Former XC pro here in Oregon, and going to get back into it after a long layoff with work and family. This video helped me solidify my decision of what bike to get since I’ve been out of the game a good 10 years. Love the sparks versatility from the sounds of it. Also was wondering the difference between the nude and regular shock and you explained it perfectly. So Team version it is. Keep your videos going super insightful.
have a very similar set-up. the 2022 team issue - same roval wheels & sworks carbon bars on it, 34 step cast fox factory forks (23.9lbs w/pedals) but left all of the GX axs drivetrain on it. I was torn on the same bikes, epic/epic evo/spark rc. When racing, the remote is super important but also becomes second nature & you have that control to ride how you want any given day - whether its to race or play around. close to 1000 miles on it and zero complaints. Only thing I've had come up - they changed torque specs on the rear shock top bolt - yours is probably done under the new spec since its a 2023 - it was 10nm and they told me to tighten to 15nm with fresh loctite.
Thanks for the feedback! Riding all of the bikes you mentioned the spark is the best for me and what I want. I love my specialized bikes but spark is next level.
Aggree with your point on the suspension setup. People can tell me all they want about how organic pedal efficiency and built-in automated suspension adjusters are better, because those supposedly “clean up” the cockpit and let you focus on the trail - I still haven’t seen a single system that beats me toggling between different modes according to my assessment of the trail. That’s why I made the same decision, and grabbed a Spark 910 to replace my previous short-travel trail bike. Not sure I’d race on this particular model(your RC is the purpose-built mothel for that), but I find it ridiculously efficient uphill while still keeping control and comfort on chunkier sections. Saw your tire comparison videos also - I use a pair of 2,35 Rekon Race tires on mine, and they work together brilliantly with this bike. The low bb combined with the supportive side knobs on the RR make this an excellent cornering machine. My build is 26,4 pounds though and that won’t get any lower with the fat-type fox34 and larger volume Nude 5T shock :)
Nice video, exactly the perspective I wanted. Can you post your exact setup?! Just how I want mine, down the the pedals, cage, and stem/headset! Also what size.. I’m in between at 5’6” 150lbs.. thinking a small
Thanks! Size M Roval control SL wheels XX1 sl cranks 175mm XX1 drive train with kogel ceramic pulleys Enve m5 bars cut to 740 Stock -12 60mm stem Sram level ultimate brakes 180/160 Shimano xt pedals Esi extra chunky ribbed grips Fox transfer sl dropper 100mm S works romin evo saddle S works zee cage 2 Carbon Maxxis Aspen 2.4 tires
While listening to your video I had to smile as I can second literally everything you point out. I went the same path: Epic Race (latest generation) -> Epic Evo -> Spark RC. The epic race was/is a really great bike, no doubt, but I did not become a fan of the brain system in the fork. Whilst I enjoyed the performance of the brain in the rear shock, the fork always felt too harsh for my taste. If you're a 100% performance oriented race rider you may enjoy it but it made me feeling exhausted at the end of each ride. As long as you re not going super fast the fork tends to give you the feeling as if it was locked out. Still, I loved that bike. When I was offered the Epic Evo frame I went for it and sold my Epic race frame. Let me assure you: If I hadn't made the swap without any financial losses I would have cried in anger 🤣 Personally, the epic evo was a huge disappointment. No lockout for the rear shock by default and the whole fox shock system didn't meet my expectations at all: Open and firm mode worked as they should but the middle position, I was actually keen for, disappointed me completely. It is way too squishy (not sure if it is the appropriate term). At the point I really, really regretted my trade. Lucky as I was, I found a lucrative offer for the Scott Spark RC 2022 team edition and was allowed to test-ride the bike. It was a no-brainer for me to buy this bike. Yes, it actually has a weight penalty compared to Epic/Epic Evo but the way this bike rides makes it up entirely for me. Although it is comfortable it is nontheless a very fast bike uphill and on straight tracks. I cannont stress enough how much I love the middle position on this bike. It is exactly what I was looking for.
