Tags: XC Bikes
Mike Kazimer
Mar 26, 2024
First Ride: 2024 Cannondale Scalpel - The XC Classic Gets Longer & Slacker
The Scalpel's frame is longer, lighter, and it uses a threaded bottom bracket.
Mike Kazimer
Mar 19, 2024
Review: Yeti's Back in the XC Game With the 2024 ASR
After a nine-year hiatus, the ASR returns to take its place as Yeti's dedicated cross-country race bike.
Ed Spratt
Mar 18, 2024
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's Custom Cape Epic Race Bike
Nino and his custom-painted Scott Spark have already picked up one stage win at the 2024 Cape Epic.
Dario DiGiulio
Mar 12, 2024
Review: Specialized’s New Epic 8 - All the Speed You Need
The new Epic is now one of the slackest XC race bikes on the market.
Dario DiGiulio
Mar 12, 2024
First Ride: 2024 Specialized Epic EVO 8
The Epic EVO gets a longer travel fork and a burlier build kit compared to its more XC race oriented sibling.
Sarah Moore
Mar 11, 2024
First Look: 2024 Liv Pique Advanced 29 is Slacker, Lighter & Stiffer
The third-generation Pique has evolved to be a more capable bike on increasingly technical cross-country race tracks.
Jessie-May Morgan
Mar 7, 2024
First Look: Lee Cougan Crossfire Trail XC Bike
The Crossfire's shock is partially hidden in the downtube in order to increase frame stiffness.
Matt Beer
Feb 26, 2024
Spotted: Did Specialized Just Soft-Launch a New Epic?
XC season is heating up, and new bikes are on the way.
Danger Holm
Jan 30, 2024
Dangerholm's Scott Spark RC Neon Project
Another unique bike from Dangerholm.
Betsy Welch
Dec 18, 2023
Review: The Pivot Mach SL 4 Blends XC Speed & Comfort
Pivot's XC race machine is more capable (and lighter) than ever.
SCOTT Sports
Dec 1, 2023
Video: Leveling Up with the Scott-SRAM Race Team
A glimpse into one of the best XC teams in the game.
Dario DiGiulio
Nov 7, 2023
First Ride: 2024 Canyon Lux Trail
With revised sizing, kinematic, and categorization, the Lux feels a bit more at home in its skin.
Dario DiGiulio
Oct 3, 2023
First Look: Mondraker's New F-Podium
Lines have been refined, standards have been updated, and they've pushed the geometry even further to match an increase in travel.
Bike Check: Two Orbea XC Race Bikes
Henry Quinney
Sep 18, 2023
Review: Factor Lando XC
The Lando XC is a true marathon bike, with 29" wheels and 115mm of rear travel.
Nick Bentley
Sep 11, 2023
Tech Randoms: Les Gets XC World Cup 2023
The latest XC tech from the pits in Les Gets.
Seb Stott
Sep 8, 2023
The 2024 Berria Mako Uses An Internal Shock For XC & DC
A bold move? A spark of genius?
Mike Kazimer
Sep 4, 2023
Review: 2023 Orbea Oiz M-Pro - Don't Call it Downcountry
The Oiz is a modern XC speed machine.
Betsy Welch
Aug 12, 2023
Bike Check: Lachlan Morton's Cannondale Scalpel HT Hi-Mod Ultimate - Leadville 100
A closer look at Lachlan Morton's unique Cannondale Scalpel.
Betsy Welch
Aug 11, 2023
Bike Check: Dylan Johnson's Drop Bar Factor Lando - 2023 Leadville 100
At what point does a mountain bike become a gravel bike?
Troy Templin
Aug 10, 2023
First Ride: 2024 Trek Supercaliber G2
The new Supercaliber sheds weight and gains additional travel.
Dario DiGiulio
Jul 17, 2023
Bike Check: Keegan Swenson's Downieville-Winning Santa Cruz Blur TR
Keegan won the XC and placed third in the DH race, taking home the coveted All-Mountain title.
Matt Beer
Jul 10, 2023
Bike Check: Maxime Marotte's Rockrider 940S
Maxime Marotte turned a few heads with a sixth place finish at the Val Di Sole XC World Cup recently.
Alicia Leggett
Jun 17, 2023
Bike Check: The New Pivot Mach 4 SL
A closer look at the new and updated Pivot Mach 4.
Ed Spratt
Jun 16, 2023
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's Custom Scott Spark RC Marking His 34 World Cup Wins
Scott surprised Nino Schurter with a new custom bike ahead of racing in Leogang
Nick Bentley
Jun 16, 2023
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand-Prevot's Pinarello Dogma XC
Pauline's running SR Suntour's unreleased electronic suspension on the new Dogma.
Dario DiGiulio
Jun 15, 2023
Bike Check: Henrique Avancini's Caloi Elite FS
As one of the largest bike producers in Latin America, Caloi has the resources and catalog to allow Henrique to build the program of his dreams.
Nick Bentley
Jun 12, 2023
Bike Check: Milan Vader's Cervelo ZFS-5 Short Track Bike
Vader's Cervelo is set up with a rigid aluminum link for short track racing.
Dario DiGiulio
May 23, 2023
First Look: Pivot's New Mach 4SL
The team at Pivot is touting the whippet as a World Cup bike that can punch above its weight class.
