Very good review, David. And congrats on the new home!

I also love the way this one looks! Great review as always!

I bought a Secan little bit influenced by you long time ago and this bike seemed like a good choice when it came out and now this review confirms that ^^ thank you for the review

Great review. Interesting tire swap. Rekon Races are amazing and compliant in the dry, though quite scary in slippery wet conditions.

Great review David (again :-) ).. I have watched all of your videos on this bike (and all of the other ones) and I am convinced this is the right bike for me. I love the idea of an all around mountain bike that can be fast, comfortable and with a large spectrum of usage. Thanks so much.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@nunyabiznaz9593

2 жыл бұрын

I believe Scott licensed the design from a company called bold.

I still have a 2017 Spark 730 plus and absolutely love it!!!!!

Can't wait for mine to arrive! Should be riding it in a couple of weeks already !!

Nice review. I have had one for 6 weeks and can say that I agree with your observations on the bike. Amazing climber and capable enough on the descents, but I'm coming from a more trail orientated bike (Ibis Mojo 3). There is one correction that I'll make though. The head angle as standard is around 67.2 degrees, but can be changed to around 66 degrees by rotating the headset cups, which takes about 5 minutes (but is a bit fiddly). Thus it's in the "steep" position but can be slackened by 1.2 degrees. Could also be made 66.6 degrees by changing to the other cups that are supplied, that would require the seat post cable, twinlock cable and brake hose to be disconnected though.

@thebikeant4786

Жыл бұрын

Yep. I turned my Rc to more slack. And booooommmm. What huge huge difference. Now even better.

I just bought a Spark 970 a couple days ago. Thanks for this review. I ride in the forests of Maine and have been using a Scott Scale. I’m 65 for what it’s worth, and think that rear shock might help. I paddle an 18.4 Necky Ocean kayak made from Kevlar and Carbon fiber; I like to go fast.

I ride the 2020 version of the RC World Cup and love it. This new one seems even better. Only thing I am not sure about is the colourway, I prefer brighter ones so will wait till next year.

That’s true. I keep my Scott scale 920 of 2017,and I am happy pedaling 1 to two hours 3 times a week. Brands want you to buy new things and try to convince you need them but you don’t. Keep your same bike until,it dies unless you are a millionaire.

I have this but Spark RC Team Issue AXS. AMAZING bike and sooooo fast !

Great series - I’ve just ordered the Spark 960 (budget limited!) and looking forward to getting back on an Mtb. My last bike was a Scott Genius MC20 from circa 2005. I’m guessing things have moved on a bit. Question: are you the David Arthur from the Bike Magic days?

Great video! I wonder what saddle bag are you carrying there? THnks!

David really appreciate your reviews. How is the fun factor compared to the YT izzo? Is the RC just as poppy as the izzo?

I’ve been trying to find one of these in size small in the US. I called the US distributor headquarters and they told me to call all the dealers until I found one. They claimed they had no idea where they shipped which bikes. I tracked one down in CA but in addition to the price of the bike, I’d have to fly out there & back. That’s getting the price up into the Stratosphere. 👍☮️🌞🌟🚲

@mikecioffi5760

2 жыл бұрын

I just received one. I was able to get a Spark RC team black. I live in NY and found it at the Backyard bike shop in Zurich, Switzerland. Crazy right? Its currently at my local shop getting all the upgrades to turn it into the RC SL Evo AXS. The only difference is the lighter HMX frame. I can live with that.

Tact & tidy MTB. Almost akin to a work of art! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking

Hi David, Nice review as always. Could you share what kind of bottle cage you have that supports the mini pump? (I got one lezyne pump with holder, which should fit with any bottle cage, but I can't fit because the frame is not 'round') thanks

Great review as always Dave. What leggings are you wearing?

Great content, as usual! What size are you on and height? thanks!

Those trails look great. Where was this? Great bike, great video. Thanks!

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

It’s Cwmcarn in south wales

Thanks for a great review, but how would you compare the Scot against the specialized epic evo bike, thanks

Amazing looking machine.

I wonder how does it compare to the Epic Evo?

Bikes with modern geo & 120mm forks are being built to be bale to tackle even rough downhill terrain. How is it on downhill chunky terrain?

how about the fact that the steem syatem is onky for that length?

