|
XC TRAIL |
Moderate to aggressive cross-country riding on trails with varied terrain including technical sections, relatively steep climbs/descents, and natural obstacles including rocks, roots, and moderate jumps. Equipment requirements: hardtail or dual suspension with 4.5" to 5" of travel, balanced climbing and descending capabilities, light and durable.
Recommended models: Flightline Expert, Flightline Comp, Mary XC, Mary SS, Ally XC, Ally SS, Beasley 1/9, Beasley SS, Shift R5, Shift R3, Shift R1, Werx Sonix, Sonix S, Sonix, Sonix LT |
|
FREERIDE |
Aggressive riding on technical terrain with an emphasis on jumping and descending but versatile enough to climb to the top of the trail. Not designed for all-day epic cross-country rides, but has enough pedaling efficiency to make you earn your downhill run. Equipment requirements: 6" to 7" of travel, heavy-duty construction, and stable handling at high and low speeds.
Recommended models: Extreme X7 |
|
ALL MOUNTAIN |
Just as the name implies, this is the bike that will take you all over the mountain and even let you experiment with some light freeride. Modern advances in suspension technology make these bikes suitable for longer cross-country rides over a wide variety of terrain. Equipment requirements: about 6" of travel, usually adjustable to some extent, or an aggressive hardtail with a burly frame and a longer-travel fork.
Recommended models: Werx Xeon, Xeon S, Xeon, Extreme X6, Extreme X6 COMP, Escape Comp, Escape Sport, Escape, Escape S |
|
DIRT JUMP / URBAN |
Spontaneous riding that includes plenty of jumping, carving, and tricks. These bikes are designed to be ridden on technical, often man-made terrain ranging from dirt jumps to staircases to skate parks. Equipment requirements: overbuilt hardtails with shorter-travel forks, sturdy parts, and a heavy BMX influence.
Recommended models: Thread Eight, Thread One, Steel Reserve 8, Steel Reserve 1 |
|
XC SPORT |
Easy to moderate riding on bike paths, dirt roads, and trails with minimal technical terrain. Equipment requirements: 60-100mm of fork travel, knobby tires for off-road traction, sturdy construction.
Recommended models: Flightline Sport, Flightline Two, Flightline One, Flightline 24, Flightline 20 |
|
COMMUTING/FITNESS |
Easy to moderate riding on paved surfaces. Emphasis on comfort and/or function. Equipment requirements: hardtail frame, rigid forks or short-travel suspension forks (75mm or less), rack/fender mounts, narrower high-pressure tires.
Recommended models: Maxwell, Sanford, Gomez, Roscoe, Heartland Express LE, Heartland Express
Recommended models: Maxwell, Sanford, Gomez, Roscoe, Heartland Express, Heartland Express LE |
|
COMFORT |
Easy riding on paved and hardpack surfaces for generally shorter distances. Emphasis on rider comfort. Equipment requirements: lightweight alloy hardtail, short-travel suspension forks (75mm or less), comfortable saddles, wider tires with low tread pattern for improved rolling resistance.
Recommended models: Heartland, Heartland LTD, Heartland DLX |
|
CRUISERS |
Very easy riding and cruising on paved surfaces which often lead to the shoreline, local pub, or school campus. Big emphasis on rider comfort while maintaining a high level of style with flashy paint and matching accessories. Equipment requirements: rust-free alloy frames and fenders, high-volume tires, swoopy bars, and comfy springer saddles. Recommended
Recommended models: Buster, Maude, Cooper, Molly, Railer SS, Railer XS |