the models with the best quality-price ratio

Scott Spark RC 2024: what are the models with the best value for money?
Of the nine available we have chosen three, those which in our opinion offer a set-up suitable for both competitive use and quieter outings, but at the same time are more accessible on an economic level.

Below we talk about the materials and fittings to help you understand which model of the 2024 Scott Spark RC could be right for you.

SCOTT SPARK RC TEAM ISSUE TR

In our opinion, of all the 2024 Scott Spark RC, the Team Issue TR is the one with the best quality-price ratio.

The frame is from HMF series, built with a high modulus carbon which requires higher thicknesses and a higher quantity of resin than those needed on the HMX and HMX-SL frames, which is why it weighs slightly more. The dynamic characteristics and resistance do not vary much, while the technologies and geometries are identical to those of the most refined frames.
Below, an in-depth look at Scott carbon frames:

Below, the geometries of the Scott Spark RC 2024:

The suspension on the Spark RC Team Issue TR is great FOX of level Performancehave the same structure as the Factory versions but without Kashima rods and with less elaborate hydraulics.
The fork is one 34 Step Cast with excursion from 120 mm and Fit Grip cartridge, while the shock absorber is a Nude EVOL 5 with travel by 120 mm and specific calibration for the Scott Spark.

The remote control is the famous one Scott Twinloc three positionwhich controls the fork and shock simultaneously, but also incorporates the lever for the telescopic seat postwhich is also from FOX, specifically a Transfer SL Performance.

The wheels are Syncros Silverton 2.0 with aluminum rims with a 30 mm internal channel: not very light (about 1900 grams per pair), but resistant and reliable.
Same goes for the tires Maxxis Rekon Race 29×2.4” WT, a guarantee in terms of performance and versatility.

The group is a Sram GX Eagle Transmission with a 32 tooth chainring on the front and a 10-52 sprocket set.
The brakes, however, are Shimano Deore XT with 160 mm (front) and 180 mm (rear) discs.

We close with the saddle and handlebars: the saddle is one Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 with titanium trolley, while the handlebar is the very famous Syncros Fraser iC SL XCtherefore integrated and made of carbon, with -12° stem, 8° backsweep and 740 mm handlebar width.

In this configuration, the Scott Spark RC Team Issue TR has a declared weight of 11.6kg without pedals and with tubeless tyres, so it’s not very light, but there is a good margin for improvement on the components.
For example, with “race” wheels you could even drop 500 grams, which is quite a lot on the rotating masses…

How much does the Spark RC Team Issue TR cost?
The list price is €6599which in our opinion is suitable for the type of setup and the level of the bike as a whole.
Ultimately, the only “bad note” could concern the wheels, while the remaining components are functional, reliable and not too heavy.

SCOTT SPARK RC TEAM

Immediately below the Team Issue TR we find the Spark RC Team, which is basically very similar (the frame is identical), but is offered with less high-quality components and without telescopic seat post.
The suspensions are the same, FOX Performance 120mm both front and rear.
In this case the group is Shimano Deore XTas well as the brakes.

The wheels are always marked Syncrosbut in the model Silverton 2.5slightly cheaper, always fitted with tyres Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4” WT.

The handlebar is not integratedbut includes an aluminum handlebar and attachment, always prepared for the passage of cables in the headset.

The fixed aluminum seat post Syncros Duncan 2.0 and the saddle Syncros Belcarra Regular 2.0 with steel frame complete the setup.
The Scott Spark RC Team has a declared weight of 11.7kg without pedals, it costs money €4999 list and is available in two colors (black and white).

Obviously, the weight factor is influenced by the lack of the telescopic seat post, which would add another 3-400 grams.
Overall, though, we have a MTB by good technical level and with great potential for any upgrades, offered at a truly interesting price.
Those who don’t feel the need to use an electronic gear shift and are less attentive to the weight factor might even prefer it to the Team Issue TR.

SCOTT SPARK RC PRO

Also in this case the frame is the same (HMF carbon), but the setup is slightly more valuable than the two modelsthe previous ones and obviously the price also increases.
The group is Shimano XTRbrakes included, but the crankset is one Race Face Next SL with carbon cranks.

The wheels are always from Syncros, from Silverton 1.5 with slightly higher range aluminum rims and therefore also lighter (around 1800 grams per pair).
Tires Maxxis Rekon Racein this case they have a light side, but are identical in terms of characteristics and section.

The most obvious difference of the Spark RC Pro concerns the forkbecause instead of the FOX 34 SC Performance we find the RockShox SID Select+ RL3 Air with three-position cartridge specific for Scott bikes, which matches the shock absorber FOX Nude 5 RL3.
The remote control is always Scott’s Twinloc.

Since it is a more valuable model we find the integrated cockpit Syncros Fraser iC SL XC and the saddle Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 with titanium frame mounted on the telescopic seat post FOX Transfer SL Performance.

The declared weight of this model is 11.1kg without pedals, while the list price is €7399.
Let’s start talking about higher figures, not within everyone’s reach, but those looking for a means of transport qualitatively closer to high-end models it could focus on a model like this, rather than the other two previously mentioned.

SCOTT SPARK RC 2024: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Excluding the top of the range models, which offer maximum performance but have very high prices, the three we have just mentioned represent excellent compromises between quality and price.
With the Spark RC Team Issue TR there is the best balance between the level of components and the overall cost, while in all cases we find some fairly heavy wheelsexcellent for training and reliable for tackling long rides, but not ideal for competitions.

If you decide to buy one of these models and line up on the grid, perhaps in marathons with a lot of climbing, the first upgrade we recommend it is precisely the one on the wheels, a component that can clearly change the behavior of the bike, positively or negatively.
The remaining accessories are all of a good quality, reliable, functional and do not require immediate modifications.

From MTB wheels and upgrades we talked about it in this article:

Below, the race test of the Scott Spark RC Team Issue 2022, whose chassis is identical to that of the models mentioned in this article:

For more information Scott-Sports.com

Here are the other articles and tests on Scott MTBs.

Here are the other articles and tests on full XC bikes.