A look at the catalogue shows just how convinced the Scott developers are of the 27.5-inch wheel size: The spearhead of Scott Fully technology, the Spark Ultimate with the XTR Di2 drivetrain, is only available as a 700 model, i.e. with 27.5-inch wheels. 29er fans will not be able to enjoy the electronics. For them, the price list ends with the 900 SL model. The Ultimate fully reflects the state of the art: electric gears, electronically controlled suspension, carbon wheels with grippy tyres, carbon parts everywhere - with the exception of the saddle quick release. The naked frame wins the weight comparison in this test. However, together with the Fox suspension strut and the iCTD electronic damping adjustment box, the set is only in the midfield (the battery is hidden in the top tube, but is not included in the weight).
As already written: If you are looking for absolute lightweight construction, you have to do without electronics. We think so: The small iCTD slider is a benefit for the bike, because iCTD fits perfectly with the set-up of the Scott. The three settings have a clear range of use: locked out (climb mode) for sprinting, open for downhill, trail mode serves as a traction and comfort-enhancing position for everything in between. Typically Scott, the rear end dives a lot in open mode. However, this flattens out the angles a little on tricky downhills, which increases riding stability. In this group, the Scott is very stable at speed despite the slackest head angle and longest wheelbase as well as the smaller wheels. However, you can immediately feel the difference to a 29-inch bike in the higher steps. The rollover feeling you thought you'd forgotten is back. Of course, when you switch to the Scott after three 29ers, it feels different at first. But not worse. After all, the low cockpit is exactly what ambitious racers like Nino Schurter want. You sit front-heavy and want to accelerate - preferably with a race number.
PLUS Perfect equipment, versatile driving characteristics, iCTD chassis control
MINUS No chain-suck mudguard on the frame, weak chainstay protector, scratched seatpost
ConclusionCC World Cup, stage races, marathons: the Scott Spark has been successful everywhere. It no longer has to prove its qualities. The bottom line is that the ultimate expensive, ultimate equipped top model is a collector's item for technology lovers. The more affordable Spark 700 SL is half a kilo lighter and even more aggressive.
The alternative: The top model in 29 inches is called the Spark 900 SL, costs 6999 euros, is said to be 400 grams lighter and rolls onto the starting line with a Sram XX1 single-speed groupset. The carbon chassis has 100 mm suspension travel.
