The term 'quiver killer' is thrown around too much in the world of cycling, but if you were forced to pick only one bike, you couldn't go wrong with an XC mountain bike.
Modern cross-country mountain bikes are efficient pedallers that can keep up with gravel bikes on dirt roads and take on trail mountain bikes on technical descents.
XC mountain bikes might be the pinnacle of bike design, with gravel trends gravitating in that direction and other off-road disciplines benefiting from tech tested there first.
Here are five reasons why an XC mountain bike should be on your wishlist for 2026.
They’re more capable than ever
In order to cope with increasingly challenging cross-country race courses, current XC bikes are more capable than you’d think.
Modern XC bikes are also excellent descenders.
Most of these bikes now feature 120mm of suspension travel, blending into the once-dedicated downcountry category, and have slacker head tube angles than ever before.
While they won’t replace gravity rigs, if your skills are up to the task, you can ride a modern XC bike down just about anything.
Just be sure to check its intended use category before sending it large because you may void your warranty.
They’re perfectly good as gravel bikes
The term ’90s mountain bike’ gets thrown around by gravel commentators, with many gravel bikes sharing design features found on early MTBs.
Many of those early bikes were XC-focused, with gravel and fire roads prominent in course design for marathon and Olympic events.
The same principles have been carried over into modern bikes, making them efficient on gravel surfaces.
While gravel bikes are faster and more efficient on their dedicated terrain, cross-country mountain bikes aren’t too far behind them, while also offering the ability to tackle more challenging trails on the way.
In fact, recent trends suggest gravel bikes are evolving into something closer to cross-country bikes, with wider tyres, suspension forks and even rear shocks.
They ride well on the road, too
We’re not saying your cross-country bike could replace your road bike entirely, but their efficiency makes them fun to ride on the road, too.
Many professional cross-country riders choose to train on their bikes on the road, and we’re sure they’d be quick to pass us.
The only downsides are the position, which has you somewhat sail-shaped, and the gearing, which some riders may find too light for hard stints on the flat.
They’re incredibly fun
Underbiking has become a popular trend in mountain biking, where riders take less capable bikes down challenging tracks.
This makes those trails feel more dramatic and adds to the fun of riding by reducing the reliance on the bike and relying more on rider skill.
XC bikes are the epitome of this, with sections that would otherwise feel mundane transformed into gnarly and technical tracks.
The speed and efficiency of XC bikes is also addictive, with small climbs attacked, driven on by the bike’s efficiency.
There’s something wonderful about riding XC, with the blend of fitness, efficiency and adrenaline unmatched by any other discipline.
They're good for bikepacking
XC bikes are great for bikepacking, because their frame shapes and efficiency make them excellent for attaching bags and exploring over long distances.
Unlike gravel bikes, XC mountain bikes can conquer virtually any terrain, while providing a comfortable time in the saddle.
Many expedition cyclists choose hardtail mountain bikes for their ability and simplicity when off the beaten path.
