Are you looking for a fast cross-country bike, or a more playful steed for trail riding? Towards the higher end of this price bracket, manufacturers may list a hardtail mountain bike as either a trail bike or a cross country (XC) bike.
Geometry refers to the various tube lengths and angles of a bike. There are different ‘geometries’ of bicycle that are designed for different types of riding. In this case, it’s the angle of the forks and head tube from the horizontal that we’re referring to.
Hardtail mountain bikes for cross country riding and racing tend to give a more stretched out riding position, with the forks and headtube at a steeper angle from the vertical than bikes designed more for trail riding. This is better for racing and riding uphill.
Bikes designed for riding trails will have a less steep, or more ‘relaxed’ angle here. The more relaxed angle means your weight is less over the front of your bike when riding downhill, which can make the bike feel more secure and stable if you are riding over obstacles.
