SCOTT Adventure Lab — Brick & Mortar
Each year during Big Sugar, the cycling world converges on Bentonville, Arkansas, the self-proclaimed Mountain Biking Capital of the World. While some see Northwest Arkansas as an emerging scene, for others it has long been home. For SCOTT Adventure Lab co-owner Craig Zediker, these trails tell a familiar story. Craig got his start in the late ’80s working at High Roller Cycles in Fayetteville, raced NORBA in the early ’90s, and has watched Bentonville’s riding culture evolve into what it is today.
In 2025, Craig set out to create something deeply rooted in that history: SCOTT Adventure Lab. Located in downtown Bentonville just off the main square, the shop sits on the ground floor of the Motto by Hilton Bentonville, creating a unique hub for both locals and visiting riders. The result is a space that feels authentic, approachable, and unmistakably local.
What sets your store apart
In Bentonville, there are plenty of bike shops and showrooms, but the area was missing a true local bike shop, a place where riders can come together and hang out. When starting SCOTT Adventure Lab, we set out to be that local bike shop and build a community around it. We want to represent great product, welcome every rider and every bike, and support Bentonville’s incredible local cycling community.
What do you Specialize in
I’m a mountain biker at heart. Bentonville has incredible MTB chops, with USA Cycling based here and significant investment in cycling throughout the region. One of the most exciting developments we’ve fully embraced is the growth of gravel riding. Here, we’re seeing more people able to ride gravel than ever before, and across Arkansas there’s a clear trend of riders transitioning away from the road. At the same time, mountain biking, especially around Bentonville, can feel slightly intimidating at first. Gravel has become a great equalizer, and at the shop we’ve really enjoyed introducing people to this form of cycling.
Because we’re located in the Motto by Hilton, we’ve found a great opportunity with our rental business. I’ve been in the bike industry my whole life and had never operated a rental program before. Many visitors already know Bentonville as a cycling destination, and once they arrive, they see how easy it is to get around by bike. A lot of people haven’t thrown a leg over a bike in years, and being able to make that happen again is incredibly rewarding, it’s special to help spark that joy.
Lastly, the freeride and downhill scene is catching on rapidly here. It’s been incredible to watch its growth, and it’s become an increasingly important part of our business. We’re adapting quickly to make sure we have the right product to support these riders and are excited to help grow this segment of the local community.
Why SCOTT
We chose SCOTT because of the race heritage and because of a long personal history with the brand. When people aren't familiar with the brand, I'm excited to be able to educate them about the strong history it has in pushing the boundaries. The 1989 Tour de France was won on the SCOTT Aero Bar. SCOTT rewrote the Cross Country playbook when it dropped the 120mm XC bike. They always have the lightest or the most aero bike. I believe the company is a trend setter and not following where everyone else goes.
