Ive found Scott bikes a bit weird for sizing, definitely try before you buy@ I would have thought, at 177cm, you'd be a medium for sure. The new Scott Spark 2022 has a steering angle of 67.2, with the particularity that Scott, taking advantage of the oversized head tube, has designed cups that can vary this angle by +/-6. On other occasions we have already talked about the Sram GX AXS groupset that the Team Issue mounts in its entirety. Finally, I need to deduct some points from Scott for sticking with a press-fit BB92 shell while other bike brands return to threaded bottom brackets. 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. Pick it up tomorrow. Find another? 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. Its easy to recommend his bike to anyone who wants to race cross-country or marathon mountain bike races. Despite the radical new look, the rear suspension function is not much different than the previous generation Spark. To adjust the sag there is a guide next to the linkage joint which makes the operation extremely simple. The visually unique suspension layout delivers 120mm of rear-wheel travel, while maintaining the vertical shock mounting that Scott has used in the past. Will go and try it at the store. Just looked at the intense sniper site - their large is just around 7mm more reach for same stack as the large spark, ditto for their medium, yet their sizing chart places 5'11 zbang in the middle of the large frame and the medium frame is up to 5'10 max. 2021 model sounds great with 110mm front fork. 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. 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. Ideally, you need a test ride, or at least sit/stand its an expensive purchase. Sign up as a Singletrack Member and you can leave comments on stories, use the classified ads, and post in our forums, do quizzes and more. Also be aware that an all-new Spark is set to be launched for MY22. Our test bike was the Spark RC World Cup AXS bike which retails for $9,000. In essence, they are redefining what we can expect from XCO racing bikes going forward. Fiery XC racers will be having a blast onboard the 12,999 Spark RC SL EVO AXS. The minitool includes a T25, T30 and a 6 mm Allen key, which is enough to carry out all common trailside repairs. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Scott is sticking to its polarizing TwinLoc remote system, which now also incorporates a dropper-seatpost remote. The new Spark is the best downhill XC bike we've tested. It would be easy to dedicate this whole section to the most obvious feature of the Spark: the hidden rear shock. I think an XL would also work but harder to maneuver. We have already commented in other tests that the new geometries, despite greatly increasing the reach, compensate for it with short stems, as in this case that in size L has a 70mm stem. But although it lacks that extra punch that a superlight bike gives you, the position we adopt on it allows us to harness all our energy and climb with agility. You wont be shown this message again :). Perhaps we came with the idea that we would notice too many concessions to comfort due to those 120mm of travel. 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. This allowed us to see first hand how easy it is to access it. Despite these changes, the fit of the Spark remains relatively unchanged, with shorter stem lengths on all sizes to compensate for the longer reach numbers. The real width measured with our gauge is 61mm. I'm 6'1" on a 2018 Spark RC 900 WC and went with a Large. The best trail bike of 2022 Introducing 14 of the most ROSE BONERO 3 In our 2022 trail bike group test, Atherton AM.150 In our 2022 trail bike group test, Canyon Spectral CFR In our 2022 trail bike group test, Bold Linkin 135 Ultimate In our 2022 trail bike group test, very low system weight and fast acceleration, cool features such as the SRAM TireWiz and minitool integrated in the thru-axle, long seat tube restricts the freedom of movement, spec not suitable for harder trail riding, puncture-prone XC tire on a trail bike doesnt provide enough puncture protection. At the bottom of the down tube there is a large window that opens easily without any tools. While the RC version is aimed mainly at XC racers, the beefier 900 model is designed for trail riding. And when it comes to stopping it, the Shimano XT brakes are a real hit. Although fitted as standard on this model it comes with neutral cups that do not vary the angle. 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. 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. It's been great for me. Unfortunately, the TwinLoc system doesnt allow you to run an AXS dropper post. Reach grows by at least 12mm across all sizes. The Spark 900 is also available in five frame versions. The steeper seat tube angle centered me right over the bottom bracket for efficient power transfer when seated. Riding the Spark, the TwinLoc allows me to perfectly select the amount of suspension I need for any bit of trail. 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. And we say "rolling tyres" because despite their generous 2.4" balloon, the Maxxis Rekon Race tyres roll very well. The shock is accessible through a small opening in the down tube. If you do so, however, youll be able to negotiate narrow and steep switchbacks without any problems. Comparing the Spark to bikes such as the Specialized Epic, Canyon LUX, Orbea Oiz, and Santa Cruz Blur, the Spark posts the most progressive numbers out of all of these bikes. Scott sizing guide says medium. The last jump is more pronounced than usual and we end up avoiding it. 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. The bearings can be tightened using the minitool integrated in the rear wheel thru-axle. I almost hesitate to use the word, struggled because the Spark was still fast, but it took more effort and concentration. This, along with the new geometry, means that on descents with the new Scott Spark 2022 we really feel that our capabilities have increased. Yup osobny - you took the words out of my mouth ;-). Oh, and he can do it all on skinny tyres too. 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. Scott pairs an HMF front triangle for mid-level builds to an alloy rear (2590g total). But can it shred its way back down into the valley just as fast as it blasts up the hill? If you regularly embark on long rides, the new Spark allows you to carry two water bottles in the front frame triangle (from size M upwards), while riders with a strong penchant for descents can run a wide rear tire up to 2.6 . 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. My wife at 56 rides a medium current-gen Spark, it feels like a bmx to me at 511. 