Specialized BICYCLE Owner's Manual page 43

and depressions). Cross-country and marathon equipment (tires, shocks, frames,
drive trains) are light-weight, favoring nimble speed over brute force. Suspension
travel is relatively short since the bike is intended to move quickly on the ground.
• NOT INTENDED: For Hardcore Freeriding, Extreme Downhill, Dirt Jumping,
Slopestyle, or very aggressive or extreme riding. No spending time in the air landing
hard and hammering through obstacles.
• TRADE OFF: Cross-Country bikes are lighter, faster to ride uphill, and more
nimble than All-Mountain bikes. Cross-Country and Marathon bikes trade off some
ruggedness for pedaling efficiency and uphill speed.
Cross-Country, Marathon, Hardtails
• CONDITION 3: Bikes designed for riding Conditions 1 and 2, plus
rough trails, small obstacles, and smooth technical areas, including
areas where momentary loss of tire contact with the ground may
occur. NOT jumping. All mountain bikes without rear suspension are
Condition 3, and so are some lightweight rear suspension models.
• INTENDED: For cross-country riding and racing which ranges
from mild to aggressive over intermediate terrain (e.g., hilly with
small obstacles like roots, rocks, loose surfaces and hard pack
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