If you’re looking for an XC racing thoroughbred, then look no further than the Scott Spark RC. This year, the RC and LTD models come with an ISP, something that sets these bikes apart from the rest. This is the 2nd year that the ISP frames are available. The Yeti ASR Carbon has also been sporting an ISP for a few years.
Some people have commented on this white tire look, but I actually like it. It sets it apart. It’s kind of like the gray or slightly blue tires that I’ve seen on some MTBs. The stock Spark RC has a full SRAM XX group, which is great.
[Update: I’ve also got some great prices on the stock 2010 Scott Spark RC. Stock MSRP is $8,250 USD. I’ve got it for significantly cheaper. The stock Spark RC is BB30.]
Just like the 2010 Scott Genius, the Spark comes with Scott’s Twinloc, remote lockout and control for the rear and front shocks. As with the Genius, it’s a lot cheaper to just get the frame and set up your Scott Spark the way that you like it. This option will be cheaper for people who want a custom bike. However, after seeing the price in Taiwan of the stock Spark RC, its MSRP is $8,250 USD though it can be found for $7,500 USD, I think it’s actually a better deal just to get the stock bike. You get some great components, which, if bought separately, skyrocket the price over $7,500 USD. Just so you know, it’s actually cheaper here in Taiwan. The stock bike tips the scales at 9.4kg/20.53lbs, though I’ve seen builds that were down to 7.14kg.
I believe in weight saving as much as you can, but not if it compromises performance. As the Spark is mainly used for XC racing, the ISP makes a lot of sense. In XC racing, you don’t need to lower your seat, you just need to put your pedal to the metal. The goal of an XC MTB is to be as light as possible, making bumps seem less big than they are, while maintaining the peak of performance. The remote operation of the fork isn’t something unique: other forks, like the Rock Shox SID XX T100 can also be remotely operated. Of course, the remote operation of the rear shock is quite unique, which makes adjusting the suspension on the fly a lot easier. The settings are very simple, which is also cool. Some forks have as much as 11 different adjustment nobs and levers. The Twinloc has just got a few settings, which can be applied to both shocks at the same time. No more getting off your bike and fiddling with the shock, just another trigger to get the bike in the right mode.
The Spark frame weighs 2020gr (4.45 lbs). In comparison, the Giant Anthem X Advanced SL frame weighs 2100gr (4.63lbs). However, the Giant frame doesn’t include the weight of the seat post. That adds another 200 gr to the weight of the frame. That’s 2020 gr vs 2300 gr. The total weight of the Adv SL 0 is 9.8kg (21.8lbs). I think that the Scott Spark RC is a great bike to turn into a weight weenie. It’s already really light.
Putting a Spark together in Taiwan will cost about the same as the Adv SL 0, with SRAM XX, Mavic Crossmax SLRs, Avid XX brakes, and your choice of fork. Send me an email at djrange at gmail dot com or visit Asterisk*Cycles to find out more.
I’ve talked with my supplier and was very surprised at the price of the stock Spark RC. It’s slightly more expensive than a Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 0, but if I order one for myself, it will be stock.
Here is Scott’s warranty information:
5 year warranty on frames, 2 years warranty on rigid forks. 2 year warranty on High Octane models. Scott warranties maybe restricted to 3 years if proof of correct maintenance is not available. Scott warranties are subject to a maximum rider weight of 110kg.
Here are the complete specs of the 2010 Scott Spark RC:
| Frame | Scott Spark / IMP technology / HMX netintegr. BB & seatpost / carbon swingarm carbon dropouts with replaceable hanger / sealed aircraft bearings / 110mm rear travel / optimised SLS kinematic |
| Fork | DT Swiss XC 100 / Air springcarbon lowers / reb. A.lockout / 100mm travel |
| Rear Shock | Scott Nude TC / 3 modes Lockout-TC-AT Ball joints / reb. Adj. Scott Twinloc Remote Lever / front & rear lockout activate by one lever |
| Shifters | SRAM XX Triggermulti adj. / with carbon capwith matchmaker clamp |
| Rear Mech | SRAM XX carbon long cage20Speed |
| Front Mech | SRAM XX / High Mount 38.2mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM XX / PF30 int. standard / shell 73mm |
| Chainset | SRAM Truvativ XXCarbon crankarm39Ax26A T |
| Cassette | SRAM XX11-36 T |
| Chain | SRAM PC 1090 |
| Brakes | SRAM Avid XX Carbon185/F and 160/R mm Rotor |
| Pedals | nil |
| Wheelset | F:DT Swiss Disc IT/ RWS QR R:DT Swiss 240 S Disc IT / RWS QR Ritchey WCS Disc OCR 32H / Black Anodized DT Swiss Super Comp black |
| Tyres | Schwalbe Rocket Ron26 x 2.1 / 127EPI Kevlar BeadEvolution / triple compound |
| Handlebar | Ritchey Carbon WCSFlat 9°/ 620 mmScott lockon grips |
| Stem | Ritchey MTB WCS 4-Axis 44oversize 31.8mm1-1/8″ / 6° angle |
| Grips | |
| Seatpost | Ritchey WCS integrated clamp / 38.2mm |
| Saddle | Ritchey Streem V2 WCS |
| Headset | Ritchey WCS Carbon 1 1/8″semi integrated 44/50mm |
How much for the frame. I’m currently in Taiwan.
Cheers,
PHH
Hi Peter, I sent you an email. Cheers.