Isnt 2022 a different suspension layout? And they have finished it off by designing a tab that prevents dirt from entering the area. The real width measured with our gauge is 61mm. You can tune the fit with the different parts. The rest of the components are by Syncros and are quite correct, with special mention to the stem that is designed to favour the entry of the cables underneath it and they have done it with a very attractive design and a very robust appearance. Mine was an XL and due to the slack seat tube, I really had to lean over the front end to keep it down. Mounted on the wide 30mm Syncros rims they allow us to ride with very low pressure and, although it may seem a contradiction, we don't notice any ballast due to friction. The XL will likely give you a better feel on descents, but would be a little more bike to move around and less "playful". Conditions were crazy this week! Oh, and he can do it all on skinny tyres too. The Spark RC range consists of 7 models, plus a women's specific model. Whatever I lost in pedaling efficiency was made up for by the suspensions ability to maintain traction. Rivers of ink flowed even before its presentation. And when it comes to stopping it, the Shimano XT brakes are a real hit. Unsurprisingly, those types of efforts left the fully open 120mm rear end feeling a bit too soft under hard pedaling. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. The first thing we noticed is that this particular model is not especially light. However, with this combination of 32-tooth chainring and 52 sprocket, there is no ramp that can resist. Will versatility add up to a useful tool? It's a real lock that turns the Spark into a racing bike that transmits every watt we generate. If the previous version of the Spark revolutionised the geometry trend in cross country bikes, this new version goes one step further.We are used to hearing concepts such as "Down Country". Despite the radical new look, the rear suspension function is not much different than the previous generation Spark. With the lever set to Traction Control, the fork compression becomes much stiffer and the shock so progressive that the rear suspension generates only 80 mm travel. Moreover, the low and central position allows for a lower center of gravity. So if thats going to be similar size to 2021 Spark then medium may be better. I almost hesitate to use the word, struggled because the Spark was still fast, but it took more effort and concentration. The new Spark is the best downhill XC bike we've tested. Become an ENDURO supporter and lets shape the bike scene together and make mountain biking even better! Ended up ordering the large. Demoed quite a few (Spark, Trek Fuel, Focus o1e ) and it really shined for me. We do notice a lot of bump leakage in open mode, but even on some short ramps where we stand up in open mode, we don't notice a big loss of wattage through the suspension. In the many days that we have enjoyed it, there has not been the slightest creak or noise from the movement of the cables. Scott bikes are some of the few I have ridden which have not had issues with their press-fit bottom brackets; and the BB on the Spark test bike remained silent throughout our test. Truflo Mini Shock Pump review: twofer bargain or double trouble? Become a supporter now! Hi fellow Sparc/Scale RC riders , really need your help - just ordered a Spark RC. I predict a higher price, steeper seat tube angle and two bottle mounts. You can now search the database by numbers. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Brake Cable Kits for DIY Maintenance, The 7 Best Bottom Brackets for Upgrading Your Ride, Best Bike Fenders to Keep You and Your Ride Clean, 8 Best Bike Stems for Upgrading Your Ride, Save Big on Rainy-Day Cycling Gear at Amazon Now, The 14 Best Bike Lights for Every Kind of Ride. At the bottom of the down tube there is a large window that opens easily without any tools. I'm 6'1" on a 2018 Spark RC 900 WC and went with a Large. Our test unit was a size L and normally we fit better in a M. But even so, we didn't feel any discomfort and we didn't ride in a forced position. We had the chance to test the new Spark 900 Tuned AXS at SCOTTs official press camp. My son has just picked up a large 2017 945 Scale and I feel thats slightly too big. Unfortunately, the TwinLoc system doesnt allow you to run an AXS dropper post. The bearings can be tightened using the minitool integrated in the rear wheel thru-axle. Here you can choose between a HMX-SL, HMX, HMF frame, Hybrid (HMF frame with alloy swingarm) or full alloy frame. This allowed us to see first hand how easy it is to access it. Privacy and Cookies. But, yes, the cables. You can fully lockout all 120mm of travel, or