Bjorn Riley's Scott Spark RC: Race bike with a personal signature

In the Cross-Country World Cup, hardly anyone is better known for his style and creativity than the young American Bjorn Riley. The radical manoeuvres that this exceptional talent delivers on the XC-Fully are otherwise only known from BMX riders. There is no question that Riley has mastered his Scott Spark RC: in July 2024, he was twice crowned the fastest cross-country rider in the USA in the U23 class and topped the podium at the national championships in both the XCO and XCC short track rankings.

However, Bjorn Riley's creativity is by no means limited to biking. When he tours the world with the World Cup circus, he always has his sketchbook to hand and conjures up crazy sketches on paper. Riley is not only a racer, he is also an artist. To honour the US champion, his team gave him a Scott Spark RC with a custom paint job. The fast-as-an-arrow cross-country bike bears his very personal signature, as the frame is decorated with Riley's own drawings.

This really is my very own bike. I've been dreaming of this moment since I was a little kid. There's no doubt about it: when I'm really suffering on the last lap, this bike will give me the final push. - Bjorn Riley, Scott Sram MTB Racing

>> Swiss champion Philippo Colombo also received a custom bike from Scott. Here we have taken a look at the details.

The equipment of the artist bike: pure high-tech

Anyone who rides so masterfully is naturally also supplied with masterly parts by their sponsors. The custom frame of Bjorn Riley's Scott Spark RC is fitted with all kinds of top-quality goods from Sram and Syncros. Of course, the accessories on the bike are also adorned with all kinds of sponsor logos.

• FrameScott Spark RC Carbon HMX SL Custom
• ForkRockshox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, 120 mm travel, 44 mm offset
• DamperRockshox SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant Custom
• RemoteSram AXS Pod Ultimate Controller
• Handlebars: Syncros Fracer IC SL WC, -40° / 80 mm / 690 mm
• Seat postRockshox Reverb AXS, 100 mm, titanium bolts
• SaddleSyncros Tofino V SL Cut Out
• Handles: Syncros foam
• Rear derailleurSram XX SL Eagle Transmission AXS, 12-speed
• Gear leverSram AXS Pod Rocker Controller
• Crank handleSram XX SL Wagle AXS Transmission Powermeter, 170 mm / 36 teeth
• Pedals: HT Components Leopard M2T
• ChainSram XX SL Eagle Transmission Flattop
• CassetteSram XX SL CS-1299 Eagle Transmission, 11-52
• BrakesSram Motive Ultimate
• Impellers: Syncros Carbon
• Front tyresMaxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4" WT, 150 TP,I Exo TR
• Rear tyresMaxxis Aspen ST 29 x 2.4" WT, 150 TPI, Exo TR

>> Too expensive? We were able to test the Scott Spark in the trail version and were convinced by the price.

Scott Spark RC by Bjorn Riley in detail

Bjorn Riley's race bike is fitted with the latest parts from component giant Sram. Including, of course, the finest Radio control from the Transmission AXS series. The right crank powermeter provides the decisive watt values and is fitted with a sporty 36 t chainring. The data provides the basis for the Rockshox Flight Attendant XC System. The electronic chassis decides fully automatically on the most efficient settingto convert Colombo's leg power into propulsion and at the same time shield him from the shocks of the cross-country course.

>> We have tested how the electronic Rockshox Flight Attendant System performs in practice here.

The professional bike is decelerated by the brand new Sram Motive brakes with mineral oil. The necessary legroom on technically demanding descents is provided by the also new Sram Reverb AXS wireless seatpost - but with a minimalist 100 millimetre stroke. Speaking of minimalist: For the average biker, the 690 millimetre width of the Syncros cockpit unit seems narrow, but in the dense crowds of the cross-country starting block, these dimensions are standard. Extra-fast Maxxis tyres leave hardly a watt to be desired.

>> Tuner Dangerholm has also given the Scott Spark RC a fantastic custom build.

Q&A with the talented young mountain biker

BIKE: Where does this passion for painting and cycling come from?

BJORN RILEY: For me, both passions have the same origin - curiosity and a love of movement. Cycling is about physical flow and exploring boundaries; painting is more about inner experience, but still about flow - about losing yourself in something. Colours, shapes and textures have always attracted me, as have dirt tracks and adrenaline. That's how I see and feel the world.

>> We also took a closer look at exciting parts for racers.

Painting and cycling seem to be two contradictory and time-consuming activities. How do you manage to combine them?

They are totally different, but complement each other in a strange way. Cycling is intense, fast and full of energy. Painting gives me balance. After a long race or a hard training block, a few hours in the studio help me to relax. I don't try to make time for one or the other - both are simply part of me. It's about rhythm and being able to switch gears when necessary.

>> Want to get fit like a MTB pro? With our tips you will become a climbing artist.

Is cycling a way of expressing yourself in the same way as painting?

Absolutely. When I'm racing, I feel like I'm painting in motion - finding lines on the track, flying through corners and making quick decisions. There is creativity in the way you drive, just as there is structure and strategy in the way you paint. It may look different from the outside, but both express 100% of my personality.

>> Still not enough customisation of the Scott Spark? Here's another interpretation from Dangerholm.