Calling All Dentists: Test 2026's Hottest XC Bikes This October

James Moore · 2026-09-28

Ever feel like you're living two different lives? Weekdays under the bright lights of the office, focused on precision and care. Then the weekend hits, and you trade drills for carbon, swapping patient charts for trail maps with your heart rate pinned. If that sounds familiar, you're exactly who we're looking for. We're throwing open the doors to our test garage this fall. We want two dentists to join us for a half-day escape from the daily grind. Imagine swapping the surgery for singletrack, trading root canals for root carpets, and putting the season's hottest cross-country machines through their paces. It's a chance to reconnect with the pure joy of riding. ### What's On The Test Bench? We're lining up the most exciting XC bikes slated for 2026. Think legendary names and the latest tech. The roster includes machines like the SCOTT Spark, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized S-Works Epic, and the Canyon Lux World Cup. These aren't just bikes; they're engineering statements, and we need real riders to tell us what they're really like when the rubber meets the dirt. You'll get to ride them back-to-back on the trails, giving you a direct comparison you simply can't get in a shop. Which one feels the most responsive? Which geometry gives you that planted, confident feel on technical sections? ### This Isn't About Strava Segments Let's be clear. We're not hunting for KOMs or lap times. This is about real-world impressions. It's about having a genuine conversation about technology, geometry, and feel. We want your honest, unfiltered feedback straight from the saddle. We're asking the big questions: Which bike concept actually works best when you're breathing hard and picking lines? Which one would you, personally, write a check for and take home today? Your perspective is what makes this test authentic. ### Who We're Looking For We don't need pro racers. We're searching for two passionate riders who live for that weekend trail fix and love talking bikes. There's just one non-negotiable requirement to be part of this first-ever Dentist Bike Test: you must work in dentistry. Yes, we're leaning into the classic 'dentist bike' cliché, and we're doing it with a smile. Proof is required—a license, employment verification, or if you're a student, proof of enrollment. Our own resident dentist, Kilian, will be there too, so you'll be in good company. ### The When & Where Mark your calendar. The benchmarking session is set for **October 6th, starting at 1:00 PM**. We'll be meeting up to ride. We know it's a specific ask, but sometimes the best adventures require a little scheduling hustle. The application window is tight. You have until **Wednesday, September 30th at 1:00 PM** to throw your name in the hat. We'll review submissions and notify our two selected riders that same day. No long waits, just quick decisions so we can all get ready to ride. ### How To Apply It's straightforward. Send us a note with: - A recent photo of yourself - A few lines about your riding passion and experience - Proof of your work in dentistry That's it. Tell us why you love mountain biking and what you'd bring to the test. Our selection team will be looking for enthusiasm and insight. > “The best bike isn't the one with the best spec sheet; it's the one that makes you want to ride longer and smile more.” ### A Quick Side Note Our friend Kilian mentioned his bike-obsessed dental practice is always on the lookout for like-minded talent. If you're passionate about both professions, it might be worth a conversation down the line. For now, our focus is on the trails and the test. So, if you're ready to shift gears from your weekday expertise to your weekend passion, we want to hear from you. Apply now and let's make some 2026 bike memories together.