Scott Spark RC Comp

While it is designed as a cross-country race machine, its 120mm of travel and modern geometry make it quite capable on technical trails. It excels on fast, flowy singletrack, though it may feel less forgiving than a dedicated trail bike on extremely rugged or steep terrain.

The TwinLoc system uses a handlebar-mounted remote that lets you simultaneously adjust the compression damping of both the fork and rear shock. You can toggle between three modes—Lockout, Traction Control, and Descend—allowing you to stiffen the bike for efficient climbing or open it up for technical descents without taking your hands off the grips.

The rims and tires are tubeless-ready, meaning they are compatible with a tubeless setup. However, you will typically need to add tubeless sealant and potentially install tubeless valves to complete the conversion.

The integrated suspension hides the rear shock inside the frame, which protects it from mud, debris, and weather. Beyond the cleaner aesthetic, this design allows for a stiffer frame construction and a lower center of gravity, which improves handling and responsiveness.

The SRAM NX Eagle is a solid, entry-to-mid-level 12-speed drivetrain that offers a wide gear range for steep climbs. While it is slightly heavier than higher-end groupsets like GX or X01, it provides reliable, crisp shifting performance that is more than capable for cross-country racing.