We are brothers 😎👍 literally on the same path and want. I had the luxury of riding 2 evos. One Fox and one RS. The spark nude shock is the perfection I was looking for in a middle firm mode but active. I ride in middle mode 60% of ride, open about 30% and 10% locked when in need to gain ground or climbing when smooth. It’s the perfect bike. I own 2 now. One in NJ as primary and one in FL for vacation home bike.
What model year is this rc spark. I'm a road guy always been don't own a mountain bike but would like too. Is this spark available as is in stores or is this a custom built ?
@@addictcyclist Thx for the answer. Did you testride your setup of the epic ? currently considering buying it despite its heavy pricetag, should refine the spark‘s ride quality even more. Still have to adjust the steering cups: just saw your video!
@@moritzorama It took 3 trail sessions to get the shock wiz to 95%. It was spot on. I will get on the spark maybe next week. I have a few races planned and want it more dialed.
You’re making me want to spend more money!!! After getting a great deal on 2022 S-Works Epic now I’m having urge to get Spark now. Can’t afford 2 bikes ATM let’s see what the spring market is gonna look like…
@addictcyclist - I've just received a 2023 Spark RC Team Issue (AXS) - I also have an XX1 AXS drivetrain on another bike so was thinking about swapping it over.... However, my understanding is that these new spark frames use the SRAM "MTB Wide" spacing, which has a 55mm chainline, so I didn't think my XX1 crank would be compatible as it's the 53mm chainline version (I think). Is your XX1 crank the "MTB wide" 55mm version? or is it the "standard" boost version (53mm)? I wasn't even aware that there was this variety in the dub boost cranks, until I happened to stumble across it in a forum, with people suggesting that there might be clearance issues if you try to use a standard width...
Congrats! You will love it. I had to purchase a dub wide 55cl crank. I could not swap over my standard dub xx1 cranks from my s works. It can be down with a 0 offset ring BUT it’s not the proper way to do it. The crank ads will be very close to the chain stays. The dub wide 188mm Q factor is great! Hips feel really open! Get the right cranks.
@@addictcyclist Thanks for the reply, and for confirming my suspicions that my existing XX1 crank isn't right for the new bike. I reckon I'll move the XX1 gear to my hardtail instead, and upgrade the spark once I've got some miles from the existing GX kit. I reckon initial upgrade money would be better spent on some lighter wheels before anything else...
Congrats on the new bike! I have this exact model on order and am (im)patiently waiting. Could you make a walk around video to see the paint job ? Scott's site usually does a terrible job at showing the paint job compared to real life.
@@Gidogeek Thanks! Sure... I know what you mean. Always hard to get a feel for what it's actually going to look like. I'll try and get a video at some point today. In the mean time... I would say that depending on the lighting, the overall colour is more of a gloss dark grey towards the rear of the frame. The front portion looks more like it's just gloss over the raw carbon (you can see patterns etc under the gloss). The front half of the frame also has gold glitter in it - the density of which decreases to zero about halfway down the top tube / down tube.
How about the idea to set the 120mm fork at regular Epic frame? Have you tried something like that? Due to the fact both Epic share the same front triangle and the difference is only with 5 mm longer Evo's chainstays the final geometry should be exactly the same as for Epic Evo. But you will have much more active front suspension with rear susp platform powered by Brain.
Hey! I tried it! I swapped brain to race day damper in front. Even tho it was 100mm it was great! I just wanted 120/120 and a three position remote with the nude shock on Scott. I own a Scott in FL so know it was the best option for me for what I wanted for an all rounder.
@@addictcyclist I mean, you may use Fox 34 SC Factory with remote at your Epic. Then you will have 120 mm fork with 3-state lever but yes the rear still 100 mm only.
