Lowdown: Scott Spark 900
It used to be that any mention of the Scott Spark spurred images of hard charging XC racing (think reigning Olympic champs Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds). And that's still the case, sort of. For model year 2017, Scott split its Spark line into two branches, Spark RC (as in racing concept) and standard Spark, which you could argue is more light duty trail bike than pure podium pursuer.
The Scott Spark 900 had no problem jumping into a 50-mile XC race that was mostly smooth, flowy, and fast, with the occasional chunky section thrown in just to keep rider and bike honest. Photo courtesy Steamboat Stinger/Noah Wetzel
Tested here is the "standard" 2017 Scott Spark 900 ($5600), which boasts 29er wheels, 120mm of front and rear travel, longer/lower/slacker frame geometry, and following a 24-month development process, a new single pivot rocker-link suspension design that's aim is to be more supportive off the top, but still provide silky smooth small bump compliance. All told there are 39 Spark models (including RC, standard, plus, and women's specific), and most come in both 29er and 27.5 versions. Scroll down for full spec on our test bike, key geo details, pluses and minuses, and the full Mtbr long term review.
It used to be that any mention of the Scott Spark spurred images of hard charging XC racing (think reigning Olympic champs Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds). And that's still the case, sort of. For model year 2017, Scott split its Spark line into two branches, Spark RC (as in racing concept) and standard Spark, which you could argue is more light duty trail bike than pure podium pursuer.
The Scott Spark 900 had no problem jumping into a 50-mile XC race that was mostly smooth, flowy, and fast, with the occasional chunky section thrown in just to keep rider and bike honest. Photo courtesy Steamboat Stinger/Noah Wetzel
Tested here is the "standard" 2017 Scott Spark 900 ($5600), which boasts 29er wheels, 120mm of front and rear travel, longer/lower/slacker frame geometry, and following a 24-month development process, a new single pivot rocker-link suspension design that's aim is to be more supportive off the top, but still provide silky smooth small bump compliance. All told there are 39 Spark models (including RC, standard, plus, and women's specific), and most come in both 29er and 27.5 versions. Scroll down for full spec on our test bike, key geo details, pluses and minuses, and the full Mtbr long term review.