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. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Its lever is easy to access from the grips, and gives quick and easy control of the fork and shocks damper settings from open to closed, via a middle traction setting. - Shock hidden away from water, contaminants & degreasers For this reason, our choice of the most advanced carbon fibers in the market is followed by intensive use of specific tools, like FEA (finite element analysis) software, to map out the carbon lay-up. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is. Scott has ensured the carbon frame is stiff where it needs to be, from the enormous downtube through to the 92mm wide press-fit BB and boxy chainstays. The 437.5mm rear centre length isnt the shortest out there, but it is stiff and direct. This design echoes the silhouette of the full suspension bikes produced by Swiss brand Bold Cycles, which is no coincidence. The lever design is new for 2022, with the two upper paddles controlling the suspension, and a third lever placed underneath for the dropper post. 2023 Pivot Mach 4 SL Review | Pivots premium XC bike gets A LOT lighter & more adjustable, 2023 Specialized Epic World Cup Review | A super-light XC bike with character-bending tuneability, Top 8 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed, 2023 Canyon Lux World Cup Review | A scorchingly fast XC bike thats built for racing, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. SCOTT states that creating their Integrated Suspension Technology allowed them to refine suspension characteristics without sacrificing weight. This shock design decreases inefficient lateral movements and increases power transfer. Schurter won the UCI world championship Continued. If you went down this route, the modular design of the Fox 34 means you could also upgrade to a GRIP2 damper if you were chasing more control and sensitivity. Spark RC Carbon HMF Integrated Suspension Technology Flex Pivot / Adjustable head angle Syncros Cable Integration System BB92 / UDH Interface / 12x148mm with 55mm Chainline, RockShox SID Select RL3 Air Custom Charger 3-Mode Damper 15x110mm Maxle Stealth / 44mm offset / Tapered steerer Lockout / Reb. The newest bike of the lot is the Trek Top Fuel, which has been totally overhauled for 2022, becoming much burlier than its predecessors. Traction Control mode offers instantaneous climbing boost, Stealthy frame design hides shock from the elements, If you don't like suspension remotes, the Spark isn't for you, Headset cable routing adds maintenance frustration. For its redesign, SCOTT wanted to make sure to keep that winning performance. A 2022 Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS weights 25 lb 7.4 oz (11,550 g). Its not all rosy, though. Its a bigger bike than its predecessor, though the change isnt dramatic. Dangerholm Scott Foil RC Liquid specifications. 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. This 3-position handlebar remote provides the rider with three distinct modes; Descend & Lockout are self-explanatory, though its the middle Traction Control mode where things get interesting. And going after the super-clean look, the cables are also routed stealthily through the upper headset, with a new Fraser iC SL XC one-piece carbon handlebar and stem to match on the high-end models. The ALL NEW Spark RC Team Issue AXS is the perfect blend of top-notch carbon engineering, never before seen levels of integration and just the right amount of secret sauce. Sit on the bike and it creeps even closer to the trail. However, the left-hand clamp is no longer integrated into the TwinLoc remote, so its an easier process to fit your preferred grips. Inspected, pro-tuned, and serviced. In this mode, the air volume is actually restricted inside the rear shock to make it significantly more progressive, hence limiting the travel to 80mm. The closest option would be the Race XT build, which sells for $8,499 AUD and comes with with Performance Series Fox suspension, a Shimano SLX groupset and DT Swiss M1900 wheels. Adj./ Travel 120-80-Lockout / T165X45mm, SRAM GX Eagle AXS / 12 Speed Wireless Electronic Shift System, Syncros Silverton 2-30 6 Bolt F: 15x110mm, R: 12x148mm 30mm Tubeless ready rim / 28H / XD Driver Syncros Axle w/Removable Lever with 6mm Allen, T30 and T25 Tools, Maxxis Rekon Race / 29x2.4" / 120TPI Foldable Bead Tubeless Ready / EXO, Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 Titanium rails, Syncros Duncan 1.5 / 10mm offset 31.6x400mm, Syncros XC 1.5 Syncros Cable Integration System -12 rise / 7050 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8", Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC Alloy 7075 D.B. Scott . During testing, we rallied them through berms and over jumps, slithered down slippery chutes and scared ourselves (to greater and lesser extents!) We'd love to hear from you. By switching the cups around 180, its possible to slacken or steepen the head angle in isolation by 0.6. The suspension is a linkage-actuated single pivot, with flexible stays adding to Scotts control of the suspension feel. Well it looks pretty sweet for a start, and it helps to protect the shock from mud, rain and dust. - Beautifully balanced handling The Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS is superior on lung-searing