Major points in favor of Scott and Specialized: two water bottle mounts. Might not be a huge deal for all, but I live in the desert. I gotta carry electrolytes, and I like to keep that separate from the water in my hydration pack. For longer races, two bottle mounts can let me skip the hydration pack and let fill up at aid stations.
Absolutely! The Specialized and Scott are race bikes so it only comes natural with two bottle holders. But it is a compromise - the mounts can get in the way of longer droppers.
Sparks have always had issues with low BB. Plan on using the twin lock to control this if you are pedaling up or down in the tech. If you dont want to use the twin lock get another bike or plan on lots of pedal strikes. As with looks, dont judge a bike by its tires but by how it rides.
Yes, that makes sense to use the twin lock a lot to mitigate potential pedal strike problems! 👍 The tyres on the spark (Wicked Will) are perfectly ok with this bike I think. There are thicker casings for us clumsier riders.
I have scott spark 940 and after test ride and notice its very fast compare to my previous hardtail mountain bike (Ghost Lector WC 9 kgs) and my scott spark 940 weight 11.40 kg ( SRAM AXS XX1/mfck wheels/ DT180 hubs/ continental cross king ) that save approx. 2 kgs from factory spec weight 13.6 kgs and it doesn't feel heavy when you start pedals so it's very fast and fun mtb but cons is 1 bottle can carry and for long ride need hyradtion pack and this video make me feels right to choose new scott spark 940 ( fit to my budget).
Follower from Brasil here, congrats on your contents! I have a 2020 Scott Spark RC 900 team (great bike) and i'm considering selling it to buy another bike. I used to do specific training and run marathon/xc races, but now i want to have more fun and enjoy riding xc tracks and trails (occasionally i will do some mid/long rides with my friends and also marathon races for fun). The options that I have right now are: Trek Top Fuel 8 (new), Scott Spark RC comp 2022 (used) and Orbea OIZ M30 2023 (new). I checked both the Trek and Scott bikes yesterday in the local stores. Trek is a really pretty bike and felt really good (it did not felt heavy, as the numbers suggest, and there is a 20% discount on it), the Scott is with some minor marks on the frame/forks/cranks and the cassette is very worn out. Orbea is in another city, i would have to buy online with no chance to test it before (right now there is a 30%discount on it!). The price range is almost the same for these bikes. What would be the best option in this case?
For racing I would go for low weight. Haven’t ridden the Oiz, but get the Scott at a good discount and ask them to replace the cassette. All are great bikes though, so you would probably be happy either way.
@@MTBs 'Mabuhay' is a lively greeting & well-wish from us -- the Filipinos -- which is equivalent to 'long live,' 'live well,' or 'may you have life to the fullest.' So I say, Mabuhay to you, your family, & this channel! 😄
I am 48 years old and maybe I will participate in 4 or 5 cross country races. I want to choose between the Scott RC or the 910. Which do you think would be the ideal one for me? although I also really like the cannondale scalpel. thank you
Hi! The 910 is definitely raceable, but the RC is the XC race machine. Still, both bikes are very similar. I think the only difference is 10 mm on the fork and the angle set, if I remember correctly. You should try to test ride the bikes. It's too much money to take a chance.
I'm very interested in the Top Fuel 9.8, we have very mixed terrain here and usually are training for some form of marathon race. I prefer the idea of the Trek as it seems to be a more comfortable bike that will be more capable on technical terrain even if it is heavier to push up all the long climbs. Would you suggest to get the Trek or is it better to stick to one of the more XC oriented bikes?
Hi! I assume you are looking for a bike to train with and not to race? It is so difficult to give an advice on this subject, the choice is very personal. If you already have a race XC bike I would at least consider something a bit different from what you already have, to mix things up a bit. The Top Fuel is very capable and will probably open up other places to ride. If you can, always test ride and build your own opinion. Your experience can be different than mine. Good luck!
@@MTBs Thanks this is good advice! This is to replace my current bike as it is too small for me and the suspension is very short travel. I know for my area many people use pure XC bikes for the marathon or stage racing but I don't like those options for myself and would be happier with that added travel and utility. The Top Fuel lacks a 2nd bottle cage which isn't great but I'm willing to use a hydration pack or alternatively mount a dual cage kit on the bike. The 2022 top fuel based on reviews seems to be a very capable and fun bike just not sure if it's going to be good for stage races or if it's too much trail for those uses...
