Ever since Scott and Bold Cycles joined forces, the latter’s inspiration on Scott bikes has become well known, as each of its full suspension models has featured a unique integrated shock design. But the new Spark RC borrows from the Bold playbook with its horizontal, semi-integrated layout that’s been designed to lower the bike’s centre of gravity while removing every gram of carbon where it’s not needed, but there’s more to it than just performance gains…
The Spark RC’s integrated shock looks rather Bold
Claiming that every gram has a purpose, Scott says that super-light bikes ‘only deliver an advantage when power is transferred efficiently into forward motion’. Additionally, the brand says that little weight numbers aren’t the sole focus of the Scale RC, also stating that ‘meaningful weight distribution’ plays a large role in making the most of the bike.
This time around, the Spark RC adopts a slightly different stance as the integrated shock layout has been placed horizontally, almost inside the downtube. The brand reckons that this places weight lower and more centrally into the frame, which then improves stability, cornering and overall control. Sitting around the reinforced bottom bracket, we’re told that this shock location provides its ‘ideal performance’ but without adding weight where it’s not needed. Then, as it’s inside the frame (kind of), it’s protected against all of the trail rubbish that’ll otherwise be flung toward it.
On top of that, all of the bearings are larger than before and double-sealed. Furthermore, Scott has equipped its high-end HMX SL and HMX frames with posh CeramicSpeed SLT bearings, whereas HMF frames use stainless steel alternatives.
The Spark RC has been designed as a ‘fully integrated system’, which apparently allows the brand’s designers to fine-tune how the bike performs at the limits of traction, and the bike’s overall balance when pushed as hard as the XC pros ride. As such, stiffness has been added in areas that improve pedalling efficiency, while flex zones have been designed to boost traction.
Speaking of flex, this bike runs a flex pivot system, but it’s been shaped to ensure minimal deflection at this point in the frame. We’re told that this keeps the suspension active and that the flex only occurs towards the suspension’s end-stroke to provide a predictable bottom out. The result, Scott says, is traction under power, stability under braking and serious climbing performance. The shock benefits from a specific tune for the bike, and it uses precision bearing eyelets in a bid to reduce friction for better small bump sensitivity. All of that means that the Spark RC can run a shock with a large volume air shock, enabling riders to tune its progression using spacers more so than with a smaller volume unit.
Although the shock is internal, using Scott’s unique design, it’s accessible via two sealed covers, one at the rear and another on the down tube. Held in place thanks to magnets and a clip, regular shocks can be fully sealed into the frame. However, if it’s equipped with a shock using something like RockShox’s Flight Attendant tech, a split cover is used, which exposes the shock to the elements. But Scott has that covered, too, as there’s a drainage hole perforated into the frame to rid any gathered water. Going for the split cover then means easy access to a Flight Attendant’s shock battery.
But that downtube cover does more than just hide the shock, as the bike comes complete with the brand’s Save-the-Day storage solution. Found under a secondary cover is space to carry a bag that holds a pump, tube and tyre levers, and there’s a mount for a tool equipped with a 6mm allen and a T25 Torx. Though, depending on the model, there’s a 3mm or 2.5mm allen for shock tweaking.
Tech specs and frame features
Although the shock layout is pretty outlandish (though nothing out of the norm for a modern Scott bike), the rest of the bike follows a fairly familiar formula. Scott promises full shock compatibility, so if the custom-tuned shock that comes with the bike isn’t for you, the Spark RC will happily accommodate any regular cross-country shock.
Handling on-the-fly suspension lockout, if you’re not running electronic suspension, is the TwinLoc system, which handles suspension lockout remotely, as well as dropper post actuation. Speaking of dropper posts, the bike claims ‘unlimited dropper insertion’. Actually, this means it has a deep, uninterrupted seat tube that allows the insertion of long-travel droppers. However, because there’s a bend at the seat tube’s lowest point, a pivot and a shock low down, there is a physical limit.
The bike also employs Synchros’s OCT (or Octopus Cable-Routing Technology). Owing to the fact that the cockpit is designed as a complete system, so it’s a one-piece bar and stem with nicely integrated stem spacers. It is headset routed, which Scott says that it ‘redefines cable routing in the mountain bike industry’. While we’re yet to see if that claim rings true, the difference here is that it’s sorted with coloured internal guides, so you shouldn’t be popping a dropper post’s cable where the rear brake hose should go. There’s then a steering stopper that physically stops the handlebar from over-rotating and potentially damaging your frame.
Moving on to the geometry, the Spark RC features a 65.4-degree head tube angle, a 75.4-degree seat tube angle, a 434mm chainstay and a large frame boasts a 479.2mm reach. That geometry is adjustable, too, thanks to adjustable headset cups. In its 0-degree setting, it steepens the head tube angle by half a degree while bringing minor tweaks elsewhere.
As for suspension, the Spark RC is a modern XC bike, of course, so it benefits from 120mm of squish at the rear with 120mm up front. However, the frame has been tested to run a 130mm fork for rowdier tracks.
There are seven models up for grabs, with prices starting at £3,499 and going up to £12,799.