fully open it. Copyright 2022 ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine. Hannah tries out the Truflo Mini Shock Pump that can take on tyres, shocks, Presta and Schrader. As many of you will already know, the Spark's suspension is controlled by Scott's TwinLoc control. If youre not too keen on the one-piece stem, you can run a normal stem/handlebar combo using a conventional Acros headset, which is sold separately by SCOTT. Even out of the saddle, there was no hint of flex in the rear linkage. Scott calls this setup Integrated Suspension Technology, which has a few obvious benefits, and drawbacks. Enter the 4th generation Spark RC, Scotts newest edition of its race-proven cross country platform. The new Spark is a further step in the same direction, as it is integrated into the frame in such a low position that the centre of gravity is lowered even further. If you like old-school geometry, then a medium would be fine. I used to have an Spark RC and for a 100mm xc bike, it was very capable on typical red/black stuff. The two models differ in the amount of suspension travel, handlebar width/ rise, the number of brake pistons and size of rotors. The only thing missing from this model is a dropper seatpost to make the most of its qualities. Snowshoe, scene of some of the most dramatic DH racing of recent times but always in the dry. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. 120mm of travel front and rear is combined with a 3-mode remote lockout, Room for two water bottles inside the main triangle. The Spark takes another step towards cross-country bikes, becoming more like trail bikes without losing any of the raw pedaling efficiency that makes cross-country bikes awesome. The alloy scales have always been a bit high in the top tube. As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the elegant SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS reveals its XC roots. And that travel is there, but the Spark is a performance focused bike and even with the TwinLoc in open mode there is no excessive sway when pedalling hard. While on flat trails, the riding position puts a fair amount of pressure on the hands, as soon as you tackle a climb the Spark is incredibly comfortable and efficient, allowing you to blast up the mountain at full pelt not least because of the low system weight. As deputy editor-in-chief, Peter is as much a man of action as he is of words. Maybe even a large! SCOTTs beefed-up XC racer combines 130 mm travel at the front with 120 mm out back and features a fully integrated shock and super-clean look. The entire Spark range relies on a Nude shock developed specifically for the bike, which is supplied by FOX, RockShox or X-Fusion depending on the model. Our conclusion is that the extra travel of the new Spark 2022 is there for when things get really serious. If you decide to run a conventional cockpit, youll miss out on the elegant look and on top of that the exposed cable ports will feed dirt and water directly into the frame. The aim was to lower the centre of gravity as much as possible, thereby improving the bike's handling and stability. Downhill, the riding position is active and sporty, with the torso stretched relatively far over the handlebars. There's no need to be sceptical about the ground-breaking geometry, as it's clearly designed to make the Spark easy to handle and safe to ride. And this is good news even for the amateur biker, as competition bikes used to be uncomfortable and nervous, and for the less experienced amateur they could be difficult to ride. The Swiss offer their new 29 bike in two versions, the RC and 900 we tested the latter. Actually I think you are right between sizes with majority of XC fullsussers nowadays. I reckon the seat tube angle isnt as big of an issue on the smaller bikes and in all honestly it was one of my favourites overall, I did all sorts from trail centres, Peak rides down Jacobs Ladder and longer distance rides (Sutton Bank Top of The Rock, Hope Pre Peaks etc). On downhills when the road surface is good, the bike allows us to reach very high speeds and in the curves we notice a grip that seems improper for road tyres like the ones on the bike. Weight weenies will fall in love with the super-light Syncros Silverton SL2 wheelset, where the rim, hub-shell and spokes are all moulded into one piece. The 900 model also features a more downhill-oriented cockpit, more powerful brakes and tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. Medium looked a bit extreme with saddle a bi back and 80mm stem. Servicing the shock and linkage is still done the same way as before, and the giant opening in the downtube helps quite a bit with routing internal cables. All of this looks very tidy and clean, but it does have a major downside. On other occasions we have already talked about the Sram GX AXS groupset that the Team Issue mounts in its entirety. You have to be very careful when handling the bike, as the levers hit the top tube squarely. According to SCOTT, the shock is still adequately ventilated and doesnt overheat. Scott, meanwhile, has decided that it was time for cross-country bikes to progress. 