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The Spark line was completely redesigned for 2012, and the improvements are everywhere. Gone is the twitchy feel of Scott's earlier carbon tuning. The bikes are stiffer laterally. The shocks got smarter. And, best of all, the Spark comes equipped with the most intuitive and user-friendly Twinloc system yet. A simple click of the bar-mounted lever lets you switch from full travel (descending), to traction mode (seated climbing), to lockout mode (standing and sprinting). We've spent many hours on both the 29 (100mm of travel) and 26 inch (120mm) version of the new Spark and we're constantly impressed with how versatile they are. Swami gripe: The only time we'd use the full lockout would be to sprint to the packy for a sixer. Swami like: You could easily employ this comfortable and predictable bike in a rolling marathon course or 24-hour event. Or, especially with the longer travel 26 inch bike, switch over to big tires and a drop post and use it as an everyday trail bike. Tester's take: "The perfect five-hour epic bike. Fast, but handles like a trail bike." Best usage: Monster climbs and backcountry descents. $6,500; scott-sports.com