I'm thinking if this will be your only bike and if you are racing, maybe the Scott Spark 9xx-series would be a good middle ground alternative? More race focused, but still with "capable geo", albeit perhaps not as sturdy as the Trek.
In your opinion, would getting the Scott spark 970 (the orange aluminum framed model) and changing out the wheels to a more trail oriented style be a good idea if I primarily intend on using it as a trail bike? Or would it be more beneficial to commit to a true trail bike. I currently own a downhill bike and am in the market for something I can actually pedal for long distance but still crush some flowy downhill jump trails that are local to me
Hi! Having different wheel sets for different types of riding is a good idea! But I have a couple of issues with this particular proposition. Firstly the 970 weighs quite a bit already from the start (33 lbs/15 kg). Heavier wheels and tyres on top of that and you are close to 16 kg which I think is too much. Secondly I would take a closer look if the seat tube fits you. The integrated shock is nice but makes the standover height high and maybe you want to look at what dropper size you need too. A more well-rounded option would be the new Stumpjumper. I haven't tested the Evo, but the normal Stumpjumper pedals well and can downhill too when you want to. The Alloy Comp weighs 14.7 kg and the Alloy weighs 16.2. I tested the "Carbon" Comp which was really nice! The only question mark is the performance of the rear shock which I am not too sure if I like or not. It is pretty stiff, but that adds to some pop I guess. Note that this is only my opinion as a scrub youtuber! The 970 with stronger wheels might be pretty good too for the right price.
It's great that there actually exists an entry level Top Fuel that does not cost too much. It is the same frame as the more expensive AL bikes, so that is a very nice base to start from. Sure, the suspension components are pretty basic but Deore drivetrain parts are pretty ok! The only real complaint I have about the Top Fuel 5 is the weight of 15.5 kg. It would be pretty easy to fix that number with a couple of upgrades, though.
Maybe not possible, but rather than looking at spec's, better to get out and ride these bikes in conditions they are (mostly) intended for....head to head, compare speed/times, comfort and fun-level.
Yep, of course testing them at the same time would have been ideal. But I am only a small RUclipsr and cannot plan group tests like MBR or Pinkbike can.
Funny I just picked up a fuel 9.8 the other day but I was looking at the epic Evo as well (black Friday at local bike shop) but I wanted an bike packing/xc rig and yeah the fuel may sound stupid for this but I used to build trails growing up and this is my first modern or carbon bike and the epic looked a little flimsy
All mountain is a term that is not used that much anymore. The term Enduro, from when enduro races started to become more popular, has taken over. I tried to explain what "downcountry" bikes are in the video - shorter travel bikes with progressive geo. "Downcountry" is a term invented by Pinkbike some time ago if I remember it correctly. Think of it as a lightweight trail bikes.
Yep, would have loved to include that bike too and others. But I am only a small RUclipsr so I am happy that I at least got to try out these three bikes.
Yes, the Scott Spark looks cleaner, but with the tradeoff of more difficulty accessing rear shock versus its competitors. Rather like routing cables through the frame versus having them exposed.
@@MTBs With shift/brake cable routed through the frame, you are only inconvenienced when they're ready for replacement. The Spark shock location would be a concern more often, if you go to different trails which require changing compression/rebound settings. A typical engineering tradeoff, but it does set the Spark apart from its competitors.
@@rlsedition it’s actually not too difficult altering the rebound, but if you want to tune HS and LS compression you’re out of luck because of the Twinloc
Interested in your comment on the Spark’s tyres. Typical XC tyres would be Rekon Race or Ikon - those Scwalbe tyres are gigantic, burlier than DHFs. Literally would put the same thing on an enduro rig. It seems like you’ve been confusing the RC 900 with the standard 900.
Hi Oliver! I was talking about the Wicked Will. I have since I made this video learned that there are different casings (of course there are...), so I guess everyone would find what suits them the most. The lightest casing is too weak for me. The tyre sits somewhere in between XC and Trail, it is definitely not Enduro despite the looks. It's fast rolling and works great in the dry. I think it suits this bike very well. But it is not a great tyre in muddy and wet terrain. Just my opinion.
