xc or am what would suit me?

[ED209]

I usually ride the red/black runs at trail centres such as Glentress, Hamsterly, Whinlatter etc.

What would be best for me a xc or am bike? Im looking specifically at the canyon range price upto about £1400.

[Rolls]

They're a little more burley than your normal XC route aren't they?
If thats the case, AM would be my choice (so 140 - 160 mm travel) - although some may class that as XC...

[ED209]

Cheers i usually ride a 2010 rockhopper but if i manage to sell my vx220 i might upgrade!

[deadtom]

I'd agree with rolls.

XC bikes are great if thats all you do, but an AM bike will be a lot more fun on the bumpy stuff, and can still be ridden up hills too. especially if you get one more toward the 140mm travel end of the spectrum.

[SammyW]

Mine's a Canyon Nerve AM, 150mm at the front and 140mm back. It's a great allround bike, not a lightweight but it still climbs well, and it's incredibly capable and massive fun on downhill sections. Couldn't recommend it enough!

[MadDad]

XC by their nature are a lot more aggressive in their geometry, shorter travel and a bit unforgiving - they are designed for speed, and after a long day in the saddle you would know all about it!

I would agree with the other guys, AM would be more suited to your style of riding, the longer travel sus will be more forgiving and a decent AM bike should climb well but descend even better!

[a11y_m]

SammyW said:

Mine's a Canyon Nerve AM, 150mm at the front and 140mm back. It's a great allround bike, not a lightweight but it still climbs well, and it's incredibly capable and massive fun on downhill sections. Couldn't recommend it enough!

I'm not familiar with the Canyon range, but I'd say that amount of travel back and front is ideal for the UK. My own full-suss is a Lapierre Spicy with 170mm front / 160mm rear and it's just a bit much for the majority of UK riding - I've been debating changing to a Zesty with 140mm at the back and running the fork at 150mm. But I chose mine with trips to the Alps in my mind too and it's excelled at that.

So basically I'd say 140-150mm travel would be spot on for the OP's purposes.

[missing the VR6]

I've done quite a few trail centres on my Ghost 120mm XC bike including Glentress, didn't do any Black run there just red, absolutely loved it Spooky Hollow was amazing, but I did finish thinking I'd like a bit more travel, while I was up there I did Dalbeatie and Kirroghtree and managed them but would have appreciated a bit more travel.

To that end i've ordered an Orange 5 with 140mm after a test run on Whites Level Black run and Red, the extra travel just made everything feel easier and I was able to ride a lot faster and more confidently.

I'd say 160mm is probably over kill for the UK unless you like your DH but a 140 AM bike should be lovely.