Biking is a pretty divided hobby. It has a lot of categories. In this Post I want to speak about the XCO/Maraton, and trail bikes.
Comparison table:
| Nr | Parameter | Dimension | XCO | Trail |
| 1 | Travel front | mm | 0-100 | 120-160 |
| 2 | Travel heck | mm | 0-100 | 120-160 |
| 3 | Handlebar width | mm | 720+ | 780+ |
| 4 | Rim width | mm | 20-22 | 25-35 |
| 5 | Tiresize | inch | 2-2,4 | 2,3-2,6 |
| 6 | Diameter of disk brakes | mm | 160-180 | 180-200 |
| 7 | Number of pistons | pc | 2 | 4 |
| 8 | Teeth of chainring | pc | 28-30 | 30-36 |
| 9 | Seatpost | – | fix | dropper |
This table shows us that the trail bikes are overdimensioned and more massive. That is understandable, because the usage area of the bikes starts where the XC bikes end. They are generally much more „fun”-oriented. The main goal was not to achieve low weight, athletic position and good climbing ability. The main purpose of these bikes is conquering technical terrerain and downhill sections. The two different categories don’t really have a common denominator, although some XC models already have a few trail features (stronger frame, longer travel). You can ride an XC bike in high mountains and on built tracks, but neither the bike nor its owner will be happy with it. This is also true in the other direction. Marathon racing is likely to be an “overkill” on a 130-travel trail bike. But if performance / time is not the primary consideration, you can get along with such bike as well.
So far I did not have a basis for comparison, but now I am really curious to see how big is the difference between the bikes. I had a Kellys Cool Tool hardtail between 2013-2017 (unfortunately it was stolen). This frame was a bit trail-oriented XC-bike. On my first laps I had fear because of the low handlebar. In 2017 we conquered together many routes in the Alps. This bike found its place everywhere. I miss my Specialized Indie XC saddle from that bike. That was the most comfortable saddle I ever had.
To be continued!
