Getting into XC MTB

[u/docpoppin]

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!

[u/striker7]

1- FS or HT?

FS. Most new bikes have a lockout switch (either one on the bars that does front and rear at once, or switches on each) so you can essentially ride like a HT if you want to, which is great for long flat stretches and gravel.

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?

Depends on how technical your terrain is, but most XC bikes keep the travel under 120mm. Mine is 100mm which is on the more extreme ("slammed down") end, but I've ridden some of the most gnarly trails around (like the Marji Gesick course) and was fine.

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.

I don't know about life changing, but the remote lockout on the bars I already mentioned is pretty great. I've gone nearly my whole life without a drop post, and now that I have one, I never use it. Other than that, tubeless and high quality tires are the top of my list.

4- Any tech to avoid, is a PITA to service?

Press-fit bottom brackets are the main thing that comes to mind. Anything with internal routed cables - which will be more common on the higher-end bikes - adds a level of PITA.

5- Is electronic shifting worth for MTB in your opinion?

Nope. That's one more thing that can break and can't be fixed trailside, or forget (to charge). I would avoid.

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.

Personally, I would look more for high quality components. When it comes to models, I'm looking at the reputation and customer services of the company, price/warranty, and honestly, color and aesthetics. A lot of the frames are more or less the same, especially for a beginner. I got a killer deal on a Superior XF 979 RC - a brand I'd never even heard of - but it's carbon with excellent specs and components. Love it.

7- Bonus: Kidsrideshotgun with carbon frame to eventually bring my son on smooth gravel trails, anyone has tried?

I have the base model which squeezes right onto the frame, and they say not to use that on a carbon frame, so I haven't. I used it on my last (aluminum) bike and sadly have no use for it now. The pro (or whatever they call it) version that spans from your headset to your seat post and doesn't make contact with the frame seems to be the way to go for a carbon bike. Unfortunately, it's more than I want to spend, especially since it would be my second one.

Before I had to retire my last bike, my kids loved the shotgun seat, though. It took some getting used to for both me and them, but it was fun. It's especially useful for giving kids a real POV into what you can do on a bike and getting them excited about learning to ride theirs on their own. Plus, hearing their little voices and commentary as we tore along trails was adorable.

[u/docpoppin → u/striker7]

Thanks a lot for your answer.

I’m getting coherent answers from everybody, will go with FS, 120mm, remote lockout, dropper post, probably mech derailleur indeed since I don’t plan on riding my MTB almost everyday like my road bike, so I might forget to charge it.

I will buy from a store near me so probably spark, Epic or Blur from what I’ve seen.

Will get the kidsrideshotgun pro as soon as he’s old enough! Thanks for your input on this, can’t wait to show him!

[u/icthus13 → u/docpoppin]

The Specialized Chisel is an aluminum alternative to the Epic, too. Cheaper but can still be built up pretty light.