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Greatest downcountry mountain bikes of 2022 | High-rated downcountry MTBs and purchaser’s information
Dec
Right here, we listing the very best downcountry mountain bikes in 2022, as examined and rated by our skilled reviewers at BikeRadar.
A relative newcomer to the mountain bike scene, downcountry bikes are rising shortly in recognition as a result of they offer you every little thing you want and nothing you don’t.
Many of those bikes began life as race-ready cross-country mountain bikes, however they’ve been given some further journey and a extra progressive geometry, whereas retaining their XC velocity.
Not all downcountry bikes are constructed the identical, although. Whereas some are extra like beefed-up cross-country mountain bikes, others are nearer to the finest path mountain bikes – pared-back and adrenaline-seeking.
We’ve put collectively a purchaser’s information on the finish of this text that can assist you select the very best downcountry bike for you and to assist clarify this new class of motorbike.
Transition Spur X01
- Nice geometry
- Easy downhill, sprightly uphill
- £6,000 / $6,499 / AU$10,499 as examined
In contrast to some downcountry bikes, the full-carbon body Transition Spur is neither a beefed-up XC machine or a pared-back path bike. As an alternative, Transition began from the bottom as much as construct a motorbike that, it claims, will cowl floor shortly and fly down descents.
The Spur has 120mm of journey in each the entrance fork and the rear shock, and with regards to descending it actually shines a lightweight on how succesful a motorbike like this may be, staying composed with an innate potential to easy out the path regardless of its modest journey.
When climbing, the Spur is fast and environment friendly, surging ahead as you step on the pedals, and staying firmly rooted on tough pitches.
Total, Transition has created a motorbike with very good geometry, well-considered equipment and a trip that will put many longer-travel bikes to disgrace.
Cotic FlareMAX GX AXS
- Very succesful downhill
- Quick rolling and responsive
- £4,899
Designed for using within the UK, the FlareMAX feels succesful in most conditions, leaning extra to the aspect of ‘down’ within the downcountry equation.
Uphill, the FlareMAX provides tons of traction, accelerating effectively while you stamp on the pedals. That includes 125mm of rear journey, the FlareMAX has a ground-hugging really feel that by no means makes it appear under-biked when pointed downhill.
The bike comes properly specced with a 120mm RockShox SID fork up entrance, whereas Cane Creek’s DBair IL takes care of the rear. It additionally options SRAM’s Eagle AXS drivetrain and G2 RSC brakes, making the bike weigh in at 13.9kg for a measurement giant.
Juliana Wilder CC X01 AXS TR Reserve
- Tremendous-light, responsive construct
- Impressively succesful on the descents
- £8,299 / $9,449 as examined
Weighing in at 10.5kg, it’s no shock that this range-topping new downcountry construct from Juliana is a mega climber.
By dropping the VPP linkage, the rear-suspension design has helped to shave 289g off the body weight of the Blur – the Wilder’s Santa Cruz equal – yielding 115mm journey utilizing the single-pivot linkage and flex-stays.
There’s extra to this new downcountry rig than pure prowess uphill although: specced with 120mm journey up-front, the Wilder is surprisingly succesful with regards to tackling rougher floor and descents.
Specialised Epic EVO Skilled
- Tremendous-fast while you step on the pedals
- Brief-travel however extremely succesful
- £6,750 / $6,300 / AU$10,100 / €6,699 as examined
The Specialised Epic EVO is a rocketship, reflective of its cross-country roots.
On climbs, the bike is sprightly and energetic, and offers the sensation that every little thing you set into the pedals is translated into ahead momentum. Sluggish up a bit of bit and the bike sits in the midst of its journey, and feels extra supportive than others.
Once you level the Epic EVO downhill, it’s surprisingly secure, delivering far past its 120mm of journey on rougher terrain, however getting the appropriate line is essential to actually unlock the bike’s potential.
For the worth, one may count on a carbon bar fairly than the alloy one Specialised has specced, and the model’s in-house tyres might be switched out for some further chunk.
