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Down-Country Bike Buying Guides

Introduction

A Down Country mountain bike is a relatively new category that bridges the gap between ultralight XC race bikes and tougher, heavier trail bikes. Downcountry bikes are designed to offer the efficiency and climbing prowess of XC bikes while being more capable of handling technical sections. They're a result of developing XC bikes in a more versatile direction and can also be considered as a short-travel trail bike.

Who Should Ride a Down Country Bike?

Down Country bikes are best for riders who seek a fast, lightweight bike that can also handle tougher descents like those found in some modern XC races. It's a bike that can do most things, except bike parts and big jumps. They are ideal for:

  • Cross-Country riders who want a bit more capability and confidence on technical terrain without sacrificing climbing efficiency.
  • Trail riders who ride long sections and value agility and light weight.
  • Riders who prioritize speed on climbs, but still want the confidence to push their limits on challenging descents.
  • Those who enjoy long-distance rides and multi-day adventures but want a bike that can handle a variety of trail conditions with ease.

Overall, Down Country bikes offer a versatile and balanced riding experience, making them ideal for riders who want to explore a wide range of terrain types without compromising on performance or efficiency. Whether you're shredding singletrack trails or embarking on epic backcountry adventures, a Down Country bike can help you tackle the trails with confidence and style.

Model Guides - Down-Country Bikes

2022 Niner AIR 9

2022 Niner AIR 9

The perfect blend of XC and trail rig.
2022 Niner AIR 9 RDO

2022 Niner AIR 9 RDO

A revolutionized premium bike.
2022 Niner SIR 9

2022 Niner SIR 9

A bike you can always trust.
2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon 8

2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon 8

The perfect muse for freethinkers and adventure seekers.
2022 Santa Cruz Tallboy 4

2022 Santa Cruz Tallboy 4

A gravity rider's favorite XC bike.
2022 Yeti ARC

2022 Yeti ARC

Built for anything, no fine print.
2023 Rocky Mountain Element

2023 Rocky Mountain Element

A game-changing XC riding rig.
2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5

2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy 5

A cult-classic mountain bike.
2023 Yeti ARC

2023 Yeti ARC

Instant feedback on all trails.
2023 Yeti SB120

2023 Yeti SB120

Your newest trail obsession.

Key Features of a Down Country Mountain Bike:

Downcountry bikes are characterized by their hybrid of XC and trail bike features and capabilities that aims for something better than the sum of its parts. Key features of these bikes include:

  • Rear Suspension Travel: Typically ranging from 100mm to 120mm
  • Front Suspension Travel: Slightly longer than traditional XC bikes, ranging from 120mm to 130mm, providing added control and comfort on descents.
  • Wheel Size: 29” wheels for rolling efficiency, obstacle clearance and stability
  • Tire Width: Still on the narrower end of the MTB tire spectrum but wider than XC
  • Head Angle: Slack head angle, typically slacker than 68 degrees, providing stability and confidence on descents without sacrificing climbing efficiency.