Scott Spark RC (2022) - Wartezimmer

[lesoudeur]

I also find the frame timelessly beautiful. I haven't seen any major changes from other manufacturers over the years either. Perhaps the move away from Brain to Remote or FA at Specialized.

I treated my Scott Spark RC to a set of Elitewheels carbon wheels and replaced the Race Face bottom bracket and crankset with XTR BB9441A and XTR M9125 cranks in 170mm.

Aside from the fact that the bottom bracket was noticeably tighter and I had to hit it much harder than I expected, everything went very smoothly. I find the 170mm cranks significantly more comfortable compared to the previously installed 175mm ones.

If the lateral play in the rear swingarm doesn't reappear, I'll be very happy with the Scott. Visually, it's still one of the top bikes for me, and it rides great.

However, having to disconnect all the cables to change the headset bearings is a real pain.

Interesting comment about changing the length of the cranks to 170mm. What height are you and is your bike a size L? When I changed my headset bearings I found that I could pull out the cables of the rear derailleur and shock without removing the housing so making it easier. The dropper cable just needs disconnecting together with the rear brake which just required a quick bleed on reconnection. Could not agree more about the visual appeal of the Spark and I still get riders being really impressed by how it really looks "in the flesh" as they have only seen photos. Bike porn was one observation

 

[gino87]

Interesting comment about changing the length of the cranks to 170mm. What height are you and is your bike a size L? When I changed my headset bearings I found that I could pull out the cables of the rear derailleur and shock without removing the housing so making it easier. The dropper cable just needs disconnecting together with the rear brake which just required a quick bleed on reconnection. Could not agree more about the visual appeal of the Spark and I still get riders being really impressed by how it really looks "in the flesh" as they have only seen photos. Bike porn was one observation

I'm 189cm tall and ride a size L frame with a 9cm cockpit.

I find the shorter crank arm much more comfortable for my knees, and the hip angle is more comfortable.

 

[lesoudeur]

I use SRAM, but I think 5k kilometers of racing and training is okay for the BB to be replaced after dusty and muddy conditions on a mtb? What I am less happy about is the wear on the Dub spindle which is aluminum... This however seems to be 'normal'.

For the headset cups: Yes, I repaced them, even before the bearing was worn, as they have become a bit loose. For example: When disassembled the bearings would fall out of them instantly. With the new cups the bearings have a very light press fit in them. I also switched to the 0° cups.

Yes that is one advantage of the Shimano cranks with a 24mm diameter steel spindle. I also replaced the cups when I changed the headset bearings out and also rotated them to get the HT angle of 66 degrees but found that the front wheel was too "floppy" going uphill so reversed them back. I have been tempted to try the 0 degree cups as I already have some spare. Do you prefer them in comparison with 67.2 degree? When replacing the cups do you use any grease/carbon paste because the Scott Tech manual does not reference using anything (I only used a very light smear of grease to keep them in place in the frame whilst fitting the fork).

 

[FerrisFast]

Yes that is one advantage of the Shimano cranks with a 24mm diameter steel spindle. I also replaced the cups when I changed the headset bearings out and also rotated them to get the HT angle of 66 degrees but found that the front wheel was too "floppy" going uphill so reversed them back. I have been tempted to try the 0 degree cups as I already have some spare. Do you prefer them in comparison with 67.2 degree? When replacing the cups do you use any grease/carbon paste because the Scott Tech manual does not reference using anything (I only used a very light smear of grease to keep them in place in the frame whilst fitting the fork).

I use a little bit a grease on the outside of the bearings. Just to avoid corrosion on the outside.

I remember that I liked the slacker feeling of the 0° cups (66,6°?) compared to the previous 67,2° at the first ride with the new cups. But the difference was very marginal and I could not say that I noticed any drastic differences in handling.