Dario DiGiulio
May 11, 2023
First Look: Cervélo's New ZFS-5 XC Bike
The ZFS-5 will be available with either 100 or 120mm of travel.
Betsy Welch
May 11, 2023
First Look: New Pinarello Dogma XC Race Bike for Pidcock and PFP
The Ineos Grenadier riders will be racing new Pinarello Dogma bikes this year, ahead of the official launch in 2024.
Ed Spratt
Apr 24, 2023
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's Custom 10-Time World Champion Scott Spark RC
Check out the details of Nino's latest custom bike.
First Look: 2023 Specialized Epic World Cup
Matt Beer
Mar 10, 2023
The 2023 Focus Raven Carbon Hardtail Has In-Frame Storage
The carbon Raven also has a 120mm fork and an angle adjust headset.
Mike Kazimer
Feb 22, 2023
What Type of Mountain Bike Should You Buy in 2023?
A mountain bike's a mountain bike, right?
Ibis Cycles
Jan 24, 2023
Ibis Launches New Vietnam Made Exie
There's now a more affordable Exie in the mix.
Henry Quinney
Dec 16, 2022
First Look: Scott Release Latest Generation of Scale RC Hardtail
The Scale gets even lighter for 2023.
Mike Kazimer
Nov 4, 2022
First Look: 2023 Orbea Oiz - A Modern XC Machine
The new Orbea receives updated geometry, a stiffer frame, and more integration, all while maintaining a very light weight.
LEA DAVISON’S CUSTOM ALLIED BC40
Mike Levy
Nov 3, 2022
Field Test: Allied Cycle Works BC40 - The Fun Race Bike
Short on travel, big on fun.
Matt Beer
Nov 2, 2022
Field Test: Lapierre XRM 8.9 - Firm French Flier
The XRM requires an attentive pilot, and prioritizes efficiency over outright comfort.
Sarah Moore
Oct 31, 2022
Field Test: Ibis Exie - Ready for Your Next XC Race
There's more to the Exie than just a gleaming raw carbon finish and a low number on the scale.
Mike Levy
Oct 27, 2022
Field Test: BMC Fourstroke LT - Gorgeous in Green
Where does the Swiss missile sit on the short-travel spectrum?
Henry Quinney
Oct 7, 2022
Ridley Release New Raft and Probe RS XC Bikes
Ridley has added a pair of clean looking cross-country machines to their lineup.
Seb Stott
Oct 5, 2022
BMC's All-New Fourstroke Has a Self-Dropping 'Automatic' Seatpost
The revamped race bike's saddle goes up and down at the press of a button.
Mike Kazimer
Aug 15, 2022
5 Race Bikes from the 2022 Leadville 100
Five of the speedy machines that took on the 100 mile course with 13,000 vert of climbing. [Updated with Keegan Swanson's Santa Cruz.]
Danger Holm
Aug 11, 2022
Dangerholm's Scott Spark RC Hypersonic Project
Gustav's back with a new XC / trail machine that weighs less than 21 pounds.
Mike Levy
Jul 14, 2022
First Look: Allied's US-Made BC40 is Light and Speedy
Allied's first mountain bike sounds fast.
Mike Kazimer
Jul 13, 2022
First Look: 2023 Niner RKT 9 RDO - XC Race Ready
The new RKT gets a little longer, a little slacker, and gains a geometry adjusting flip chip.
Nick Bentley
Jul 6, 2022
Bike Check: Isla Short's Race-Ready Juliana Wilder
Isla Short's size small Juliana Wilder uses Hunt Wheels, XTR everything, and a Fox 32 SC fork.
James Huang
Jun 14, 2022
The 2022 Canyon Lux World Cup is Still an Unapologetically Sharp-Edged XC Race Bike
It’s longer and slacker like everything else these days, but don’t call it a downcountry bike.
Ed Spratt
May 13, 2022
Carbon Wasp's Truffle is a 120mm Carbon XC Bike Handmade in the UK
The Truffle even has a storage compartment in the downtube.
Bike Check: 8.85kg Orbea Oiz Race Bike
James Smurthwaite
May 4, 2022
Spotted: An Updated Canyon Lux XC Race Bike
One of the most successful race bikes gets an update.
ridebmc
May 3, 2022
BMC Unveils Pauline Ferrand Prevot’s 2022 BMC Fourstroke Ahead of the Albstadt World Cup XC
Pauline’s custom-painted BMC Fourstroke will be ridden for the first time this weekend at the World Cup in Albstadt, Germany.
Matt Wragg
Apr 6, 2022
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand-Prevot's Winter Training BMC Four Stroke
Matt Wragg caught up with PFP in Southern France as Cecile Ravanel put her through the paces on stepdowns and road gaps.
Dave Rome
Mar 31, 2022
Factor Bikes Enters the MTB Market With the Lando XC & HT
Two new off-road bikes from the premium road bike manufacturer.
Mike Kazimer
Mar 29, 2022
Pivot Releases New Les SL Lightweight XC Hardtail
The new Les SL is 300 grams lighter than the previous version.
Mike Kazimer
Mar 23, 2022
First Look: Lapierre Returns to XC With the New XR & XRM
Lapierre's cross-country lineup has been completely revamped for 2022.
Sarah Moore
Mar 14, 2022
Review: Scott Spark RC World Cup - 120mm Is The New XC
The Spark RC has more travel than you'd expect to find on a purebred XC race bike.
