XC point

[mossmanguru]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors, No offence to any xc riders but could you please share.

[tom_burford_orr]

while there is not as much skill needed as in downhill racing cross country does need technique. Keeping traction up a steep hill and changing gears at the right sport does take some skill.
I do still see it as a largely fitness based rather then a skill based sport. Any cross country riders who may be up set by this comment, please keep in mind i am comparing levels of skill with respect to disciplines such as trails or flatland bmx.

Also i think the point is for a sense of freedom. Similar to that of hiking.

[Dicky]

Some of us just aren't that gnar-core, dude.

[mossmanguru]

Some of us just aren't that gnar-core, dude.

Understandable. So dickys is saying if you are to pussy to ride DH then go ride XC

[Bodin]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors, No offence to any xc riders but could you please share.

Saying "no offence" doesn't make an offensive comment any less offensive. Don't forget that you are pissing off MOST MTB riders, as MOST MTB riders ride trail/xc. DH is the minority sport in the MTB world (don't remember seeing it at the Olympics...) and takes away half the fun and skill (climbing).

Is that sharing enough for you?

Understandable. So dickys is saying if you are to pussy to ride DH then go ride XC

You can have a week off your Farkin commitments to go and do some research so you never have to post anything that stupid ever again. If your first post after your "holiday" isn't an apology, I'll ban you permanently.

[Turner_rider]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is.

Does anything in life have a point?? ;)

[Bodin]

Does anything in life have a point?? ;)

Yes: the banning stick.

[Mr. Pink]

Yes: the banning stick.

bahahaha, brilliant.

What's the "point" of DH? Simple mate, you enjoy it - different strokes for different folks.

[zaccyboy]

Oh yes mossmanguru.... You felt the pain.
http://www.farkin.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=115484&d=1221259606

[Breaka]

Yes the original poster was a tool but because his views differ to yours/mine does that really mean he deserves a ban? If you're that worried about a certain discipline of the sport being ripped on then why aren't we seeing bans in the dj/4x/street section when there is so much shit given to BMX'ers?

[Cranker]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors

Different kind of disciplines one would have thought.:rolleyes:
Just that XC doesn't come across as xtreme as DH. But both sports requires just as much fitness/skills as the other at the elite level.
I don't know what skill level you are at with you MTB.
But if you want to find out how much skill you need for XC. Try entering a race and see how you match up with some of the elite men & women.:)

[jaseh]

You need a brain to race XC. :p

[thecat]

Yes the original poster was a tool but because his views differ to yours/mine does that really mean he deserves a ban?

He wasn't banned because he had different views he was banned because he was deliberately trying to stir shit and name calling.

It was a lame attempt at causing an e-fight.

[Breaka]

He wasn't banned because he had different views he was banned because he was deliberately trying to stir shit and name calling.

It was a lame attempt at causing an e-fight.

Some of us just aren't that gnar-core, dude.

Understandable. So dickys is saying if you are to pussy to ride DH then go ride XC

Dicky's smart arse answer got a smart arse response. A bit of tit for tat really.

[Bodin]

...so here is the real reason:

Understandable. So dickys is saying if you are to pussy to ride DH then go ride XC

Understandable. So Dicky's -- saying that if you are too pussy to ride DH, then go ride XC.

;)

On a serious note, there's some tool that wanders in here to pick this specific e-fight every so often. I guess this was mossmanguru's attempt. It's been done before, it'll be done again and I'll react the same way every time, because it's never a genuine question.

[go to bed jessica]

I feel that getting banned for comments like that is pretty piss weak to be honest, if people want to get wound up by a post like that then go ahead, I find it a bit pathetic really.

[Turner_rider]

I feel that getting banned for comments like that is pretty piss weak to be honest, if people want to get wound up by a post like that then go ahead, I find it a bit pathetic really.

Maybe a better (or additional) thing to have done would be to have deleted the thread, which will probably happen now...

My guess is that the courage enabled by half a light beer well past bed time was sufficient for the thread to be started and I support any mods which try to raise the standard...

But really, I don't care that much....

no really, I don't... :)

[Bodin]

I feel that getting banned for comments like that is pretty piss weak to be honest, if people want to get wound up by a post like that then go ahead, I find it a bit pathetic really.

You're entitled to an opinion. The person that started this whole thing didn't express one - he/she just picked a fight and got what they deserved.

