From its first appearance, mountain biking has evolved and specialized with trim and components for different disciplines.
Here is an overview of mountain bike disciplines, for those who do not know them or want to know more about.
Cross Country (XC)
The competitions of this discipline take place on a dirt track long no more than 10 km. A race lasts about 2 hours and is characterized by the high technical difficulty of the anticipated obstacles and the sustained speed of the participants.
You race with mountain bike front with 29 “wheels. The layout and position of the cyclist, however, remind the road bicycle.
Cross Country Marathon
In practice, this is a granfondo with a minimum length of 60 km. Typically, there are challenging climbs (between 2,000 m and 3,000 m in positive) to face. Cyclists are involved in the race up to 9 hours and it is important to know how to manage your energies.
The bike used is a mountain bike full suspended.
All-Mountain
Considered the true discipline of mountain biking. Really is not a discipline but a bicycle ride in wild places surrounded by the nature and the silence typical of the high peaks.
You are pedal on narrow mountain dirt paths where even hiking enthusiasts go.
The all-mountain bike is a full suspended mountain bike with 27.5 “or 26” wheels.
Enduro
This discipline is characterized by the preponderance of stretches for pedaling respect to the ones of pure descent. These are timing races on mountain dirt tracks. The enduro can be considered the all-mountain racing version.
Usually it’s used a fully suspended mountain bike made especially for downhill but also easy to ride uphill. Must be very sturdy with 26 “or 27.5” wheels.
Freeride
Freeride is generally practiced within the bike park on downhill circuits, with jumps, parabolic curves and trampolines. The uphill ride is not required because everyone use lifts located in the park. Since they have to be driven mainly downhill, freeride bikes are not suitable for pedaling. These are very robust mountain bikes with flat pedals.
Downhill (DH)
It is to go downhill on a dirt track. The route is very technical and requires maximum attention. You are driving a full mountain bike designed to be strong and stable downhill, but that does not include riding uphill on the saddle. Typically, they are rather light bikes to give the cyclist the chance to go as fast as possible in the race.