Now in its fourth generation, the Spark line of mountain bikes from SCOTT has had a full redesign. A more noticeable change is that the bikes have moved to a frame platform with an integrated shock.
In a release, SCOTT notes… ‘this approach allows us to refine suspension characteristics without sacrificing weight. Often, when working with bikes at this level, the concept of marginal gains becomes an ever important one.
‘For the optimal performance of a suspension shock, power transfer must be the most direct possible. What we want to avoid are any inefficient directional movements, in other words, lateral movements (sideways to the direction of travel) as the shock goes through its compression.’
Integrated Suspension Technology
SCOTT notes that, with an integrated shock, the frame construction can be designed to be much more rigid, reducing movement and fostering more efficient power transfer. Larger bearings have been added to the seat tube pivot, further reinforcing this area and reducing any unnecessary motion.
SCOTT’s Integrated Suspension Technology also helps the company to engineer frames with a lower shock placement which the lowers centre of gravity. As a result, the bike benefits from better handling, and a more stable ride for the end user.
“It’s safe to say that I’ve had a lot of success in recent years with the Spark,” said Nino Schurter, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing rider, 8x World Champion, European Champion and Olympic Champion.
“From the first moment I stepped on this new version, I knew that I have every chance to continue that success for years to come. From the geometry to the integration, the all-new Spark RC takes everything I loved about the previous version and makes it so much better.”
Completing the roster of the all-new SCOTT Spark, a dedicated range of Contessa models will be available. There are four women’s specific models on offer. Each of these have women’s specific touchpoints, and custom fork and shock tunes for lighter riders.
“The new SCOTT Spark RC represents a huge step forward in the design and functionality of cross country race bikes,” said SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing rider and 2019 World Cup Champion, Kate Courtney.
“Aesthetically, the design is cleaner and sleeker than ever before, but from experience, I can say it rides even better than it looks.”
The all-new Spark product range will be available for testing world-wide in July, and for sale starting in September/October.