The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.
@@KlintonSilvey Then let's create "upcontry", easier to say than "short travel xc bike with no rear shock but not on the gravel territory" Edit: of course, with a 90 mm front fork
Major points in favor of Scott and Specialized: two water bottle mounts. Might not be a huge deal for all, but I live in the desert. I gotta carry electrolytes, and I like to keep that separate from the water in my hydration pack. For longer races, two bottle mounts can let me skip the hydration pack and let fill up at aid stations.
Absolutely! The Specialized and Scott are race bikes so it only comes natural with two bottle holders. But it is a compromise - the mounts can get in the way of longer droppers.
Great review and answered a lot of questions! Now it’s a matter what’s in stock! 🤦🏻♂️
Thanks! Good hunting!
Sparks have always had issues with low BB. Plan on using the twin lock to control this if you are pedaling up or down in the tech. If you dont want to use the twin lock get another bike or plan on lots of pedal strikes. As with looks, dont judge a bike by its tires but by how it rides.
Yes, that makes sense to use the twin lock a lot to mitigate potential pedal strike problems! 👍
The tyres on the spark (Wicked Will) are perfectly ok with this bike I think. There are thicker casings for us clumsier riders.
I have scott spark 940 and after test ride and notice its very fast compare to my previous hardtail mountain bike (Ghost Lector WC 9 kgs) and my scott spark 940 weight 11.40 kg ( SRAM AXS XX1/mfck wheels/ DT180 hubs/ continental cross king ) that save approx. 2 kgs from factory spec weight 13.6 kgs and it doesn't feel heavy when you start pedals so it's very fast and fun mtb
but cons is 1 bottle can carry and for long ride need hyradtion pack and this video make me feels right to choose new scott spark 940 ( fit to my budget).
I envy you!
Thank you! I have been begging for these very bikes to be put head to head
😀
4:04 That road climb was steep! 🤣👍
Follower from Brasil here, congrats on your contents! I have a 2020 Scott Spark RC 900 team (great bike) and i'm considering selling it to buy another bike. I used to do specific training and run marathon/xc races, but now i want to have more fun and enjoy riding xc tracks and trails (occasionally i will do some mid/long rides with my friends and also marathon races for fun). The options that I have right now are: Trek Top Fuel 8 (new), Scott Spark RC comp 2022 (used) and Orbea OIZ M30 2023 (new). I checked both the Trek and Scott bikes yesterday in the local stores. Trek is a really pretty bike and felt really good (it did not felt heavy, as the numbers suggest, and there is a 20% discount on it), the Scott is with some minor marks on the frame/forks/cranks and the cassette is very worn out. Orbea is in another city, i would have to buy online with no chance to test it before (right now there is a 30%discount on it!). The price range is almost the same for these bikes. What would be the best option in this case?
For racing I would go for low weight. Haven’t ridden the Oiz, but get the Scott at a good discount and ask them to replace the cassette.
All are great bikes though, so you would probably be happy either way.
Need to add Santa Cruz Blur TR. I have one and it’s very similar to these.
Would love to have tested one, but Santa Cruz demo bikes are very difficult to find around here.
I adore the look of that Scott Spark!
Great primer you did, Sir! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking
Had to check google maps, Mabuhay seems to be a cool place!
@@MTBs 'Mabuhay' is a lively greeting & well-wish from us -- the Filipinos -- which is equivalent to 'long live,' 'live well,' or 'may you have life to the fullest.'
So I say, Mabuhay to you, your family, & this channel! 😄
Hi, could you help me decide between Scott Spark RC comp, top fuel 9.7 or OIZ M10 TR. Thank you a lot
all though its not a Downcountry...i love my Trek Fuel EX 9.8 👍🏼
🤣 Great to hear! Love the bike too.
I am 48 years old and maybe I will participate in 4 or 5 cross country races. I want to choose between the Scott RC or the 910. Which do you think would be the ideal one for me? although I also really like the cannondale scalpel. thank you
Hi!
The 910 is definitely raceable, but the RC is the XC race machine. Still, both bikes are very similar. I think the only difference is 10 mm on the fork and the angle set, if I remember correctly.
