With the lowest overall weight and a chassis weighing less than two kilos, the Spark RC XX pushes forward most impressively and appears in the top three of both pro testers' uphill rankings. The new Twin-Loc handlebar lever also emphasises the Spark's direction of travel. One click and the rear suspension goes into the firmer traction mode for technical climbing sections, another click and the fork and rear suspension lock out completely. This means that even hardtail fetishists get their money's worth.
But the low frame weight also has its downsides. At just under 50 Nm/°, the Spark frame is the softest in the comparison - heavy riders in particular should be aware of this. Compared to the tight linear DT Swiss XRC 100 fork, the long-stroke rear suspension with its slightly degressive characteristic curve is more pronounced. It's best to ride the bike with minimal sag, but this comes at the expense of sensitivity. On the other hand, the rear suspension pumps very little even in fully open mode. The non-retractable seatpost costs valuable points. The few grams of weight saved cannot compensate for the functional deficit.
CONCLUSIONThe Spark presents itself as an uncompromising marathon machine. Not very stiff, but convincingly light and, thanks to the Twin-Loc lever, even quicker to adjust for racing.
Web: www.scott-sports.com
