Scott Spark 940 / 930 - Frame Sizing L or XL

[steveCPT]

Hi All, 

This is my first post on BikeHub    

 

I've recently started doing stage races and rode the Sani2c, Berg & Bush 3 Day and just did a 4 day trip through Lesotho on some rough terrain. 

 

The time has come to upgrade my bike. I've been super happy with my Scott XL frame (Scott Scale 960 - 2014 - 120mm Default Stem) (height: 186cm, weight: 86 - 90 kg). I am in the range overlap between L & XL on the size charts of most manufacturers. 

 

I'm really happy with the Scott geometry but also open to some other options (only brands where spares and service are easily available in SA)

 

I've been eyeing out the Scott Spark 940 2018 (XL) for a while now. I was hoping to get a deal on one at the changeover to 2019 models, but there were only really a lot of offers on mediums/smalls. 

 

I've also been looking at the Scott Spark 930 2018 (XL)

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-930-2018

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-940-2018

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-930-2018 (with GX 1x12 / NX 1 x 12)

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-940-2019

 

I've also had a look at the 2019 models, but R50k+ is quite steep

 

Alternatively, I'm looking for the following: 

- Similar geometry to Scott Spark

- At least 120mm Fork Travel

- Good Rear Suspension (I like the Scott 3 way control as a bonus)

- GX 1x12

- Dropper Post

- Decent wheels

- New or Second Hand (2nd hand must be newer than 2 years old)

- Great handling on trail, but also capable of long days out on the bike. 

 

What do you think of these bike options? 
Are their any others you'd recommend? 
If you own a Scott Spark and you are fairly tall, 185+ are you happy on a Large frame? 

My problem is that if I go XL I will likely not be able to take advantage of any price deals 

 

I am based in Cape Town (city bowl), are there any shops you'd recommend? 

(I service at Freewheel Cycology and I love them for that, bike is never been smoother, but a Spez is like 60k+ for same/similar componentry)
 

[Jehosefat]

I've got a 2018 Spark and at your height I'd suggest the Large. I'm a bit taller than you (190cm) and the dropper post is basically as far into the frame as it can go (it can literally only go in another 1cm or so). That said i do have slightly shorter legs and a longer torso than average for my height.

[Mikeridgwell]

I haven't seen the spec's, but with modern geometry moving towards "long, low and slack", you might find the over-all length of a 2018/2019 size L is comparable to that of a 2014 size XL?

 

At 1.87cm (with arms that are proportionately shorter than my legs), my 2019 Spark in a size L is a great fit. You can always go wider on the bars, and slam them to get a bit extra reach?

[steveCPT]

Thanks. I'll measure up my leg and arm length and see. My leg length is probably a little longer than average for my height (jean size 34w / 34 l - which is an inseam length of 86/87cm), but need to measure properly. 


Mikeridgwell which spark are you riding? 

Do you have any opinions on whether you'd go with NX 1 x 12, or if it's worth the upgrade to GX 1 x 12. I am told that I'd need to rebuild the rear hub to go with GX. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks. I'll measure up my leg and arm length and see. My leg length is probably a little longer than average for my height (jean size 34w / 34 l - which is an inseam length of 86/87cm), but need to measure properly. 

 

 

Mikeridgwell which spark are you riding? 

 

Do you have any opinions on whether you'd go with NX 1 x 12, or if it's worth the upgrade to GX 1 x 12. I am told that I'd need to rebuild the rear hub to go with GX. 

NX is the workhorse of the range. Bulletproof, hardy and will take a knock and brush it off. Also not a lot heavier than GX, and it means your replacement cassettes will be FAR cheaper as you can use shimano / sunrace when needed which are MUCH cheaper than even GX cassettes. I'll be replacing my GX with NX when the time comes to upgrade to Eagle. 

[Tankman]

Thanks. I'll measure up my leg and arm length and see. My leg length is probably a little longer than average for my height (jean size 34w / 34 l - which is an inseam length of 86/87cm), but need to measure properly. 

 

 

Mikeridgwell which spark are you riding? 