You should try to test ride the bikes. It's too much money to take a chance.
Deserves way more views and subs
You are absolutely correct! 😉
Damn you Olof, you make me want to buy a MTB, andI can’t afford it nor find time for it! 🤬 great vid! 👍
Sell all your racers, mortgage your house and buy a S-Works MTB. You will never look back!
@@MTBs 😂 Im just gonna find the right time to tell my wife that I increase the mortgage… Christmas eve maybe… 🎅🏼
We find the time for the things we love the most!
@@kw4704 Tru, bur I have a lot of love! 😉❤️
Super helpful. Thanks for the great comparison.
I'm very interested in the Top Fuel 9.8, we have very mixed terrain here and usually are training for some form of marathon race. I prefer the idea of the Trek as it seems to be a more comfortable bike that will be more capable on technical terrain even if it is heavier to push up all the long climbs. Would you suggest to get the Trek or is it better to stick to one of the more XC oriented bikes?
Hi!
I assume you are looking for a bike to train with and not to race?
It is so difficult to give an advice on this subject, the choice is very personal. If you already have a race XC bike I would at least consider something a bit different from what you already have, to mix things up a bit. The Top Fuel is very capable and will probably open up other places to ride.
If you can, always test ride and build your own opinion. Your experience can be different than mine.
Good luck!
@@MTBs Thanks this is good advice! This is to replace my current bike as it is too small for me and the suspension is very short travel. I know for my area many people use pure XC bikes for the marathon or stage racing but I don't like those options for myself and would be happier with that added travel and utility. The Top Fuel lacks a 2nd bottle cage which isn't great but I'm willing to use a hydration pack or alternatively mount a dual cage kit on the bike.
The 2022 top fuel based on reviews seems to be a very capable and fun bike just not sure if it's going to be good for stage races or if it's too much trail for those uses...
I'm thinking if this will be your only bike and if you are racing, maybe the Scott Spark 9xx-series would be a good middle ground alternative? More race focused, but still with "capable geo", albeit perhaps not as sturdy as the Trek.
Nice editing . Good material
The entry level Scott will weigh more than 15 kg ready to ride. That's more then what enduro bikes used to weigh.
Yep, to avoid that it's time to sell one of your kidneys! 👍
@@MTBs That should save some weight also 👍
It’s going to be a lot more capable than what those enduro bikes used to weigh, though (and comparatively cheaper)
In your opinion, would getting the Scott spark 970 (the orange aluminum framed model) and changing out the wheels to a more trail oriented style be a good idea if I primarily intend on using it as a trail bike? Or would it be more beneficial to commit to a true trail bike. I currently own a downhill bike and am in the market for something I can actually pedal for long distance but still crush some flowy downhill jump trails that are local to me
Hi!
Having different wheel sets for different types of riding is a good idea! But I have a couple of issues with this particular proposition.
Firstly the 970 weighs quite a bit already from the start (33 lbs/15 kg). Heavier wheels and tyres on top of that and you are close to 16 kg which I think is too much.
Secondly I would take a closer look if the seat tube fits you. The integrated shock is nice but makes the standover height high and maybe you want to look at what dropper size you need too.
A more well-rounded option would be the new Stumpjumper. I haven't tested the Evo, but the normal Stumpjumper pedals well and can downhill too when you want to. The Alloy Comp weighs 14.7 kg and the Alloy weighs 16.2. I tested the "Carbon" Comp which was really nice! The only question mark is the performance of the rear shock which I am not too sure if I like or not. It is pretty stiff, but that adds to some pop I guess.
Note that this is only my opinion as a scrub youtuber! The 970 with stronger wheels might be pretty good too for the right price.
@@MTBs thank you so much for the advice! Keep up the awesome work too!
Adding the Trek Top Fuel 5 into this mix, how does it stack up?
It's great that there actually exists an entry level Top Fuel that does not cost too much. It is the same frame as the more expensive AL bikes, so that is a very nice base to start from. Sure, the suspension components are pretty basic but Deore drivetrain parts are pretty ok!
The only real complaint I have about the Top Fuel 5 is the weight of 15.5 kg. It would be pretty easy to fix that number with a couple of upgrades, though.
