8_Mad Posted May 25, 2018 Posted May 25, 2018 Hi Hubbers, I need help deciding between a Scott Spark 920 and Scott Spark RC Team, both 2018 models. I read quite a few reviews on both bikes, and have a good idea on the difference in geometry and spec. I am upgrading from an aluminium Giant Anthem and would like a lighter more efficient climber as well as something that's better on the downs. I am a middle of the pack rider, stand 1.95m tall and weigh between 90 - 95kg. I prefer keeping my rubber on the trail and not too adventurous on the downs. I need make a decision soon and will appreciate any suggestions that will help me make up my mind???
WrightJnr Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 Go for the one with more travel at your weight and needs. The RC is for Nino..... Sent from my SM-A530F using Tapatalk
splat Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 Spark 920 would be my choice of the two Fox 34 forks with more travel and a dropper seatpost
BottelaryHillBuddy Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 Hi Hubbers, I need help deciding between a Scott Spark 920 and Scott Spark RC Team, both 2018 models. I read quite a few reviews on both bikes, and have a good idea on the difference in geometry and spec. I am upgrading from an aluminium Giant Anthem and would like a lighter more efficient climber as well as something that's better on the downs. I am a middle of the pack rider, stand 1.95m tall and weigh between 90 - 95kg. I prefer keeping my rubber on the trail and not too adventurous on the downs. I need make a decision soon and will appreciate any suggestions that will help me make up my mind???RC TEAM
Fauret Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 I would go with the Spark 920 as well. Me and my partner rode 920 & 910 for the epic. He killed me with eagle on his though. For most of the riding in SA the 120mm travel version is better and you can go and shred Jonkershoek and other great trails of you want with enough travel and a handy dropper. The RC is very nice for shorter punchy races and rides.
Heel Drop Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 I had the RC team and VS my old Spez EPic did not like it at all I would go for the Spark between the 2 Test ride both and you will know which one
8_Mad Posted June 4, 2018 Author Posted June 4, 2018 So here is some more background,my current ride is analuminium Giant Anthem, 2x11 XT, A/C wide lightnings and a Lyne dropper. With pedals and bottle cage the Giant weighs in at 12.80kg. I do most of my riding in Tokai, greenbelts, Kirstenbosch and Table mountain with the odd PPA race and visit to the Tygerberg trails thrown into the mix. I was a bit disappointed that the Spark 920 weighs in 12.80Kg as well and this was before pedals. I'm not a hardcore weight weeny but was hoping for a bigger weight saving by going carbon. The only reason I am considering the RC team is because of the weight and also that it has a 3 degree slacker head angle then the Giant. I know the Team is the all out race bike, but shouldn't this slacker head angle feel more comfy and be a better descender then my Giant?
8_Mad Posted June 4, 2018 Author Posted June 4, 2018 I had the RC team and VS my old Spez EPic did not like it at all I would go for the Spark between the 2 Test ride both and you will know which one I would dearly love to test both, I am even willing to pay for the test ride. I however just cant seem to find a demo in my size
keithbe Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 So here is some more background,my current ride is analuminium Giant Anthem, 2x11 XT, A/C wide lightnings and a Lyne dropper. With pedals and bottle cage the Giant weighs in at 12.80kg. I do most of my riding in Tokai, greenbelts, Kirstenbosch and Table mountain with the odd PPA race and visit to the Tygerberg trails thrown into the mix. I was a bit disappointed that the Spark 920 weighs in 12.80Kg as well and this was before pedals. I'm not a hardcore weight weeny but was hoping for a bigger weight saving by going carbon. The only reason I am considering the RC team is because of the weight and also that it has a 3 degree slacker head angle then the Giant. I know the Team is the all out race bike, but shouldn't this slacker head angle feel more comfy and be a better descender then my Giant?Head angle is but one aspect of many; fork offset, seatpost angle, reach, wheelbase length etc. all come together and is wholly dependant on the rider.
8_Mad Posted June 4, 2018 Author Posted June 4, 2018 Head angle is but one aspect of many; fork offset, seatpost angle, reach, wheelbase length etc. all come together and is wholly dependant on the rider. I agree yes. What I would like to know is, is the new RC Spark a more relaxed, comfortable and more "trailable" bike then my Giant Anthem(2014)?
JCA12 Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 Tested both at a Scott test day 2 years ago. The RC series felt faster on the climbs, but overall, the non RC ones were actually quicker for me. They are more forgiving over rough terrain and the bigger 34mm fork felt much sturdier (was 105kg then). The new design, even the RC felt better than the old Scott 910, with the horizontal shock, with the slacker head angle. Haven't ridden an Anthem so can't comment on that. If it was me, I would go with the 920, unless I am a racing snake fighting for podiums. The 920 will be as quick over most terrain.
txz201 Posted June 4, 2018 Posted June 4, 2018 I agree yes. What I would like to know is, is the new RC Spark a more relaxed, comfortable and more "trailable" bike then my Giant Anthem(2014)?I road an anthem x (2012) for 3 odd years and recently bought a RC team and have been thoroughly impressed, the bike certainly feels more planted and confidence inspiring on the steeper stuff, it also climbs really well. I cant comment on the 920 but for my kind of riding (cross country and marathon racing) the RC team is perfect.
8_Mad Posted June 5, 2018 Author Posted June 5, 2018 Thanks everyone for the comments, they made me think long and hard. Laying out R50k+ and not being able to test ride makes the decision quite hard. I think for now I'm leaning more towards the RC, I think it's more inline with what I would like from the upgrade. I'll be adding a dropper and fitting a set A/C Wide Lightnings. I can probably add a 120mm fork later should I really regret the decision to go 100mm
PeterF Posted June 5, 2018 Posted June 5, 2018 Thanks everyone for the comments, they made me think long and hard. Laying out R50k+ and not being able to test ride makes the decision quite hard. I think for now I'm leaning more towards the RC, I think it's more inline with what I would like from the upgrade. I'll be adding a dropper and fitting a set A/C Wide Lightnings. I can probably add a 120mm fork later should I really regret the decision to go 100mmWon't adding a dropper post and possibly a 120mm fork to the RC make it's weight then similar to the 920?
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.