Opinion: Is Modern MTB Geometry Overhyped?

Modern mountain bike geometry has highly evolved over the last few years to give us some super fun bikes that seem to do everything better.  In most situations, these improvements help make us better riders and mask our deficiencies.  Like much mountain bike evolution, the evolvement of modern geometry isn’t without those questioning it being overhyped.  I’m hearing a couple of common arguments against the newer angles so I wanted to try to clarify.  The two I overhear most are that wheelbases are getting too long and that the seattube angles are too steep.

What is modern MTB geometry?

The latest modern geometry is a longer wheelbase, slacker headtube angle, steeper seattube angle and longer reach.  Compared to a 120-140mm travel bike from 3 years ago things have changed a lot.  Reaches are 30-50mm longer, wheelbases are 50-100mm+ longer, headtube angles are 1-3 degrees slacker and seatube angles are 2-3 degrees steeper.  This geometry is found on many of the current mountain bikes but many of the larger brands are taking conservative approaches.

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Why are we seeing these changes?

Basically, these changes make mountain bikes more fun on a wider range of more aggressive terrain – both up and down. With gearing that now allows us to pedal up super steep trails, steeper seatubes help keep weight forward and centered.  Larger diameter (29) and wider wheels and tires and better suspension allow us to go faster.  So the need for more stability from slacker headtube angles and longer wheelbases gives us more stability at those faster speeds.

These geometry updates also reflect modern trail design – Flow trails, bike parks, enduro etc.  Increasingly the flowier open terrain is being preferred by more riders.

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What do I really think?

Until I started riding modern geometry bikes I was a bit skeptical of how the changes might affect my riding style.  I speculated the changes may affect how well the bike pedals and handles tight terrain.  To my surprise, these thoughts weren’t issues at all.

Most of my time aboard the latest modern geo bikes has been aboard a Transition Smuggler,  Norco Fluid, Ibis’s Ripmo and latest generation Ripley V4.  I’ve ridden these bikes on both flowy XC type trails as well as steep and rough Pisgah and Sedona.  What I’ve noticed most about these bikes is how much better control I have as things get more challenging.  This is true for me not only on the downhills but also on the steeper uphills.

The steeper seattube is something that I really notice while climbing. The additional traction and comfort just makes going up a little bit easier and more pleasant when shit gets really steep.  The longer reach, wheelbase and more slack headtube angles are noticeable going down when more precise control is needed.  The bikes practically beg to let the hell off their brakes more.

Even with wheelbases that are much longer I feel like I am able to corner better in tight terrain than on bikes from a few years ago.  I believe this is due to longer droppers letting you greatly lower your center of the gravity.  From technical steep climbing and cornering to steep and rough descents I do feel I am a better rider aboard modern geometry bikes.

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Who are Modern Geometry Bikes For?

There are those who may see a little less benefit especially from the extreme end of modern geometry.  Those with flatter and really tight terrain may find some of the new bikes not quite as agile. Or they may not notice much improvement. Modern MTB geometry benefits those with steeper and more technical terrain more in general.  That being said, I’ve found modern geometry fun even on milder terrain where I feel that my control of the bike is greater.  I’m having more fun since I feel I’m more in control of the bike.

Those with shorter legs or who ride flatter terrain may feel cramped with some of the really steep seattube geometries. Not to worry though, there are offset dropper posts that can move your buttocks an additional 25mm back if needed.

I think most people will find modern geometry bikes allow them to have more fun.  If greater bike control to ride a wider range of terrain is something that you desire I believe you’ll be happy to jump on the some of the newest geometry trends.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]