climbs within the Downcountry-Bikes. The best way to find your size is to go for a test ride. The bike weve been testing is the Scott Spark 910, which sits somewhere in the middle of the range. While our Scott Spark 910 came out of the box with tubes fitted, the rims are wrapped with tubeless tape and valves are also included in the box. Otherwise the Scott Spark 910 has performed exceptionally well as a whole package. Outside of testing bikes, Tom competes in a wide range of mountain bike races, from multi-day enduros through to 24-hour races in the depths of the Scottish winter pushing bikes, components and his legs to their limits. We understand that all those listed weights are for Medium-sized frames including the rear shock and hardware, but without a standardised set of scales and the frames physically in front of us, its impossible to verify them. - Less flexibility with long-stroke droppers. And while the rear shock size and stroke is the same between the two bikes, the shocks used on the Spark 900 employ a higher volume air can to improve sensitivity and comfort. SCOTT TwinLoc TSP, suspension-seatpost remote below bar with 3 modes and integrated grip clamp. With Traction Control up its sleeve, the Spark is a remarkable technical climber, and without doubt one of the best Ive ever ridden. The 2022 Scott Spark 900 Ultimate EVO AXS is an Trail Carbon mountain bike. Adj. Helping to achieve the two-bikes-in-one trick, Scott has employed adjustable headset cups for tweaking the head angle independently to the rest of the frame. With each side of the rocker link sitting quite far apart, there also appears to be masses of mud clearance too. The Sparks suspension layout has a very specific and proven kinematic and less unsprung mass. Size. Despite the core similarities, and the fact that both bikes look like a chalkboard, there are some clear differences with Treks approach to the Top Fuel. Theres also a hatch on the underside of the downtube, which can be removed by hand in order to access the shocks air valve and rebound adjuster. Stock bikes come with 120mm of travel front and rear, though the frame will comfortably take a 130mm fork. We wanted to see just how capable these bikes really are when placed between the legs of someone who isnt a World Cup racer. The shock also rides considerably higher, helping to steepen the effective seat tube angle for a more powerful and efficient climbing position. We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. The difference on the trail is enormous, with the Spark transitioning from comfortable trail cruiser into a sharp and purposeful race bike at the flick of a lever. The rear suspension smooths the way, supporting the skinny tread of the Rekon Race in its quest for grip. If you think fast is fun, then you're going to love this ride. One of the best descending purebred cross-country bikes around, Not the easiest bike to work on for home mechanics, Scott's new XC race bike feels great down a hill, but relies on its lockout remote, Smooth suspension flatters riding skill and creates grip where others fail, One of the tidiest frames on the market, with decent Syncros finishing kit, It relies on its lockout for the best performance, Lacks a little spark when instant accelerations are needed, Easier than you'd think to access rear shock, Non-guided internal cable routing is noisy, UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Nino Schurter was delivered a new Scott Spark RC World Cup just ahead of this past weekends World Cup race in Leogang, Austria. When open, the suspension is too free to move to feel sharp under power something I look for on an XC bike. With the suspensions compression circuit so easy to control from the bars, youre only a thumb push from the suspension doing exactly what it should be doing. Five years is an amazing run for any model of mountain bike, but especially one thats designed to consistently perform at the very highest level of the sport. However, you will need to factor in the extra $200 for shipping, and of course there are the usual pros and cons of buying from a direct-to-consumer brand over a local bike shop. However, there are three bikes weve tested recently that we have plenty of experience with, which offer an interesting comparison to the Spark. That aside, I cant say Im thrilled with having all the cables and rear brake hose routed through the upper headset. However, it is also offered in an Enduro spec, which straps on a piggyback shock and a 140mm travel Fox 36. Tyre pressures were set at 21-22psi on the front and 24-25psi on the rear. It features a T25, T30 and a 6 allen key all in one. Required fields are marked *. For those willing to embrace the concept though, there are serious performance gains to take advantage of. Thats lower than a Santa Cruz Tallboy. The shock now sits lower in the frame which lowers the center of gravity, offering more stable and confidence-inspiring handling. Price $7,699 AUD Weight 12.43kg Positives - Clean, high-tech carbon frame - TwinLoc system offers genuine split personality performance - Stupendous technical climbing proficiency - Beautifully balanced handling - Shock hidden away from water, contaminants & degreasers - Clever adjustable headset cups Negatives