I'm giving away my age (and prejudices) here, but it's still simple to me:
XC = you finished riding where you started.
As quickly as possible.
DH = you finished riding at a lower point than where you started and there was some form of transport (shuttle/lift/etc) between the bottom and the top either before or after your ride/run.
Every other term used is just a variation on those themes:
To offer a more detailed perspective by using one word instead of a whole sentence. Like the graph fairly accurately posted
Trail = XC for people who think the word "trail" sounds tougher... like motorbikes... they're generally called "trail bikes". And motorbikes are
tough. YEAH!
I see it as exploring looking for fun stuff to ride, with a bike to give you enough confidence to smash some shit. So enough travel and slack enough head angle, but without sacrificing to much for it in the form off pedalable efficiency.
AM/Enduro = DH with a lot of pedalling (and if there isn't much pedalling then FFS call it what it is: DH!)
AM same as above really, but with a bit more focus on confidence inspiring geo and travel.
Enduro even more focused on descents and reliability in doing so and less on efficiency when climbing. Slightly lower BB perhaps.
So slacken a degree or more head angle for every discipline from XC towards DH and add half inch of travel or more.
At the end of the day, let's face it: if you've ended up back where you started,
then you've been cross-country ridingXC by definition helps explain to anyone your bike is built super light weight with enough durability to survive an XC race and steep enough head angle to climb fast, and short bars to also aid climbing etc. Yes sure your riding acroos country, but MTB language has evolved to express different ideals in bikes with an accepted terminoligy to express it. Thank god Freeride no longer defines most of the above .and the fact you did it on a heavy bike* and held everyone up on the uphills
Anyone riding anything but an XC bike doesn't give to much fucks about climbing as descending or fast flowy tracks. Got a voice, use it "track" is the accepted word for please get the fuck out of the way. Works on decents too, were the same level rider on a steeper less traveled bike will get in the way of someone on a slacker more travel bike, even if both are actually having FUN, unlike those climbing.. just so you could be an out-of-control dickhead on the downhills
difference of opinion then, most people like riding on the limit of traction etc, its called exhilaration. (and not actually any faster than skilled riders on XC bikes
straight up incorrect. Higher skilled rider on XC bike might be quicker, but not equal skilled rider.) doesn't give you the right to rename the sport.
XC is just older renaming for MOUNTAIN BIKING.
*No, modern Trail/AM/Enduro bikes are *not* as fast uphill as XC bikes
No, but I notice your making good use of the descriptive terms and irony. "these days". If you believe that, you haven't watched any elite XC races lately (or possibly ever).
I rest my case.
(searches for flame-proof suit ) :target: