Can someone define the above with examples of the best types of bikes for each? I do a lot of off road/cross country biking (at least I think that's what it is) but no jumping (though I'd like to learn).
I just bought a 2008 Specialized SX Trail 2 but, even though I love it, (I did Maidenhead/Henley/Maidenhead on it) I wonder if maybe I have the wrong bike. Defining the above may help me find out – I'm willing to sell it and get the right bike if I must.

Personally I'd say an SX trail leans towards big ass jumps, drops, northshore and some light down hilling or mad as **** trail riding definatley not XC orientated.

I'd say DH is anything that looks too **** steep/scary to ride with plenty of drops over 3ft and big jumps.

XC is more of a blasting round trail centres combined with bridle ways and goat/sheep tracks over hills & mountains etc.

Right, so I've go the wrong bike basically. Which bike do you recommend for XC riding? Hardtail or full shocks?

Either, just a bit lighter with less travel than your SX

The sx trail is not suited to xc at all where you live… It is for doing jumps, and riding down hard hills etc. You would be better off with something like one of thes two –

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/epic-fsr-comp-2010-mountain-bike-ec020335

or

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/stumpjumper-comp-carbon-2010-mountain-bike-ec020341

both bikes i would very happily own, and you will have more fun on them i'd imagine…

You can't possibly have imagined an SX trail is the kind of bike suitable for regular trail riding. Just look at it!

I smell a troll 🙂

Thanks lyons, I'm in-Love at first sight with the Specialized Stumpjumper HT Expert Carbon – THAT'S what I'm looking for. Buzz-lightyear, yeah, I knew something was wrong when I felt its weight but it was a good deal and a beautiful bike so I went for it. Now I need to sell or swap it for a 2008, Specialized Stumpjumper HT Expert Carbon any offers/suggestions anyone?

An SX Trail? In Maidenhead? Sounds perfect to me 😉

Seriously?

Troll factor 10, I think.

its got wheels, its a bike, who cares 🙂

Well MrNutts, not everything or anyone is the same otherwise everyone and everything would be average and someone with any sense would agree that no-one wants to be average everything. So one specialises to be precise.

The bikes fine you just need to add some more x's before the c. I reckon that bike would easily handle an extra 2 or 3 x's no problem.