New Scott Spark DC 2027: Trail bike with 140 mm travel, weighing from 11.5 kg

With the new Spark DC, Scott aims to highlight precisely those features of its full-suspension concept that make a trail bike so much fun. The Spark DC 2027 is certainly not meant to be just another behemoth that you reluctantly pedal to get out onto the trails. Instead, Scott is reviving the down-country ethos and infusing the Spark RC’s big brother with many of its sporty attributes. The frame and suspension are packed with technology. Make way for the new Scott Spark DC!

Conclusion

My first impression of the new Scott Spark DC: this is exactly what a trail bike should be like! I’m not a fan of 15-kilo behemoths and I reckon Scott could make a lot of cyclists happy with its Down-Country concept. The level of system integration is incredible – a real USP! I’m keen to see whether the Scott Spark DC can establish itself as a do-it-all trail bike in a challenging market. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

>> You can find the full article on our first review of the Scott Spark DC here.

The Scott Spark DC 2027 in detail

• Intended use: Trail bike
• Suspension travel: 140 / 138 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: from 11.5 kg
• Price: from 3,699 euros
• Special features: integrated shock absorber, frame storage compartment, tool mount, steering angle adjustment, steering stop limiter, flex pivot, SAG indicator

Trail bikes can be trail bikes again

For a long time, the cycling scene had been on the hunt for the ‘do-it-all’ bike – a cycle capable of handling all the adventures of a true mountain biker. Trail and all-mountain bikes, with their lightweight frames and ample suspension travel, seemed to be the answer for all non-racers. But over time, these ‘jack-of-all-trades’ put on too many pounds, becoming heavy and sluggish. The influence of extreme enduro suspension set-ups, thick tyres and bulky designs literally slowed down the popular trail bike category. When manufacturers tried to make lightweight bikes above the marathon discipline trendy again under the ‘Down-County’ banner, many cyclists dismissed it as a marketing buzzword.

Scott is reviving the ‘Down-Country’ concept and has given its new trail bike the corresponding ‘DC’ designation. The Spark DC is designed to combine the efficiency of a cross-country bike with the thrill of riding on rough terrain. It aims to blend the dynamic riding experience and endurance qualities of a lightweight bike with excellent downhill performance. On steep, rugged terrain, it is designed to instil confidence without making too many compromises in terms of climbing ability and sprint performance. The new Scott Spark DC is therefore aimed at all mountain bikers who do not regularly line up at the start of a race, but who appreciate the modern and sporty attributes of the Spark RC racer.

Recently, we’ve seen a whole host of new trail bikes aiming to return to their leaner roots and shed excess weight, such as the new Canyon Lux Trail, the revamped Santa Cruz Tallboy or the updated Transition Spur V2. After years of over-engineering, lightweight construction is back in vogue in the trail bike category – I think that’s great! – Jan Timmermann, BIKE, Editor

From 11.5 kilos

With the Scott Spark RC, the new Spark DC has a lightweight sibling in the family. Nevertheless, the frame for this trail bike model wasn’t simply carried over from the Spark RC, but was designed from the ground up as a completely separate model. Naturally, the siblings share some distinctive features. For instance, the shock absorber on the Spark DC is also concealed within the down tube to achieve the lowest possible centre of gravity, thereby ensuring straightforward handling. Rather than aiming for the lightest possible weight, Scott’s engineers sought the optimal balance of strength, stiffness and durability for the new trail bike. Accordingly, the tube profiles were adapted to suit the bike’s intended use.

No compromises were made when it came to the bearings either, with most of them featuring double sealing. The exceptionally lightweight frames of the top-of-the-range models are made from stiffer HMX carbon fibres and come fitted as standard with exceptionally smooth-running Ceramic-Speed bearings, complete with a lifetime guarantee. With all these modifications combined, Scott claims to have built one of the lightest modern trail bike frames ever. In its top-of-the-range configuration, the complete bike weighs 11.5 kilos, according to the manufacturer.

