First Look: The ultra lightweight SCOTT Spark 2017 sets a new standard

When the World XC Champion and steadfast 27.5″ rider Nino Schurter suddenly admits he’s considering the full suspension 29er SCOTT Spark for this year’s Olympics in Rio, then of course we’re going to sit up and pay attention. But what’s led to this sudden change of heart? Keep reading to find out.

At their 2016 press camp in Lenzerheide, a top destination in Switzerland for skiing and riding, SCOTT seized the chance to present a host of brand new XC bikes, including the SCOTT Spark, whose three model versions come with varying travel and wheel sizes but all share the a super lightweight, all-new carbon frame with a novel rear suspension design.

Super light and super quick – this is the new SCOTT Spark in the RC SL model, weighing in significantly under 10 kg. For starters, SCOTT will offer the bike in three versions.

Including a plus-size tire version with 120 mm rear travel and 130 mm at the front.

Details of the lightweight SCOTT Spark

The Spark’s frame kit including rear shock and other bits of hardware tips the scale at just 1,749 g – a figure that massively undercuts comparable bikes from other brands by several hundred grams. This potentially record-breaking weight is largely thanks to the new HMX SL carbon fibers in an optimized layup as well the new rear suspension design, which sees the rear shock lined up behind the seat tube – plus a list of other intelligent design features on this brand new engineered carbon frame. And even despite this massive reduction in weight, the bike is reputed to boast the same outstanding durability and comfort.

Top right shows the former lay-up in the head tube area, and below is the new version. Instead of large pieces, SCOTT now employ many smaller pieces, which leads to a better distribution of power on the frame. Shown left: the lay-up for the new rear shock mount.

Erreicht wurde das phänomenal geringe Gewicht u. a. durch ein neues Carbon-Layup, bei dem die Fasern deutlich effizienter verlegt wurden. — The phenomenally low weight is primarily thanks to their all-new approach to carbon lay-up, in which the carbon fibers have been meticulously analysed to achieve a more efficient design.

Carbon works optimally when in straight, flowing lines - an approach that the Spark’s newly created rear end has adopted. The axle is now directly between the seat and chainstays (see right) and they haven’t relied on any additional bearings, saving around 140 g at the rear alone. — Carbon works optimally when in straight, flowing lines – an approach that the Spark’s newly created rear end has adopted. The axle is now directly between the seat and chainstays (see right) and they haven’t relied on any additional bearings, saving around 140 g at the rear alone.

You can split the Spark frame into two: the lower part from the head tube to the rear dropouts provides the stiffness, while the top part covers comfort. This division also leads to a reduction in weight.

But it isn’t just its weight that has been reduced. The suspension has had an overhaul as well, featuring a new design and therefore new shock curve, which we hear should mean the new Spark is more responsive and still able to deliver more feedback without bottoming out.

The RC model’s powerful chainstays are designed for efficiency, acceleration and stiffness.

Um das Gewicht weiter zu senken und den Komfort zu erhöhen, hat SCOTT die Bremsaufnahme von den Sitzstreben entkoppelt. — SCOTT have also decoupled the brake mounts from the seat stays in a further effort to reduce the weight and increase comfort.

The new design sees the rear shock behind the seat tube, resulting in a better shock curve. Plus, the Trunnion mount saves even more weight.

In true SCOTT style, the latest Spark generation all feature their patented TwinLoc technology. — While the 120 mm and the plus-size tire model feature an aluminium rocker arm, the RC model has a pure carbon rocker.

Während bei der 120-mm- und der Plus-Variante der Umlenkhebel aus Aluminium geformt wird, besteht er bei den RC-Modellen aus Carbon. — While the 120 mm and the plus-size tire model feature an aluminium rocker arm, the RC model has a pure carbon rocker.

More models, more choice.

No longer just two wheel size options, the new SCOTT Spark boasts three different frame concepts with varying travel, diverse geometry and availability in a different wheel sizes.

SCOTT Spark 700/900 RC

The new SCOTT RC models are thoroughbred racing bikes, uniting an ultra low weight and maximal efficiency. With 100 mm travel at the front and rear, the all-new Spark RC is optimized to exclusively work with 1x drivetrains, and it’s available with both 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. The top-of-the-range SCOTT Spark RC SL features the new HMX SL carbon fibres to give it an even lower weight. Not only does the new Spark RC come in four build specs, with two wheel size options for each, there’s also a female-specific Contessa model.

SCOTT Spark 700/900

Alongside the race-primed RC models, the Spark also comes in a more modest version with 10 different versions all offering 120 mm travel, and all available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. Unlike the RC model, this 120 mm travel bike is also compatible with 2x drivetrains and gives a less aggressive riding position thanks to its geometry.

SCOTT Spark 700 Plus

Coming in seven build specs (5 unisex and 2 Contessa models), the brand new SCOTT Spark Plus features 130 mm of travel at the front and 120 mm at the rear.