Trek High Gas 8
- Ideally suited suspension and geometry
- Meaty however weighty body
- £3,850 / $3,830 / €4,099 / AU$5,300 as examined
The Trek High Gas 8 gained’t fairly match its rivals on descents, however it’s extremely versatile, climbing and nullifying rugged surfaces with aplomb.
The trendy geometry and gearing of the Shimano XT/SLX groupset let you scamper up sheer inclines, offered the Bontrager XR4 tyres retain buy.
Downhill, the High Gas is agile and the RockShox SID fork is barely outgunned on essentially the most technical sections.
In contrast to an XC bike, the High Gas ought to be forgiving sufficient to pootle alongside on all-day adventures.
YT Izzo Professional Race
- Geometry encourages you to trip laborious
- Good spec for the cash
- £4,599 / $5,299 / AU$83,99 / €5,299 as examined
YT’s direct to shopper enterprise mannequin means there are few compromises on the Izzo Professional Race. The bike comes with a high Fox 34 fork, Float DPS shock and SRAM’s Eagle X01 drivetrain.
Beneath the bike’s sharp strains is a spot-on geometry that delivers an aggressive trip that eggs you on.
The anti-squat constructed into the suspension means the Izzo stays composed on climbs and will get up them with ease.
With 130mm of journey in the back and front, the suspension ramps up properly and offers you sufficient help for charging down fairly tough descents, serving to create a motorbike that gained’t maintain you again.
Nukeproof Reactor Carbon 290 ST
- Downhill demon
- Nice spec for the worth
- £4,700 / $4,700 / AU$6,600 as examined
The Nukeproof Reactor ST is a very succesful bike that comes with progressive geometry and an excellent using place.
Contemplating the worth level of the Reactor ST, the equipment that’s bolted to it’s actually spectacular. There’s a Fox Manufacturing unit 34 fork, a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset, Maxxis rubber and carbon handlebar.
On descents, the Fox 34 feels well-controlled and the 125mm of journey within the rear can take some fairly large hits, making a trip that’s significantly enjoyable.
The Reactor ST isn’t energetic on climbs and locking the shock is suggested to get a bit extra effectivity on lengthy drags. This implies the Reactor ST isn’t fairly as rounded as different downcountry bikes, however with regards to descending and worth for cash, it’s laborious to beat.
Scott Spark 900 Tuned AXS
- Lightning quick
- Suspension eases over bumps
- £8,199 as examined (worldwide pricing TBC)
Even in its downcountry guise, with a 130mm-travel fork, the Scott Spark 900 Tuned AXS is suitably speedy. That is partly as a result of Fox Nude 5T shock and fast-rolling Schwalbe Depraved Will tyres.
Fortunately, the Shimano XTR brakes can cool off that velocity.
Though the Scott Spark whizzes up rock-strewn ascents, on leveller floor the suspension tends to soak up energy from the pedals as a substitute of propelling the bike forwards.
Scott Spark 910
- Very quick, devours climbs
- Clear {hardware}
- £5,299
Sharing its body with the Spark RC cross-country race-bike, the Spark 910 is a quick mile-munching monster with top-of-the-class climbing potential.
The Fox Nude rear shock gives 120mm of journey and is hidden away within the seat tube, making a clean-looking body and defending the shock from the weather. A 130mm Fox 34 fork helps the entrance finish, and the bike is specced with Shimano’s XT drivetrain and encompasses a Syncros Fraser built-in bar and stem.
In contrast to some downcountry bikes, the Spark continues to be very a lot ‘nation’ targeted, and is extra at house at path centres fairly than gnarly backcountry descents.
Additionally think about…
This downcountry mountain bike scored fewer than 4 out of 5 stars in testing, however continues to be price contemplating.