I do like the spark

Great review David! I hesitate between an M and L. I am 181 cm with an inseam of 87 cm. What do you suggest? You have ride a L, what are you measurements? Grtz Rogier (Netherlands)

@brunomfduque

2 жыл бұрын

Go without doubts to L !

Hi mate, great review. Would putting 25mm riser bars on this bike be a good idea?

@mikecioffi5760

2 жыл бұрын

Im doing that on mine. the negative bar sucks if your a trail rider

A Scott with specialized tires have to love it

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with mixing up the brands imo

@mikecioffi5760

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur Im throwing those same tires on mine thanks to this video. My bike shop also highly recommended that.

It’s a beautiful thing if I raced XC more I would buy one🥰

Great video..... a little off topic bit what trousers are you wearing in that video. Thanks

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

They're Giro Havoc trousers

@dalecrawford7070

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur many thanks

Nice

David, can you tell what mini pump you have there on the frame?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

It came with the bike so I’m not sure I’m afraid, a Scott design I think

Did you notice dirt getting into the headset bearings because of the hole for the cables?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Can't say I did notice any dirt getting into the frame around the headset or bottom bracket area

want.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

yeah I bet you do ;)

My Spark RC Team Black is due for June...can't wait!!!

@IIISentorIII

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@David Arthur Tell me I'm wrong, but it looks like you have a Syncros carbon wheel in the back and an alloy wheel up front. I say that because of the rim depth between the two. Whats the deal?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

That’s what happens when one wheel gets lost in transit…

@IIISentorIII

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur HAHA ufff... ;)

This bike seems on the heavy side though, at least with the HMF frame. But the frame space is great, which is important for the all-day rides.

I notice one of the other reviews of this bike suggested it was a bit flexible so wasn't as efficient climbing or as direct as some xc fs bikes, but this doesn't seem to be something you found?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Can't say I noticed any undue flex from the frame at all and I found it plenty efficient enough on the climbs, but climbing efficiency is open to interpretation a little I feel as depends on the terrain and rider preference/style/fitness etc

@morrisizing

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur thanks. Do you think it would be a decent option for marathon style races which are often a bit less technical - the kind of thing the Lux seems aimed at. As I tend to race TT's on the road something that helps out on the technical side would be great but then you don't want to lose out too much where your strength are - if that makes sense.

@David Arthur Hi, David, what frame size was this? Thank you

@davidarthur

Жыл бұрын

Size large

One of the biggest issues with this bike is availability, unfortunately. I ordered mine in July or August but still waiting for delivery. It is expected for q1, 🤞

@mikecioffi5760

2 жыл бұрын

Same problem here in New York. I cant find this bike anywhere

@brunomfduque

2 жыл бұрын

I talk with a shop and after 2 weeks have mine. Now with 1500km since September 😅

@peterfreeman3317

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikecioffi5760 it’s ridiculous that I can’t find one either. Found a shop that put me on a list, he’ll call in July or August to let me know if he. An get one allocated. Most shops don’t specialize in Scott’s so customers area screwed. Scott USA is useless. It’s as if they can’t be bothered.

@mikecioffi5760

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterfreeman3317 I just received one. I was able to get a Spark RC team black. I live in NY and found it at the Backyard bike shop in Zurich, Switzerland. Crazy right? Its currently at my local shop getting all the upgrades to turn it into the RC SL Evo AXS. The only difference is the lighter HMX frame. I can live with that.

@peterfreeman3317

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikecioffi5760 awesome! I want the version right below the crazy top of the line Spark. Enjoy your rig!

Great review, how did enjoy Cwmcarn?

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

Cwmcarn always delivers especially the off piste

Strange it’s all Sram range (rockshox) apart from the XTR brakes?

@Roger101Watson

2 жыл бұрын

Could be something to do with the supply chain.