 

Do you have any opinions on whether you'd go with NX 1 x 12, or if it's worth the upgrade to GX 1 x 12. I am told that I'd need to rebuild the rear hub to go with GX. 

 

 

If you have longer legs, go for the XL.

I am 1.87 with very long legs and could not get the saddle out to where it needed to go on the L.

The XL just felt right too.

[Me rida my bicycle]

I would think a XL but with new geometry I would suggest going and testing it out and make sure what size doesn't help to save money on a bike that's to small.

[CAAD4]

Size up, because far too many looong seat posts end in disaster.

[ChrisF]

Steve at 1,76 I am on the cusp between the L and the XL.

 

Though I have slightly longer legs, and shorter upper body.

 

 

On the L my knees are "in front off" the pedals, and the bike-setup is incorrect.

 

 

I have the 940 in XL and ENJOY this bike !!!!!

 

 

 

 

But, I HEAR what CptMayhem (and many others) are saying about the running costs of GX vs NX ..... my rides are shorter, so I am hoping that maintenance costs are not too high .... but when the time comes to replace the sprocket I certainly will be doing some maths ....

[Grease_Monkey]

Steve at 1,76 I am on the cusp between the L and the XL.

 

Though I have slightly longer legs, and shorter upper body.

 

 

On the L my knees are "in front off" the pedals, and the bike-setup is incorrect.

 

 

I have the 940 in XL and ENJOY this bike !!!!!

 

 

 

 

But, I HEAR what CptMayhem (and many others) are saying about the running costs of GX vs NX ..... my rides are shorter, so I am hoping that maintenance costs are not too high .... but when the time comes to replace the sprocket I certainly will be doing some maths ....

1.76 or 1.86? And XL seems huge for someone that is 1.76. I'm 1.78 and always between a Medium and Large in most brands. I have yet to ride an XL that does not feel like a farm gate under me.

 

OP - size up rather than down... at your height I would go for an XL.

[Jacoo]

Well it seems like i have a slightly unpopular opinion, but id go for the smaller option if im on the fence between 2 sizes. I am 1.88 and ride a large. If i had to (for some reason) choose between medium and xl, I would probably even opt for the medium. Xl just feels like a boat to me, and they even look a bit off to me. Resale market also dips on xl as large is the most common amongst the hubbers, followed by medium and then only xl. There was a poll once.

[ChrisF]

1.76 or 1.86? And XL seems huge for someone that is 1.76. I'm 1.78 and always between a Medium and Large in most brands. I have yet to ride an XL that does not feel like a farm gate under me.

 

OP - size up rather than down... at your height I would go for an XL.

 

JIP

 

1,76 on an XL

 

 

Note the comment about my long legs and short upper body.  So this may not be the best solution for everybody under 1,8 ....  

[ChrisF]

Well it seems like i have a slightly unpopular opinion, but id go for the smaller option if im on the fence between 2 sizes. I am 1.88 and ride a large. If i had to (for some reason) choose between medium and xl, I would probably even opt for the medium. Xl just feels like a boat to me, and they even look a bit off to me. Resale market also dips on xl as large is the most common amongst the hubbers, followed by medium and then only xl. There was a poll once.

 

Just a thought - before committing to such a decision .... have a professional bike fit done on the bikes ......

 

People are INDIVIDUALS, each with their own unique quirks .... mine being a longer femer, impacting on the seat-back setting - thus the smaller frames dont work for me.

 

 

There is a very good reason the size tables show overlaps ....

 

 

 

These bikes aint exactly cheap .... and it becomes very expensive when you realise later the sizing is off ...

[steveCPT]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems like some mixed opinions here. My gut feel is that I should be an XL. But what I'm taking out of this is: 

1. Don't rush into buying on any immediate specials, rather try aim to get a discount later. 

2. Aim to get a test ride on a newer Spark L/XL.

3. Take my existing bike (Scale XL-2014) into the store so I can show my current setup. 

Going to call up some of the local Scott dealers and see what I can organise (I normally do my services at Freewheel Cycology in Kenilworth but not happy with what kind of bike Spez offers for the money)
 

[varkie2]

bigger is always better