The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is, Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. The Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS has a lever on the handlebar that controls the entire chassis. Regardless of what I think, the Sparks internal cabling solution drew much praise on the trail from fellow riders, who loved the integrated look. In addition to the different length forks, modular headset cups allow the front-end geometry to be tuned for each platform. Additionally, the shock is fully protected from any foreign elements. The shock does use a standard metric size, so you could potentially fit a regular Fox Float DPS or RockShox Deluxe in there if you really wanted. This allows you to block the 120 mm spring path completely, but also insert an intermediate for light trails. It seems to generate grip where other bikes flounder, meaning kicks in power arent wasted as wheelspin. One of the best descending purebred cross-country bikes around, Not the easiest bike to work on for home mechanics, Scott's new XC race bike feels great down a hill, but relies on its lockout remote, Smooth suspension flatters riding skill and creates grip where others fail, One of the tidiest frames on the market, with decent Syncros finishing kit, It relies on its lockout for the best performance, Lacks a little spark when instant accelerations are needed, Easier than you'd think to access rear shock, Non-guided internal cable routing is noisy, UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Nino Schurter was delivered a new Scott Spark RC World Cup just ahead of this past weekends World Cup race in Leogang, Austria. A full suspension bike will never have success without, well, good suspension design. The link that drives the shock is simply hidden in the seat tube. modes Syncros XC 1.5 Syncros Cable Integration System -12 rise / 7050 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8" 128 kg The overall weight includes the bike, the rider, the equipment . Keen to know how it actually rides? Your email address will not be published. 1. Trek has also ditched the remote lockout entirely, which results in a much cleaner cockpit to the Scott Spark thatll appeal to certain riders. An integrated shock platform allows us to refine suspension characteristics without sacrificing weight. 3 modes: Lockout-Traction Control-Descend DPS / Reb. The shock sits higher in its stroke, lifting the overall ride height of the bike. . Within the new model, the RC line remains XC specific with 120mm suspension and a bold 67.2 steering angle that is offset by the lightest frame on the market for that travel and exceptional stiffness. S. It is possible to disconnect the fork entirely, and only have the TwinLoc remote activating the shock. Whereas the Spark RC comes with fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race tyres and narrower 740mm wide bars, the Spark 900 gets chunkier Schwalbe Wicked Will tyres and wider 760mm bars. The 900 Tuned AXS I've been riding sits one rung down, with a still-tall $10,000 price tag and an HMX carbon frame. This wasnt done just for looks. Full maintenance is going to be a touch more tricky than on other bikes, thanks to the internal linkage, and the cable routing that goes through the headset. Excellent value. Bitte gib deinen Standort in dem Feld ber der Karte ein, damit wir einen Hndler in deiner Nhe finden knnen. As an indication of its widespread popularity, there will be no fewer than 12 Scott Spark models coming into Australia for 2022. This can be done without cutting cables or bleeding brakes. With broad rims, I ran my Rekon Races at lower pressures than I usually would on an XC bike, further improving grip and control. At 11.93 kilos, its not the lightest, though on paper should be more than capable when the trails descend. Your email address will not be published. Although the Nude shock does use a proprietary design, it is manufactured by Fox. Equipped with its high-tech frame, adaptable suspension system and contemporary geometry, the Spark is a brilliant trail ripper. / Travel 120-80-Lockout / T165X45mm, Syncros - Acros Angle adjust & Cable Routing HS System +-0.6 head angle adjustment ZS56/28.6 ZS56/40 MTB, Syncros XC 2.0 Syncros Cable Integration System -12 rise / 6061 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8", Syncros Fraser 2.0 XC Alloy 6061 D.B. Trail centre laps have given us consistent conditions in inclement weather, while forest tracks have really helped sort our podiums ultimate order. No problem, your shock will continue to perform at its best regardless. Syncros does offer different length stems to suit, though only 50-70mm lengths will be available in Australia. Adj./ Travel 120-80-Lockout / T165X45mm, Syncros - Acros Angle adjust & Cable Routing HS System +-0.6 head angle adjustment ZS56/28.6 ZS56/40 MTB, Syncros XC 1.5 Syncros Cable Integration System -12 rise / 7050 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8", Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC Alloy 7075 D.B. Years later, we still believe that for technical cross-country racing and fast, punchy singletrack it is the best approach. As the hits get bigger and faster though, the Spark will soon remind you that theres only 120mm of travel at the rear wheel. 