Btw I wanted to purchase Spark RC too. That's probably why I saw your video at UA-cam. But the local dealer gave me some insane delivery time for the model I wanted. Maybe I become to lazy to look for the bike at retails all around the Europe. So I finally ordered Canyon Lux Trail. They've shipped me bike directly to my home. As result I totally satisfied with the choice I done))L
@@addictcyclist thanks. I guess I just assumed. I’m stuck between the same 3 bikes you mentioned except at the 4-5k comp or expert level for my son. He is racing for his highschool (nica) and is really into it. He currently races with a heavy alloy stumpjumper(37lbs)
this is why I still own a 2017 spark rc, stick a 120mm stepcast and 120mm spark links on it and I have no reason to ever upgrade to any other bike, basically same geo as this new bike :)
I have a Scott Spark RC 900 team, year 2020. So you increased the fork travel to 120 mm, how you're feeling the bike in this configuration? About the 120 mm spark links, what is the usage of them in this modification? I am asking that because i would like also to increase my fork (Sid select) travel to 120 mm, but i'm afraid to mess the bike geometry.
@@marcalsamways9825 bro, putting a 120mm fork on front makes the bike WAY better, reason is it absorbs bumps a lot better and raises the bottom bracket which is too low, downside is it will make the seat tube a little too slack, to fix the problem you put 120mm links on and it will raise the bottom bracket a little more to even the bike out and the links also change rear travel from 100mm to 107mm, you can get full rear travel by changing the shock from 40mm to 45mm stroke but not worth the trouble also if you haven't already I would suggest using 2-3 volume spacers with low air pressure for the fork, this is the ultimate setup
@@addictcyclist Don’t take it personal. I think the scott is a great Bike. But I only ride in florida trails. Don’t really need more than 100 travel. I ride the 2020 epic sworks. And the trek Supercaliber. I just think they are more pleasing to the eyes. I love the shock locking system of the trek.
@@Ekzt21 not personal, just asking. I also have a place in so fl and also a spark down there. I like the 2021+ s works I had the best as far as looks and paint job. Major difference in the spark is the ride is more comfortable and just as racy.
@@Ekzt21 hold up on epic as they are revising the frame and going less travel. Evo not sure of revisions. Even So FL benefits from 120 travel. Where in FL are you?
![Scott Spark [Serious problems]](/img/n.gif)
I am actually standing before the decision between and Epic Evo or Spark Team right now. This helps, thanks mate.
Former XC pro here in Oregon, and going to get back into it after a long layoff with work and family. This video helped me solidify my decision of what bike to get since I’ve been out of the game a good 10 years. Love the sparks versatility from the sounds of it. Also was wondering the difference between the nude and regular shock and you explained it perfectly. So Team version it is. Keep your videos going super insightful.
Thanks Austin!
I got the Spark 960. Its heavy but an amazing bike with the twinlock. Its a gamechanger for me
Extremely well explained! Great video!
have a very similar set-up. the 2022 team issue - same roval wheels & sworks carbon bars on it, 34 step cast fox factory forks (23.9lbs w/pedals) but left all of the GX axs drivetrain on it. I was torn on the same bikes, epic/epic evo/spark rc. When racing, the remote is super important but also becomes second nature & you have that control to ride how you want any given day - whether its to race or play around. close to 1000 miles on it and zero complaints. Only thing I've had come up - they changed torque specs on the rear shock top bolt - yours is probably done under the new spec since its a 2023 - it was 10nm and they told me to tighten to 15nm with fresh loctite.
Thanks for the feedback! Riding all of the bikes you mentioned the spark is the best for me and what I want. I love my specialized bikes but spark is next level.
Aggree with your point on the suspension setup. People can tell me all they want about how organic pedal efficiency and built-in automated suspension adjusters are better, because those supposedly “clean up” the cockpit and let you focus on the trail - I still haven’t seen a single system that beats me toggling between different modes according to my assessment of the trail.
