Scott Contessa Spark RC 900 Comp - Mountain Bike Database Not bad for a bike with 120mm of travel at both ends. The bike weve been testing is the Scott Spark 910, which sits somewhere in the middle of the range. The Spark has all the straight-line speed and rapid acceleration that your legs can give it, but I would often find the front end understeering in tighter, slower turns. There are lighter full-suspension cross country bikes out there, but none have as much travel as the Spark. While it does take a little more time, it turns out its actually pretty straightforward to remove the shock from the frame. The recommended service intervals are the same as a regular Fox shock, which is 30 hours for an air sleeve service and 100 hours for a full spring and damper service. This change in spring rate makes the shock so progressive that it physically limits the rear travel to 80mm, providing a much firmer feel to the suspension and lifting the bikes overall ride height in the process. The Scott Foil RC Liquid is the work of Dangerholm, aka Gustav Gullholm. Scott recommends 25% sag for the Sparks rear suspension, so I started with 150psi in the Nude 5T shock to support my 70kg riding weight. In this setting the compression damping in both the fork and shock are firmed up. Here well be taking you through all of those changes, how they play out on the trail, and why you would choose the Spark RC over the Spark. Stock bikes come with 120mm of travel front and rear, though the frame will comfortably take a 130mm fork. The Canyon Lux Trail sits on the other side of the spectrum to the Trail 429. - Clever adjustable headset cups, - Reliant on TwinLoc system for pedal efficiency
The overarching ethos of the system remains the same. - Clean, high-tech carbon frame Most of the Spark RC models come fitted with a 100mm stroke Fox Transfer SL dropper post, which is nearly 200g lighter than the 125mm stroke Fox Transfer that comes on our Spark 910 test bike (353g vs 542g). Even without a dropper post, which is how I rode it (.css-qlm9kn{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#067EA7;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, #7fdbfa, #7fdbfa);-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-bottom:0.05rem;padding-top:0.05rem;}.css-qlm9kn:hover{color:#045976;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}please direct your angry tweets to my supervisor), the longer reach naturally put me in a good descending position, slightly behind the saddle, with good control of my front wheel. Still, for the more varied terrain of the Cascades trail on Lake Mountain, I did end up subbing in a Nobby Nic for some extra bite up front. Theres everything here from kiddie-friendly green trails, all the way through to a black diamond jump trail called The Cathedral. The suspension performance is much firmer than the Spark, with the Lux Trail offering strong organic pedal efficiency that doesnt rely on using the remote lockout. Of course you can slacken out the head angle, and you could also beef up the build if you were simply riding for fun versus competition. The new Syncros Fraser iC bar and stem combo routes all the cables heading to the rear of the bike through the top headset bearing. - Noisy on rough trails
The noise annoyed me enough that I removed it entirely. Lap the competition and climb with ease aboard Scott's best XC-race bike! Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload it and share it with the community. Shop new and used Scott Spark mountain bikes today at The Pro's Closet! All the paddles are quite skinny, and the suspension levers point back sharply towards the rider. There is (finally) room for two water bottles inside the main triangle, and as the shock is now totally enclosed inside the frame, completely shielding it from mud and grime.
2022 Scott Spark RC Comp - Specs, Comparisons, Reviews - 99 Spokes Its very effective and has been the Sparks party trick ever since it was launched back in 2007. FOX 34 SC Float Perf. Occasional race bike?
SCOTT Spark 900 | Scott .css-18bc37s{display:block;font-family:Velo,Velo-fallback,Georgia,Serif;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-18bc37s:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 61.25rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-18bc37s{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}Fezzaris Veyo Balances Performance and Value, The Best Bicycle Locks for Every Scenario, The 10 Best Bikepacking Bags for Every Adventure, The Best Cycling Gear From REIs Memorial Day Sale, The Best Bike Is One That Takes You on an Adventur, First Ride: Pivot's Third Generation Mach 4 SL. I almost hesitate to use the word, struggled because the Spark was still fast, but it took more effort and concentration. Scott Spark RC 900 Comp A 29 carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with upper mid-range components. Yes theres a big hole in the underside of the downtube, but internal reinforcing ribs purportedly gain back any lost stiffness. Thats a relatively inexpensive option for existing Spark owners, who might not want to shell out for a whole new fork. To get the full race bike experience, Scott sent us the Fox Nude 5 shock that comes on the Spark RC. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $2,999 USD, comes in a range of sizes, including SM, MD, LG, has Fox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain. That meant your thumb needs to wrap around the lever before pressing it, and each paddle requires a long throw to engage. Scott Spark RC Comp A 29 carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components. As an indication of its widespread popularity, there will be no fewer than 12 Scott Spark models coming into Australia for 2022.
