the rider towards the back of the bike depending on how downhill focused the bike is. The trail bike will sacrifice some pedaling efficiency in providing better handling traits in rough trail conditions.

But as mentioned, an Epic will work just fine at Swinley, even handling the odd drop and jump if the riders skill is sufficient enough to land the bike smoothly.

For pedals, I've been using XTR's for years and wouldn't choose anything else.

 

[zizou]

Mountain bikes in general have changed geometry a bit in recent years (slacker angles and more travel both of which help with descending) however the XC race bike geometry isnt all that much different to what many "normal" riders were on 15 years ago so its not a particular extreme frame only suitable for pros. In addition to this the modern bike is going to be a more forgiving a ride compared to the ones in the past because of the improvements in suspension and brakes.

I'd say a the Epic is ideal for somewhere like Swinley. Stick some helicopter tape on it in key areas give it a bit of protection from scratches etc

 

[lukesdad]

I don't think I remember SAMS. I was pretty much 100% road from around 92 onwards, so maybe it was after that...

Ah yes would have been later than that started in'96 I believe shame there seems to be no record of it on the Internet.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

thanks for all the info guys