Cross country (XC) bikes borrow some features from mountain bikes, like front suspension, good brakes, a high gear ratio and knobbly, grippy tyres. They are great fun for covering plenty of rough ground on well-travelled forest tracks, rather than extreme, steep rocky trails.
XC cycling is defined by the terrain - usually a mix of rough forest paths and singletrack with smooth fireroads and paved paths connecting other trails, all with an easy or moderate level of technicality.