Alicia Leggett
Feb 23, 2022
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's New Special Edition Spark RC
Take a look at Nino's sparkly speed machine.
Alicia Leggett
Feb 15, 2022
Pivot Updates Mach 4 SL with New UDH-Compatible Rear Triangle
Pivot says the update aims to "future-proof" the bike.
Ed Spratt
Feb 12, 2022
Bike Check: Lars Forster's European Champion Inspired Scott Spark RC
To mark his second European Championships victory in 2021 Lars Forster has a custom painted Scott Spark RC for 2022
Ed Spratt
Jan 10, 2022
Bike Check: Rab Wardell's Marathon World Championships Santa Cruz Blur
The bike Rab used to return to Elite level competition since retiring from World Cup racing in 2014.
Ed Spratt
Nov 19, 2021
MMR Launches New Kenta XC Bike
MMR has launched its new Kenta XC bike, which was first seen being ridden at this year's World Cups by the MMR Factory Racing Team.
James Smurthwaite
Nov 9, 2021
Cannondale Launches Progressive Scalpel XC Hardtail
Cannondale's XC hardtail has a 66.5° head tube angle.
James Smurthwaite
Oct 28, 2021
Spotted: A New Cannondale XC Race Hardtail
Dropped seatstays point to a new bike from Cannondale.
Alicia Leggett
Oct 9, 2021
Bike Check: Revel's LoveYourBrain Fundraiser Ranger - Sea Otter 2021
Entries to win the custom Revel Ranger cost $5 each and benefit those affected by traumatic brain injuries.
Seb Stott
Sep 28, 2021
First Look: Canyon's 2022 Exceed and Lux Get Even More Race Focused
Canyon's proven performers get a racing spec update.
James Smurthwaite
Sep 7, 2021
Bike Check: Sina Frei's Custom Rainbow Stripes Specialized Epic
Sina Frei has a new frame to commemorate her World Champs victory.
Alicia Leggett
Aug 27, 2021
Bike Check: Jolanda Neff's Olympics-Winning Trek Supercaliber
'What was that tape doing on her downtube?' and other questions answered about the bike that carried Jolanda Neff to Olympic victory.
Henry Quinney
Aug 6, 2021
Poll: Once and For All, How Much Should a Mountain Bike Weigh?
Should DH bikes weigh less than enduro bikes? Cast your vote to decide what actually constitutes a 'light' bike.
Sarah Moore
Jul 22, 2021
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Filippo Colombo & Elisabeth Brandau's Olympic Edition BMC Fourstrokes
BMC has created three special Olympic edition bikes for Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Filippo Colombo, and Elisabeth Brandau to ride in Tokyo.
Norco Bicycles
Jul 22, 2021
Video: Norco Shows Off Haley Smith & Peter Disera's Olympic Race Bikes in 'Spinning Maple Into Gold'
Norco Factory Team XC riders Haley Smith and Peter Disera will be riding Norco Revolvers with gold imprints of Canadian maple leaves on them.
James Smurthwaite
Jul 7, 2021
Bike Check: Nadir Colledani's Custom Olympic MMR Kenta
Take a closer look at the bike Nadir Colledani will be piloting in Tokyo.
Richard Cunningham
Jun 30, 2021
First Ride: The 2022 Ibis Exie is Made in USA & Ready to Race
The Exie was conceived to be light enough to trade paint with any World Cup race bike and tough enough to step into the trail bike arena.
Richard Cunningham
Jun 30, 2021
Factory Tour: Ibis' New Carbon Construction Facility in Pajaro, California
A look into the place where Ibis' new Exie frames are born.
SCOTT Sports
Jun 23, 2021
Video: Brendan Fairclough Commits Crimes Against Downhill
For years, Brendan Fairclough has been deceiving us.
Alicia Leggett
Jun 16, 2021
Bike Check: Loana Lecomte's Winning Massi Aire SL
Let's take a look at the bike that has carried Loana Lecomte to her commanding victories this season.
Alicia Leggett
Jun 14, 2021
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's New Scott Spark RC
Here's a closer look at the redesigned, ultra-integrated Scott Spark that Nino raced in Leogang.
Henry Quinney
Jun 9, 2021
First Look: All New 2022 Scott Spark - The Next Generation of Integration
The Spark's shock is now hidden in the downtube, which leaves all sorts of room for water bottles inside the front triangle.
James Smurthwaite
Jun 9, 2021
Video: The New Scott Spark Launches with a Spoof XC Horror Flick - 'Night of the Spark'
Will the new Scott Spark unleash your inner XC demon?
Sarah Moore
Jun 1, 2021
First Ride: Santa Cruz's New 2022 Blur is XC Race Ready
The new Blur is available in XC and TR versions, with either 100mm or 115mm of travel.
Ed Spratt
May 22, 2021
Bike Check: Carter Woods' Race Winning Norco Revolver FS
Carter Woods has started off the World Cup season with two wins in the U23 category.
James Smurthwaite
May 19, 2021
Bike Check: Thomas Wickles' 'Project Unicorn' Ghost Lector SF
This chrome and pink color scheme is hard to miss.
Canyon
May 19, 2021
Canyon Announces Limited Edition Mathieu van der Poel Lux
It all comes down to the words printed on the top tube behind the shock: Let The Legs Do The Talking.
Sarah Moore
May 18, 2021
Bike Check: Emily Batty's 22.5lb Race-Ready Canyon Lux CFR
We take a look at the custom-painted Canyon Lux full-suspension bike that the 32-year-old Canadian raced in Albstadt, Germany and Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.
James Smurthwaite
May 17, 2021
MMR's Prototype Kenta Full Suspension XC Race Bike
The Olympics are on the way, and more and more new XC bikes are starting to roll out.
Ed Spratt
May 17, 2021
Bike Check: Victor Koretzky's Orbea Oiz - Nove Mesto XC World Cup 2021
take a look at how Victor Koretzky set up his race machine for the tricky Nove Mesto course.
Alicia Leggett
May 14, 2021
Bike Check: Mathieu Van Der Poel's Canyon Lux - Nove Mesto XC World Cup 2021
This bike was involved in one of the most exciting sprint finishes we've seen in a while.
Ross Bell
May 12, 2021
Tech Randoms: Nove Mesto XC World Cup 2021
The World Cup XC pits are home to some of the finer things in life.
Ed Spratt
May 10, 2021
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand Prevot's Custom BMC Twostroke
Pauline rode her custom hardtail to a win and second place this weekend.
Ed Spratt
May 9, 2021
Bike Check: Kate Courtney's Scott Scale - Albstadt XC World Cup 2021
Kate Courtney was on a hardtail for the high speed Albstadt course.
Ed Spratt
May 8, 2021
Comparing Anne Terpstra & Nadine Rieder's Ghost Lector FS Race Bikes - Albstadt XC World Cup 2021
Take a closer look at Anne Terpstra and Nadine Rieder's race machines.
James Smurthwaite
May 6, 2021
9 Bikes That Have Won the Albstadt XC World Cup
Take a look at this selection of past winners, dating all the way back to 2014.
Mike Kazimer
May 6, 2021
Spotted (Again): Santa Cruz's New XC Race Bike - Albstadt XC World Cup 2021
Is this the new Blur? Or the return of the Superlight?
James Smurthwaite
Apr 26, 2021
Legendary Road Cycling Brand Wilier Launches New Urta SLR Cross Country Bike
Best known for their road bikes, Wilier is expanding their mountain bike lineup with a new XC race bike.
Alicia Leggett
Apr 24, 2021
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand-Prevot’s BMC Fourstroke Was Decorated With Tape by an Anonymous Artist
There's nothing ordinary about the 6x World Champion's new full suspension XC bike.
Mike Kazimer
Apr 9, 2021
Santa Cruz Teases New XC Race Bike
It looks like Santa Cruz are getting ready to roll out a new cross-country race machine.
Alicia Leggett
Mar 17, 2021
Bike Check: Emily Batty’s Custom Canyon Exceed CFR
Emily Batty's new bike is said to be made of unicorn hair.
Henry Quinney
Mar 5, 2021
7 Interesting Used Bikes For Sale on the Pinkbike Buy&Sell - Hidden Treasures
Some are sensible, some are... interesting. The wonders of the Buy&Sell.
Geoff Kabush
Mar 2, 2021
Video Bike Check: Geoff Kabush's 3 Olympic Bikes from 2000, 2008, & 2012
The evolution of these Olympics XC race bikes is a fascinating reminder of how young our sport is and how quickly the technology has changed.
James Smurthwaite
Feb 19, 2021
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's Custom European Champion Scott Spark Race Bike
Take a look at Nino Schurter's latest custom bike inspired by his win at the European Championships that features one-piece carbon Syncros wheels.
Gustav Gullholm
Feb 9, 2021
Dangerholm's Back With Another Wild Build - The Hyper Spark Project
Bikes don't get much cleaner looking than Dangerholm's latest creation.
Alicia Leggett
Feb 9, 2021
Fezzari Revamps Solitude Hardtail, a Featherweight XC Bike with Modernized Geometry
This hardtail frame weighs less than 1 kg and aims to balance pedaling efficiency with trail capability.
James Smurthwaite
Jan 8, 2021
Bike Check: Jordan Sarrou's World Champion Custom Specialized Epic
Sarrou will be on Specialized for 2021, and they welcomed him to the team with a custom painted Epic.
Ed Spratt
Dec 20, 2020
Quiz: Can You Match the Rider to These 25 XC World Cup Bikes?
How deep is your well of cross-country racing knowledge?
Daniel Sapp
Dec 4, 2020
Bike Check: Rab Wardell's Santa Cruz Blur
The machine that Rab Wardell used to snag the FKT of the The West Highland Way.
Ed Spratt
Nov 12, 2020
Merida Launches New Ninety-Six Trail and XC Bikes
Merida has overhauled its Ninety-Six full suspension XC bike range to include both race and trail models.
Gustav Gullholm
Nov 11, 2020
Bike Check: Dangerholm's Insanely Light Scott Spark
Dangerholm's at it again, this time with a 29" full-suspension XC bike that weighs less than 18 pounds. With pedals.
Daniel Sapp
Oct 19, 2020
Bike Check: Jordan Sarrou's World Champs Winning BMC Fourstroke
It wasn't only the DH racers that had to deal with mud at World Champs.
James Smurthwaite
Oct 3, 2020
Bike Check: Pauline Ferrand Prevot's Custom Rainbow Stripes Canyon Lux
A rainbow striped bike for the current XCO and mountain bike marathon world champion.
