The Scott Endorphin was an iconic 90s mountain bike that was known for its striking looks and technical innovations that made waves in the industry. It took riders to the top of podiums and showed the world what was possible with carbon-fibre construction. Now, Scott has created a modern interpretation of the Endorphin and it looks incredible.

• Mountain Bike Icons – the Nino Schurter story
• Bike check: Nino Schurter's Scott Spark
• How to go bikepacking: a beginner's guide to getting started

Even Scott's current bikes, the Addict RC, Genius and Scale, still use some form of technical innovation that was used when creating the Endorphin of the 90s. 

2023 scott old endorphin.jpg, by Liam Mercer

That bike did away with traditional tubes as the designers really pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Every cross-section, curve, and surface was considered and had an influence on how the bike performed.

"At one stage during the development process, we also started to question the traditional diamond frame design and asked ourselves: “What if we could offer some on-board rear suspension to the rider?” This question led us to the iconic seat stay design that became the Endorphin visual trademark. In the end, we came out with a new form, something different and more organic than anything we’d seen before,” Nicolas Savioz, Designer, Endorphin (1997) and current Head of Design, SCOTT Sports

2023 scott endorphin new rear wheels.jpg, by Liam Mercer

This latest bike is a reimagining of the classic Endorphin but it uses all of the modern design tech that Scott has at its disposal but, importantly, it gets the same seat stay design. It has been updated, however, to follow what Scott says is a 'modern design language' getting a completely up-to-date build kit and retro colourway.

2023 scott endorphin new stem.jpg, by Liam Mercer

That build kit comprises SRAM's latest XX Transmission drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and a RockShox SID fork. Also present are 29-inch wheels and Scott's famed one-piece cockpit.

2023 scott endorphin new chainseatstay.jpg, by Liam Mercer

While the original Endorphin made its tracks on the race circuit, this modern iteration is just an incredible research and development project but Scott has teased that we might see it between the tape once again.

• www.scott-sports.com (link is external)

You might also like:

• Downhill mountain biking - everything you need to know
• Nine cheapskate alternatives to proper cycling products
• Buyer's guide to kid's mountain bikes - get the best MTB for your child