Cannondale Scalpel SE LTD Lefty
- Extremely snug
- Agile and enjoyable
- £7,000 / $8,300 / €8,399 as examined
The Scalpel SE LTD Lefty shares the identical carbon body as Cannondale’s XC Scalpel however has an extended stroke shock to extend the journey from 100mm to 120mm.
This cross-country DNA is clear within the dealing with, with the Scalpel wanting to get shifting and climb. The bike doesn’t really feel fairly as supportive or as bob-free as different downcountry bikes, however on lengthy straight climbs, it may well go alongside at an excellent tempo.
The Scalpel actually shines on meandering downhills. It slithers over roots and rocks with ease and is nimble on flowing path park descents. However rougher terrain will reveal the bounds of the Scalpel faster than different related bikes.
Having stated this, in the event you’re on the lookout for a downcountry bike extra on the XC finish of the spectrum, the Scalpel is able to eat up some large miles and comfortably reduce by way of singletrack too.
First trip suggestions
These downcountry bikes have solely been ridden by the BikeRadar testers a handful of occasions, in order that they haven’t but been given a full, rated assessment, however they’re price contemplating.
Yeti SB115 T1
- Supple and supportive suspension
- Tremendous-solid chassis
- £6,499 / $6,300 / €7,490 as examined
Tailored from Yeti’s SB100 cross-country bike, the SB115 T1 is a stable bike that feels very planted by way of the chunder however environment friendly on the climbs.
The SB115 is graced with Fox Manufacturing unit suspension that comes up trumps. Excessive anti-squat figures preserve the bike feeling secure on climbs.
On descents, it’s tender sufficient to maintain the rear wheel caught to the bottom and with sufficient mid-stroke help for some good pop. It additionally ramps up properly for larger hits, though there may be simply 115mm of journey within the rear.
The geometry of the Yeti is pretty just like the SB100, which contributes to its velocity, however the attain is brief and it may do with a bit extra size to stay secure and fewer skittish on unfastened rocks and steep chutes.
Purchaser’s information to downcountry mountain bikes
Mountain biking typically appears like a broad umbrella for a lot of totally different disciplines; from path to high-flying downhill, there are myriad using types and, after all, the bikes to match.
Downcountry bikes are one of many newest mountain biking phenomena, sitting on the intersection of cross-country, path and all-mountain bikes.
Having existed in a single kind or one other for a lot of years, downcountry bikes have just lately hit the mainstream. As demand for this sort of bike started to balloon, the bike business responded, and downcountry is now a burgeoning class.
Totally different manufacturers strategy downcountry bikes in barely alternative ways, however this purchaser’s information will take you thru every little thing you have to know.
What’s a downcountry mountain bike?
Briefly, downcountry bikes are light-weight XC-style frames with added journey, trail-friendly geometry and wider, knobbly tyres.
The consequence? Bikes that may cowl floor extraordinarily quick however nonetheless allow you to cost down descents.
The time period ‘downcountry’ was coined by Mike Levy at PinkBike three years in the past, and is a mash-up of ‘downhill’ and ‘cross-country’. So, a fairly neat encapsulation of what the bikes are for, and consequently a time period that has caught round.
The origin of downcountry bikes is a bit hazy. Some say it extends again to cross-country racing, the place gnarlier programs demanded extra technical, gravity-capable machines. Others say it comes from engineers making small tweaks to thoroughbred XC race bikes to make them extra enjoyable to trip.
Arguably, they may stem from producers doing their market analysis and seeing customers using extra excessive terrain on their cross-country bikes and making corresponding upgrades to current bikes.
Nevertheless they got here to be, a number of the greatest bikes manufacturers now provide off-the-shelf downcountry bikes that ship a refined stability of brief journey, minimal mass and progressive geometry.
What to search for in a downcountry mountain bike
Alongside trail-friendly geometry, broad knobbly tyres and prolonged journey, downcountry bikes have a couple of different options that assist them stability their quick and agile trip with their downhill efficiency and extra relaxed really feel.
A lot of what makes a downcountry bike is what it’s specced with, and right here we run by way of the important thing issues to look out for.