Daniel Sapp
Oct 1, 2020
Triple Bike Check: Comparing the Scalpels of Cannondale Factory Racing
Three bikes with medium frames but different settings. Check out what Cannondale's World Cup team is bringing to the first race of the season.
James Smurthwaite
Oct 1, 2020
Bike Checks: Nino Schurter & Kate Courtney's 'Supersonic' Scott Sparks
Two fresh bikes for the first World Cup XC races of the season.
Ross Bell
Sep 30, 2020
8 XC Bikes From The Nove Mesto World Cup Pits
The Pinkbike photographers have been snooping around the pits (socially distant of course) and managed to grab a selection of bikes that were lurking in the team tents.
James Smurthwaite
Sep 30, 2020
Spotted: Ghost's New Full Suss XC Bike - Nove Mesto World Cup XC 2020
Anne Terpstra has a new race bike for the Nove Mesto XC World Cup.
Dan Roberts
Sep 30, 2020
Specialized's New Chisel Shows That Aluminum Isn't Just The Cheap Carbon Version
An aluminum XC option that still barely troubles the scales.
James Smurthwaite
Sep 30, 2020
Bike Check: Mathias Flueckiger's Thomus Lightrider WC - Nove Mesto World Cup XC 2020
The Swiss rider's Short Track, sprint set up.
Ed Spratt
Sep 13, 2020
The Best Tech From Val di Sole XC World Cups
All the best lightweight racing tech from Val di Sole.
Mike Kazimer
Sep 7, 2020
Bike Check: Chris Mandell's SID Man Edition Specialized Epic EVO
An Epic EVO with a build that's a little different than your typical weight-weenie XC setup.
Daniel Sapp
Aug 27, 2020
First Ride: Trek's New 2021 Procaliber
Trek's revamped Procaliber hardtail couples a full-carbon XC race frame with surprisingly affordable build options.
Mike Levy
Aug 27, 2020
Field Test: Behind the Scenes - Not Enough Travel and Too Much Lycra
Is this really the final Field Test video?
Mike Levy
Aug 24, 2020
Field Test: 9 XC Bikes & the Grim Donut VS Impossible Climb
I swear I wouldn't have dabbed it if it was dry...
Dan Roberts
Aug 19, 2020
2021 Mondraker Podium - The World's Lightest Production XC Hardtail?
At 775 grams, the new Mondraker Podium stakes its claim as the world's lightest XC hardtail frame.
Mike Levy
Aug 18, 2020
Field Test: 2021 Specialized Epic EVO S-Works - The Most Versatile
For when you need to do everything, but you want to do it fast.
James Smurthwaite
Aug 18, 2020
Canyon's New Exceed Hardtail Frame Uses 'Unicorn Hair' Carbon Fiber & Weighs 835 Grams
The new Exceed is lighter than ever, and it also received a geometry update.
James Smurthwaite
Aug 14, 2020
The Best Tech From Lenzerheide XC World Cups
A look back at the fast and light machines that were lining up at previous Lenzerheide XC World Cups
Mike Levy
Aug 12, 2020
Field Test: Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 - The Spider Monkey
The technical climbing wiz.
Mike Levy
Aug 11, 2020
Field Test: Yeti SB115 - The One That Wants to Be a Trail Bike
Does more travel mean more better?
Sarah Moore
Aug 5, 2020
Video: Trek Supercaliber vs Cannondale Scalpel vs Canyon Lux vs Specialized Epic - Field Test Round Table
It's time to compare the race bikes.
Sarah Moore
Aug 3, 2020
Field Test: 2021 Specialized Epic - The Lightest & Slackest
Very red and very fast.
Sarah Moore
Jul 30, 2020
Field Test: 2020 Canyon Lux - A Very Fast Baseline
How much has cross-country geometry evolved in the past two years?
Sarah Moore
Jul 29, 2020
Field Test: 2021 Cannondale Scalpel - Deceptively Fast
The Scalpel proves that a bike doesn't have to feel harsh to be fast on the climbs.
Sarah Moore
Jul 28, 2020
Field Test: 2020 Trek Supercaliber - Short On Travel, Not on Traction
A pure cross-country race bike designed with Olympic cross-country in mind, featuring just 60mm of rear travel.
Dan Roberts
Jul 28, 2020
Giant Launches Its Lightest Ever Aluminium Hardtail to Bring More Affordability to XC Bikes
The 2021 XTC SLR ha a frame weight that encroaches into the territory of some carbon fibre composite frames.
James Smurthwaite
Jul 24, 2020
Super Lightweight Components From XC Race Bikes
Take a look back at some of the lightest components we've seen at XC races over the years.
Daniel Sapp
Jul 21, 2020
First Look: The 2021 Orbea Oiz Gets Even Lighter
Orbea's 2021 Oiz XC bike receives updates including a lighter OMX frame.
Ed Spratt
Jul 9, 2020
Bike Check: Russell Finsterwald's Specialized Epic
The Clif Pro Team rider shows off his brand new Epic.
Ross Bell
Jul 7, 2020
Bike Check: Comparing Trek Factory Racing's Supercaliber Setups
Where do all of the differences lay in the Trek World Cup teammates' bikes?
Mike Levy
Jun 30, 2020
First Look: Transition's All-New Spur is a Rowdy XC Bike
It has just 120mm of travel, but this ain't your dad's cross-country bike.
