Ultimate Cross Country Mountain Biking Tips | How To Get Started In XC MTB

Rich is partial to the odd bit of cross country shredding, so we asked him to share his tips on how to get started riding and racing in the most accessible MTB discipline!

XC can be ridden on nearly any bike, but a lightweight 29er is the most suitable; ride as much as you can to improve your fitness - miles mean smiles! Choose fast rolling tyres, and enter some races if you fancy it!

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Leave us a comment below!

[thegefster]

Thank you for not forgetting about us xc riders. Not all about massive jumps and downhills

[Fulgur]

Definitely need more XC vids. Especially as it's so accessible for cheaper price brackets. Not everyone has the money especially in these times. Great video for sure!

[jamiehay]

I only really ride XC. Perfect video for me!

[joeyswash]

I have been racing downhill since i was 11 and just recently got into xc, gotta say, so much more fun than you think

[carlwilliams]

Good to see the oldest MTB discipline get some love. I've been riding XC since the late 80's and it's still my goto ride, trails and DH are fun but don't offer the sense of achievement that a big XC ride does. I'd imagine that with the way the world currently is it is the most popular MTB discipline at the moment because you can just go out and do it. The principles and tips haven't changed over the years either which is good. Everyone just get out there have fun, munch those miles enjoying the countryside, smile and say hello if you pass me.

[Stop_Elitists_Wars]

XC is very underrated in skill & effort & fitness training..
Speed & efficiency

[bagofchips]

I'm a total weight weenie on my canyon lux. But what it really comes down to is putting down the burger and picking up a salad more often

[wyatth]

Anyone else got an xc bike they use as an all arounder?

[nadavstein]

I would add one more tip:
Try not to bob up and down while climbing, it doesn’t help you that much and it is wasting precious energy, and while you’re racing it will basically say to your opponents that you are tired and that can attack

[lordchazz]

Just purchased a new Scott spark after saving for a year, perfect timing gmbn, love your videos👍

[fiver]

One of the best videos I've watched as we're not all downhill shredders. I'm rebuilding my XC bike at the moment so any tips are very welcome, especially about tyres. Luckily I also have a trail bike and would agree that XC bikes are somewhat challenging at trail centres, definitely horses for course.

[mrifqib]

"Cross country can be enjoyed by anyone on any bike"
me: riding a dual crown 200mm downhill bike on an xc trail🥴

[mrchrisdavies]

Another brill video Rich! Xc IS mountain biking to me! You and doddy and even neil and blake are all loving it. Some great tips. Im just getting back into it but am xc bike on a downhill is so much more fun and useable than a downhill bike. You dont need 180mm of travel on a push bike!

[nickcarolan]

My Favourite pastime. XC plus my daily commute to work is all I need. Love it 👍🇮🇪

[saygnileri]

This is one of the best inspiring video in all gmbn videos, thanks very much ;)

[curtisf.r]

Cheers Rich cool video! lots of info to get into XC 👊😎

[habe]

XC is for everyone who wants to ride MTB, trails and downhill tracks are not all places. MORE XC please from GMBN

[dodoontherocks]

Im really enjoying watching your guys videos. I'm moving to Switzerland this month and I bought a new xc mtb. Can't wait to try it out...

[jesuisFORTIO]

A road bike to build endurance and give a break to your expansive XC components is a great idea.

[joemama]

Love Xc videos, hope you guys can do more videos like this!