The 970 has 30mm rims and 2.4 inch tyres (or 2.6, something like that) so that’s more than enough for trail riding
Maybe not possible, but rather than looking at spec's, better to get out and ride these bikes in conditions they are (mostly) intended for....head to head, compare speed/times, comfort and fun-level.
Yep, of course testing them at the same time would have been ideal. But I am only a small RUclipsr and cannot plan group tests like MBR or Pinkbike can.
Nice review
Do you know any nice track close to malmo?
Sorry, I suggest you ask at happyride.se
Cheers!
Funny I just picked up a fuel 9.8 the other day but I was looking at the epic Evo as well (black Friday at local bike shop) but I wanted an bike packing/xc rig and yeah the fuel may sound stupid for this but I used to build trails growing up and this is my first modern or carbon bike and the epic looked a little flimsy
The Epic is more of a race bike than the others so in that sense you're not wrong.
Great review
Good job. Nice work. Bravo bravissimo.
Outstanding work!
Thank you, Steve! 😀
Nice review...ty
Big thanks!
So it’s an all mountain?
All mountain is a term that is not used that much anymore. The term Enduro, from when enduro races started to become more popular, has taken over.
I tried to explain what "downcountry" bikes are in the video - shorter travel bikes with progressive geo. "Downcountry" is a term invented by Pinkbike some time ago if I remember it correctly. Think of it as a lightweight trail bikes.
Shame that Canyon Lux Trail is not included in the comparison.
Yep, would have loved to include that bike too and others. But I am only a small RUclipsr so I am happy that I at least got to try out these three bikes.
What about the tallboy
Why not!? Santa Cruz is not very common around here, it's a very expensive brand. Have only ridden the Hightower which was nice!
Yes, the Scott Spark looks cleaner, but with the tradeoff of more difficulty accessing rear shock versus its competitors. Rather like routing cables through the frame versus having them exposed.
It is a compromise for sure. The height of the seat tube and the BB placement are affected.
@@MTBs With shift/brake cable routed through the frame, you are only inconvenienced when they're ready for replacement. The Spark shock location would be a concern more often, if you go to different trails which require changing compression/rebound settings. A typical engineering tradeoff, but it does set the Spark apart from its competitors.
@@rlsedition it’s actually not too difficult altering the rebound, but if you want to tune HS and LS compression you’re out of luck because of the Twinloc
Trek Fuels are very heavy across the lineup.
Yes, they are. They are sturdy built.
Interested in your comment on the Spark’s tyres. Typical XC tyres would be Rekon Race or Ikon - those Scwalbe tyres are gigantic, burlier than DHFs. Literally would put the same thing on an enduro rig. It seems like you’ve been confusing the RC 900 with the standard 900.
RC Comp has Recon, 12,5 kg. That could be my unicorn for a while. I'm very close to buying one. (Ghaaa, it's so much money!!!)
Hi Oliver!
I was talking about the Wicked Will. I have since I made this video learned that there are different casings (of course there are...), so I guess everyone would find what suits them the most. The lightest casing is too weak for me.
The tyre sits somewhere in between XC and Trail, it is definitely not Enduro despite the looks. It's fast rolling and works great in the dry. I think it suits this bike very well. But it is not a great tyre in muddy and wet terrain. Just my opinion.
Kona Hei Hei. That is all
No *Cannondale Scalpel* ? 😲😲😲
Why love to try one! 👍
First i did read “Downcountry Syndrom”
It could definitely be a syndrome! 🤣
Kom igen nu brittmarie gör en bakflip.
Få nöja mig med mina löjliga baby-whips! 😂
The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.
I have no idea, sorry.
Transition spur
Lots of bikes out there! 😅
where's merida ninetysix? and merida one twenty?😄
I wish I could get a hold of some Meridas too, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere.
Dumbcountry? Not interested in more stupid labels
It's easier to say than "short travel trail bike with xc bias"
@@KlintonSilvey Then let's create "upcontry", easier to say than "short travel xc bike with no rear shock but not on the gravel territory" Edit: of course, with a 90 mm front fork
It's just a xc bike with slighty more travel
@@Paganiproductions84 I know what it is, but it doesn't mean every change in a bike needs a new label
Epic Evo is the much superior bike
Kona Hei Hei. That is all