Mike Kazimer
Jun 30, 2020
First Look: 2021 Yeti SB115
Yeti says the SB115 "looks like an SB100, rides like an SB130."
James Smurthwaite
Jun 29, 2020
Bike vs Bike - Nino Schurter and Kate Courtney's Scott Sparks
There are the bikes that Kate and Nino would have been riding at XC World Champs in Albstadt.
Ed Spratt
Jun 28, 2020
Round Up: 23 XC World Champs Bikes
Looking back at five years of custom World Championship race machines.
Daniel Sapp
Jun 24, 2020
On the Fence: Specialized Epic EVO vs. Cannondale Scalpel SE
Two brand new bikes with similar XC / trail intentions - how do the numbers compare?
Guerrilla Gravity
Jun 24, 2020
Guerrilla Gravity Launches Limited Edition Trail Pistol Race SL
Guerilla Gravity has put together a limited edition run of just 25 Trail Pistol Race SL models.
Daniel Sapp
Jun 23, 2020
First Look: 2021 Specialized Epic & Epic Evo
Specialized's flagship XC bike gets an overhaul.
Ed Spratt
Jun 21, 2020
The Best Tech From Vallnord XC World Cups
All the best tech from Vallnord dating back to 2015.
Sarah Moore
May 27, 2020
15 Bike Checks from Craig Evans, Iago Garay & The Santa Cruz Free Agents
A whole lot of variety in this group of riders.
James Smurthwaite
May 22, 2020
The Best Tech From Nove Mesto XC World Cups
6 years of XC bike evolution in the Czech Republic.
Daniel Sapp
May 21, 2020
First Ride: Cannondale's All-New Scalpel SE
The Scalpel gets a significant update, and there are now two models - one with 100mm of travel, and the other with 120mm.
Mike Levy
May 8, 2020
Specialized Diverge EVO: Gravel Shredder, High-End Hybrid, or Just a Rigid Mountain Bike?
Does a flat-bar gravel bike appeal to you, or is this just a mountain bike with not enough tire clearance?
Gustav Gullholm
Apr 29, 2020
Video: XC Meets BMX? Dangerholm’s Completely Custom Scott Spark
What happens if you take a World Cup proven XC frame and build it up with components worthy of a place on an EWS bike? Dangerholm finds out.
Mike Levy
Apr 14, 2020
Review: Kona's Fresh Hei Hei Can Make Cross-Country Fun - Pond Beaver 2020
The new Hei Hei is a 120mm-travel cross-country-ish 29er that's ideal for all-day adventures.
David Arthur
Feb 3, 2020
Review: NS Bikes Synonym TR1 - Not Your Typical XC Bike
Did someone say downcountry? The Synonym is another worthy contender in the rapidly growing field of short travel bikes with modern geometry.
Richard Cunningham
Sep 6, 2019
Bike Check: Jolanda Neff's Trek Supercaliber - Snowshoe XC World Cup 2019
Jolanda has been racing it "in secret" for most of the season. Check out the details of her new machine and learn how she sets it up for different tracks
Trek Bikes
Sep 5, 2019
Video: Jolanda Neff Gets Weird on the New Trek Supercaliber
They missed the "weird MTB marketing videos" post by a few weeks, but it's always nice to see something a bit different.
Daniel Sapp
Sep 5, 2019
First Ride: Trek's New Supercaliber XC Race Bike
The 2020 Supercaliber has 60mm of rear travel and a unique IsoStrut suspension design.
David Arthur
Sep 2, 2019
Review: Mondraker’s 2020 F-Podium RR is a Rapid XC Racer with Great Handling
Modern cross-country bikes are getting more capable than ever, and Mondraker's F-Podium RR is a prime example.
Mike Kazimer
Sep 1, 2019
Trek's New XC Race Bike Breaks Cover at Mont-Sainte-Anne World Champs
The wrap has been removed - take a look at what appears to be Trek's new XC race machine.
Mike Levy
Aug 31, 2019
Bike Check: Chloe Woodruff's Mach 4 SL - Mont-Sainte-Anne XC World Champs 2019
Choe's Mach 4 SL trades computers for analog suspension.
Mike Kazimer
Aug 30, 2019
Bike Check: Kate Courtney's Scott Spark RC - Mont-Sainte-Anne XC World Champs 2019
Kate Courtney will be defending the rainbow stripes aboard a custom painted Scott Spark RC.
Daniel Sapp
Aug 30, 2019
Bike Check: Catharine Pendrel's Orbea Oiz - Mont-Sainte-Anne XC World Champs 2019
Canadian Catharine Pendrel is no stranger to the World Cup podium. Check out the Orbea Oiz she's racing this weekend.
Sarah Moore
Aug 20, 2019
First Ride: 2020 Liv Pique 29 - A World Cup Ready XC Bike
The Liv Pique has morphed from a small-wheeled trail bike into a big-wheeled cross-country race machine.
Daniel Sapp
Aug 6, 2019
First Ride: 2020 Specialized Epic HT - The World's Lightest Production Hardtail
Specialized's new Epic hardtail gets longer, slacker, and lighter than ever.
Root Rider TV
Jul 27, 2019
Video: Brazilian Champ Lucas Borba Sends Massive Gaps on an XC Bike
100mm 29er seems about right...