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. Scott has integrated the shock into the frame and has brought aero road-bike-style cable management to the front end of the bike as well. The only thing missing from this model is a dropper seatpost, which would fit in very well with the character of this bike. But can it shred its way back down into the valley just as fast as it blasts up the hill? The renewal of the most successful XCO bike in recent years comes with innovations and new concepts that threaten to become a trend. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. However, the system still takes some getting used to on the trail. There are lighter full-suspension cross country bikes out there, but none have as much travel as the Spark. From this opening we have very convenient access to the air valve and we can also adjust the rebound of the suspension, as well as change the TwinLoc cable and adjust the compression on models with this adjustment. With the brand-new SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS, the Swiss brand presents its latest trail rocket, which was designed with weight optimization in mind. Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalLogin/cookie issues?Newsletter SettingsAdvertising, Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total). The new Spark feels tremendously stable thanks to its low centre of gravity, low steering throw and long wheelbase (even more so in size L). The position also helped counteract the slacker headtube angle, preventing the front wheel from wandering around too much on steep climbs. Researching Soark suggests it will tick both boxes. It is a cross-country race bike through and through, but its also one that can just as easily be enjoyed as a fast trail bike. I think you made the right choice. Not to mention that Scott and Maxxis claim that the larger volume tires roll quite a bit faster and negate their extra weight. If that's an actual not pants inseam you have a normal to shorter torso for your height. Mountain bike, advice on training and maintenance of your bike, mechanics, interviews Harley Davidson releases its first eBike for sale, Christopher Blevins surprises everyone and becomes the first ever XCC World Champion, Sina Frei wins the first Short Track World Championship in a sprint, Roglic crashes and Nielsen wins his second stage in this Vuelta, Roglic wins and Eiking keeps the red jersey, France becomes 2021 Team Relay World Champion in Val di Sole, Shock absorber: Rock Shox Nude 5 RL3 Trunnion 120-80-Lockout, Bearing race: Sram DUB PF92 MTB Wide / Shell 41x92mm, Handlebar: Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC Alloy 740mm, Saddle: Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 titanium rails, Headset: Syncros-Acros Angle adjust & cable routing system, Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2,4 Tubeless Ready / EXO. However, at this point, there is no compelling reason to use a press-fit BB when releasing a new frame. All Spark models rely on SCOTTs proprietary Twinloc system, which controls the fork and shock simultaneously, regardless of the suspension brand. Anyone rode either back-to-back for comparison (rather than just reviewing size charts?). Scott Sees the Future of Cross-Country Bikes and It Looks Like the New Spark. If youre hunting for KOMs, the lockout is your best friend. 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. Looking at Sparks and I'm 5'10". After these weeks at the controls of the Scott Spark 2022 we have been able to corroborate that the new features of this model make sense and are here to stay. Both versions of the new SCOTT Spark rely on a single pivot suspension system which, combined with flexible seat stay, generates 120 mm rear travel. As the name suggests, our Spark 900 Tuned AXS test bike comes equipped with a wireless 12-speed SRAM X01 AXS drivetrain, which is controlled by a SRAM GX AXS rocker paddle. The fork is the Rock Shox SID Select RL3, with its robust frame with 35mm bars that provides the necessary stiffness to a bike that will allow us to go into somewhat wilder terrain than usual in an XC.The shock absorber on this model is also made by RockShox, of course in a TwinLoc compatible Nude version. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The entry-level price is 3,699 and goes up to 13,200 for the exclusive top-of-the-range model. (SPOILERS). How we test gear. But today's geometries are the opposite, they are just as good for fighting for World Cup victories as they are for enjoying MTB without competitive pretensions. You could fit on a medium with an 80mm stem with 15mm riser bars with 9* sweep depending on width. Scott is sticking to its polarizing TwinLoc remote system, which now also incorporates a dropper-seatpost remote. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. There are seven Spark RC builds; ranging from the top-of-the-line Spark RC SL EVO AXS at $14,000 to the relatively modest-priced Spark RC Comp at $4,000. The bike was quite literally changing my perception of descending speed. Reach grows by at least 12mm across all sizes. Right, just bought it. Its not that long ago that a 120mm travel full suspension bike would have been considered a trail bike. Across all sizes, the extremely high seat tube restricts the freedom of movement, especially when assuming the attack position (540 mm for size XL, 490 mm for size L). Thanks guys. 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. If you do so, however, youll be able to negotiate narrow and steep switchbacks without any problems. All of this with just a push of a thumb. It's been great for me. The test track in Leogang was made up of sections of the rather wet XC World and other local trails. OTOH I have a Plasma which I love. On fire roads or smooth doubletrack, the fully locked-out Spark climbed as well as a fully rigid bike. No local dealer with bikes in stock so no test rides around and most mates have RMs as local supplier nearby. All spec variants and the frameset should be available for testing at SCOTT dealerships from mid July and ready for delivery from October 2021. The power of these brakes is unusual for 2-piston brakes and even on the most vertiginous downhills we feel in control. All cables are neatly routed under the handlebars and disappear into the frame through a special stem developed specifically for the Spark. The Spark is 430mm reach on a medium, the latest RM Element is 445mm. Mountain bike I can say that my wife is shorter than you at about 171cm and is quite comfortable on medium Sparks and also a Genius. The central technological theme of the new Spark is integration. Finally, the Contessa Spark models use the same frames as other versions of the Spark, but with womens specific touch points and slightly lighter suspension tunes. 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. Taking advantage of the fusion with Bold, SCOTT borrowed some of the clever features, developed them further. Im 5 9 but reasonably long limbs. 2022 TdFF: How Do Women Cyclists Pee During Races? 2021 model sounds great with 110mm front fork. It fitted quite well, and just managed a 150mm One Up dropper slammed right down to the collar (short legs for my height though at 33). The most striking feature is undoubtedly the shock absorber hidden inside the frame, but the new Spark has many other innovations that could be trend-setting. However complex the bike and however steep the trail, hes probably already nailed it, twice. Read the new issue of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine now. Measurements are in millimeters and degrees. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, https://intensecycles.com/collections/intense-sniper/products/sniper-xc-factory-build, https://www.pinkbike.com/news/first-ride-intense-sniper-elite-xc-2018.html, Test : 5 Fulls XC entre 4500 et 5000 - Page 9, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. On top of that, the standard 130 mm FOX 34 Factory fork has to make do with the more basic FIT4 damper, because the superior GRIP2 version isnt compatible with the TwinLoc system what a pity. On very steep climbs, however, the front wheel tends to lift off the ground. I've had XL and Large frames and I just prefer a bit smaller than a bit bigger. The result is a race bike that simultaneously looks cleaner, and more complicated, at the same time. There are also other details worth mentioning in the frame design, for example the main pivot point of the swingarm. It's worth mentioning that the previous version of the Spark already changed the location of the shock absorber from under the top tube, like most lightweight XC bikes, to upright next to the seat tube. And that doesn't make it any more complicated to adjust. I would have thought, at 177cm, you'd be a medium for sure. We rode the bike in the slack setting, which is the one we recommend for trail riding. When changing from a gravel path onto an uphill trail, the Traction Control mode provides enough traction over small obstacles and at the same time remains drive-neutral, thus allowing you to negotiate steep and technical climbs with ease. While this is slightly heavier than its X01 counterpart, it performs gear shifts just as smoothly. Find another? Takeaway: The all-new, fourth-generation Scott Spark gives a peek at where cross-country race bikes are heading over the next few years. In Lockout mode the suspension gets completely locked out, the ideal setting for climbs on tarmac and gravel paths. Some aspects of this site may not work as intended. Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Daniel Geiger. All frames feature a flex-pivot rear end. Youre definitely between sizes, as a large is 460mm, so a decent jump. With the latest iteration of the Spark, SCOTT integrated the shock into the frame which, together with the neat internal cable routing, ensures a very tidy look. Fiery XC racers will be having a blast onboard the 12,999 Spark RC SL EVO AXS. I generally skipped the middle suspension mode and went straight to fully open on steep, loose, and more technical climbs. Terms and Conditions. So, sticking to your current frame size is recommended for anyone looking to upgrade to a new Spark from the current version. If you follow mountain bike tech closely, you might remember Scott Sports purchasing a majority stake in the small Swiss brand Bold Cycles two years ago. 2021 10:08 In Descend mode, the SCOTT Spark can exploit its full downhill potential. This way the frame remains intact in this area and no holes are drilled in it, resulting in a very clean aesthetic finish. This operation is done with a torque spanner, but we were also able to check that in case of need it can be accessed with the key of the rear lock. This also means that the sag is slightly reduced and we are in a position that is very favourable for pedalling. Digital & free: Come race with us! XC has evolved a lot in recent years and it is no longer enough for a bike to be light and efficient in pedalling. Despite the longer fork, the suspension feels pleasantly balanced and filters impacts without bottoming out harshly. This weight is with tubes on and without pedals. My wife at 56 rides a medium current-gen Spark, it feels like a bmx to me at 511. The new Spark is the first bike that Scott has used Bolds integrated suspension solution. MY22 Spark (delayed from MY21) will likely be collaboration with Bold i.e. The radical-looking frame pushes integration, geometry, and travel on a cross-country bike to new extremes. With its low system weight, direct suspension and long seat tube, the new Spark 900 Tuned AXS is more a beefed-up XC racer than its a short-travel trail rocket. SCOTT deliver the Spark with the slacker 65.8 head angle setting but this can be steepened up by 0.6 simply by turning the headset. There are also builds using the alloy/carbon frame and full alloy bikes that start at $2,800. Click now, buy soon, and we'll get a few cents. Scott claims that the design yields some performance gains by allowing the weight of the shock and hardware to sit lower in the frame, thus lowering its center of gravity. But once tubed, pedalled and ready to ride it weighed 12.3kg. Terms of Service apply. The system allows you to adjust the suspension in three stages directly from the handlebars, switching between the Lockout, Traction Control and Descend modes. Across the new Spark range, the shock is integrated into the frame, where its protected from dust and dirt. Win a pair of Shimano ME7 shoes worth 180! Wider uses up reach. Like most sites, this site uses cookies to make it work. Even with a little more sag than recommended, we didn't reach the top end. Theres also a mounting point for accessories such as an on-board computer, light or a GoPro. The Spark 900 is also available in five frame versions. Having the cables enter the head tube just a few centimeters lower would avoid having to cut and re-install your brake lines next time you want to replace a headset bearing. The Spark was just ahead of the mainstream trend for longer bikes, as such its not really all that long in reach. Another of the great new features is the increase in travel that reaches 120mm, seeking to respond to the increasingly technical circuits that we find today in the World Cup and more and more in the rest of the XCO competitions. Alongside the integrated shock, the Syncros cockpit ensures a super clean look. Aesthetically it is more compact as it is under the brake lever and is anchored to it, instead of being anchored to the handle like the previous version, which was a bit more bulky. In combination with the 20% more travel, the wider tires made the Spark feel like it had an endless amount of traction, even when traversing wet rocky and