That’s why I made the same decision, and grabbed a Spark 910 to replace my previous short-travel trail bike. Not sure I’d race on this particular model(your RC is the purpose-built mothel for that), but I find it ridiculously efficient uphill while still keeping control and comfort on chunkier sections.
Saw your tire comparison videos also - I use a pair of 2,35 Rekon Race tires on mine, and they work together brilliantly with this bike. The low bb combined with the supportive side knobs on the RR make this an excellent cornering machine. My build is 26,4 pounds though and that won’t get any lower with the fat-type fox34 and larger volume Nude 5T shock :)
Excellent feedback thank you. I ordered recon race for the front. Will leave Aspen on rear for now.
nice bike. My bank just called to say I can’t watch your channel anymore. 😂
Hahaha I’m cut off too. 🤣 wait for see update next week for Florida spark vid lol
🤣
Nice video, exactly the perspective I wanted. Can you post your exact setup?! Just how I want mine, down the the pedals, cage, and stem/headset! Also what size.. I’m in between at 5’6” 150lbs.. thinking a small
Thanks!
Size M
Roval control SL wheels
XX1 sl cranks 175mm
XX1 drive train with kogel ceramic pulleys
Enve m5 bars cut to 740
Stock -12 60mm stem
Sram level ultimate brakes 180/160
Shimano xt pedals
Esi extra chunky ribbed grips
Fox transfer sl dropper 100mm
S works romin evo saddle
S works zee cage 2 Carbon
Maxxis Aspen 2.4 tires
Great build. What size is it? I have a similar build in size L and I only managed to get it down to 26lbs.
Size medium. It’s even lighter now with the Pirelli scorpion xc rc 2.4 tires 😎
While listening to your video I had to smile as I can second literally everything you point out. I went the same path: Epic Race (latest generation) -> Epic Evo -> Spark RC.
The epic race was/is a really great bike, no doubt, but I did not become a fan of the brain system in the fork. Whilst I enjoyed the performance of the brain in the rear shock, the fork always felt too harsh for my taste. If you're a 100% performance oriented race rider you may enjoy it but it made me feeling exhausted at the end of each ride. As long as you re not going super fast the fork tends to give you the feeling as if it was locked out. Still, I loved that bike.
When I was offered the Epic Evo frame I went for it and sold my Epic race frame. Let me assure you: If I hadn't made the swap without any financial losses I would have cried in anger 🤣 Personally, the epic evo was a huge disappointment. No lockout for the rear shock by default and the whole fox shock system didn't meet my expectations at all: Open and firm mode worked as they should but the middle position, I was actually keen for, disappointed me completely. It is way too squishy (not sure if it is the appropriate term). At the point I really, really regretted my trade.
Lucky as I was, I found a lucrative offer for the Scott Spark RC 2022 team edition and was allowed to test-ride the bike. It was a no-brainer for me to buy this bike. Yes, it actually has a weight penalty compared to Epic/Epic Evo but the way this bike rides makes it up entirely for me. Although it is comfortable it is nontheless a very fast bike uphill and on straight tracks. I cannont stress enough how much I love the middle position on this bike. It is exactly what I was looking for.
We are brothers 😎👍 literally on the same path and want. I had the luxury of riding 2 evos. One Fox and one RS. The spark nude shock is the perfection I was looking for in a middle firm mode but active. I ride in middle mode 60% of ride, open about 30% and 10% locked when in need to gain ground or climbing when smooth. It’s the perfect bike. I own 2 now. One in NJ as primary and one in FL for vacation home bike.
@@addictcyclist You know what is even more creepy? Well, I let you guess: I switched from a Tarmac in 54 to a ??? in 52 😜 ?
@@moritzorama factor?!
@@addictcyclist yes, Factor Ostro , same colour choice, and my Epic race was the red one, too 😂
@@moritzorama shit, I think we just became friends 😂 hit me up on IG
What model year is this rc spark. I'm a road guy always been don't own a mountain bike but would like too. Is this spark available as is in stores or is this a custom built ?