I'm not going to delete this thread, because it's becoming an interesting debate, but if it does get deleted, then I guess other moderators here disagree with me and I'll cop that. Fair enough.

[...jim]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors, No offence to any xc riders but could you please share.

Tell you what, you clean the Stromlo Worlds XC course - on an xc hardtail with 80mm forks - then we'll chat about skill.

[workmx]

Tell you what, you clean the Stromlo Worlds XC course - on an xc hardtail with 80mm forks - then we'll chat about skill.

Good call Jim. :)

I feel that getting banned for comments like that is pretty piss weak to be honest, if people want to get wound up by a post like that then go ahead, I find it a bit pathetic really.

Banning doesn't seem a harsh enough penalty.
I want to duct-tape his feet to the pedals of a fixie.
Then attach a rope from his handlebars to my seatpost.
We will see if he still thinks XC is for pussies after a 6 hour off-road ride. :rolleyes:

BTW, I am not too pussy to ride a DH course(on my XC hardtail w/ 100mm forks), but I am definitely too pussy to ride an 8 or 24hr solo.

[krizbike]

I wouldn't say one is more or less skillfull than the other.
Fitness is definitely more important in cross country (but still important for downhill).

I've ridden a downhill bike along some pretty fast tracks and it's like riding a couch - damn comfy and easy. But, that wasn't doing 80km/h down a huge hill which is where the skill comes in.

Sure - anyone can cruise along a single track, but try getting going down fast switchbacks as fast as you can on a light bike with not much travel over roots and rock gardens _after_ having ridden up and down hills for the last couple of hours.

I have ridden in races where other riders are using big full-susp bikes. Funny watching them all have to get off and push the bike up hills or even to take some of the sharper corners! Then not so funny as they go flying past you on some of the downhill sections.

XC is probably easier for people to get into. You can get a good new entry level bike for under $1K, and then modify it over time. Downhill bikes are waay more expensive, and then you need all that body armour. :)
Also - XC tracks are more prevalent and easy to find. oh, and they don't require your mates driving you up to the top each time - you use your own muscles.

Basically - different strokes for different folks. I love watching downhill, trial riding, and 4x, but ride XC because it's great fun and challenging for me.

Chris (and yes - I know it was a troll, but I felt like wasting some time on a reply as it beats writing the thesis I am meant to be doing).

[-|Sean|-]

My sentiments exactly ^^

I live in an area surrounded by numerous State Forests/Reserves with large XC trail networks to keep me entertained for hours & hours.

My other option is to ride the single, poorly maintained DH track over and over again, and after the initial excess cost, spend more $$ on shuttles....

You can see which one is the more feasible option. Even given the choice, I think I'd stick with XC due to the social factor - Grab a couple of mates, and spend hours chatting & exploring as many trails as possible.....

[Turner_rider]

Tell you what, you clean the Stromlo Worlds XC course - on an xc hardtail with 80mm forks

80mm forks? Luxury...

Back in my day we rode rigid forks. You wanted springy front end then you let 5psi out front tyre...

[krizbike]

80mm forks? Luxury...

Back in my day we rode rigid forks. You wanted springy front end then you let 5psi out front tyre...

Tyres? Luxury!

Back in our day we rode off 2m drop offs with nothing more than bare metal hitting the ground. You want springy, you loosen the spokes...

[paggnr]

Just ride guys! We can all enjoy the bush.

Anyway Downhill is only half a sport (NO offence)

[Codner]

the point off xc riding (and yes this will sound gay) is when u reach a level where u can ride fast and engoy it with mates. Racing is just testing where your at.

[alchemist]

Tell you what, you clean the Stromlo Worlds XC course - on an xc hardtail with 80mm forks - then we'll chat about skill.

You mean McCook still hasn't picked up all his bunting and orange poles yet? ;)

[morto1980]

Tell you what, you clean the Stromlo Worlds XC course - on an xc hardtail with 80mm forks - then we'll chat about skill.

Spot on Jim! :D

[akashra]

Hmmm... well lets see, consider that a current (at the time) Vic DH Elite state champion could only ride with the front of C grade/back of B grade in some local XC Crits, I'd say there's more to it than just technical skill.

Similarly, not everything technically is about being able to negotiate things going down the fastest. Lets throw a few 300 meter technical climbs in front of some downhillers and then see how unskilled XC riders really are.

And then put the same riders into STXC, and watch those frontrunners get dropped in another different discipline. Oh, but I suppose there's no "skill" in that? :rolleyes:

[Some Guy]

And then put the same riders into STXC, and watch those frontrunners get dropped in another different discipline. Oh, but I suppose there's no "skill" in that? :rolleyes:

No skill, just power. That's why I'm good at it :D.

[Onegear]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors, No offence to any xc riders but could you please share.

You dont get it too bad for you.

[2-Fathers]

Tyres? Luxury!

Back in our day we rode off 2m drop offs with nothing more than bare metal hitting the ground. You want springy, you loosen the spokes...

At least you had wheels! In my day, we had to carry our frames around everywhere, and they weren't aluminium or steel, they were lead!

I still remember nights around the fireplace whittling a new set of handbars........

[maxwolfie]

Is it just me or can the OP not spell "Mosman"? Perhaps I am missing something here .. Is there a "Mossman" out there somewhere?

So much for expensive private schools! <dons flamesuit>

[alchemist]

Is it just me or can the OP not spell "Mosman"? >

Just you

Perhaps I am missing something here .. Is there a "Mossman" out there somewhere?>

Yes, Mossman is in Queensland

[Simmo.]

Perhaps I am missing something here .. Is there a "Mossman" out there somewhere?

Yup, up here in NQ.

[Aro]

At least you had wheels! In my day, we had to carry our frames around everywhere, and they weren't aluminium or steel, they were lead!

I still remember nights around the fireplace whittling a new set of handbars........

Lead frames! You obviously weren't around when we carving our frames out of stone, I'll admit that the bigger hill climbs were a bit tough but man we used to descend like a truck without brakes, ah the good old days......

[WolfCreekPsycho]

Lead frames! You obviously weren't around when we carving our frames out of stone, I'll admit that the bigger hill climbs were a bit tough but man we used to descend like a truck without brakes, ah the good old days......

Stone ! Bah Luxury !!! We had to carve ours out of Ice ! Imagine what that seat does to your plums by the end of an enduro !!

[Aro]

Stone ! Bah Luxury !!! We had to carve ours out of Ice ! Imagine what that seat does to your plums by the end of an enduro !!

Ladies & Gentlemen I think we have winner

[Emmett]

Hey I was just wondering what the point of xc is. Because I can't see the skill in it and the only benifit I see is fitness and getting out doors, No offence to any xc riders but could you please share.

Before I start I would like to say that I have read every post in this thread.

I agree with Bodin and Dicky, I get the feeling you posted this with contempt so here is a challenge for you.

It should also be noted I have ridden both non-competitive DH and XC since 1994.

1.) Skill

Borrow a XC bike, inflate the XC tyres, put the seat up to a racing height and clip in (notice how steep the headangle, seat angle and lack of virtual stand over are).

Now go and find your favorite wide-open bermless fire rd where you normally can drift (i'm assuming you are a DH rider) and ride down it. Try and ride down it at XC race speed. One of two things will most likely happen.

1.) You will crash. The steep angles, tyres/pressure and most importantly seat height makes it very difficult to ride fast. Their are many guys riding XC bikes who can drift, I'd be very surprised if you could even if you are a mid-level DHer with no xc experience.

2.) You will pussy out and ride off the track because you can't get the bike over- much like overconfident underskilled RD moto riders. Probably the most likely of the two scenarios.

Or you could actually pin it...

Assuming you haven't decided to go home and have a cry about "how the bike is holding you back" you could try and hit a few doubles on your XC bike (Seat up,clips etc). See how good your skills are. See if you can do it without damaging the bike.

Next challenge would be to hit a few drops, they don't have to be big. Same as above.

Now try a technical uphill climb. See how your skills are there.

Now for the hard part. Grab someone who rides xc and go and hit up a undulating single track. See if you can keep up.

If all of this has been way too easy for you and not enough skill required try it after a couple of solid hours riding..

2.)Benefit

It's riding a bike FFS.. It doesn't really matter where or what it is, it still good isn't it?

3.)The Point

Different strokes for different blokes. but obviously people enjoy it. By the way you should maybe do a little research on the history of MTB. Have a look at some of the articles written between '95-'97 on wheel skiing.