8 new cross-country bikes: An overview of all the Scott Spark RC 2026 models

Among cross-country cyclists, the name Scott Spark RC is synonymous with an innovative bike featuring 120 millimetres of suspension travel and an integrated shock absorber. This is set to remain the case for the new season, and the Swiss manufacturer recently unveiled a revamped version of its successful XC model. It goes without saying that the bike ridden by Nino Schurter and co. isn’t for every budget. Yet, in typical Scott fashion, the bike manufacturer’s website presents a veritable bouquet of different model variations. We’ve taken a detailed look at all eight new Scott Spark RC bikes.

1. Scott Spark RC SL

The most expensive model in the Spark range is an ultra-light version of the cross-country full-suspension bike. Particularly stiff HMX-SL carbon fibres save around 140 grams compared to the cheaper frames, and a carbon derailleur hanger reduces the weight by a further 52 grams. This brings the Scott Spark RC SL to the dream figure of under ten kilos for the complete bike.

• Price: €12,999
• Weight: from 9.9 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS drivetrain, Syncros Silverton CF1 carbon wheelset, CeramicSpeed bearings

2. Scott Spark RC World Cup Evo

The World Cup Evo version of the Scott Spark RC is the go-to bike for World Cup athletes. The riders on the Scott Sram MTB Racing Team rely on a very similar setup. The spec list features nothing but top-quality components, including the new high-end wheelset from Syncros with carbon spokes.

• Price: €11,499
• Weight: from 10.5 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS drivetrain, Syncros Silverton CF1 carbon wheelset, CeramicSpeed bearings

3. Scott Spark RC World Cup

Even the Scott Spark RC World Cup, which is significantly cheaper by comparison, comes with an electronic Flight Attendant suspension system that controls its own setup fully automatically. A SRAM X0 Eagle AXS drivetrain and a Syncros Silverton CF2 wheelset may be ‘only’ second-tier, but they are nonetheless among the very best components for XC bikes.

• Price: €8,499
• Weight: from 10.9 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS drivetrain, Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon wheelset

4. Scott Spark RC Team Edition

The Scott Spark RC Team Issue is the perfect bike for all racers who want to enjoy the benefits of an electronic suspension system whilst keeping costs down. The Swiss brand combines the RockShox Flight Attendant suspension with a Sram GX Eagle AXS drivetrain featuring wireless control, and fits its own in-house carbon wheels.

• Price: €7,299
• Weight: from 11.3 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon wheelset

5. Scott Spark RC Pro

If you can do without an electronic suspension system, the Scott Spark RC Pro offers top-of-the-range Fox suspension and the new wireless Shimano XTR drivetrain for the same price. This specification used to be reserved for the most expensive models. The Pro version isn’t too heavy and is definitely worth considering as a high-end buy.

• Price: €7,299
• Weight: from 10.9 kg
• Key features: Fox Factory suspension, Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain, Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon wheelset

6. Scott Spark RC Expert

In terms of price, the Scott Spark RC Expert is likely to be the sensible choice for cross-country racers. Although the bike costs significantly less than half the price of the top-of-the-range models, customers benefit from a Fox Factory suspension fork with a premium Kashima coating. Gear changes are controlled via a Shimano XT Di2 electronic groupset. The carbon frame is fitted with aluminium XC wheels.

• Price: €5,699
• Weight: from 11.8 kg
• Key features: Fox Factory suspension, Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain

7. Scott Spark RC Team

The Team version of the Scott Spark RC aims to offer cross-country riders a no-nonsense option at a fair price. It features the same high-spec carbon frame but with a stripped-back spec. In terms of performance, there’s no need to compromise thanks to a wide-range mechanical drivetrain and a suspension system from the Select+ grade. However, the weight does increase.

• Price: €4,699
• Weight: from 12.5 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID Select+ suspension, SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain

8. Scott Spark RC Comp

The Comp version marks the entry point into the new Scott Spark RC range. It also features a lightweight carbon fibre frame, but has to make do with heavy wheels from Alex Rims and a basic Shimano Deore drivetrain. The suspension is already from the SID series, but inside it features the simplest damping technology available.

• Price: €4,699
• Weight: from 12.5 kg
• Key features: RockShox SID suspension, Shimano Deore drivetrain

Conclusion

Scott has managed not only to achieve a high degree of system integration, but also to offer a wide range of models for the new Spark RC. So many options are by no means a given for a cross-country race bike, but it’s a clever move, as the Spark is likely to cut a fine figure off the track as well. There are attractive variants to suit almost every budget. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

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