How To Setup Your XC Bike For Long Distance Riding | Cross Country Setup Tips

How do you set up your XC bike? For performance or with comfort in mind?

Can this type of bike b used on road or is it hard

I just get on my bike and ride 40 to 50 km and my bikes set up the way it was when bought 😂 can’t say iv noticed any discomfort

How's this new Oiz doing?

Fore/aft question: Due to XC bikes having steeper seat tube angles, is it normal for the front of the knee cap to be slightly in front of the pedal when they are parallel? I don’t have access to professional fitting due to my rural location. I don’t want to cause knee injuries. Thanks

Does the CO2 give any problem with those TPU inner tubes?

Great tips brother, very useful tips to avoid discomfort on those long epic rides 👌

Hi, what model is this saddle.. is it Ergon SM Pro men? Thx

Main tip would have to be to ride a bike that’s actually your size. Not like Rich did on the 24h race 😬

Another great example of the strong content you continue to produce on this channel. Thanks from Canada!

YASSSSS!! Moar XC plz'n'thx.

I'm from the Philippines, where roads are not so much okay with lots of potholes, which makes mountain bikes the usual choice for long distance rides. I focus on shaving off weight and improving the reliability of my bike, like going tubeless on my Continental Terra Trail (650x47B). I'm running a 1x12 drivetrain to tackle even uphills. I also have lights, both on my bike and helmet for visibility. Lastly, I make sure that I got tools in my frame bag, in case of trouble. It's all about comfort and safety in all.

Later this year I have a 90 Km ride in my XC (it's a triathlon in fact, but gravel edition 😀 and I'm not buying or renting a bike), so I'm looking at everything to make it as easy as possible. I just replaced the old saddle with a new one (after measuring sit bones) similar to the one I'm already using on my road bike. Set up my tyres tubeless (which is a bit of a pain because I don't use this bike that much, so the sealant dries up). I have not installed the remote lock for the fork (it's a hardtail), I just don't like the mess of wires. I'll look at everything else.

I dig it. The vid on the 24hr race has made me start looking at endurance series. Looking at doing the Wisconsin endurance MTB series, and the Wausau 24. Thanks for the motivation and info to do this!

Crank length. Too long makes long distances hard going.

I have done multiple 200km road rides on my XC bike the only thing I would change is my tire pressure I would pump it to 30-35psi instead of my usual 20psi. I would still average 30-40kph on flat sections and I actually prefer this because of all my years of riding I never got a flat tire on my tubeless mtb setup. Im running 36t front and 10-51 shimano at the rear 1by setup

Good day GMBN, can you next topic or content about what is hard pavement, loose, wet, mud etc that indicate back of packaging of Maxxis tired thanks

Rich, wish you stuck around the Thunder Mountain shop a second longer and I would have had a chance to chat with you! The anecdotal content has been awesome. Hope you have a chance to get back to Sedona when the weather is more favorable, besides the White Line, Sedona has much to offer!

Apparently Rich is the only one left and he's just rehashing everything Blake did previously and better. See ya gmbn.

Why dose your bike look way to small? Notice this in other videos. But is it just me but the reach looks way too small "bars tucked up underneath you"

How about not overtraining. 😆

Great video. Would love to see more information on your dropper button install.

Great video 😃 I've never seen an orange spare tyre 😳

Xc 💀

A tube? Seriously?
Why are people still carrying these? Doesn't everyone know how to patch busted tires by now?

@gmbn I’ve now watched a number of videos of Rich’s adventure in the States, and there’s one thing that keeps throwing me off a bit, which is just how odd Rich looks sitting on that Orbea. It might be because of personal preference, but the bike just seems way too tiny for him. He seems like he’s just hanging on top of the handlebar in a position that looks comical at times. Even the curvature of his back seem odd. Is it just me?? Didn’t anyone else comment how squeezed he seems on that bike?? I’m really curious.

Can't the Squidlock lever and the Axs dropper lever fit next to each other?

these are my always arms 😅
made my day!

I have bought similar OIZ, as you are riding it a lot. ANd yes, it is excellent bike :)

I have same bike but why does the XTR front brake feel way worse than a XT brake .. seems like its just lacking in power and feels spongy and yes I have bled it etc

How the hell did bar end stubs lose favour... Not ride a bike without them myself..

exactly what ive been looking for. thank you so much for the tips.

😝 "Ari snow na"

I have done everything mentioned here. I also added SQ Labs inner bar ends so I can change my hand positioning on long rides and climbs. I can not recommend those enough.

Long distance:
Add alternative hand positions
High rise bars
Try tilting the saddle back a bit
Add bottle & snack storage high up (bar bags, top tube)

Useful video especially as I'm looking to change bike. You mentioned lockouts on the suspension, do you know if you can use a LO on Rockshox 35 Gold RL 130mm forks?? Cheers👍

Love seeing more XC Race content on this channel!!

So on a 24-hour ride that you're talking about in Arizona are you what are you packing for food?. I know we have some here in Wisconsin but I believe that's a team-based 24-hour ride. But those are all great points much appreciated to listen

This is really help and simple gonna do some canal riding this weekend so I’m gonna watch this again 😊

I just built a close to 9k fully carbon fully rigid race bike. Dream build!!! Definatly get fitted! Hard seeing all these deals right now. I just gotta keep telling myself every single part is upgraded and high end. Just still need an air fork option 😆

Love that bike looks sweet 😋 I have a trek procaliber with Barzo front and rear. How much of a diffrence do you think mezcal front and rear would make on rolling resistance ?

That looked a hard one to make, brrrr!

After I bought a full sus I put gravel tires on my XC making it a commuter. You guys plan on putting numbers to the rolling resistance of gravel vs XC tires?

All a bit boring xc sorry rich

Love xc bikes