SCOTT Spark RC Comp Bike yellow View on scott-sports.com Add to Watch List Learn about Scott Report data problem Add to Comparison Where to Buy Similar Bikes For This Bike Upgrades Top Comparison View more similar bikes Insights Gearing 1 12 12 speed Spark RC Comp However, it utilises a smaller air can, which does result in it being a little lighter (295g vs 376g). Im now mostly riding in the Traction Control mode, and only flicking into Descend for, well, the descents, or any time the trail is particularly gnarly. Needless to say, your left thumb gets a total workout on this bike. With the new Spark, Scott has managed to create a bike that is nearly as capable downhill as a trail bike while sacrificing absolutely nothing on the climbs. Size Size chart This product is not available for purchase online. Well, technically there are five different Nude shocks across the Spark lineup, but to keep things simple there are two different styles that Ill be discussing here. But as trail bikes have increased in travel to 140mm, or even 150mm, cross country race bikes have generally remained frozen at 100mm travel for over a decade. Size Size chart This product is not available for purchase online. Thanks to the modular headset cups, the geometry change between the Spark RC and Spark 900 models is mostly isolated to the head angle. You can see all the frame weights, specs and pricing of the full 2022 lineup in our Scott Spark overview. However, with the shock hidden inside the frame away from water, dirt, mud, dust and degreasers, the seals and lubrication oil are likely to last longer between services compared to a conventional design. The pedalling performance is fine on shallower gradients provided you remain seated, but watch the pedals as its quite easy to catch them due to the low BB.
2021 Scott Spark RC 900 Comp - Specs, Comparisons, Reviews - 99 Spokes Watch our video review of the Scott Spark here: Along with the increase in suspension travel and the highly integrated approach, its no exaggeration to suggest that the Spark has evolved into one of the most striking and progressive XC bikes currently on the market. I suspect this could be solved with some zip ties and a replacement foam tube made of a different material, but itd be nice if it was quiet to begin with. The new Scott Spark has been some five years in the making, though we can confidently attest that it has been worth the wait. The suspension is also more active due to its four-bar linkage and ABP design. - Integrated Suspension Technology (rear shock located within frame . Curiously, it also receives an increase in rear travel from 100mm to 120mm, making this the longest travel bike on the World Cup circuit. The faster-engaging freehub is a welcome upgrade over the stock Syncros wheelset too. FOX Nude 5 EVOL, 120mm, TwinLoc. At that point there are sections of trail where Id rather the suspension to be open and as comfortable as possible, rather than worrying about efficiency. Its quite neutral, allowing the rear wheel to track under heavy braking, and overall it seeks out more traction and comfort compared to the single pivot platform on the Spark. Whats also neat about the Traction Control mode is that it allows you to bias the suspension settings towards descending performance. Made from reinforced plastic, the top and lower headset cups can be removed from the head tube by hand and rotated 180 to steepen or slacken the head angle by 1.2. It was probably a 70/30 split. Those two bikes feature automated systems that open and close the suspension for you, leaving you to concentrate on the trail ahead. The Spark RC is designed to slug it out between the tape alongside some of the other pointy XC race bikes weve tested, like the Cannondale Scalpel, Canyon Lux, Merida Ninety-Six, Orbea Oiz, Specialized Epicand Trek Supercaliber. It took my brain and left thumb a while to work out the lever configuration of the new TwinLoc remote, though Ive since gotten used to it. In the middle Traction Control position the valve shuts off the secondary air chamber, radically shrinking the total volume.
New & Used Scott Spark Bikes For Sale - RC Comp, World Cup, Team | The Featuring alloy rims and straight-pull hubs, the Syncros Silverton 2.0 wheelset isnt overly light at 1,956g (confirmed). 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The smaller volume shock also provides a more supportive platform in the Traction Control mode, bolstering its pedalling response and overall climbing speed. A quick glance is all youll need to see that this bike is a pretty radical visual departure from any other full-suspension bike on the market, with its completely integrated rear shock and road-bike-style cable management system upfront. The 2022 update to Scott's Spark RC and Spark 900 cross-country and trail bikes integrates the rear shock with the frame, giving it a bold but sleek look. Scott, meanwhile, has decided that it was time for cross-country bikes to progress. - Headset cable routing adds maintenance frustration
Though its been around for 15 years, it still manages to impress us today with its clever engineering. In addition to fitting a lighter set of wheels and faster-rolling tyres, weve also flipped the headset cups into the steep position and fitted a 120mm travel fork. In addition to running a shorter fork on the Scott Spark RC, its also possible to adjust the bikes head angle via the modular headset cups. And anyone who says weight doesnt matter on a mountain bike has never redlined while racing a dirt crit or XCM event. A valve sits between these two chambers and is activated by the TwinLoc remote up at the handlebar. While drifty across loose rocks and in slick conditions, the Wicked Will tyres generate excellent grip on hardpack trails and softer, smoother surfaces, with a slightly rounded profile that leans side-to-side effortlessly. You also get a Shimano XT groupset, though the Top Fuel elects for a RockShox SID fork and Deluxe shock, along with a carbon Bontrager handlebar and wheelset. Its dw-link suspension design delivers impressive pedal efficiency, with great stability while climbing and no need for a remote lockout. While the functionality of the Nude shock is shared across the lineup, our Spark 910 test bike came equipped with the Fox Nude 5T shock. All of this looks very tidy and clean, but it does have a major downside. As for touch points, the Syncros Tofino saddle offers a flat and relatively neutral profile, and the lock-on grips are comfortable enough, if somewhat prone to wearing out quickly. Model : 286265. Additionally, the rear shock features a higher volume air can to improve sensitivity. Its priced reasonably well too not quite as sharp a Merida Ninety-Six, but significantly better value than a Specialized Epic EVO. It is popular with all kinds of visitors, from mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts, to gastronomes, wine buffs, and those looking for a city break. The rear end is much firmer and more responsive, giving the Spark RC a similarly tight and energetic feel as the short travel Trek Supercaliber. At the same time, part of the shocks air chamber is shut off, drastically shrinking its volume and making the rear suspension more progressive. The smooth Buxton trails saw few flaws in the Sparks suspension, but on my much rockier local trails, the suspension can feel harsh in that Traction Control mode. Up front is a Rekon Race, and on the rear is an Aspen. In the case of our Spark 910 test bike, the seat angle remains nice and steep at 75.9, though it does get a bit steeper again on the larger frame sizes. With this in mind, instead of getting in a whole new test bike, we decided to take our existing Spark 910 and turn it into a Spark RC. Weight: 23.9 lb. .
Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS review - BikeRadar - TwinLoc system offers genuine split personality performance It feels soft under power, and theres a reasonable amount of bob if youre not pedalling smoothly. Totally redesigned and reimagined for 2022, the 4th generation Scott Spark has made headlines with its striking frame design, hidden shock, dual bottle capability and adjustable head angle. View on scott-sports.com Learn about Scott Report data problem Add to Comparison Where to Buy $3,199 Contender Spark 970 Pre-Owned $3,349 Cycle Limited Spark 910, Mountain Bike - Large In Stock: LG Pre-Owned $3,699 TPC 120mm Fork. And to be honest, Scott is probably not the brand for you. TwinLoc has been a hallmark of Scott mountain bikes for many years now, and the new Spark gets a new triple TwinLoc system with an integrated dropper remote lever. Damping is also increased, providing further support to improve pedalling response. The CF 9 has a list price of $8,699 AUD, though it comes with a Shimano XTR groupset, carbon cranks, DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels and Fox Factory Series suspension. Both models feature 120mm of rear wheel travel, but there are some key differences between them. There are also builds using the alloy/carbon frame and full alloy bikes that start at $2,800. So, to simplify this for you (All weights are for medium size with shock & hardware): There are three different full carbon offerings ranging from the top-of-the-line HMX-SL (1870g), to the mid-tier HMX (1999g), to the base model HMF (2150g). These do feature the supple and lightweight Super Race casings though, so I fitted a CushCore XC tubeless insert into the rear wheel for some added pinch-flat protection.
I also encountered a persistent squeak, which turned out to be the white foam insulating tubes rubbing against one another up around the headset. Now, your left-hand controls both the front and rear suspension, as well as your dropper. If youre able to accept the TwinLoc remote and additional cables though, the Spark offers genuine split-personality performance that allows it to clock technical climbs like theyre going out of fashion, while offering stable and traction-rich performance on the descents.
2021 Scott Spark RC 900 Comp Bike - Vital MTB It eventually ends up at the headset, where the polystyrene foam causes an annoying squeak on every hard compression. The Team XTR bike we tested sells for over $13K!
