Nic. Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Hi All, Quite new to the MTB world and I need some guidances on bikes. Overall which is a better bike (i.e. components and geometry) for predominantly trails and some XC, Scott Spark 950 or Specialised Camber Comp? Both seem to have similar components and are at the same price point, a qualified opinion would make the decision a bit easier. Had enough of biased sales techs and reviews ???? Thanks
Grease_Monkey Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 With the same sort of components on the bikes (assuming the Comp and 950 are at the same spec level), it is really going to come down to brand preference. Both Scott and Specialized are amazing bikes, and the Camber and Spark are very similar bikes. Personally I am a bit biased and would go for the Spez, but that is purely brand preference, I don't think the one brand is any better than the other! Maybe post the Spec if the two different bikes so we can compare...
Nic. Posted March 19, 2017 Author Posted March 19, 2017 From my limited knowledge they seem to be of similar spec - details within the below links. I was initially leaning towards the specialized, but the Scott seems to offer more bike for your money I.e incl dropper and remote lockouts, whereas the spez doesn't. if the Scott has better spec and additioval components it's going to be a tough choice. Scott : https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/249548008/SCOTT-Spark-950-Bike Specialized: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bike-archive/2016/camber/camber-comp-29/106503
Runbikeswim Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 From my limited knowledge they seem to be of similar spec - details within the below links. I was initially leaning towards the specialized, but the Scott seems to offer more bike for your money I.e incl dropper and remote lockouts, whereas the spez doesn't. if the Scott has better spec and additioval components it's going to be a tough choice. Scott : https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/249548008/SCOTT-Spark-950-Bike Specialized: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bike-archive/2016/camber/camber-comp-29/106503I would go with a giant anthem... cheaper and better IMO.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Grease_Monkey Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 From my limited knowledge they seem to be of similar spec - details within the below links. I was initially leaning towards the specialized, but the Scott seems to offer more bike for your money I.e incl dropper and remote lockouts, whereas the spez doesn't. if the Scott has better spec and additioval components it's going to be a tough choice. Scott : https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/249548008/SCOTT-Spark-950-Bike Specialized: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bike-archive/2016/camber/camber-comp-29/106503Yep, looking at the specs, the Scott does give you more bike for your money. I would go Scott if I was you, the dropper is what sells me - best thing to ever happen to mtb! I also prefer the suspension on the Scott!
Nic. Posted March 19, 2017 Author Posted March 19, 2017 Thanks GM - that's very helpful. Runbikeswim - I have looked at the Anthem, just haven't come across many stores in jhb which stock them. updated score: Scott 1 Spez 0 ????
BaGearA Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Get the Camber ! I've ridden both of the older models (2015,2016) and the camber just blows the spark away
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Get the Camber ! I've ridden both of the older models (2015,2016) and the camber just blows the spark awayOld spark or new spark? 2 very different bikes. This is in my opinion a very even race. Would come down to spec for me. Not gears or crank, but dropper and wheels and fork.
Knersboy Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Look I own a specialized, but the spark has really sparked my interest recently. The updated geometry of the 2017 version looks very appealing to me.
Chris NewbyFraser Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 A big difference for me would be the rear suspension. Spez use the Horst Link 4 bar design which has been voted the best overall rear suss design. The Spark uses a much tighter design and has an inclination to bob a bit - similar to the older Gary Fishers. If you want a smoother ride, the Spez is better. Having said that, the Giant Anthem with its Maestro link is even more plush and like a Horst Link, is not overly sensitive to shock setup.. With the exception of the DW Link, I have ridden all different rear suss designs and will never use a design such as the Scott, purely a personal preference - I like a smooth ride.
BaGearA Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Old spark or new spark? 2 very different bikes. This is in my opinion a very even race. Would come down to spec for me. Not gears or crank, but dropper and wheels and fork.Good point ,I have quickly ridden the spark 940 in A parking lot and 34 up front makes it feel quite sturdy but I'd still prefer A camber if I had the choice
funnyman Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Spark does seem to have better trail geometry, and dropper which is essential!Unfortunately, I dont think Syncros rims are at all suitable, know too many that have buckled, also- remote lockout- bad idea, cluttered cockpit, and can give problems. Camber is a great trail bike, and comfortable for long xc rides too. Why not tell the guys, you are keen on Camber, but they should throw in dropper post - worked for me.
Grease_Monkey Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Spark does seem to have better trail geometry, and dropper which is essential!Unfortunately, I dont think Syncros rims are at all suitable, know too many that have buckled, also- remote lockout- bad idea, cluttered cockpit, and can give problems. Camber is a great trail bike, and comfortable for long xc rides too. Why not tell the guys, you are keen on Camber, but they should throw in dropper post - worked for me.If you can manage that the Camber is a pretty solid choice!!
BaGearA Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 Spark does seem to have better trail geometry, and dropper which is essential!Unfortunately, I dont think Syncros rims are at all suitable, know too many that have buckled, also- remote lockout- bad idea, cluttered cockpit, and can give problems. Camber is a great trail bike, and comfortable for long xc rides too. Why not tell the guys, you are keen on Camber, but they should throw in dropper post - worked for me.Take this gents advice ^^^
JCA12 Posted March 19, 2017 Posted March 19, 2017 I tested the new 2017 Scotts at the test day recently at Bloemendal, and have ridden a 2014 Scott Spark 910. The new 2017 Scott Sparks (non RC) with 34mm fork, 120mm travel and dropper posts are very impressive. I haven't ridden many different bikes but the new bikes feel a lot more capable off road than the older ones. The new suspension system feels stiffer and less suspension bob than the older ones. The Dropper post makes a big difference (first time riding with a dropper) I haven't ridden the Camber so can't offer advise for the Camber. However i can advise that the new Scott's are great. If the components are better on the Scott, including the dropper, then I would say look at the Scott
Nic. Posted March 23, 2017 Author Posted March 23, 2017 Thanks all for your guidance, this has been harder than choosing a car! I've pretty much settled on a 2017 Scott 940 for myself and a Merida Ninety Six 800 (650b) for the missus. Last question I have, is 40k and 30k a good deal respectively? See you on the trail soon ????
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