Are Downhill bikes the same as Mountan bikes?
Downhill bikes are one sub-category of “mountain” bikes: Downhill bikes: very sturdy frame and components, built to take a beating. Almost always dual suspension with lots of travel (more than 6 inches). The frame design and components are designed for going downhill, these bikes are a chore to pedal on flat ground and especially uphill. They can be heavy, 40+ lbs. Freeride/Enduro/All Mountain: a category (or set of them) for all-purpose mountain bikes. They go uphill, downhill, on the flats, off of drops etc. all very adequately. Usually dual-suspension with 5-6 inches of travel. The components and frame are study but not as “bomb proof” as on a downhill bike. These weigh perhaps 30-40 lbs. XC (Cross Country): these are bikes designed to race up/down hill and on the flats. Light weight is a design goal, and the frame and components are not designed for big drops and jumps. In the past these were usually hardtails (front suspension only) but in the last 5-10 years dual-suspension XC bi
