Good things take time. And so Scott took its time from the first presentation at Eurobike until the beginning of May 2017 before the E-Spark was ready for testing. However, the Swiss company can be forgiven for this insofar as it does not simply flange an off-the-shelf drive unit to the frame. Instead, Scott has opted for the integral version of the Shimano Steps E8000. The voluminous down tube looks like a U-profile open at the bottom and completely accommodates the special battery. The look is massive, but tidy and without the characteristic "bump" on the down tube, which can even accommodate a large water bottle instead. But beauty has its price: at just under 22 kilos in the top configuration, the bike is not one of the lightest in its class - despite its famously light Shimano motor. This may be partly due to the special frame construction, but also partly to Shimano's integral battery, which at 3100 grams is half a kilo heavier than its non-integrated brother.
But enough with the weight haggling: the E-Spark feels anything but overweight on the trail. It has modern trail geometry with short chainstays (447 mm), a long reach (434 mm) and a moderately slack head angle (67.5 degrees), making it refreshingly playful for an e-MTB. No trail is too narrow, no corner too tight. The steering is always neutral at low and high speeds. The riding position is sporty, but not too stretched out, and you feel like you're on the bike instead of on it. The suspension works as sensitively as a seismograph, is excellently tuned and utilises the suspension travel well. Details such as the speed sensor integrated into the hub and the cables of the electric Di2 drivetrain routed internally from the handlebars (!) are rare attributes and clearly position the bike in the top league. There is little criticism. The saddle with its hard edges and the low-profile Plus tyres, which clog and slip in wet conditions, could be replaced. Oh yes, the Twinloc lever, which you can use to lock and harden the suspension from the handlebars, only clutters up the handlebars and is simply superfluous on the E-Spark.
Conclusion Top riding characteristics, great details, aesthetic appearance - the E-Spark is a lively trail bike in the premier league.
Drive
Motor / Position Shimano Steps E8000 / mid-engine
Max. Torque 70 Nm
Battery Lithium-ion, 500 Wh
Gearstick / transmission 11-speed Shimano XT Di2 (32x11)
Display / Size Shimano / 1 inch
Equipment
Frame material / sizes Aluminium / S / M / L / XL
Fork / damper Fox 34 Float F. Kashima / Fox Nude Trunnion
Telescopic support Fox Transfer Dropper Remote
Brake / Disc vo / hi Shimano XT / 200 / 200 mm
Impellers 27.5 inch Syncros
Tyres Maxxis Recon F/R 27.5 X 2.8 inch
Info
Weight 21.9 kilos (without pedals)
Spring travel (v / h) 130 / 120 mm
Price 6999 Euro
Web www.scott-sports.com
