Whether as a 29er with 100 or as a 27.5 with 120 millimetres of travel, whether carbon or aluminium - the extensive product range offers the right bike for every taste and budget. Proven for years and highly praised by us in the past, the Spark has to face a new challenge in this test field with its 120 mm suspension: Can the Swiss marathon weapon make the transfer to a trail bike? We say no. The Spark is and remains a marathon racer with a stretched riding position and a Twinlock lever to lock out the suspension to achieve full efficiency on the climbs. Nino Schurter sends his regards. Downhill, the rear suspension could do with a little more compression, and in the jungle of bends on the Isar there were bikes that were more playful. The Rocket Ron tyres excel more in the fight against the stopwatch than on tricky root passages.
ConclusionThe Spark is and remains a marathon weapon. We recommend: Start number on the handlebars and off to the lactate shower.
The alternative: Compared to the 740, the Spark 730 is said to be half a kilo lighter. It costs 3499 euros. The Spark series is also available with 29-inch wheels, in which case the model is called the 940 or 930.
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