2022 Scott Spark RC Comp Mountain Bike - Bambobike The FIT4 damper isnt as supple or as ground-huggy as the Fox 34 GRIP2 weve been testing lately, but is still very good and its also vastly simpler to setup and tune. SCOTT Spark RC Comp Bike yellow Model : 286257 Key Features Spark RC Carbon HMF Frame FOX 32 Float Rhythm 120mm Fork FOX Float Custom, 120mm, TwinLoc SRAM NX Eagle 12 Speed Shimano Deore Disc Brakes Syncros X-30SE TR Rims Maxxis Rekon Race Foldable Tires Syncros Parts 1. Discover the most beautiful places, download GPS tracks and follow the top routes on a map. The Spark 910 comes fitted with a 130mm travel Fox 34 Performance Elite fork, which weighed in at 1,720g with a chopped steerer tube and the Kabolt thru-axle. Compared to the Wicked Wills, the Maxxis tyre combo is much quicker off the mark, with significantly lower rolling resistance. Is that worth having to fish hydraulic lines through your headset bearings? The Spark 910 comes fitted with a 760mm wide riser bar, along with a 60mm zero-rise stem. So the notch needs to be at the back for the steep position, and at the front for the slack position. Whatever I lost in pedaling efficiency was made up for by the suspensions ability to maintain traction. Ill admit I was initially skeptical of the internal shock design, and it seems plenty of Flow readers feel the same way. Save Article Trevor Raab Takeaway: The all-new, fourth-generation Scott Spark gives a peek at where cross-country race bikes are heading over the next few years. With the stock Spark 910, I found I would ride most of the time in the Descend mode, and would only flick into Traction Control when I was facing a climb or meandering along smoother trails. The Spark RC models are race-focused and are only available with full carbon frames. Scott quite intentionally built the Spark with a lot of tire clearance. The Scott Spark 900 is the trail bike, with a bigger 130mm travel fork, chunkier Schwalbe Wicked Will tyres, a 125-150mm dropper post, and a 760mm low-rise handlebar. With the stiff chassis, sensitive suspension and low-slung bottom bracket, the Spark rips through corners like its on rails. The 20mm of extra travel and the slacker headtube actually got me into trouble a few times because I was simply underestimating how fast I was heading into a corner. Contact Scott Sports https://www.scott-sports.com/ Weight 11.24kg Positives - Ridiculously plush for an XC race bike - Outstanding descending control - Traction Control mode offers instantaneous climbing boost - Stealthy frame design hides shock from the elements - Adjustable geometry widens versatility Negatives There are also a lot of cables to manage inside the downtube, and while foam insulating tubes do quieten down rattling, for some reason the tube for the brake hose seems to migrate upwards during every ride. However, youd have to make bigger and potentially more expensive upgrades to the Spark RC to make it more trail-friendly. In its race bike form, the Scott Spark RC is perfectly suited to the demands of modern XC riding. In fact, its plusher than any other XC bike Ive tested. When it does come time to servicing, the shock itself is surprisingly easy to remove. Its hard not to overuse words such as progressive, slack, and long when talking about the new Spark, but that is precisely how these bikes stack up with their competitors in the XC race category. If you found you were doing a few races and multi-day events each year, then a lighter wheelset and faster tyres would be a great upgrade to inject a bit of extra speed to up your competitiveness. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $4,300 USD, comes in a range of sizes, including SM, MD, LG, XL, has Fox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain. As well engineered as it is though, the Spark is still a noisy bike. In addition to altering the Sparks riding position, the Syncros Fraser iC SL XC is literally half the weight of the alloy bar and stem that came off the bike (271g vs 553g). And while 32T chainrings are standard across the Spark lineup, this frame is ready to take a Nino-worthy 38T chainring should the Watts be flowing freely through your Thunder Thighs.
Grenoble, the Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, France - LatLong Dangerholm Scott Foil RC Liquid specifications. - Not the lightest XC frame. With all the upgrades to our Scott Spark RC project bike, its no surprise that the number on the scales has come down. That aside, I cant say Im thrilled with having all the cables and rear brake hose routed through the upper headset. Integrated rear suspension makes for a unique look with the added benefit of fitting two water bottles. While the TwinLoc system itself remains just as versatile, my approach to it has changed along with the bike. Compared to the Spark 910 we began with, thats a weight reduction of around 1.2kg. As with the previous Spark, Scott continues to produce two distinct models out of the same chassis; The Scott Spark RC is the race bike, equipped with a 120mm travel fork, fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race tyres, a 100mm stroke dropper post, and a 740mm flat bar. Fork: Scott Foil HMX. Thats because the whole bike is designed around you utilising the middle Traction Control mode to provide the snappy pedalling response needed for XC racing duties. The 440mm reach measurement hits the sweet spot for an XC bike, and Ive found the Spark to fit beautifully out of the box with the stock 60mm stem and 760mm wide bars.