Already own a Scale so very close to pushing the button on a spark for occasional races and longer rides. But am I overlooking anything?
Most of my riding is East Anglia with the occasional trip to Wales so I think a bigger travel bike is probably overkill for me.
Tempted by the Canyon Lux and the Orbea Oiz M10 - but they are a bit of an unknown..
Any opinions welcome!
I used to have one and really liked it. The thing is, it's an old design now and surely due for a refresh soon.
Far more capable than the travel suggests too. The two things I didn't like was the slack ST and the nest of cables and levers on the bars (even though the twinloc worked very well).
I did all sorts on mine from the Hope Pre Peaks event to trail centres and decent descents (Jacob's Ladder etc).
If I was looking for another XC full suspension now, I'd love to have a go at a Specialized Epic.
An old design that Nino still uses, has been copied by lots of people and is still in their 2021 bike. Perhaps more a proven design.
An excellent bike with the twinloc as an added benefit, id get one again.
I was tempted by the Epic Evo Comp, never been a fan of brain shocks!. It would be the AXS spark so cables would be a little reduced.
The Epic Evo ditches the brain shock, it's only on the race bike this year.
Sorry @Kryton57 I didn't mean it to sound obsolete, it's still one of the best bikes I've owned.
The AXS would go towards removing at least one cable though. Lets be honest though, Nino would probably still podium on a balance bike!
I got this kind of thing with my Spark in the box : https://www.deskit.co.uk/products/spiral-wrap-cable-tidy-6-meters-with-cutter-black?variant=15350902587441¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-05-11&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAjw4_H6BRALEiwAvgfzqzoGE0I2c_QBz-4uTGK4KVqobW_jSRdDPH8c9WjwNdxe_rtXesahPxoCCfcQAvD_BwE
It looks like I only have three cables.
Ive got a Spark RC and an Oiz M10 at home.
Both are lovely.
The Spark is lighter. And more pert.
Both have very nice finishes. If I could only pick one, it'd be the spark
Spoke to a dealer today. Oiz delivery is May 2021 now.
I am test riding a Spark RC and a Blur next weekend. I also have first dips on a Epic Evo expert. Decisions decisions. Both the Blur and Spark are older designs, but proven. And have always had a soft spot for Santa Cruz
I like the Scalpel too, but the Cannondale specific stuff puts me off slightly. Same to a degree with the brain.
Well i finally decided after procrastinating for weeks! Pushed the button on a Spark last night. I allready have the scale and have tested one before whilst the others are all a bit of a gamble! Now for the wait! You can all look forward to a "what tyres" thread next!
My post did come across a little negative about the Spark, but in reality the things I mentioned were the only issues I had. It was fast, versatile and a very fun bike to ride!
FWIW I had Vittoria Barzo on mine 🙂
@Jako the new Epic Evo doesn't come with the Brain shock anymore.
I am test riding a Spark RC and a Blur next weekend.
I have a Spark RC and used to have a Blur, both amazing bikes but very different. I loved the suspension on the Blur, mine was only 120mm but seemed bottomless and just soaked up everything. The Spark RC was an all out race machine.
I have a Lux was looking at the Spark but choose the Lux due to the two bottle cage option & was thinking based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever 😉 that the Spark is due an upgrade with an inline shock 💁
The Lux is superb btw its supremely fast but has a very aggressive geometry its a 70 deg head angle, I think the Spark is 68 ? I also found a little bit more ride info & experience on t'internet about the Lux - theres a great Dave Arthur review of it which defo helped me choose the Lux. From what @footflaps says about the RC being an all race machine the Lux is this too so I reckon its a win win either way & same with the Oiz. If your budget allows defo go for AXS the speed & ease at which it shifts is another level. Depending on the model the Reynolds wheels on the Lux have the Industry Nine Hydra hubs which have 960 pts of engagement as well.
Edit : Oops missed the bit that said you bought a Spork😁 I also use Vittoria both Mezcal & Barzo.
Well that's helped, Barzo and Mezcal ordered ready to go straight on. The stock wheels are a bit pants but they will go through winter and I will sling some DT Swiss on in spring.
I watched all the reviews on the Lux and it was a close run thing - I have a scale already though so I went with the Scott. A nice problem to have really. 👍
@footlaps 👍
@carbonfiend Not sure Scott will do that. They made a big deal out of it when they went from horizontal shock to vertical shock some years ago.
PS, how do you quote posts?
@AverageMark, which version did you go for? I am looking at either the Team or the Pro
I went with the Team AXS - 2020 model. Found it for discounted and couldn't really say no. I did see on ebay a size large Scott Spark RC World Cup AXS that is unused and on offer for a fair chunk off but decided it was a bit too much for me vand i would rather have the warranty.
. no evidence whatsoever 😉 that the Spark is due an upgrade with an inline shock
Agree. Spark would be next in the queue for a refresh but, unless they do something else radical, I don't see them departing from the current spark/genius/ransom/gambler plaform.
Only negative things i have seen with the Spark is as mentioned above poor stock wheels but also the frame bearings wear out very quickly and need to be upgraded as the OEM ones were a bit shit.
I nearly went for the 2020 Team AXS, can't remember who it was but there was a very tempting deal on offer. The LUX being able to have 2 bottle cages on a small frame swung it for me for marathon races and I already had an Exceed which i am happy with.
but also the frame bearings wear out very quickly and need to be upgraded as the OEM ones were a bit shit.
I've never heard that before and im nearly 3 years of riding and racing (bike delivered Jan 18) on my Spark and ive not a creak nor any movement from mine. With the shock off for servicing - last time this June - the swingarm felt smooth. consistent and easy to move.
👍
I got myself an RC Team (the entry level one) earlier in the summer - I think its an awesome XC bike. I came off of a RM Element which I also really liked but the Spark geo was is more modern (and even now, its still in the ball park of the new bikes released this year).
The Twinlock really does make it work well - I love the full lockout for road/gravel and its nice and plush when open.
I dont see too many changes when they do release a new version - a bit longer/slacker but I would be surprised if much else changed except maybe a longer fork.
I currently have a normal spark 120mm travel, and its great but probs a bit overkill for what i use for (XC) so looking at the 2021 spark rc, and loving the fact that some models have the 35mm ultimate Sids at 110mm travel, so i'll be ordering one v soon
A new Spark should have been released for MY21, with the unveiling at the Tokyo Olympics, but with COVID, delay of the Olympics plus production/supply issues, it is now delayed to MY22. Persistent rumours point towards a hidden rear shock just like on Bold Cycles (who Scott purchased in mid 2019).
I'm toying with the idea of pressing buy on a second hand 900RC - I do a bit of racing. Not at the pointy end. I want to do more marathon stuff once things get back to normal. Also, since lockdown - a lot more XC across the South Downs out of the front door. (60-70 milers)
Are these too specific and racy for normal all dayers? Am a little worried about the negative rise stem - and the reduction in reach/potential detriment to handling if I change it.
I've got a mid travel full suss - so it doesn't have to cover all bases....but would like some versatility from it.
Are these too specific and racy for normal all dayers?
I just stuck 'proper' tyres on mine (rather than Furious Freds / Rocket Rons) and have used it on Enduro courses in Italy. OK, it's travel limited and a bit steeper than you'd like, but I didn't die....
Are these too specific and racy for normal all dayers? Am a little worried about the negative rise stem – and the reduction in reach/potential detriment to handling if I change it.
It doesnt need to be negative/low, I raised mine 15mm to help with a neck issue. It has a 68.5 HA so isn't miles away from "Trail"
It is a race bike though, so don't think its going to be a sofa. Many you should but JRM's 120mm!
35mm ultimate Sids at 110mm travel, so i’ll be ordering one v soon
I want that fork for my current spark.
I did the Hope Pre Peaks on my (RC900 Team) and it was ace! Light and efficient while still being very good on the downs.
Did a lot of all day 30-40 mile rides on it and it was perfect for that. When the lockout if fully open, it felt like more suspension than 100mm. Taken it down some techy descents at speed too!
Again, on an XL, the seat tube was a tad too slack for me to be comfortable on steep climbs.
My RC has the integrated seat post, so can't lower the saddle at all - still manages the rough stuff, just a bit commiting on steep steps, you have to maintain speed to avoid OTB....
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/8177/8038517501_ba87ab7aea_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/8177/8038517501_ba87ab7aea_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/dfkvck ]My Steed, Scott Spark RC[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
I have an older scale and a 2020 spark RC. Great bike, had the spark since sept but due to lockdown only did its first proper mountain biking this weekend at Afan. its plenty capable, suspension is very good. I did find myself having lots of pedal strikes as I tried to learn to pedal a FS again, in the end I was climbing rough stuff in lockout, which was causing issues with the front fork as both lockout. I think I may ditch the twinlock for my type of riding.
Other thing, I took a beating on skyline descent and couldn't work out what was going on. Turns out I'd forgot to turn off the lockout.
I probably prefer riding the scale overall, it just feels faster, but I'm a lot less fatigued on the spark. i had maxxis reckons, they did a decent job, no punctures or tears so far in 500miles, but I find my old racing ralph combos better grip wise
Scott originally announced no crossover in Bold tech. If they were going to collaborate tech we surely would have seen a 2020/2021 Nude equipped Volume2 or Linkin rather than a Kona'esque paint color only changes.
"Scott about the move and they were adamant that the two companies will not crossover on R&D or management, so don't expect this announcement to mean we will see a hidden shock Scott any time soon"-PB2019
Would love to see it though. The Bolds are amazing looking bikes and I held off a spark this year waiting for the updated model year
If there is a new model coming out then Nino will be demo for them early next year before race season starts
Bit OT but someone had a Bold at Gisburn yesterday and they look amazing!
Rather than start a new thread - what are you using to protect your frame? I havent botherd in the past but i would like to keep this one is as nice condition as possible. Invisiframe or just a bikeshield kit?
I remember Scott saying they had no plans for 27.5 models then only a month later they were showing the next year models including the new 700 series ie 27.5! There was also a photo of a Scott sponsored female rider at the start of the year with a caption to the effect of 'testing new kit is going well' and the area around the seat-tube was blurred-out.
I protect the frame using a simple rule 'DO NOT TAKE THIS BIKE TO WALES' 😉
I have my Scott Spark 700 Premium for sale in classifieds, top of the line XTR version.
Been a fantastic bike, suspension superior IMHO to my old Santa Cruz Heckler and Blur, its incredibly plush given only 120mm. The bike is very fast, especially uphill, its lightweight and in trail or climb lockout modes, point it upwards and it really goes. It has the same trunion lower mounted shock design as the 2021 models and I don't see a reason to update this design, soaks everything up wonderfully and feels superb for small bump compliance.
The geo feels really dialed on downhill and flats just really lets you cover distance with what doesn't feel like a lot of effort.
I'm only selling due to my gravel and road bike getting all the attention nowadays, which both let me go even faster still lol
