How to choose a bike for cross country?

In our life, bicycles are present from early childhood, just with age their functionality and design change. Those who are seriously interested in cycling can boast of their achievements on the mountain or racing version of this vehicle. Everyone can buy a bike for cross-country.

This name has the form of cross-country mountain bike racing. The track contains natural barriers and deliberately created obstacles, steep climbs and long descents. The more complicated it is, the more interesting is the passage process.

To participate in the competition, you need to be in good physical shape, experience, instant reaction and endurance, as well as the availability of the appropriate bike. Cross-country transport must be able to overcome:

• long, difficult climbs;
• dangerous descents;
• bends on turns;
• bumps, potholes, bumps;
• sand, water, dirt, stones;
• high-speed sections of the route;
• segments using sharp braking.

In general, in order to succeed in this sport, you must have well trained and reliable, versatile bike.

For cross-country mountain bikes are suitable. Their main task is to move over rough terrain. The special design distinguishes them from the ordinary walking bike.Special shock absorbers soften even the smallest irregularities, reliable transmissions work in any weather, and disc brakes will never fail.

Maneuverability and high maneuverability provides a light and durable frame. It is made most often of aluminum of variable section or carbon. However, there are models with steel frames. We can’t say that they are bad, but this adds weight to them, affecting the mobility and strength of the base - a rigid triangle. It is on it that the whole structure is held.

The special structure of the frame involves movement with an active forward tilt. Taking this pose, the total body weight and load is evenly distributed on the arms and legs. The cross country bike must have a front fork with a stroke of about 10 cm to provide high resistance and the possibility of blocking. And although this detail increases the acceleration of the bike, it becomes much easier to overcome obstacles.

Bicycle wheels should have light and strong rims. Tires that have perfect grip, 1.7-2 inches wide and lightweight are the perfect choice for a novice cross country man.

Since cross-country competitions are associated with dangerous descents and other risk factors, do not forget about head protection.

Contact pedals are a distinctive feature of a professional extreme cyclist from a simple lover. A pedal that is not unfastened in time may cause injury if it falls unsuccessfully. This accessory is used only by experienced riders or on uncomplicated tracks.

Cross-country bicycles can be conditionally divided into two groups: 2-outboard and hardtail. There is no clear opinion about which one is the most manageable in off-road conditions. Each model has its own disadvantages and advantages.

Two-pendant has the following qualities:

• sustainability;
• off-road handling;
• more comfortable riding position;
• massive construction;
• excellent double shock absorption that provides a smooth ride.

Hardtail has the following features:

• lack of a rear shock absorber;
• suitable for driving on relatively flat tracks;
• rigid frame contributes to a quick set of speed;
• the possibility of negative effects on the spine due to excessive vibration;
• reasonable price and service.

The combination of the lengths of all pipes and the angles between them is the geometry of the frame. It is she who sets the position on the bike and directly affects the technical characteristics of the vehicle. Pedals, switches, wheels, forks - all this, of course, is also important, but not so much.

Cross-country beginners who choose a vehicle for themselves often focus only on its size, without attaching importance to parameters such as frame proportions, angles, or lengths of other tubes. To choose a comfortable bike, you need to focus on the level of difficulty of the route.

But in general, attention should be paid to a number of aspects.

1. Steering column angle. It is preferable that it be as sharp as possible.
2. The length of the base design. For a good pavement, a short base is suitable. A long foundation is needed to overcome extreme tracks with difficult obstacles. She will create additional depreciation.
3. Front triangle. This is the distance between the seat, the steering wheel and the angle of the upper frame. To control the bike in rough terrain, the best option would be longer than average.
4. Steering wheel. The position of the cyclist in the saddle depends on its length. Overcoming difficult sections of the path in a sitting position will be problematic. Therefore, in order to transfer the center of gravity to the front of the bike, you will need to lift and focus on the handlebars.With a short steering wheel, this will be much more convenient.
5. Short hind feathers help to overcome obstacles easier by yanking the bike.
6. For additional protection against obstacles, the carriage assembly should be higher than, for example, a road bike. Its distance from the ground should be such that it will allow optimal movement over rough terrain, without touching the passing obstacles with vehicle elements.

Extreme cycling competitions are held annually around the world. According to their results, the level of priority is determined. Consider the top five best professional cross-country models, according to professionals.

1. Cannondale scalpel - the bike has practically no drawbacks, except for the high cost. Two-suspension model with integrated steering wheel, 29-inch wheels and 20 speed modes.
2. Scott Spark RC 900 - participant and winner of the most prestigious competitions. It has 2 suspensions, rotor brakes and wheel rims 24 mm.
3. BMC Fourstroke 01 ONE - Equipped with original Continental tires, distinguished by their strength. The advantage over rivals will provide 22 speeds and hydraulic brakes.
4. Cube Reaction C: 62 Race 29 - A relatively new, but already popular model. Permissible fork stroke is 100 mm, hydraulic brake disc with a diameter of up to 180 mm.
5. Forward Agris 27.5 2.0 disc - at a relatively low cost, it is equipped with accessories from world famous manufacturers. For example, HardTail is the frame manufacturer, and the Shimano brake system never fails the owner.

First of all, you need to decide on which routes this type of transport will be used. Both overall staffing and specific details depend on this.

• Rubber. Now the actual size is 27, 5 and 29 inches.
• Frame. Must be lightweight and durable. Aluminum will be an ideal option for both female and male models.
• Transmission. Best of all, if it is cassette-it will increase its service life.
• Front fork only with monolithic "pants" - no welding. The depreciation lock button will be a nice and necessary bonus.
• Rims Only double, otherwise the wheels will not last long.
• Gear shifters. It is not worth saving on them, since the functionality of the design depends on their work.

If the choice fell on a well-known model, you will have to fork out additionally.

The following video provides an overview of cross-country racing for a reasonable price.