Diffs between XC, Marathon, etc bikes.

[Wannabe]

Can someone please take the time to properly explain the difference between XC, Marathon and other type Mountain bikes. I know wat a DH (Downhill) bike is, but not sure what distinguishes other bikes.

Noticed there is a difference in some FS frames, some with shock running under top tube, others infront of Seatpost tube, others behind seatpost tube, etc. What is pros and cons of different frame designs?

 

Please enlighten a somewhat ignorant fellow cyclist.

[100Tours]

I'm sure someone else will tear apart my answer, but I like that kind of thing , so here goes:

 

XC - typically for the pros (i.e. technically competent, able to hold an aggressive cycling position for extended periods). XC bike will usually have flat, narrow handlebars, forward position on the bike (for better power transfer), long(er) stem, 80-100mm travel front and back, or most hardtails. A good XC bike weighs less than 10kgs. Buy one if you're riding fast single day events or if you're training to be up front in the peleton.

 

Marathon bikes are designed for long and repetitive days of racing (e.g. the Epic). They are more comfortable (and more forgiving) than XC, but they will weigh a little more (10-12kg usually). will have around about 120mm travel front and back, and a more comfortable riding position. This is a good choice if you're going to be riding a lot of races/club rides.

 

Trail bikes have 140-160mm travel, swoopy handlebars, weigh a little more again, have bombproof wheelsets, and often include beefier fittings (like through axle hubs rather than quick release). These are a good choice if you would like something that makes the technical bits easier, if you're riding a lot of singletrack, or just if you are a heavier rider (weight limits on some of the XC/marathon stuff used to be 90-100kg, although most manufacturers now allow for a bit more cargo). I rode a 140mm travel trail bike in Sani2c (D batch) this year and it was bliss on the ups and downs, but perhaps a little slow on the flatter sections (where aerodynamics comes into play).

 

After that you get Freeride and Downhill. you get the idea what happens there, and these are somewhat undeveloped disciplines in South Africa.

 

In terms of shock attachment points on the frames, this is an area of some experimentation for designers based on what they feel works well plus whether they feel the need to let you put waterbottle cages on your bike or not. The biggest distinction is whether to go single pivot or multi-link suspension. Single pivot is burlier and may save some weight whereas multilink is meant to offer a more linear suspension path. The best advice I can give here is to do some background reading on the bike you are looking at buying and check for a history of whether or not people have had problems with them. If there was consensus on what the best solution was than everyone would be using it.

 

[Wannabe]

Thanks GTIC. Does answer a few of my questions.