Raft XC – Sram Transmission GX

For off-road use, the score focuses on how quickly the bike accelerates and keeps speed on hardpack and gravel paths. The main reasons are typical trail-width tires, wheel momentum that helps it carry speed between pedal strokes, and a solid drivetrain that supports efficient riding. Together, these choices shape rolling resistance and how lively the bike feels.

Uphill performance score: 7.0/10. Within Mountain bikes, this comes out above average. The low gear should feel friendly on most hills. In numbers, the low gear is roughly 18.2 gear inches. In its peer group, it lands around the easier ~36% for low-gear climbing. Think of “gear inches” like a difficulty score for your easiest gear: lower = more spin-friendly on climbs. This kind of low gear helps you stay smooth on long or steep climbs. Real-world feel depends on setup and size, and some details aren’t always listed, so this is best seen as a well-informed estimate.

Suspension: 5/10, classed as “Confident trail control”. That typically means noticeably better bump absorption and more consistent tracking on rougher sections. The fork does the smoothing; the rear stays straightforward and efficient. Some brands don’t publish full suspension measurements, so this summary follows the suspension layout and typical builds for this style. This level usually brings more reliable wheel tracking on rough patches and repeated hits.

Sporty fit - you'll lean forward more and feel ready to push the pace. That's driven by the bar sits about 75 mm below the saddle (a moderate drop), and you'll be stretched forward about 597 mm in total (very long). Expect a lean angle around 34 degrees.

Fit flexibility summary: Standard cockpit parts make it simpler to fine-tune your position over time, Cable routing is on the simpler side, which helps adjustability. Plus, A dropper makes it easier to shift between climbing and descending positions. So it lands in Moderately Adjustable. Put simply, it describes how practical it is to reconfigure your position later.

Ride comfort is 6.4/10 — on a real ride it feels easygoing over rough patches. That’s why it’s labeled Firm. The posture is forward, attacking (posture 7/10, torso ~34°), which loads the front wheel, which feels great for control but a bit more direct through the bars.

This setup is aimed at fast trail riding on less extreme terrain. It has about 100 mm of suspension travel (how much it absorbs bumps), which suits smoother trails. The Hardtail setup supports this riding style.