Back Issue | Group Test: Scott Spark 900 RC Review
No other bike in the test group exudes such attitude as the Scott Spark 900 RC. Even standing still, everything about this bike screams racing — particularly the conspicuous pro-team paint scheme and the classy, uncompromising specification. Look a little closer and the bike promises outstanding climbing and a proper portion of biking fun downhill.
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite
The extra ingredients chosen by Scott are a short, wide and quality-looking Syncros cockpit (60mm stem/740mm bars), a grippy Schwalbe Nobby Nic front tyre, and a Rockshox Reverb Stealth seat post. The rest of our test bike is the same as the standard spec — convincing and offering great function. Shifting is handled by a SRAM XX / X0 drivetrain, fast and precise, while light Syncros wheels offer great acceleration and the Shimano XTR brakes ensure safe braking.
For a rider of 180 cm height, the riding position of the large size test bike is slightly stretched out but central. You sit integrated between the big wheels and can pedal effectively. Using the Twinloc lever on the left side of the bars, the rider can choose between three different modes for both the rear shock and fork (open, traction, lockout).
On climbs we mostly chose the traction mode. This reduces the air volume of the rear shock and thus the suspension travel to just 70mm; additionally, platform damping is switched on for both shock and fork.
This mode offers maximum efficiency with good traction.
On descents the Spark shines with great tracking and stability. Even the roughest terrain doesn’t stress the bike or bring the rider off course. This does cost some agility and tight corners need a bit more effort, yet the bike is in no way ponderous. Rather, it is just made for high speed and encourages the rider to chase down best times.
The firm nature of the suspension underscores this. Fork and shock harmonize well and absorb bumps well without packing up over repetitive impacts.
At the end, however, the Spark can’t quite manage the levels of comfort achieved by the other test group bikes.
Well thought out –
The glued-on chainstay protector on the Scott Spark 900 RC is light, functional, and fulfills all tasks required of it.
Comfort wonder –
The light Syncros grips stay solidly on the bars without lockrings, and the soft material gives great damping and plenty of grip even without gloves.
Extra power –
The Spark accelerates well even when the rear shock is open mode. With the Twinloc lever activated, the bike sprints like it’s been stung by a tarantula with incredible power delivery.
Elegant –
The rear brake mounting on the Scott Spark is integrated into the frame triangle.
This doesn’t just look clean visually clean, but also protects the brake against impacts and allows for simple hose routing.
Conclusion:
the Scott Spark 900 RC is probably the fastest and most uncompromising bike in the test group. The stable geometry and potent suspension give great confidence in hard terrain and allow high speeds, but require a skilled pilot who knows how to make the most of them.
Weight: 10,9 kg
Price: € 5.999
Specifications
- Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory CTD
- Rear Shock: Fox Nude / SCOTT custom
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX / X0
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Handlebars: Lenker Syncros FL1.0 Carbon 740
- Stem: Vorbau Syncros XR1.0 Carbon 60mm
- Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic / Rocket Ron 2,25″
- Wheels: Syncros XR RC
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Geometry
Size: Large | Top Tube Horizontal:630mm | Seat Tube Angle: 72,5°| Chainstay Length:448mm | Head Tube Angle: 69,5°| Wheelbase: 1143mm Reach: 436mm | Stack:436mm | Wheelsize: 29″
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite