Product news: Scott is starting the 21 season with a total of 2022 new Spark models. The popular model series is divided into the XC and Trail categories. The damper is conspicuously inconspicuous in all models: it is integrated into the frame construction and is invisible from the outside.
For the 2022 season, Scott has completely revised the Spark bike collection. The 21-model series includes uncompromising XC race models as well as trail bikes with short suspension travel. Although both categories are based on the same frame, they differ in terms of structure and equipment. Compared to the Spark RC, the 900 comes with trail-oriented parts. In this case, a fork with longer spring travel, wider handlebars, trail-focused tires and a larger damper are installed. The latter is worth a closer look: It is conspicuously inconspicuous and integrated into the frame construction – both in the RC and in the 900. Despite the integration, the damper and all settings are easily accessible from the outside.
According to Scott, the chassis characteristics have been refined thanks to the integrated suspension technology without sacrificing weight. When designing the frame, the developers primarily wanted to prevent inefficient movements. What is meant by this are primarily forces acting laterally to the direction of the spring deflection. According to the information provided, the frame construction around the damper could be made harder thanks to the integrated damper. This reduces movements and at the same time enables more efficient power transmission - according to the manufacturer. A larger bearing is used to support the saddle tube pivot point. But the integrated suspension technology offers another advantage: the damper could be placed further down in the frame, which means that the center of gravity is lower.
For Scott, the single-pivot suspension layout is the measure of all things for technical cross-country races and fast, sweeping singletrack. So it's not surprising that the Spark models are based on this layout. According to the manufacturer, the suspension layout has a very specific and proven kinetic and less unsprung mass. Using a flex pivot on the seatstay is an ideal solution for bikes in this travel range, Scott continues. Both the Spark RC and Spark 900 are available with either a FOX Nude 5T shock or a RockShox or X-Fusion NUDE 5 shock with 120mm rear travel and a combination with the TwinLoc suspension system. A 120 or 130 millimeter suspension fork works at the front, depending on the XC or trail area of use.
Regarding the geometry, the developers have opted for scientific facts and not for trends. For this, SWISS BIOMECHANICS worked closely together, especially with the SCOTT SRAM MTB Racing Team. The goal was to achieve a similar pedal position for the RC and 900. The integrated head angle adjustment feature allows the manufacturer to choose a longer, trail-optimized suspension fork for the 900 or a fork with slightly less travel for the RC, allowing for a more aggressive position when racing. The new Spark also features a completely new Fraser iC combo from Syncros. The cables run under the handlebars and around the sides of the stem before disappearing into the headset with integrated plastic parts. All bars and stems offer multiple options for computer, light and camera mounts.
In addition to the carbon models, Scott also offers the aluminum models Spark 950, 960, and 970, which offer the same features as the carbon versions but are, of course, correspondingly more affordable. The price range extends from €2.399,00 to €12.999€00 for the top-of-the-line bikes in the series. The new Spark bike collection is also rounded out by special Contessa models. Four of the new Spark models, one RC model and three 900s, were developed specifically for women. These models feature women-specific contact points and special fork and shock settings for lightweight models.
Website : www.scott-sports.com