The geometry of the SCOTT Spark models

Compared to its predecessor, the new Spark has a steeper seat angle, slacker head angle, shorter chainstays and a longer frame. Depending on the model you choose, the geometry does vary slightly: the RC models value a smaller stack to ensure that the XC riders still get a performance-orientated position despite having bigger wheels. Here’s an overview of all the bikes and their geometry:

SCOTT SPARK 900 RC: SL, ULTIMATE, WORLD CUP, PRO

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	540 mm
Top tube length	570 mm	600 mm	630 mm	650 mm
Head tube length	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm
Head tube angle	68,5°	68,5°	68,5°	68,5°
Seat tube angle	73,8°	73,8°	73,8°	73,8°
Chainstay length	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
Bottom bracket offset	– 50,5 mm	– 50,5 mm	– 50,5 mm	– 50,5 mm
Wheel base	1,097,7 mm	1,127,7 mm	1,158,6 mm	1,179,6 mm
Reach	399,5 mm	429,5 mm	456,8 mm	474,1 mm

SCOTT SPARK 700 RC: SL, ULTIMATE, WORLD CUP, PRO

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	–
Top tube length	570 mm	600 mm	625 mm	–
Head tube length	95 mm	100 mm	110 mm	–
Head tube angle	68.5°	68.5°	68.5°	–
Seat tube angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	–
Chainstay length	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	–
Bottom bracket offset	– 34 mm	– 34 mm	– 34 mm	–
Wheel base	1,082.3 mm	1,112.8 mm	1,138.7 mm	–
Reach	403.9 mm	432.5 mm	454.8 mm	–

SCOTT SPARK: 900 ULTIMATE, 900 PREMIUM, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 945, 950, 960

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	540 mm
Top tube length	575 mm	605 mm	635 mm	655 mm
Head tube length	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm
Head tube angle	67.2°	67.2°	67.2°	67.2°
Seat tube angle	73.8°	73.8°	73.8°	73.8°
Chainstay length	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
Bottom bracket offset	– 43 mm	– 43 mm	– 43 mm	– 43 mm
Wheel base	1,121.6 mm	1,151.6 mm	1,182.8 mm	1,203.9 mm
Reach	402.7 mm	432.7 mm	460.0 mm	477.3 mm

SCOTT SPARK: 700 ULTIMATE, 700 PREMIUM, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 745, 750, 760

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	–
Top tube length	575 mm	605 mm	635 mm	–
Head tube length	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	–
Head tube angle	67°	67°	67°	–
Seat tube angle	73.8°	73.8°	73.8°	–
Chainstay length	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm	–
Bottom bracket offset	– 26 mm	– 26 mm	– 26 mm	–
Wheel base	1,115.2 mm	1,145.8 mm	1,177.0 mm	–
Reach	409.7 mm	438.4 mm	465.7 mm	–

SCOTT SPARK PLUS: 700 TUNED, 710, 720, 730

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	540 mm
Top tube length	577 mm	607 mm	637 mm	657 mm
Head tube length	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm
Head tube angle	66.9°	66.9°	66.9°	66.9°
Seat tube angle	73.2°	73.2°	73.2°	73.2°
Chainstay length	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
Bottom bracket offset	– 36 mm	– 36 mm	– 36 mm	– 36 mm
Wheel base	1,128.1 mm	1,158.1 mm	1,189.3 mm	1,210.5 mm
Reach	396.3 mm	426.4 mm	453.6 mm	470.9 mm

SCOTT CONTESSA SPARK: 700 RC

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	–
Top tube length	570 mm	600 mm	625 mm	–
Head tube length	95 mm	100 mm	110 mm	–
Head tube angle	68.5°	68.5°	68.5°	–
Seat tube angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	–
Chainstay length	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	–
Bottom bracket offset	– 34 mm	– 34 mm	– 34 mm	–
Wheel base	1,082.3 mm	1,112.8 mm	1,138.7 mm	–
Reach	403.9 mm	432.5 mm	454.8 mm	–

SCOTT CONTESSA SPARK: 700, 710, 720, 730

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	–
Top tube length	575 mm	605 mm	635 mm	–
Head tube length	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	–
Head tube angle	67°	67°	67°	–
Seat tube angle	73.8°	73.8°	73.8°	–
Chainstay length	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm	–
Bottom bracket offset	– 26 mm	– 26 mm	– 26 mm	–
Wheel base	1,115.2 mm	1,145.8 mm	1,177.0 mm	–
Reach	409.7 mm	438.4 mm	465.7 mm	–

SCOTT CONTESSA SPARK PLUS: 710, 720

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube length	410 mm	440 mm	490 mm	540 mm
Top tube length	577 mm	607 mm	637 mm	657 mm
Head tube length	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm
Head tube angle	66.9°	66.9°	66.9°	66.9°
Seat tube angle	73.2°	73.2°	73.2°	73.2°
Chainstay length	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
Bottom bracket offset	– 36 mm	– 36 mm	– 36 mm	– 36 mm
Wheel base	1,128.1 mm	1,158.1 mm	1,189.3 mm	1,210.5 mm
Reach	396.3 mm	426.4 mm	453.6 mm	470.9 mm

Which Spark for what sort of rider?

While there’s little diversion when it comes to the travel and frame of the three lines, their intended playgrounds couldn’t be more different: with 100 mm travel, an aggressive position and matching spec, the RC model is aimed at athletes for whom maximum efficiency and a race-ready kick are a priority.

Primed for that racing kick – the Spark RC is set to entice XC racers.

Alternatively, for those who spend longer days in the saddle and appreciate comfort, the 120 mm Spark model is your best bet. The Spark Plus doesn’t just have more travel, but also a substantially bigger dose of stability and smoothness thanks to its chunkier tires and slacker geometry. Put it this way: if you aren’t averse to riding uphills and won’t accept any compromises on descents, then the Spark Plus is worth considering.

The Spark Plus delivers a ton of extra confidence on descents…

… and definitely enjoys a good shred at high speeds.

Prices and availability

We are still in the dark when it comes to the final prices for the new Spark models, but SCOTT have assured us that these bikes will be in shops by the end of the year.

Our first impression of the new Spark

SCOTT have cut no corners in their attempt to create the ultimate workhorse to escort Nino Schurter to the Olympics. Not only does its new low weight set a precedent, but the Spark also features a number of other mega intelligent and stylish features. We warn you though: expect a bit of a headache when it comes to choosing which model and which wheel size. SCOTT have covered all bases.

For more information check the official website!

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Martin Bissig