I used to mtb about 12 years ago and then moved into road cycling. Now I am keen to move back to mtb. Since I live in Switzerland and the Alps are only 1 hour away, I figured it is time to get off the roads and into the woods again.
I am 183cm (6 foot) and about 80 kg (180lb) and 36 years old. I want a more upright and comfortable riding position that will allow for longer rides and multi-day rides. But I also want a bike that can climb well and handle the ride down as well. Thus, I was looking at All Mountain type bikes. I heard that XC bikes are more "race" position and are stretched out (this is not interesting as my road bike has that position and I am sore after a few hours).
I am not looking to do the "free ride or mjr downhill rides" but I do want the ability to climb, descend fast and take a few small jumps or grab a bit of air if the opportunity is there and finally something that is comfortable to ride for 60 - 100km ( 30 - 60 miles) a day.
Given that, is a XC ride or more AM ride going to be better suited. What are the key things to look for in Geometry - what really shows the difference in position from Race Position to Upright Position (seat angle, top tube length, ????). Can a carbon bike handle down hills easily enough?
For instance I was looking at: Yeti 575, Mojo SL and Santa Cruz Blur LTc. I believe I can build each of those to be under 12kg (26.5ob) - without going stupid with the weight cutting measures.
Finally, what is the difference between XTR AM and XTR XC type components. I thought that XTR was XTR and that was it. In road Cycling you have the highest level of Sram or Shimano but no differences for different types of riding (XC, DH, AM). So I am kinda lost with the comps on MTBs.
Thanks
