FINAL VERDICT

What made this test really interesting, but tricky to get to grips with, is how the different brands have approached designing this type of bike. Cannondale and Specialized’s creations both have cross-country DNA and are incredible at covering long distances over technical terrain. The Scalpel SE LTD’s smooth ride makes it a joy for long stints in the saddle, but its rather reserved geometry and shallow-treaded tyres can make it a little more nervewracking when the trails get tough. Specialized’s Epic EVO Expert may not boast dramatically different numbers to the Cannondale, but they’re enough to make a difference on the trail, especially coupled with its unbelievable turn of speed when you really put the power down. It’s more capable than its travel suggests, too, but requires precise line choice when you’re tackling more challenging terrain. The Nukeproof Reactor ST’s trail bike roots show clearly in how it rides. While it’s comfortable on the climbs and carries speed well on mellower descents, it’s its prowess on technical terrain that sees it score so well. But considering it’s just a shade lighter than the top-spec, 150mm-travel Reactor RS, is it worth the trade-off? The Transition Spur manages to bring together almost all of the other bikes’ best traits into one. It’s a really quite remarkable package – fast and efficient on the climbs, covers ground rapidly, and still manages to feel surefooted and confidence-inspiring on the descents. That’s a lot of things to get right, but the Spur manages to deliver on them all.