And you find out promptly when the lightweight pulls away with an extreme forward thrust. I didn't do any racing. Not even the Spark can turn a plough horse into a racehorse - but it has certainly turned me into a fast mare. Now I know that you can still set lap records as you get older.
The ride feel: Despite the race geometry, the Spark is easy to control without having to get used to it. You sit stretched out, but surprisingly balanced. The bike is extremely powerful and fun to ride. Thanks to its lightness and Sram's 1x12 Eagle drivetrain, you can confidently pedal up steep ramps without having to worry about shifting arithmetic. The suspension can be adjusted in three stages, but even in open mode I didn't feel any significant bobbing at my weight. This raises the crucial question for race bikes: Twinloc instead of dropper post? I would immediately swap the suspension travel modes for a dropper post.
This brings me to the trail performance: it's surprising how confident the Spark RC 700 remains downhill. With 100 millimetres of travel at the fork and rear, you won't be rolling down root carpets. But it can be manoeuvred smoothly and precisely through technical sections. For more trail-orientated bikers, the (cheaper) sisters from the Contessa Spark line are an option - with more suspension travel, telescopic seatpost and, in some cases, plus tyres.
Sissi Pärsch, BIKE tester:
I had almost expected the pronounced forward thrust and precision from the high-end park. But I was surprised by the pleasant ride feel and the fun you have on the trail with this fast racer.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 7/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