29"x2.4" tires on 30mm internal wheels have nearly endless traction on rough technical trails. DH World Cup Round 6 Snowshoe delivers drama! We have to say that we like this new version of the control less than the previous one in terms of ergonomics, although it may just be a lack of habit. 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. Not only does the compression of the shock absorber close, but also the positive chamber changes to 80mm of travel. Hi fellow Sparc/Scale RC riders , really need your help - just ordered a Spark RC. But, yes, the cables. In theory, both provide some performance gains but at the expense of end-user serviceability. Isnt 2022 a different suspension layout? Cant wait to get it. You are using a browser that does not support javascript. When not tearing up Stuttgarts local trails while testing bikes, he loves nothing more than loading up his self-renovated VW T5 and hitting the road. This weight is with tubes on and without pedals. Thinking of getting an RC900 Spark. The new Spark 2022 will be available in four frame sizes, S to XL. 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. They are Syncros Silverton 2.0, with an asymmetric aluminium rim of 30mm internal width to accommodate the thick 2.4" Maxxis Rekon Race tyres without any problems. The Spark RC range consists of 7 models, plus a women's specific model. It's a real lock that turns the Spark into a racing bike that transmits every watt we generate. This expert, screw-driver-flexing two wheeled-whizz has many envy-inducing characteristics, including a background in motocross, several EWS race plates to his name, and more than 150 recorded days at Whistler Bike Park. However, with this combination of 32-tooth chainring and 52 sprocket, there is no ramp that can resist. Rarely a frame has brought so many new developments at the same time. On steep and broken climbs is where you can appreciate the lack of nerve of its steering, it is true that you have to anticipate a little before the movements, but it is something you get used to and its 74 cm handlebars and short stem help you in this sense. These changes are in line with current trends in mountain bike geometry for bikes prioritizing downhill speed and handling while remaining efficient climbers. It is true that until recently it was rare to find these stops, but it so happens that at the same time that the very sharp steering angles stabilise the steering when riding, when stationary the opposite happens and the handlebars turn with astonishing ease. The only terrain on which the Spark struggled were old school trails. Researching Soark suggests it will tick both boxes. 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). Following on with the sensations that the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS leaves us with, we have to say that the suspension feels firm, like any Cross Country bike that is worthy of the name. The alloy scales have always been a bit high in the top tube. We rode the bike in the slack setting, which is the one we recommend for trail riding. As many of you will already know, the Spark's suspension is controlled by Scott's TwinLoc control. Scott managed to make the newest Spark more capable downhill without sacrificing any uphill performance. Another detail worth mentioning about this bike is how quiet it is. After four years, SCOTT finally introduce the brand-new Spark 2022 Cross Country. 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. When pedalling you only hear the sound of the tyres on the ground. Focusing on this model, we can see that it is assembled with a lot of criteria, considering its price, they have managed to dress it up with a RockShox SID and a wireless Sram AXS groupset, which is not bad at all. 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. 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. Will versatility add up to a useful tool? The only thing missing from this model is a dropper seatpost to make the most of its qualities. Any idea what 2022 models are going to bring that I may miss out on ? The Spark is 430mm reach on a medium, the latest RM Element is 445mm. 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. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Unfortunately, the long seat tube restricts the freedom of movement and causes the saddle to get in your way, regardless of whether youre riding in a straight line or carving through corners. Scott currently has four versions of the Contessa Spark for sale; three being the 900 trail-tuned variety ranging from $5,000 to $3,200, and one Contessa Spark RC World Cup model that retails for $9,000. I predict a higher price, steeper seat tube angle and two bottle mounts. 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. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Our conclusion is that the extra travel of the new Spark 2022 is there for when things get really serious. Anyone rode either back-to-back for comparison (rather than just reviewing size charts?). 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. The two models differ in the amount of suspension travel, handlebar width/ rise, the number of brake pistons and size of rotors. 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. 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. OP posted an article that indicates Large makes more sense, even though Scott site says Med. Whatever I lost in pedaling efficiency was made up for by the suspensions ability to maintain traction. 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. The theme of integration continues up front with an all-new Syncros cockpit. The XL will likely give you a better feel on descents, but would be a little more bike to move around and less "playful". 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. 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. One is its sensitivity when it comes to unlocking, as it is very easy to overdo it and skip the intermediate position. On fire roads or smooth doubletrack, the fully locked-out Spark climbed as well as a fully rigid bike. 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 addition, SCOTT will release several women-specific Contessa models. The Rocky loves technical but not such a good speedy climbing machine. You just cant see most of it now. A Genius felt way too cramped for me, a Spark felt like it had a huge wheelbase and wouldnt turn quickly. We've got 11,000+ bikes in the comparison database. Downhill, the riding position is active and sporty, with the torso stretched relatively far over the handlebars. Thanks for popping by - why not stay a while? 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). 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.
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