BikeRadar's resident cross-country racer Joe Norledge has recently been putting his whippet frame to use testing two XC machines that deviate from the standard hardtail formula: BMC's Teamelite 01 XX1 and Trek's Procaliber 9.9 SL.
These are both seriously spendy bikes, and both use individual methods to build compliance into their frames.
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This means both bikes are comfier than your average razor sharp hardtail, with the aim being to reduce fatigue. BMC has gone down a semi traditional 'softtail' route, with its elastomer sitting between the rear axle and top tube, taking away trail buzz whatever position you're in on the bike.
Related: The return of the softtail – BMC's elastomer-equipped Teamelite TE01
Metal rods covered by the elastomer prevent lateral flex. BMC says its idea came from the pros, who wanted more compliance. That's hardly surprising – with World Cup cross-country tracks getting gnarlier and shorter, many riders have abandoned hardtails in favour of full-sus machines.
Trek's IsoSpeed Decoupler, meanwhile, is a concept borrowed from its Domane road bike – here the 'elastomer' merely hides a pivot point and isolates the seat tube from the frame at the seat tube/top tube junction. (In other words, Trek most definitely don't describe this as a softtail – and have a point.) There's a little bit of fore-aft movement when you're seated, but it's feels stiffer than the BMC when riding – because it's essentially a hardtail when you get out of saddle.
Related: Trek's 20lb Procaliber 9.9 SL is pure cross-country porn
Which is better for the privateer racer? Check the video out to discover our verdict – and look out for full reviews of both bikes…