Chassis and Geometry

The use of a flex pivot also saves weight by eliminating the need for an additional pivot point. Inside the frame, the amount of hardware has been reduced. A repositioning of the pivot points is said to have improved the frame’s stiffness compared with its predecessor. The new rear suspension kinematics promise a responsive feel, precise performance in the mid-travel range and controlled bottom-out. The anti-squat value is said to have been adjusted to enhance suspension efficiency.

All shock absorbers come with custom settings specifically tuned for the Scott Spark DC and a bearing-mounted suspension system to reduce friction. The rear suspension offers 138 millimetres of travel. Scott combines this with 140mm forks on its complete bikes, although 150mm forks are also compatible. On the Trailbike, too, Scott continues to rely on the tried-and-tested Twinloc handlebar remote, which allows both the fork and shock to be locked simultaneously. On the top-of-the-range models, this function is handled by the electronic RockShox Flight Attendant system. For the more affordable bikes, the Swiss manufacturer fits cable-operated systems to the trail fork.

When it comes to geometry, Scott gives customers scope for customisation via adjustable headset cups. The steering angle can be adjusted by 0.5 degrees in either direction. In the neutral setting, it measures a flat 65 degrees. The seat angle is 76.1 degrees and reach figures range from 431 to 521 millimetres across frame sizes S to XL. Regardless of size, the chainstays measure 440 millimetres.

System integration par excellence

Just like its cross-country counterpart, the Scott Spark DC features two magnetic covers that provide access to the inside of the frame. This allows you to adjust all the shock settings and access the integrated frame storage compartment. Thanks to interchangeable cover inserts, the Spark DC is compatible with a wide range of shock absorbers – including, of course, those with a reservoir.

A small tool is housed in a holder on the down tube, whilst a tool bag can be used to carry items such as a spare inner tube and a CO₂ cartridge. To avoid having to open the frame every time the suspension needs adjusting, the SAG indicator – already familiar from the previous model – is located on the outside. Additional accessories can be carried on a tool mount beneath the top tube. A small mudguard between the seat stays is designed to protect the frame from mud splashes. Unlike the RC, the Scott Spark DC does not feature a second bottle cage mount.

Whilst on the Racebike all cables run through the headset into the frame, Scott’s Spark DC offers the option of classic cable routing through the head tube. A replaceable cover ensures a tidy appearance with both options. An integrated handlebar stop is designed to protect the frame from damage caused by contact with the cockpit in the event of a crash. The seatpost clamp is also integrated into the frame. The more expensive models in the range come with a carbon handlebar-stem unit. On the more affordable versions, this is made from aluminium.

Facilities

To save weight and add a touch of down-country flair to the spec, Scott has fitted the Spark DC with fast-rolling tyres from the Maxxis range: the Forekaster and Recon. The SRAM Motive brakes are also a tribute to the sporty, lightweight design, though they are combined with the thick HS2 rotors. Naturally, Scott relies on components from its own Syncros brand. Among the top-of-the-range models is the new Syncros Sylverton CF2 wheelset, which features a carbon rim specially optimised for trail bike use, but omits the carbon spokes found on the road bike version. A through-seat tube allows for long dropper posts.

Models, weights and prices

• Scott Spark DC 40 (RockShox Base, Shimano Deore): 13.8 kg / 3,699 euros
• Scott Spark DC 30 (RockShox Select, SRAM Eagle 70): 13.0 kg / 4,699 euros
• ​Scott Spark DC 20 (Fox Factory, Shimano XT Di2): 12.7 kg / 5,699 euros
• Scott Spark DC 10 (RockShox Flight Attendant, SRAM X0 groupset): 12.3 kg / 8,499 euros
• ​Scott Spark DC Factory (RockShox Flight Attendant, SRAM XX SL groupset): 11.5 kg / 11,499 euros

What do you think: should lightweight trail and downcountry bikes be making a comeback, or do you swear by heavy-duty enduro bikes? Let us know in the comments!