Cross Country
Here are all cycling items in the category Cross Country in alphabetical order. Click the link for a detailed description.



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Once you've determined the appropriate saddle height, adjust your saddle to match, measuring along the seat tube from the center of the bottom bracket to the low point of your saddle.

Setting the reach

The "reach" of a bike is determined by the combination of two factors - the length of the top tube, plus the length of the stem. (See figure 2) Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire method of recommending a stem based on body measurements. If you're replacing an existing bike, consider measuring the combined length of the top tube and stem extension of your old bike first. You can then look at the top tube length on your new frame, and order a stem that will provide appropriate reach when the two are added together.


Fig. 2 - Measuring Reach

 

Crank Length

In general, longer cranks provide more leverage and are sometimes preferred by climbers and time trialists. The extra leverage comes at the expense of RPMs, however, as your legs are turning through a larger circle. For this reason, riders who prefer to "spin" frequently choose shorter cranks. Typically, riders choose mountain cranks that are 2.5-5mm longer than their road cranks.

Mountain bikes cranks are almost always 175mm, unless the rider is very short. Shorter (under 5' 5") riders might want to try 170mm cranks instead.

On the road, crank length is dictated by the size of the rider and their riding style. General guidelines are 170mm cranks for riders on 56cm or smaller frames, 172.5mm cranks for riders on 56-60cm frames, and 175mm cranks for riders over 6' tall. Size can go up or down slightly depending on rider preference.

Frame Materials - what are the differences?

What should your new bicycle frame be made of?

First, we should point out that fantastic frames can be made out of any of these materials. The builder, the style of tubes, and the frame geometry has as much to do with the way the bike feels as the frame material! We're proud of each frame we sell. The following general characteristics may help you decide which frame material is right for you.

Titanium

Titanium has a reputation for smoothing out rough roads and leaving the rider less fatigued after a day in the saddle. It's also non-corrosive, making it ideal for use in harsh climates. Because titanium is not as inexpensive to fabricate as other materials, it is rarely used for large travel suspension mountain bikes which need special linkages, custom pivots, etc.

Steel

The 'classic' frame material. Quality steel can be very lightweight while retaining its strength. Bike manufacturers have been working in steel longer than with any other material. Characteristics of steel bikes include durability and a nice road and trail 'feel'.

Aluminum

Aluminum bikes have a reputation of stiffness and good power transmission. Because the raw costs of aluminum are fairly low, they are often an excellent value. Road sprinters love oversize aluminum road bikes because their minimal flex means maximum power transmission. Aluminum can also be made quite light for riders that excel at climbing.

Carbon Fiber

Because carbon fiber can be molded (rather than cut from tubes), it is perhaps the most versatile frame material. Carbon bikes can have extremely aerodynamic "wing" shaped sections that would be difficult, if not impossible to fabricate from metal. Carbon fiber bikes can be extremely lightweight which makes them desirable for cross country mountain bikes and road bikes. Carbon bikes also have the benefit of never corroding.

Some info sourced from our affiliate partner: Jensonusa