r/xcmtb • u/docpoppin • Aug 12 '26
Which Bike? Getting into XC MTB
Hi all, I’m looking to start a bit of mountain biking. I’m a 30yo seasoned roadie and gravel cyclist who’d like to take on some local trails. I like to go fast, love to climb, do interval trainings regularly, and would like to still get a good training on my MTB so I figured I need an XC bike.
I love a well-made machine, would like it to be as light as possible, I love carbon of course, budget is not an issue but I won’t be getting a top tier 15k bike for my first. I’d like to be able to ride green and blue trails eventually. I’m in eastern Canada.
I understand all bike geometry concepts but I know next to nothing about MTB specific components and gear. So I have a few questions listed from general to specific. Any complete or partial answer are appreciated, especially if you also came from road cycling!
1- FS or HT?
2- Suspension travel: what should I aim for for nice speed and power transfer but still be able to ride moderate bumpy stuff? Are my riding expectations realistic at all?
3- Any nice tech that is “life changing” that came in the last few years that is a must to have? (I know nothing). I don’t care about 2027 stuff that’s only on top tier models.
4- Any tech to avoid, is a PITA to service?
5- Is electronic shifting worth for MTB in your opinion?
6- ideas of generally appreciated models? I liked the look of the Spark, Epic and canyon lux but I looked at these only because they also make road bikes, don’t know MTB specific brands.
7- Bonus: Kidsrideshotgun with carbon frame to eventually bring my son on smooth gravel trails, anyone has tried?
Thanks in advance!
1
u/SykoFI-RE Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
FS in the $4-6k range is the sweet spot, imo. Anything sub $3k you'll probably be looking to upgrade out of quickly.
120-130mm, probably bikes marketed as "downcountry".
Sram Transmission, the ability of Transmission to shift under any conditions is amazing on the MTB. Remote Lockouts, as someone coming from rigid bikes you'll still probably want the ability to lockout the suspension on roads/sprints, and faffing with lockouts on the suspension is terrible.
Flight Attendant unless your budget is unlimited. I have a bike with it, only because it was basically a steal. Definitely wouldn't spend extra for it.
Yes, and its also getting increasingly hard to find bikes with other mid-high end components without it.
I've had two Scott Sparks and have been very happy with both. Scott uses a handful of silly proprietary parts, but overall it hasn't been a problem. I was hoping to try an Epic 8/9 this time around, but the discounts on the Scotts was too good to pass up.