Mike Levy
Jul 22, 2019
Review: Ibis' 4th-Generation Ripley Is More Capable, But Still Very Much A Ripley
Slacker, longer, and with revised suspension kinematics... But is it still a Ripley? Levy finds out how Ibis' trail bike has evolved.
Mike Levy
Jul 14, 2019
Cross-Country Tech from the Pits - Les Gets World Cup XC 2019
Carbon fiber, rubber, and electronics from the World Cup.
Mike Levy
Jul 13, 2019
Bike Check: Felix Burke's BCBR-Winning Rocky Mountain Element
The fastest bike (and racer) used tire inserts to win one of the most technically challenging cross-country stage races in the world.
Mike Levy
Jul 13, 2019
Bike Check: Katerina Nash's BCBR-Winning Orbea Oiz
While others chose more forgiving machines, Katerina Nash rode her purebred cross-country race bike to victory at the BCBR.
Daniel Sapp
Jul 8, 2019
Bike Check: Sam Gaze's S-Works Specialized Epic - Vallnord World Cup XC 2019
Kiwi Sam Gaze's S-Works Specialized Epic has a mix of lightweight parts, RockShox suspension, and a stem slammed to the max.
Daniel Sapp
Jul 6, 2019
Bike Check: Kate Courtney's Scott Contessa Spark RC - Vallnord World Cup XC 2019
Limited edition bikes are all the rage. Check out Kate Courtney's unique Scott Contessa Spark RC from Vallnord.
Dan Roberts
Jul 5, 2019
First Look: ARC8 Bicycles' XC Hardtail & 120mm Trail Bike
We take a closer look at two new bikes from this small Swiss brand.
David Arthur
Jun 3, 2019
Review: The 2019 BMC Fourstroke 01 One is a Purebred XC Race Rocket
BMC's no-holds-barred cross-country racer reviewed.
Richard Cunningham
May 26, 2019
5 XC Race Weapons from the 2019 Nove Mesto World Cup
The battle for cross-country supremacy was fought with lungs, legs, and... some new technology.
Daniel Sapp
May 23, 2019
First Ride: Trek's 2020 Top Fuel Gets a Little More Travel & a Lot More Aggressive
Trek sends its premier dual-suspension XC race bike to the aggressive trail bike gym.
James Huang
May 23, 2019
First Ride: Pivot's XC Race Ready 2020 Mach 4 SL
The new Mach 4 SL is Pivot's premier cross-country race bike.
Richard Cunningham
May 20, 2019
First Look: Mondraker's F-Podium Brings Forward Geometry to XC Racing
Mondraker blends its forward geometry and Zero suspension system with the latest carbon manufacturing technology to take XC racing to the next level
David Arthur
May 6, 2019
Review: 2019 Swarf Contour 29 - A Hard-Charging Short Travel Fully
Steel is real, especially in the UK. We put the Swarf Contour 29, a short-travel steel steed, to the test.
Sarah Moore
Apr 14, 2019
Liv's Prototype XC Bike - Sea Otter 2019
American long-distance mountain bike racer Kaysee Armstrong was spotted on this Liv prototype during the XC race at Sea Otter.
Richard Cunningham
Apr 12, 2019
Bike Check: Kate Courtney's Scott Scale - Sea Otter 2019
The XC World Champion is racing her hardtail here in California.
Mike Levy
Apr 10, 2019
First Ride: Norco's 2020 Revolver Cross-Country Bike
The name is the same but Norco's full-on cross-country bike is new from tip to tail.
Sarah Moore
Apr 9, 2019
Walmart Launches High-End 'Viathon' Bike Brand
Department-store bikes look a lot better than they used to.
David Arthur
Feb 11, 2019
Review: 2019 Merida One-Twenty 8000
The One-Twenty is a short travel ripper that's surprisingly capable on the descents.
Review: Yeti's New SB100
Richard Cunningham
Aug 26, 2018
XC Bike Checks from the La Bresse World Cup 2018
PB photographers Irmo Keizer and Dave Trumpore return from the XC World Cup pits with more crazy tech.
Daniel Sapp
Jul 9, 2018
Review: Kona Satori DL
The Satori isn't your typical 130mm 29er - find out what makes this orange machine stand out from the crowd.
Daniel Sapp
Jul 7, 2018
Bike Check: Nino Schurter's 60th Anniversary Edition Scott Spark - Val di Sole World Cup 2018
Nino Schurter's 60th anniversary edition Scott Spark has a throwback theme for the 2018 Val di Sole World Cup.
David Arthur
Jul 2, 2018
Review: Intense Sniper XC Elite
Type “XC bikes are dead” into Google and you get 385,000 results. But if the new Intense Sniper taught me anything, it’s that short travel bikes with proper modern geometry, wide bars, and a dropper post make a complete mockery of this myth.
Mike Kazimer
May 25, 2018
Bike Check: Vlad Dascalu's Protek 29FS - Nove Mesto World Cup XC
Take a closer look at this made-in-Italy carbon fiber speed machine.
Mike Levy
Mar 20, 2018
Santa Cruz's New Blur XC Bike - Review
Remember the Blur? It's back as a sporty, 100mm-travel cross-country bike, and Levy's been riding and racing it to see how it performs.
Richard Cunningham
Mar 9, 2018
Anton Cooper's Trek Procaliber Hardtail at Stellenbosch World Cup XCO - Bike Check
New Zealand's youth phenom will be bucking the short-travel dual-suspension trend.
