Cross-Country (XC) Tyres
Noun, Adjective
A type of tyre designed for off-road cycling on rough terrain.
Example usage: I'm going to buy some new XC tyres for my mountain bike.
Most used in: Mountain biking and off-road cycling.
Most used by: Mountain bikers and off-road cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Mountain Bike Tyres, XC Tyres, All-Mountain Tyres, Cross-Country Tyres,
What is Cross-Country (XC) Tyres?
Cross-Country (XC) Tyres are a type of tyre used in cycling that are designed for off-road terrain. These lightweight tyres are designed to offer maximum grip and traction on trails, gravel, and other surfaces, while also providing a comfortable ride. XC tyres are typically narrower than other tyres and offer low rolling resistance, allowing for faster speeds and improved efficiency.
XC tyres come in a variety of sizes and tread patterns, depending on the type of terrain they are intended for. For example, a tyre designed for dry and rocky terrain will typically have a larger tread pattern, while a tyre designed for wet and muddy terrain will typically have a smaller tread pattern. XC tyres can also be used for cross-country racing, with some riders opting for tubeless tyres for even lower rolling resistance.
According to a survey by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, cross-country mountain biking is the most popular form of mountain biking, with over 40% of mountain bikers having ridden XC trails at least once in the last year. XC tyres are essential for any mountain biker hoping to tackle the trails and get the most out of their ride.
.The Origin of Cross-Country (XC) Tyres
Cross-country (XC) tyres were first used in the late 1970s in the United States. The term was coined by a group of cyclists in the San Francisco Bay Area who were looking for a tyre that was suitable for off-road cycling. The tyres they developed were designed to provide grip and traction on different terrain, and had a tread pattern that was different from traditional road tyres.
The tyres quickly became popular amongst cyclists who enjoyed riding off-road, and the term 'XC' was adopted to describe the tyres. Today, XC tyres are widely used by cyclists around the world, and the design and technology of the tyres has been continually improved over the years.
XC tyres are now an essential part of any mountain biker's kit, and the term has become a staple of the cycling world.