rooty trails. But having the shock absorber inside the frame also offers other benefits, such as complete protection from dust, mud and dirt. Impressum. Scott pairs an HMF front triangle for mid-level builds to an alloy rear (2590g total). Any idea what 2022 models are going to bring that I may miss out on ? When it comes to guiding consumers, Peter cut his teeth at Vancouvers oldest bike shop and now puts pen to paper on the daily translating this know-how into our editorial plan. When it comes to high speed, we've already talked about its benefits, and in addition to its geometry and suspension, we have a great Rock Shox Sid Select fork with 35 bars whose stiffness gives us extra safety and control. Following on from the new features of the Spark 2022, it is worth mentioning that the chain line has been moved up to 55mm, in order to provide ample clearance for the tyre and to allow the mounting of chainrings with up to 40 teeth. I only managed to test it around the shop. Fellow Swiss brand Bold Cycles, which was absorbed by SCOTT several years ago, have already released a number of bikes with a similar design. The vertical seat tube also puts you in a very advanced position and close to the handlebars. As capable as a trail bike, without sacrificing cross country speed. It's a joy to ride on trails, and when we pick up the speed a little, it feels incredibly poised and confident. Id consider going XL if I were buying another Spark of that generation to get closer to the reach of my solaris max, which I think is perfect. For those on more of a budget, there is a full alloy frameset (3290g) as well. And when the terrain is fairly flat, or when we're riding on tarmac, we use the lock. By the reason for getting spark is the Scalpel was excellent climbing bike but not forgiving when I got things a little wrong so I wasnt as quick on tech descents. In theory, both provide some performance gains but at the expense of end-user serviceability. Now, your left-hand controls both the front and rear suspension, as well as your dropper. My last 2 xc bikes a Cannondale Scalpel and Rocky Mountain Element were both large but possibly right on the edge of being too big. Its geometry and behaviour give us so much confidence that even in twisty curves, which a priori could be its other weak point, we go into it with determination, knowing that the bike is not going to do anything strange. The Rocky loves technical but not such a good speedy climbing machine. Scott sizing guide says medium. A trick straight from the aero-road-bike playbook. The Spark 900 series is billed as the trail-oriented version of the Spark. According to SCOTT, the bike weighs in at a very reasonable 11.2 kg in size M. Fork FOX 34 Float Factory FIT4 130 mmRear Shock FOX NUDE 5T Factory 120 mmSeatpost FOX Transfer 125150 mmBrakes Shimano XTR 4-Piston 180/180 mmDrivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 1x12Handlebar Syncros Fraser iC SL DC Carbon 760 mmWheelset Syncros Silverton 1.0 29"Tires Schwalbe Wicked Will SuperRace SpeedSoft/SpeedGrip 2,4/2,4". Thanks for popping by - why not stay a while? On the bigger frame sizes L and XL, a dropper with more travel would offer more freedom of movement but then again, the long seat tube is an issue. (Trek even went in the opposite direction with the Super Caliber, with a mere 60mm rear-wheel travel.) Assuming at least 1 generation old Element and Scalpels, a medium 2017-2021 Spark is the same reach as a large Element, but still less than a large scalpel. Here, instead of the chainstays being anchored to the outside of the frame, it is the other way around. With the increased travel front and rear comes a new geometry set for the Spark. It's not serious and you end up getting used to it, but if we had to choose, we'd stick with the previous control. The seat tube angle has also been moved up significantly to 76.1 for size M (76.6 for size L).Also the reach, as has become the trend, has been increased to 441mm in size M and 471mm for size L. The result of these measurements gives a very long wheelbase. With its fully integrated shock and super clean look, the SCOTT Spark 900 Tuned AXS 2022 is a real eye-catcher and thanks to the TwinLoc system and super low system weight it flies up the hill like a bambi on speed. Braking is taken care of by Shimanos top-end four piston XTR stoppers paired with 180 mm IceTech rotors front and rear. Not only does the compression of the shock absorber close, but also the positive chamber changes to 80mm of travel. With the top of the line, Spark 900 Ultimate Evo AXS bike retailing for $14,000. Possibly use an offset seat post of 15mm. 58 here and got a medium really good fit.

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