Scott Spark RC 2026 first test: How the new cross-country bike from Scott rides
Jan Timmermann
· 10.06.2026
When it comes to the Scott Spark RC, cross-country fans inevitably think of Nino Schurter's successes. Together with Schurter, the 120 millimetre race full suspension bike established extra suspension travel and progressive geometry. Now, shortly after the end of the racing legend's career, it was time for a successor and Scott presents a completely new Scott Spark. Schurter's story with the Spark is far from over. At this year's BC Bike Race, the former champion quickly crowned himself the first European winner in the history of the prestigious event aboard a near-production prototype. So the new bike can go fast on trails - at least if you have the surname Schurter. We have already had the opportunity to get a first ride impression of the brand new Scott Spark RC Worldcup Evo.
I did the first tests on the new Scott Spark RC. Above all, I was looking for slightly more agile handling. Developing a bike for racing and then seeing how someone else rides it is really something special. But I will still be riding the new Spark in one or two races. - Nino Schurter, Scott Sram MTB Racing Team
Scott Spark RC World Cup Evo in detail
- Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame weight: from 1427 g (manufacturer's specification, size M, without shock)
- Complete bike weight: approx. 10.5 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
- Price: 11,499 euros
- Special features: integrated shock, repair kit in the down tube, tool mount, integrated seat clamp, steering angle adjustment via offset headset
Equipment
- Suspension fork / shock: Rockshox SID / SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant
- Drivetrain: Sram XX SL AXS Transmission, 1 x 12 / 34; 10-52 t.
- Brakes: Sram Motive Ultimate 180 / 160 mm
- Dropper post / adjustment range: Rockshox Reverb AXS / 150 mm
- Wheels: Syncros Silverton CF1
- Tyres: Maxxis Aspen, 29 x 2.40
First driving impression
A geometry update for the Scott Spark RC was long overdue. The new edition comes with a significantly longer main frame and steeper seat angle. In the seated position, the rider is very well integrated into the bike. The one-piece, flat Syncros cockpit provides plenty of pressure on the front wheel. Compared to its predecessor, the riding position is noticeably longer and more stretched. On flat terrain, the Spark RC has a powerful grip on the throttle. The pedalling energy is converted into propulsion very efficiently. The electronic Flight Attendant suspension of the top model switches the suspension into lockout fully automatically. On cheaper models, this function is performed by the familiar three-stage TwinLoc lever.
Even on steep climbs, the Scott puts its rider in a strong climbing position. The pressure on the pedals is world class and the lightweight Syncros wheels pull smoothly towards the summit. Only on uphill hairpin bends does our size XL test bike feel a little bulky. For good reason, the professional athletes of the Scott Sram MTB Racing Team around Filippo Colombo and Bjorn Riley also opt for the steepest of the three head angle setups. The head tube angle can be adjusted via the headset and is quite extreme at 65.4 degrees in the slackest setting. On very tight trail ramps, the front end can sometimes tip over.
The Scott Spark RC remains true to its lineage and returns to the cross-country stage as a highly sophisticated, high-performance powerhouse. In the first test, the new Spark literally craves speed and rewards fast, trained riders. However, only a long-term test can show how life with all the integrated features will turn out. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Full throttle without compromise
Downhill, on the other hand, the flat steering angle provides welcome stability at high speeds. The smooth-running yet lightweight Spark RC can easily be kept in the ideal line at full throttle and also carries a lot of speed through demanding sections. The compact rear end helps with agility. Thanks to the short 434 millimetre chainstays, Spark riders can get their bike to take off with little physical effort or scurry through tight corners. The new race bike from Scott also cuts a very fine figure on the jumpline - is this thanks to style god Nino Schurter? The active riding behaviour is supported by prominent suspension support. This makes it easy for racers to push over crests and generate momentum. The new Scott rocket should really ignite on flowing, fast race courses.
In rough trail sections, on the other hand, the firm suspension is almost too much of a racer's attitude for normal bikers. The fact that Scott has pumped up the middle setting of the Flight Attendant automatic is definitely noticeable. Comfort was obviously not the top priority and if you're not fit, you might have to work harder with the setup to avoid tiring early on. Our recommendation: Move the bias setting one click towards open. We had no problems with the travel utilisation during our first tests on the trails around Massa Marittima in Tuscany. On big hits, the suspension opens up confidently and swallows even big bumps. On steep descents, we wished for more Variohub, as the adjustment range of the dropper post is tight at 150 millimetres with a generous 510 millimetres of seat tube length.
Conclusion
After just one day on the new Scott Spark RC, I'm already completely convinced that it can carry the top riders in the World Cup to the top ranks. There has never been a bike this fast with this level of system integration and variability. You should plan some fitness and riding technique training in preparation for the season, as normal riders might find the efficient, firm suspension and radical geo too much of a challenge. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
