The xc 2018 thread has given me some direction on my next bike choice for short travel race/marathon/trail use: the Scott Spark (29er and alu frame would be my choice). By way of comparison on test rides, does anyone have a recommendation for a bike with noticeably different geometry that will affect handling in a totally different way?
Thanks.
Cannondale Scalpel?. A bit steeper head angle I think. Higher front end too because of lefty fork. What kind of handling are you after?. Have you tried the Spark?.
I haven't tried any thing yet, just wanted to narrow the list down before I got started. It's more a matter of starting at two extremes of bikes that can be used for racing and trail centres (I'm a two wheels on the ground rider, hence not looking for much travel) and then going from there. The Scalpel looks good though.
Perhaps at the Trail end of the Spectrum you could try a Trek Fuel EX, Cannondale Habit, Giant Trance - that kind of thing? Theres loads of 120mm plus trail bikes out there. For a bit of bling there's a discount 130mm Intense Spider on Merlins site.
It does strike me that if your already thinking Spark, look at the 120mm non RC bike.
BMC Agonist might be worth a look. For your requirements Kryton's suggestion of the 120mm Spark would be at the top of my list though.
Kona HEi HEi DL? Got very positive review on here a few months back.