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. Current Stock: Quantity: Add to Wish List Description Features Spark RC Carbon HMF Frame RockShox SID Select RL3 120mm Fork RS Nude 5 RL3, 120mm, TwinLoc SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12 Speed Shimano XT Disc Brakes Syncros Silverton 2.0 TR Wheels Maxxis Rekon Race Foldable Tires Syncros Carbon Parts With these three options you can adjust all pivot hardware and nearly everything else there is to adjust on the bicycle. As a bike mechanic, my favorite part of the Integrated Suspension Technology is that SCOTT made a point that this shock would be easy to set up, access, work on, and remove. 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. Tom has written for BikeRadar, MBUK and Cycling Plus, and was previously technical editor of What Mountain Bike magazine. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Norco and more. Have a suggestion? - Clean, high-tech carbon frame Scott Sports Scott claims that by integrating the shock it's been able to shave precious race-winning grams. Now in their fourth iteration, the 2022 Spark RC and Spark 900 lines have continued their cross-country heritage on racetracks, blending modern technology and design to suit all levels of riders. For example, Ive got a bit of room to play with the 125mm Fox Transfer dropper, but I wouldnt be able to upsize to 150mm. The supple suspension delivers excellent traction and comfort, helping to achieve an involving in-the-bike riding position. 3 modes: Lockout-Traction Control-Descend Debon Air / Reb. HMF carbon front and rear triangles, molded chainstay protection, RockShox NUDE 5 RL3, DebonAir spring, 3-mode adjust via Scott TwinLoc 2 (Lockout, Traction Control, Descend), rebound adjust, trunnion mount, 165mm x 45mm, RockShox SID Select RL3, Charger damper, 3-mode adjust via Scott TwinLoc 2 (Lockout, Traction Control, Descend), rebound adjust, 44mm offset, Syncros/ACROS angle-adjust and cable routing HS System; +/- 0.6 head angle adjustment; ZS56/28.6 - ZS56/40 MTB, Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC, double-butted 7075 alloy, 740mm width, 8 backsweep, 31.8mm clamp diameter, Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC, 7050 alloy, Cable Integration System, 12 drop, 31.8mm bar clamp, Shimano Deore XT M8100, 2-piston, Shimano RT76 6-bolt rotors (180mm front, 160mm rear), SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller, 12-speed, electronic wireless, SRAM GX Eagle AXS, 12-speed, electronic wireless, SRAM GX Eagle XG-1275, 12-speed, 10-52 tooth, Syncros Silverton 2.0-30 Carbon, 30mm width, 28 hole, tubeless ready, Syncros Silverton 2.0 wheelset, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear with XD driver, Maxxis Rekon Race, EXO, TR, 120 TPI, foldable, 29" x 2.4", Syncros Belcarra 1.5 Regular, titanium rails, Syncros Duncan 1.5, 10mm offset, 400mm length, Integrated Suspension Technology (rear shock located within frame, accessible via lower hatch), 2021 Niner RKT 9 RDO 4-Star Shimano XT Bike. I just did that. Now in their fourth iteration, the 2022 Spark RC and Spark 900 lines have continued their cross-country heritage on racetracks, blending modern technology and design to suit all levels of riders. The grip it generates uphill is unreal and its buttery smooth on the way down. With our Evo-Lap technology we model the frame to optimize the surface area, simulate tube structures with different ply orientations, observe the results of using different configurations, and test the stress distribution in different areas of the frame. But the remaining twenty percent requires most of our efforts. SCOTT made this Spark their lightest weight mountain bike frame to date, but made sure to not give up on stiffness in the areas necessary. The Spark RC Team is geared about the same as similar bikes for riding up hills. The Spark has historically been one of the fastest and most-winning XC bikes out there, with multiple world cup and world championship wins as well as an Olympic gold medal by SCOTT rider Nino Schurter, and several world cup wins and top performances from teammate Kate Courtney. On the topic of integration, its worth noting that you can run a regular bar and stem on the Spark, though you might not get the same clean look with the supplied headset spacers and cable shroud. RRP: $5,999: Weight: 11.6 kg: Suspension: Full: Travel: 120mm rear, 120mm front: Frame: Carbon: Fork: RockShox SID Select: . Your answers will help Vital and the MTB industry better understand what riders like you want. 50 South Mason Street, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801, When not riding he can be found at the climbing wall, in his garden or cooking up culinary delights. Check the size chart exactly before buying: the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS sizing runs big. Either way, the Lux Trail presents a tantalising package for the money. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. A 2022 Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS is typically priced around $5,500 USD when new. In-house brand Syncros kit features heavily in the cockpit and wheels, with Maxxis broad 2.4in Rekon Race tyres blowing up large on the generously wide Silverton 2.0-30 wheels. They made history, because never before had a cross-country world championship been won with a fully with 120 mm suspension travel. $5599.99 MSRP. Theres also not a lot of clearance for the seat tube-mounted bottle on our Medium sized test bike, with a 600ml Camelbak Podium just fitting in there. Seatpost insertion is limited due to the shock and linkage occupying much of the space inside the seat tube, and that means long-stroke droppers may be trickier to fit. This system is built around a custom Nude rear shock (made by Fox, RockShox or X-Fusion, depending on the model), which along with the fork, is joined via a cable to a remote lever at the handlebar. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. The rear suspension is also nicely balanced with the Fox 34 up front, delivering a comfortable ride quality while allowing you to ride it pretty hard for a 120mm bike. The Spark RCs geometry is bang up to date. The integration of the cockpit is executed just as will as the shock - no kinks in the brake lines/shift cables, sleek to look at, and the ability to easily make the front end slacker. The difference on the trail is enormous, with the Spark transitioning from comfortable trail cruiser into a sharp and purposeful race bike at the flick of a lever. Scott says the shock placement also lowers the bikes centre of gravity, though were skeptical as to how much of a difference that actually makes. The Spark feels great; it feels fast. Get yours now!!! Add custom gearing Learn more about bike gearing Estimated Spec Level Love bikes? Scott Introduces the All-New SPARK RC and SPARK 900 (press release). 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. This makes the Spark quite reliant on the Traction Control mode to provide it with the pedal efficiency that comes naturally on some of its competitors. More travel is more fun. 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. Similar bikes wont keep up with the Spark RC Team while riding downhill or sprinting. While at 328mm statically the BB height is average for an XC bike, the extra travel on the Scott left me clipping pedals on technical climbs a little more than on some other bikes, when the bike was left in its open mode. Of the XC bikes Ive tested recently, the Spark is the easiest to transfer over to if youre used to longer-travel rigs it has much more trail- and enduro-feeling suspension, so shouldnt feel too odd. And with its carbon frame, Fox suspension and Shimano XT groupset, we expect this will be one of the most popular options of the lot. Size Size chart The suspension is still able to claw at the ground for grip, but its quite firm and theres zero wallow from the rear shock even on wickedly steep gradients. / Lockout / 120mm travel, FOX NUDE 5 EVOL Trunnion SCOTT custom w. travel / geo adj. Featuring alloy rims and straight-pull hubs, the Syncros Silverton 2.0 wheelset isnt overly light at 1,956g (confirmed). This differs to the typical geometry flip chips youd normally find at one of the shock mounts, which also affect the bottom bracket height, reach and seat tube angle. What we want to avoid are any inefficient directional movements, in other words, lateral movements (sideways to the direction of travel) as the shock goes through its compression. Because his handling is pleasantly balanced. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Explore, search and compare thousands of the worlds best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database. With more than twenty years of mountain biking experience, and nearly a decade of testing mountain and gravel bikes, Tom has ridden and tested thousands of bikes and products, from super-light XC race bikes through to the most powerful brakes on the market. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Few MTB launches have had as much expectation as the new Scott Spark 2022. last updated 12 July 2021 (Image: Guy Kesteven) BikePerfect Verdict The new Scott Spark's totally sorted suspension, poised handling, wireless drivetrain and race-informed spec make it a truly phenomenal bike on track or trail. Scott produces the new Spark in two other carbon variants that use identical moulds, but simply employ a cheaper grade of carbon fibre that adds a little weight. Scott's new XC race bike feels great down a hill, but relies on its lockout remote, Smooth suspension flatters riding skill and creates grip where others fail; one of the tidiest frames on the market, with decent Syncros finishing kit, It relies on its lockout for the best performance; lacks a little spark when instant accelerations are needed, Syncros - Acros Angle adjust & Cable Routing HS System, Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 Titanium rails, Maxxis Rekon Race, 29x2.4",120TPI Foldable Bead Tubeless Ready, EXO. The head angle sits at 67.2 for the Spark RC, and slackens out to 65.8 for the Spark 900. Funnily enough, more than one person has asked me if the Spark was an e-MTB. Ill admit I was initially skeptical of the internal shock design, and it seems plenty of Flow readers feel the same way. And despite the overall weight and slow-engaging freehub, the wheels have proved to be fast-rolling and responsive, with a smooth ride quality owed to the low-profile alloy rims. Well good news folks, because the new Spark has finally arrived! 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. Great suspension. . Many times, integration of parts in a frame means headaches for the people that work on the bikes.
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