Good review but I totally disagree about your opinion on the twinlock suspension system. I think that it adds a lot of versatility especially if you use a road / gravel track to get to a trail and back. I have a similar system to change the suspension on the bar and certainly do not have any issues about forgetting to press a single lever to control both front and back suspension. Also the current obsession about trying to hide cables within the frame / bars etc and a criticism about making it more complex is more a fashion statement rather than one on rideability in my opinion. Agree on the dropper seat post though.
I love my RC Spark 900, i agree with you on the twinlock suspension system, also i never forget to use it because you get so use to the bike it´s almost automatic to change the suspension. My next upgrade on mine is going to be a dropper seat post, must need!
I have a 2020 Spark RC Pro and 2018 Spark Ultimate. I completely agree that those who criticize Twinloc, are overly concerned with fashion and aren't in tune with the bike enough to feel the difference. It doesn't take long to know whether you're locked, mid-travel, or open. I like to be in charge rather than waiting for a brain to react to what it thinks I want. On XC short track sprints, there's nothing better than lock & hammer. When the trail turns down and gnarly, hitting open is as convenient as it gets. I can't see needing a dropper for the trail in the video, but the RC has an extra cable port. I love my Sparks!
I Totally agree wit( you review. I have an upgraded 2018 RC Team and it is at 25lbs now, although now i see they have 34 Forks where mine has-the Fox32 forks. I been racing and having loads of fun on it for years since i brought it, but now i am looking at the Spur, if any shop will ever have any in. Maybe next year now. I have been racing since the early 90s so i can remember what we used to ride on in the (Old Days) LOL. Great review David👏👍🚵🏼🚴🏼
A brand new Spark coming in 2022. It's going to be quite the revamp with the rear shock hidden. Just look at BOLD now Scott has a majority share to give you some idea. It's going to be an exciting new model.
@@Roger101Watson You called it. Dislike the wider q factor. Dislike the internal routing. Servicing a headset will be a nightmare, which is pretty important on an MTB. Shouldn't have to cut brake cables but here we are. Also, the front opening port by the BB is asking to be smashed or rattle or fall off. Then what? How do you think the rear suspension ride will differ from the current version? Significant changes to compliance + platform stability?
It depends; if it's a flat, smooth gravel/ road ride, then you pick a gravel bike. However, anything with roots, rocks, anything gnarly, then a XC bike like this is the way to go. Currently watching the XCO World Cup from Albstadt - I doubt you'd really want to ride it on a Gravel bike. (You could, but you'd be slower).
you don't really need the dual control , my orbea oiz came with one . after a couple of weeks . i just left it in the mid settings and then after I just took it off to save weight. Other people that owns xc bikes that came with the dual suspension control ,took theirs off too, like the felt edict, scott spark . the way how they are making modern xc bikes now. The suspension works amazing . the values closes when you are sprinting or climbing and on the dhs opens up. it just up to you to buy a bike that's within your budget.
I kept mine on. It was a main reason why I bought the Spark RC. The three settings function well with this year's longer 110mm front fork to reduce bob. The comparable alternative is the Specialized brain.
