Transition Scout 3

The lime green paint is flashy, but underneath, the Transition Scout 3 is all business. The aluminum frame has a low-slung Horst link suspension platform, 110-millimeter head tube, 67-degree head angle, and snappy 425-millimeter chain stays — a package that encourages jumping and blasting corners.

RockShox’s Monarch RT3 DebonAir shock and Pike RC fork don’t offer a ton of adjustments, but they harmonize on this 27.5-inch shred sled. Out back, the 125 millimeters of travel is sufficient, while the 140-millimeter fork helps the Scout ride like a bigger, more aggressive trail bike.

And we love the smart spec. GX1 may be SRAM’s budget one-by group, but it performs excellently, as do the company’s new Guide disc brakes.

Given the laid-back geometry and short, 50-millimeter stem, the Scout isn’t particularly pleasant to pedal uphill, especially being on the heavy side at 30 pounds, but for long days in a rough place like Fruita, Colorado, or North Carolina’s Pisgah, the Scout is a great (and affordable) ride.

Component Highlights: SRAM GX1 drivetrain; SRAM Guide R brakes; RockShox Monarch RT3 DebonAir shock; RockShox Pike RC Solo Air 140mm fork; WTB STP i23 rims laced to SRAM hubs