Richard Cunningham
Mar 9, 2018
Thömus Lightrider Dual-Suspension 29er at Stellenbosch World Cup XCO - Bike Check
Thömus brings a new dual-suspension 29er machine to the World Cup in South Africa for the Flückiger brothers, Alessandra Keller and Kathrin Stirnemann.
Mike Kazimer
Sep 6, 2017
Manuel Fumic's Cannondale Scalpel Si - Cairns XC World Champs 2017
Take a closer look at Manuel Fumic's cross-country speed demon.
Vernon Felton
Aug 3, 2017
Erin Huck's Cannondale Scalpel Si - Mont-Sainte-Anne XC World Cup 2017
What is the 2017 Pan American Continental Mountain Bike Champ racing this weekend? Here's a look at Erin Huck's Cannondale Scalpel Si.
David Arthur
Jul 31, 2017
Cube Stereo 140 C:68 SLT 29 - Review
There’s no shortage of good 140mm travel 29" bikes on the market these days. Here's how the Cube Stereo stacks up to the competition.
Richard Cunningham
Jun 21, 2017
BMC Speedfox 01 - First Ride
BMC Synchronizes the dropper seatpost with the shock's remote lockout and reinvents the trail bike.
Richard Cunningham
May 19, 2017
Helen Grobert's Cannondale Scalpel Si – XC World Cup Round 1, Nove Mesto
German Olympian chooses her dual-suspension bike for the infamous Czechia cross-country venue.
Mike Levy
May 8, 2017
Scott Spark 900 - Review
Levy finds out what the completely redesigned, 120mm-travel Scott Spark is all about.
Vernon Felton
Jan 9, 2017
Santa Cruz Tallboy/Hightower - Review
We've had both the Santa Cruz Tallboy and Hightower in our stable this season. Here's how both bikes fared in the wild.
Mike Kazimer
Jun 20, 2016
Yeti SB4.5c - Review
Big wheels? Short travel? Loads of fun? The SB4.5c checks all the boxes.
Santa Cruz Tallboy - 初體驗
Vernon Felton
Apr 26, 2016
Santa Cruz Tallboy - First Ride
The new Tallboy and Joplin models get a small boost in rear travel and a big increase in capability.
Vernon Felton
Apr 25, 2016
Niner RKT 9 RDO 2-Star Build - Review
When you call a bike a "rocket", it has a lot to live up to. How does Niner's all-new cross-country weapon measure up to its moniker?
Mike Levy
Mar 28, 2016
Fuji Rakan 1.3 - Review
Fuji's 120mm travel Rakan is a short-travel trailbike with the heart of a cross-country weapon.
Mike Levy
Sep 21, 2015
Cannondale Habit Carbon SE - Review
It's missing half its fork and some might say a bunch of wheel travel, but the Habit can't be defined by numbers or its appearance.
Richard Cunningham
Jun 15, 2015
Pivot Mach 4 Carbon - Review
PB gives the new carbon fiber version of Pivot's original cross-country trailbike a run for its money.
Richard Cunningham
May 22, 2015
Bike Check: Catharine Pendrel's Orbea Oiz - Nove Mesto World Cup XC
The two-time World Champ from Luna Chix shows off her electronically controlled carbon superbike.
Rachelle Frazer Boobar
Apr 6, 2015
Specialized Rumor Expert EVO 29 - Review
Specialized mixes big wheels and their EVO tweaks to create a female-specific trail bike, and we put that recipe to the test.
Mike Levy
Jan 5, 2015
Salsa Bucksaw - Review
Salsa's full-suspension fat bike looks to raise the bar when it comes to fun, but just how capable is this big tire brawler?
Mike Levy
Jun 3, 2013
Ibis Ripley Review
How does Ibis' first 29er offering hold up to hard miles in the Pacific Northwest rain?
Matt Wragg
Feb 25, 2013
Lapierre X-Flow 712 Review
Lapierre's 120mm carbon fiber trail weapon is put to the test.
Mike Levy
Jan 30, 2012
Felt Virtue Sport Review
Find out how Felt's $1999.99 Virtue Sport, complete with their Equilink suspension, performs on the trails.
Tyler Maine
Apr 29, 2009
Sea Otter - Tomac Carbide SL
Source: Tomac Bikes
Over three years in development, the Carbide SL is the ultimate in lightweight, stiffness and pedaling efficiency. At a scant 4.4 pound frame weight with DT Swiss carbon shock, it’s one of the lightest XC full suspension bikes on the market, and certainly the stiffest. The Carbide SL can be hammered through anything an XC rider or racer could throw at it.
Over three years in development, the Carbide SL is the ultimate in lightweight, stiffness and pedaling efficiency. At a scant 4.4 pound frame weight with DT Swiss carbon shock, it’s one of the lightest XC full suspension bikes on the market, and certainly the stiffest. The Carbide SL can be hammered through anything an XC rider or racer could throw at it.
Mike Estes
Feb 20, 2008
Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Deluxe 29'er - Review
When the 29'er hit the market, there were instant skeptics and equipment problems. But with a amazing dedication to Mountain Biking, The Gary Fisher Bicycle Company set out to change the standard of 29'ers, Mr Fisher loves the 29'er and it shows in the final product. Let me share my story in hopes of inspiring you to simply "try one out!"