2023. It’s available as a complete bike. I swapped parts around.
@@addictcyclist so what did you swapp out from the original build ?
@@trekmadone1048 swapped everything besides frame and shocks. I had all top end parts from my s works
I'm curious: did you setup the suspension of your Spark with the Shockwiz, too? If so are you satisfied with the results?
Not yet! It’s on my list. Will get it done over next few weeks
@@addictcyclist Thx for the answer. Did you testride your setup of the epic ? currently considering buying it despite its heavy pricetag, should refine the spark‘s ride quality even more. Still have to adjust the steering cups: just saw your video!
@@moritzorama It took 3 trail sessions to get the shock wiz to 95%. It was spot on. I will get on the spark maybe next week. I have a few races planned and want it more dialed.
@@addictcyclist Sounds tempting! I think I'm going to give it a try
You’re making me want to spend more money!!! After getting a great deal on 2022 S-Works Epic now I’m having urge to get Spark now. Can’t afford 2 bikes ATM let’s see what the spring market is gonna look like…
Hahaha sorry! 💸💸💸
@@addictcyclist maybe I’ll try yours. I don’t live too far from you… Middletown NY
@@slimjim4ever welcome to come down to Allaire or Hartshorne to give it a roll!
@@addictcyclist sure will! Same if you come up to Port Jervis.
@addictcyclist - I've just received a 2023 Spark RC Team Issue (AXS) - I also have an XX1 AXS drivetrain on another bike so was thinking about swapping it over.... However, my understanding is that these new spark frames use the SRAM "MTB Wide" spacing, which has a 55mm chainline, so I didn't think my XX1 crank would be compatible as it's the 53mm chainline version (I think).
Is your XX1 crank the "MTB wide" 55mm version? or is it the "standard" boost version (53mm)?
I wasn't even aware that there was this variety in the dub boost cranks, until I happened to stumble across it in a forum, with people suggesting that there might be clearance issues if you try to use a standard width...
Congrats! You will love it. I had to purchase a dub wide 55cl crank. I could not swap over my standard dub xx1 cranks from my s works. It can be down with a 0 offset ring BUT it’s not the proper way to do it. The crank ads will be very close to the chain stays. The dub wide 188mm Q factor is great! Hips feel really open! Get the right cranks.
@@addictcyclist Thanks for the reply, and for confirming my suspicions that my existing XX1 crank isn't right for the new bike. I reckon I'll move the XX1 gear to my hardtail instead, and upgrade the spark once I've got some miles from the existing GX kit.
I reckon initial upgrade money would be better spent on some lighter wheels before anything else...
@@leodavison87 lighter wheels make huge difference! Rocking 1240g roval sl
Congrats on the new bike! I have this exact model on order and am (im)patiently waiting. Could you make a walk around video to see the paint job ? Scott's site usually does a terrible job at showing the paint job compared to real life.
@@Gidogeek Thanks!
Sure... I know what you mean. Always hard to get a feel for what it's actually going to look like. I'll try and get a video at some point today.
In the mean time... I would say that depending on the lighting, the overall colour is more of a gloss dark grey towards the rear of the frame. The front portion looks more like it's just gloss over the raw carbon (you can see patterns etc under the gloss). The front half of the frame also has gold glitter in it - the density of which decreases to zero about halfway down the top tube / down tube.
How about the idea to set the 120mm fork at regular Epic frame? Have you tried something like that? Due to the fact both Epic share the same front triangle and the difference is only with 5 mm longer Evo's chainstays the final geometry should be exactly the same as for Epic Evo. But you will have much more active front suspension with rear susp platform powered by Brain.
Hey! I tried it! I swapped brain to race day damper in front. Even tho it was 100mm it was great! I just wanted 120/120 and a three position remote with the nude shock on Scott. I own a Scott in FL so know it was the best option for me for what I wanted for an all rounder.
