Short Travel trail bikes are designed for cross-country and trail riding on relatively smooth to moderately technical terrain. They typically have a suspension travel of around 100-130mm, which is less than longer travel enduro or downhill bikes, but more than hardtail mountain bikes.

Short Travel Trail Bikes are ideal for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency on the climbs and want a bike that can handle technical descents without sacrificing too much on the uphill. They are often lighter and more nimble than longer travel bikes, making them easier to handle on twisty singletrack trails.

Short travel trail bikes can handle a variety of terrain, but they are not designed for extremely rough or steep terrain, where longer travel bikes would be more suitable. However, with advancements in suspension technology and frame design, some short travel trail bikes can now handle more aggressive terrain than ever before

Short vs Long Trail Bikes.

Short travel trail bikes typically have around 120-140mm of suspension travel and are designed for riders who prioritize efficiency and speed on smoother trails, but still want some capability when the terrain gets rougher. They tend to be lighter and more nimble than long travel bikes, making them easier to pedal uphill and through tight turns. They can also be a good choice for riders who want a more playful and responsive feel on the trail.

Long travel trail bikes, on the other hand, typically have around 150-170mm of suspension travel and are designed for more aggressive riding on rougher terrain. They offer more stability and control at high speeds and are better equipped to handle big drops, jumps, and technical features. They tend to be heavier and less nimble than short travel bikes, which can make them more challenging to pedal uphill and through tight turns.

Ultimately, the choice between a short travel and a long travel trail bike will depend on your riding style, the type of terrain you typically ride, and your personal preferences. If you prioritize speed and efficiency on smoother trails, a short travel bike may be the better choice. If you prefer more aggressive riding on rougher terrain and want the added stability and control of a longer travel bike, a long travel bike may be the better option 

More Travel on MTB?

The answer to whether more travel is better on a mountain bike depends on the type of riding you plan to do. In general, more travel on a mountain bike means that the bike can handle rougher terrain and bigger drops, making it better for downhill riding and other types of aggressive riding.

If you plan to ride primarily on smooth trails or cross-country routes, then a bike with less travel may be a better choice as it will be lighter and more efficient to pedal. On the other hand, if you plan to ride more technical terrain with lots of rocks, roots, and drops, then a bike with more travel will help absorb the impacts and give you more control.

It's also worth noting that a bike with more travel may not necessarily be better for all riders. If you are a beginner or intermediate rider, you may not need the extra suspension and may find that a bike with less travel is more manageable and easier to handle.

Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and riding style, so it's important to do your research and test ride different bikes before making a purchase