Which Bike for Which Race? A Guide to Racing at Malverns Classic

With ten races across four days, there’s something for every rider at the Malverns Classic. The good news is you don’t need a garage full of bikes to take part. This guide covers what works best for each race, how to set your bike up, and where the bike you already own will do the job.

Quick guide

Short on time? Here’s the bike that suits each race best.

Many riders enter more than one race on the same bike. A modern trail bike can cover cross country, enduro and even a lap of dual slalom with a few quick changes to tyre pressure and saddle height. If you’re racing a few events, choose the bike that suits the race you care about most and adjust it for the others.

Cross Country

Cross country is the purest test of fitness on a mountain bike. Laps mix climbing, flowing singletrack and technical sections, and the Classic Climb is where races are won and lost.

The best bike

A light hardtail or a short travel full suspension bike with around 100 to 120mm of travel is ideal. Weight matters more here than in any other race, as you carry it up every climb. A trail bike will still get you round, it just makes you work harder.

Set up tips

• Fast rolling tyres with enough grip for wet roots
• A gear range that lets you spin up the steepest climbs seated
• Firm up your suspension for climbing if your bike has a lockout
• Carry water and a spare tube or plug kit

Cross Country race info and entries

Enduro

Enduro races time the descents but not the climbs. You ride between stages at your own pace, then race each timed section against the clock. It’s a test of skill, consistency and stamina.

The best bike

A trail or enduro bike with 140 to 170mm of travel is the sweet spot. It needs to pedal well enough to get you to the top of each stage, and be stable and confident on the way down. Dropper posts are close to essential.

Set up tips

• Grippy tyres with tough casings to avoid punctures on rocky ground
• Strong four piston brakes and fresh pads
• Set your sag carefully so the bike sits in the right part of its travel
• Knee pads at the very least, and check the race page for required kit

Enduro race info and entries

Downhill

Downhill is the fastest and most demanding race of the weekend. One timed run from top to bottom, with steep sections, jumps and rough ground.

The best bike

A dedicated downhill bike with around 200mm of travel is the best tool, but plenty of riders race on a capable enduro bike, especially on their first downhill race. What matters most is a bike that feels stable at speed and stops when you need it to.

Set up tips

• Powerful brakes with large rotors
• Downhill or heavy duty tyre casings and inserts if you have them
• Slightly higher bar height for a confident position on steep ground
• Full face helmet, body protection and gloves

Downhill race info and entries

Dual Slalom

Two riders race side by side down parallel courses packed with berms and jumps. It’s short, explosive and one of the best races to watch.

The best bike

A dirt jump hardtail or a short travel bike with a low saddle and quick handling works best. These bikes accelerate fast and change direction easily. Long travel suspension tends to soak up the speed you create by pumping.

Set up tips

• Drop the saddle all the way down
• Run slightly higher tyre pressures for a faster, more responsive feel
• Firm up or lock out the suspension if you can
• Practise your start, as it often decides the heat

Dual Slalom race info and entries

4X / Quad Eliminator

Four riders, one track, and the first two through to the next round. 4X adds racecraft to the mix, with overtaking, line choice and holding your nerve in the turns.

The best bike

The same bikes that suit dual slalom work here. A dirt jump hardtail or short travel bike is ideal, as acceleration out of corners and over jumps matters far more than suspension travel.

Set up tips

• A single gear or a gear chosen before the gate drops
• Flat pedals or clips, whichever you’re most confident on
• Strong wheels that can cope with landings and contact
• Full face helmet recommended

4X race info and entries

Pump Track Challenge

The pump track is all about generating speed without pedalling, by pushing the bike through rollers and berms. Timing and technique beat power every time.

The best bike

Small, stiff and nimble bikes rule. Dirt jump hardtails and BMX bikes are the most popular choices. Big full suspension bikes absorb the energy you’re trying to create, so they’re hard to go fast on.

Set up tips

• High tyre pressures for less rolling resistance
• Saddle low and out of the way
• A light, responsive bike is easier to pump
• Practise on a local pump track before the weekend if you can

Pump Track Challenge info and entries

eBike Challenge

The eBike Challenge is a chance to see what modern eMTBs can do on the event courses. It’s a test of handling as much as power.

The best bike

An eMTB with a reliable motor and a fully charged battery is all you need. Check the race page for any category or motor rules before entering.

Set up tips

• Charge the battery fully the night before
• Know how your assist modes behave on steep climbs
• Heavier bikes need strong brakes, so check your pads
• Tyres with grip for climbing loose ground

eBike Challenge info and entries

Old Skool BMX

A chance to dust off the classics and race the bikes that started it all. Check the Old Skool BMX race page for eligible eras and bike rules before you enter.

Kids racing

For younger riders, the Balance Bike World Championships and Rippers Racing are all about fun and confidence. A light, well fitting bike matters far more than anything fancy. See our guide to choosing a bike for kids’ racing.

Before race weekend

Whatever you ride, a few checks before the weekend can save your race.

• Get the bike serviced, or at least check the brakes, gears and bearings
• Fit fresh brake pads and check tyres for wear and cuts
• Check bolts are tight, especially stem, bars and axles
• Pack spares: tubes or plugs, a mini pump, tools, a mech hanger and chain links
• Check each race page for required protective kit

If something breaks over the weekend, the Expo has 130+ brands on site, so parts and advice are never far away.