What is downcountry?
Downcountry is an emerging MTB subcategory that falls somewhere between XC riding and more gravity-focussed Trail and All-Mountain disciplines.
With modern XC courses continuing to ramp up in technical difficulty, the emergence of more capable race-oriented bikes was simply a matter of time. Downcountry frames blend the best of both worlds on bikes that allow you to hammer on the pedals for hours without sacrificing any fun on the descents. The largest difference between Downcountry and more traditional XC platforms is bike geometry and component choice.
Downcountry frames feature slacker head tube angles, longer reach, and more travel. These adjustments add stability on technical trails, especially at higher speeds. Components are typically more robust with riders preferring dropper posts and wider, yet still lightweight wheels that will work well with tires between 2.3”-2.5”.
Is a downcountry bike right for you?
If your preferred bike ride consists of 70% cross country and 30% all mountain trails, a downcountry bike is probably an ideal option for you. If you’re the type of cyclist who hates to climb, does a lot of jumps and drops, and is always hunting for the next trail feature, shopping for a frame with more travel may be the better choice.
Between the relaxed geometry and more robust components, downcountry bikes are inevitably a bit heavier than XC-specific race bikes, which may be a deal breaker for weight focussed riders anxious to be first across the finish line.
Downcountry-style rims & wheels
At Light Bicycle, we offer several models ideal for downcountry use (29er & 650b). The rims feature an inner width of 27-30mm and are suitable for tires from 2.1” to 2.7”. One of our newest rims, the AM930S features our S-Flow profile and is available in a Flyweight layup for riders looking to shed even more weight.
AM930S - 29er, 30mm Inner Width
AM927 - 29er, 27mm Inner Width
AM727 - 27.5er, 27mm Inner Width
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