The Cross-Country World Championships have just left mountain bikers in awe. What the pros achieve on lightweight 120-millimetre-travel bikes is simply mind-blowing. Their bikes are highly specialised racing machines, built to win competitions at the very highest level. A number of standards have become established, such as lightweight flex-pivot rear suspension systems and the integration of wireless technology into the drivetrain and suspension. Our round-up of the latest cross-country models shows that fast bikes are enjoying a new lease of life.
Conclusion
I can’t say for certain whether the flood of new releases in the cross-country sector has anything to do with the fact that a new wheel size – 32 inches – is on the horizon. What I can say, having already ridden almost all the new 29er models, is that race bikes are better than ever before. Light, versatile, high-performance: future 32-inch models will have their work cut out to match them. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
1. Canyon Lux World Cup CFR
For the current racing season, Canyon is opting for slightly more suspension travel and a significantly more progressive geometry. At 66 degrees, the head angle is particularly modern. Every possible element that might add even a single gramme of extra weight has been eliminated from the frame. The kinematics can be adjusted to suit different chainring sizes using a flip-chip. The prices offered by this direct-to-consumer retailer are particularly competitive compared to the competition. A model with an electronically controlled suspension is available from as little as 6,999 euros.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 110 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 9.8 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 3,999 to 7,999 euros
- Special features: Anti-Squat Flip Chip, tool mount
2. Lapierre XR
Unfortunately, due to the Accel Group’s financial difficulties, the future of Lapierre race bikes is uncertain. In any case, the World Cup team will be disbanded for the 2027 season. Nevertheless, the French have pulled off another impressive feat. The new XR comes with an updated Geo and an upgraded chassis. A version with a radio-controlled chassis is not available.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 10.4 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 3,799 to 10,000 euros
- Special features: Tool mount
3. Orbea Oiz
The latest version of the Orbea Oiz is also set to make an even stronger commitment to racing. The Spanish manufacturer promises that the new race bike will offer greater stiffness in all the right places and an even more high-performance suspension system. Nevertheless, the new Oiz is expected to be around 30 per cent lighter than its immediate predecessor. Of course, fine-tuning was also carried out on the geometry and kinematics. The aluminium-frame models offer particularly affordable entry-level prices for the Oiz range.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 9.6 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 2,499 to 10,999 euros
- Special features: Tool mount
4. Santa Cruz Blur
Santa Cruz has not only given the Blur a little more travel, but has also redesigned the entire rear suspension system. Of course, the update also includes changes to the geometry table. A 66-degree head angle is designed to ensure a smooth ride during high-speed race runs. The Blur is one of the few cross-country bikes to feature a classic frame storage compartment and conventionally internally routed cables. As well as the race version, down-country models are also available.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 11.2 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 4,999 to 12,499 euros
- Special features: Tool mount, under-frame storage compartment
5. Scott Spark RC
Even after Nino Schurter’s retirement from the World Cup, the Scott Spark continues to enjoy success in the hands of technical riding demi-gods such as Bjorn Riley. The Swiss manufacturers continue to house the shock absorber within the carbon frame, but have opted for a completely new suspension linkage for the new bike. Particular emphasis was placed on a low centre of gravity and added value through features such as a frame storage compartment, etc. System integration is also a key priority with the new Scott Spark.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 9.9 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 3,699 to 12,499 euros
- Special features: Tool mount, frame storage compartment, SAG indicator, geometry adjustment via headset cups
6. Specialized Epic 9
The new Specialized Epic 9 has replaced the hugely successful Epic 8. When it comes to lightweight construction and pricing, the Californian brand a step ahead of most of its competitors. The geometry has been slightly adjusted and the frame storage compartment has been removed from the chassis. What remains is a powerful 120mm suspension system and a host of medals from the Cross Country World Cup.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: from 8.5 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
- Price range: 4,199 to 14,499 euros
- Special features: Geometric adjustment via flip-chip
7. Wilier Urta Ultimate
The Wilier Urta is hugely popular in the cross-country and marathon scenes. The latest version features an improved suspension system, new carbon fibres and revised geometry. This can also be adjusted via the headset cups. The Italian brand relies entirely on carbon wheels and handlebar-stem assemblies.
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Weight: N/A
- Price range: 7,500 to 13,900 euros
- Special features: Geometry adjustment via headset cups
What do you think: would you go for one of the new 29-inch race bikes, or would you rather wait for 32-inch models for cross-country riding? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor