Today's cross-country mountain bikes are blending cutting-edge materials and leading design technologies to bring consumers and professionals alike the lightest, most performance-oriented equipment possible. According to Mountainbikeframes.com, by harnessing the strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber, bicycle fabricators are producing race machines built for speed and are at home both on the track or your favorite trails.
Specialized S- Works Epic 29er
The secret behind the Epic is the technology used in both front and rear suspensions. With built-in threshhold points of compression, the bike can determine how to react to a bump on the trail based on the amount of force implied. Match this with a carbon frame and carbon cranks, you get one light bike. The 29-inch wheels reduce big obstacles for this sub 23 lb. package.
Trek Top Fule 9.9 SSL
The Wisconsin-based company packs a wallop with the Top Fuel. This cross-country racer starts with Trek's carbon frame, made plush by a Fox F-Series front shock and Fox Float rear suspension. Bontrager wheels and Team Race tires are driven by a XTR shifters, cranks, hydraulic brakes and derailleurs.
Santa Cruz Blur XC
The frame-only Santa Cruz has made waves on race podiums across the cross-country race circuit. The Blur XC combines a stiff-frame feel with carbon fiber technology and major bump absorption. The frame comes in a at 4.48 lb. and is available in custom kits from Santa Cruz.com.
Cannondale Scalpel Ultimate
The Ultimate is Cannondale's race-ready lightweight speedster. Using a Virtual Pivot Point, the Ultimate suspension design uses no bearing or bushings, making for an even lighter weight platform. In addition, the Ultimate comes standard with single leg front suspension technology. Sram XX components and DT Swiss Wheels make the Ultimate one of the fastest packages out there.
Yeti AS-R Carbon Pro XX
Yeti is known for its rugged frames. The AS-R Pro XX is available in several kits for a rider's specifications. It comes complete with a full Sram XX component group and high-end Mavic Crossfire rims. An earlier model won the acclaimed Gear of the Year from Outside Magazine.
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