FINALVERDICT

Cannondale’s Scalpel Si Carbon SE was on the back foot from the off. It’s in no way a bad bike, but felt too high off the ground and not quite fast nor fun enough to get the juices flowing like some of its rivals. The slack seated climbing position sealed the deal for the ’Dale as the bike that didn’t quite make the cut for us.

Scott’s Spark 930 and Specialized’s Epic Comp Carbon EVO are both great machines. The more expensive (but still good value) carbon Spark 920 would likely be our choice in the Scott range if funds stretched. It dumps a huge chunk of weight and has upgraded parts, including a lighter Fox 34 Step-Cast fork and significantly better Syncros wheels. We’d still have the same concerns about the seated climbing position though. The Epic EVO, on the other hand, rides sweetly but costs a load more than the other bikes here and weighs more too. It’s not the best value then, especially as some of the parts are noticeably lesser-performing, not least the hyperactive RockShox Reba fork, a pivotal component.

Very lightweight with excellent parts for the cash, that leaves Intense’s Sniper Trail Expert as the most versatile package here. Its lively personality gets you mucking around on the descents, and it has rapid pace when accelerating, along with good climbing energy. The modern, slacked-out geometry never feels hesitant either, so while it’s razor sharp, it also delivers plenty of confidence on faster, rougher, downhill trail sections.