Hey guys!
I'm in the market for a new full-sus MTB. I'm having trouble deciding between the following options:
- 2021 Scott Spark RC 900 World Cup (https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Scott/Spark-RC-900-World-Cup,31472) - R 120,000.00
- 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Ltd (https://www.cannondale.com/en-za/bikes/mountain/cross-country/scalpel/scalpel-carbon-ltd) - R 110,000.00
- 2022 Specialized Epic Evo Expert (https://www.specialized.com/za/en/epic-evo-expert/p/199656?color=319953-199656) - R 125,000.00
I've owned a 2013 Scott Spark 910 and a 2017 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 and were happy with both bikes. Bear in mind that, although I'm an XC kind of guy, I enjoy technical trails very, very much! I see myself as an XC guy, with an element of Enduro and I race the local XC series on a yearly basis.
The 2021 Scott Spark RC 900 World Cup is slightly lighter than the 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Ltd, has a 110mm fork and 180mm front rotor.
The 2022 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Ltd is cheaper, has a slightly slacker head tube angle and can accommodate 2 water bottles.
The 2022 Specialized Epic Evo Expert has 120mm travel front and rear, a slack head tube angle and 4-piston brakes. However, I fear that it might not be "racy" enough for me...
The different wheelsets on these bike don't concern me too much, since I'll be fitting my South Industries Enduro wheelset to race XC with (I've broken all other wheelsets I've tried, including a set of Stan's ZTR Arch EX). I'll be using the stock wheelset on the bike I choose for gravel griding.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!
MTB Comparison (October 2022).pdf
