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Cross-country is having a bit of a moment right now, with numerous cutting-edge XC bikes launched this summer and riders enjoying machines that are increasingly capable on the trails.
2020 was due to be an Olympic year and, with cross-country being the only mountain bike discipline represented at the Games, it's the opportunity for bike brands to put their XC bikes in the shop window.
Coronavirus put paid to the 2020 Olympics, with the Tokyo Games postponed to next summer, but with product cycles set out years in advance, we've still seen plenty of XC bikes hit the market, including the Specialized Epic, Cannondale Scalpel, Transition Spur, Orbea Oiz OMX and Orbea Alma.
We're also seeing the massive growth in 'downcountry' bikes – slacker short-travel trail bikes with plenty of XC DNA woven into their carbon frames.
In the latest episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, technical editors Tom Marvin and Alex Evans delve into the world of XC and chat all things fast and flat-out.
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