@jaimzjaimz

2 жыл бұрын

@@Roger101Watson Or reliability 😉

@glennoc8585

2 жыл бұрын

@@jaimzjaimz I'd take the XTR brakes that's for sure

@jaimzjaimz

2 жыл бұрын

@@glennoc8585 I'm on XT on my Scalpel with no issues at all. XX1 AXS everywhere else 😉

@Roger101Watson

2 жыл бұрын

@Kuba absolutely. I didn't want to upset any sram (brakes) fans just in case there were any 🤣

you can get that bike for half the price in Germany! Fahrrad XXL St. Augustin - no joke!

@glennoc8585

2 жыл бұрын

Links?

@bobcabot

2 жыл бұрын

@@glennoc8585 Fahrrad XXL St.Augustin Germany!

@IIISentorIII

2 жыл бұрын

Erzähl doch hier keine Märchen ;). Ausserdem ist es nicht einmal verfügbar dort. (Eng. This is *NOT* true my friends ;))

A local bike shop is reporting breaking dropper post cables on the new Spark - thinner cable used to get around the rear damper.

Nice bike …but prices gone insane. For the same money one can get a brand new Kawasaki 400 street/ racy motorcycle from the dealer. And you won’t have to pedal at all …LOL. And it’s waayyy faster LOL

@secretdaisy6484

2 жыл бұрын

I already have a Kawasaki Ninja 500 🏍. But I don’t have the Scott RC Spark which is the perfect bike 🚲 for me.

@bikemike1118

2 жыл бұрын

@@secretdaisy6484 just wanted to demonstrate the relation of prices… . And that those literally have gone INSANE. And everybody who still buys into it supports that insane price development…and confirms to the industry that they are on the „right path“ .

@joelhenderson3723

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikemike1118 Race bikes (which the 400 is not) are expensive. If you just want to ride, and aren't all about speed, you can still find cheaper options like the Giant Stance or Spark 970. Decent hardtails can be found for even less.

@giovanniwallaert2612

2 жыл бұрын

Compared to other brands this bike is much more affordable...

@bikemike1118

2 жыл бұрын

@@giovanniwallaert2612 compared to a Ducati …yesss

It looks amazing and at the same time looks like an electric MTB. Which is bad.

If I only had the money....

If other bikes had a internal shock then it would not be Unique

A good spec is sooooo expensive….

The new Specialized Epic is better than this in every way. Lighter, better suspension, better handling....

@giovanniwallaert2612

2 жыл бұрын

.... and the specialized epics are way overpriced also...

Too bad it looks like an E-bike ;)

Shame it looks like a e-bike.

"No reason to have the rear shock exposed" you say. What an extremely ignorant statement.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

It’s an opinion it’s not an ignorant statement

@TeamCykelhold

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur Sorry, English isn't my first language. Anyway, I can think of at least 5 good reasons why many bikes don't have shocks integrated into the frame. First one of the top of my mind is if you ever wanted to switch the nude for another shock, that's one reason. You can't, it's a custom shock. It's also more expensive, only works on carbon frames, prevents other types of kinematic adjustments you only get with different types of linkage etc etc the list goes on.

@davidarthur

2 жыл бұрын

You can easily drop the shock out of the Spark frame for servicing and replacement. It's unlikely a customer of this bike is going to want to upgrade the shock but you can if you want. How do you know it's more expensive? You can get an alloy Spark so it doesn't just work with carbon. There are few bikes that allow you to tune the kinematics by changing the linkage so I would say that's a rather niche requirement and one that fell wide outside of the design brief of this bike

@TeamCykelhold

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidarthur No i didn't mean you can't replace the shock for another of the same type or service it. I mean as far as I can tell the shock is made special to fit the frame. That means you can't easily replace it with another if you don't get along with the nude. Please correct me if I am wrong. I read it in an article that said it was "specially made for the frame" whatever that means, and wasn't able to find the mounting dimensions. You are right about the alloy spark though! I looked for one but didn't find it and assumed it was because manufacturing the shock inside the frame wasn't possible doe to the material, but I was wrong! You can tune some parts of kinematics by for example move shock mounts a few mm and so on, but for example you can never make 4bar setup into a virtual pivot linkage with the attributed kinematics that follows. Ps thanks for taking the time to answer me, and being patient with me :)

@giovanniwallaert2612

2 жыл бұрын

These bikes come with either Rockshox or Fox shocks so i guess the shock is'nt that custom made to fit the frame...