A light-weight body with a relaxed geometry
Return 10 years and inform a cross-country rider they’d someday be using a motorbike with a 66-degree head tube angle they usually’d most likely take a look at you as in the event you’d had one too many caffeine gels. However now, that is precisely what is going on with downcountry bikes.
This angle is slacker than conventional cross-country bikes and helps give downcountry bikes their gravity-riding potential. It’s because a slacker angle means the entrance fork sticks our additional, making a extra secure trip at excessive speeds.
Attain figures have additionally elevated as head angles have decreased. An extended attain quantity makes the bike really feel extra secure while you’re stood on the pedals descending.
Descending stability was going to be an inevitable end result when combining the slack head angle, lengthy attain and the consequential longer wheelbases created by these two figures.
Though downcountry bikes have extra gravity-friendly geometry, they continue to be comparatively mild so riders aren’t pushing an excessive amount of mass, serving to the bikes keep quick.
Brief-travel
Though downcountry bikes have a short-travel design, they nonetheless provide a bit extra journey than cross-country race machines to assist them on extra technical downhill sections.
As a normal rule, downcountry bikes have between 120mm and 130mm journey within the forks and a variation of between 110mm and 125mm on the again, relying on model and mannequin.
Some downcountry bikes do provide extra journey, however that is testomony to how downcountry is a fairly woolly class that’s extra about various factors coming collectively than journey defining what the bike is.
Massive wheels and burly tyres
29in wheels are normal on downcountry bikes. In comparison with 27.5in wheels, they require much less effort to maintain their momentum and are consequently extra environment friendly, making them the appropriate selection for the types of longer, extra pedalling-intensive rides you’ll be doing on these bikes.
Downcountry bikes pair 29in wheels with wider and burlier tyres than you’d anticipate finding on 29er cross-country bikes.
These mountain bike tyres sit between fast-rolling, light-weight XC tyres and chunkier downhill treads, making them quick and fewer of a drag when climbing, but extra sturdy and succesful on the tough stuff.
Large bars and brief stems
Large bars and brief stems are the go-to for downcountry bikes.
The broad bars offer you extra leverage and assist make downcountry bikes super-stable, agile and fewer skittish than bikes with extra XC-focused parts.
A shorter stem additionally improves dealing with. It offers the bike faster dealing with traits by making steering extra direct and makes the bike really feel extra responsive.
Dropper seatposts
Dropper posts are a standard function on downcountry bikes as a result of they offer riders a bit extra space for shifting round and shifting weight on technical descents.
It’s doable to lift the saddle for environment friendly pedalling and to benefit from downcountry bikes’ cross-country-style velocity, combining the very best of each worlds.
It won’t be a shock that downcountry bikes include dropper posts contemplating their versatility, and dropper posts are even making their manner onto gravel bikes.
Gearing
Gearing on downcountry bikes is slanted in the direction of the cross-country finish of the spectrum. Entrance rings are inclined to have between 32 and 38 enamel in comparison with the 30- to 34-tooth rings on path bikes.
This enables for extra velocity, which is at all times appreciated on the smoother trails and fireplace roads {that a} downcountry bike is at house bombing alongside, and for lengthy days within the saddle.
Brakes
Relating to brakes on downcountry bikes there’s a combine, however they have a tendency to make use of two-pot fairly than four-pot mountain bike disc brakes, the place there are solely two pistons fairly than 4.
It’s because downcountry bikes don’t want the braking energy of 4 pistons as a result of they aren’t descending on the quick, white-knuckle speeds of downhill mountain bikes.
Two pistons fairly than 4 additionally saves weight, serving to downcountry bikes obtain their svelte builds.
Consistent with this, downcountry bikes additionally are inclined to have a mixture of rotor sizes; 180mm on the entrance for higher braking and warmth dispersion and 160mm on the rear, the place braking isn’t so strenuous on the disc and some grams may be saved.
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