@@addictcyclist I mean, you may use Fox 34 SC Factory with remote at your Epic. Then you will have 120 mm fork with 3-state lever but yes the rear still 100 mm only.
Btw I wanted to purchase Spark RC too. That's probably why I saw your video at UA-cam. But the local dealer gave me some insane delivery time for the model I wanted. Maybe I become to lazy to look for the bike at retails all around the Europe. So I finally ordered Canyon Lux Trail. They've shipped me bike directly to my home. As result I totally satisfied with the choice I done))L
@@yuriivorobei5901 Lux is a great machine! Enjoy it
@@yuriivorobei5901 I wanted to get away from the brain. I blew my 22 s works fork brain and just felt like the system overall was too delicate
So does the lever on the left side of the handlebar work the front and rear suspension?
Yes , see here ua-cam.com/video/5o0Msdi1bCQ/v-deo.html
@@addictcyclist that’s pretty slick
Doesn’t the epic evo come with shock lockouts?
No remote. Need to lock out on crown and shock manually with your hands
@@addictcyclist thanks. I guess I just assumed. I’m stuck between the same 3 bikes you mentioned except at the 4-5k comp or expert level for my son. He is racing for his highschool (nica) and is really into it. He currently races with a heavy alloy stumpjumper(37lbs)
what water bottle cage is that?
S works Zee II
Is it possible to lower the integrated cockpit without cutting the steerer?
Yes you can use round spacers on top.
@@addictcyclist it is funny because I didn’t see any picture with spacers above the “stem”… on regular fraser ic sl yes, but not on the xc version…
@@vanjasomodi it can be done. Friends large has 3 stock 10mm spacers and he removed one and used a regular 10mm spacer until he cut the steer.
@@vanjasomodi just can’t run the integrated computer mount until it’s flush
this is why I still own a 2017 spark rc, stick a 120mm stepcast and 120mm spark links on it and I have no reason to ever upgrade to any other bike, basically same geo as this new bike :)
I have a Scott Spark RC 900 team, year 2020. So you increased the fork travel to 120 mm, how you're feeling the bike in this configuration? About the 120 mm spark links, what is the usage of them in this modification? I am asking that because i would like also to increase my fork (Sid select) travel to 120 mm, but i'm afraid to mess the bike geometry.
@@marcalsamways9825 bro, putting a 120mm fork on front makes the bike WAY better, reason is it absorbs bumps a lot better and raises the bottom bracket which is too low, downside is it will make the seat tube a little too slack, to fix the problem you put 120mm links on and it will raise the bottom bracket a little more to even the bike out and the links also change rear travel from 100mm to 107mm, you can get full rear travel by changing the shock from 40mm to 45mm stroke but not worth the trouble also if you haven't already I would suggest using 2-3 volume spacers with low air pressure for the fork, this is the ultimate setup
@@MTBfixHQ thanks for the suggestion man, i'll do a research right now on the pieces you mentioned
I will stick with my Epic Evo. Much better bike.
Kind of an ugly bike.
What super hot bike are you riding?
@@addictcyclist
Don’t take it personal.
I think the scott is a great Bike.
But I only ride in florida trails.
Don’t really need more than 100 travel.
I ride the 2020 epic sworks.
And the trek Supercaliber.
I just think they are more pleasing to the eyes.
I love the shock locking system
of the trek.
@@Ekzt21 not personal, just asking. I also have a place in so fl and also a spark down there. I like the 2021+ s works I had the best as far as looks and paint job. Major difference in the spark is the ride is more comfortable and just as racy.
@@addictcyclist
Enjoy your Riding.
I am on the marker for a new bike, I want to change my epic, maybe for the new epic or the spark.
@@Ekzt21 hold up on epic as they are revising the frame and going less travel. Evo not sure of revisions. Even So FL benefits from 120 travel. Where in FL are you?