Test drive: The Scott Spark, newly developed for 2017, recently won the cross-country competition at the Olympic Games in Rio with the pilots Jenny Rissveds and Nino Schurter - the perfect debut for a new development. We were able to do a short lap with the sportiest model from the new Spark model series on the Eurobike test course.
In 2017 you can choose from three different models in the Scott Spark model range. The Spark RC with 100mm travel, the Spark with 120mm and the Spark Plus with 130mm front and 120mm rear with 650B Plus wheels. All three were available to us at the trade fair, but we decided on the sportiest variant to get as close as possible to the gold medal feeling: The Spark RC with 29″ wheels, which is also available with 27,5″.
Scott Sparks connoisseurs will immediately notice that the damper has found a new position in the frame. For years this was horizontal under the top tube, but now it sits vertically on the seat tube. This was also implemented for reasons of stiffness and weight, but above all the response behavior of the rear triangle was adjusted. The damper is initially very sensitive, in the middle it is more progressive against sagging and at the end it is rather slightly sensitive again. In terms of geometry, the biggest change is the significantly lower head tube, which is why 27,5″ purist Nino Schurter could finally be convinced of the 29″. Short chainstays measuring 435 mm, a head angle of 68,5° and a seat angle of 73,8° complete the key data of the new Spark RC geometry.
Scott were also able to optimize the already very light frame a little in terms of weight and the carbon version weighs approx. 1700g including damper. In addition, they have adapted to modern standards and also use the Boost standard on the rear triangle. In the test we had the top model RC 900 SL, the equipment of which left nothing to be desired: It is shifted with the new 1×12 Sram Eagle. The Scott TwinLoc lever controls the Fox suspension with golden Kashima coating and new Stepcast fork in three different riding modes (descent, trail and downhill). The wheels are made of carbon wheels from Syncros. The add-on parts such as handlebars, seat post and stem are also made of fine carbon fiber - they come from Syntace.
On the first few meters with the new Spark, you immediately notice the slack steering angle. At first glance it's rather unusual for a full suspension bike, but it doesn't bother you, because you don't notice a disadvantage on the uphill, but you have a clear advantage on the downhill in difficult passages. The Twinloc lever makes you think you're riding two different bikes. With the suspension completely locked, you can easily climb up any gravel or asphalt ramp without any noticeable losses. In the open mode, a very responsive chassis then reveals itself, which can easily cope with bumpy stone passages, but is also progressive at the end, as it should be for a full suspension bike. The trail mode in between is particularly recommended for technical climbs, as you will find a compromise between comfort and propulsion.
Thanks to the Spark's compact seating position, the bike handles very well on descents and technical trails uphill. The short seatstays also make the bike very manoeuvrable and these features also invite you to play around on the trails. A downside, however, is that there is only room for a bottle holder in the frame triangle of the new Spark.
Conclusion: A real weapon for the XC and marathon routes of this world. Super fast, but also a bit playful for flowy trails and easy to control on technical descents. The top model weighs well under 10 kg, but at a corresponding price. If you can afford it, you get an Olympic feeling here.