Updated
Updated · BikeRadar · Jun 10
Scott’s £11,299 Spark RC EVO Cuts Weight, Sharpens XC Handling With 1,427g Frame
Updated
Updated · BikeRadar · Jun 10

Scott’s £11,299 Spark RC EVO Cuts Weight, Sharpens XC Handling With 1,427g Frame

3 articles · Updated · BikeRadar · Jun 10

Summary

  • BikeRadar’s first ride says the 2026 Spark RC World Cup EVO climbs exceptionally well, with RockShox Flight Attendant keeping the 120mm bike efficient on smooth and rough ascents.
  • Scott’s new bottom-bracket-centric linkage rotates the shock horizontally, concentrating reinforcement where pedalling loads already sit to cut weight and lower the centre of mass.
  • On descents, the long, slack chassis — 65.9-degree head angle and 480mm reach in size L — feels balanced and close to class-leading rivals, though the rear Maxxis Aspen can break traction under hard braking.
  • The HMX-SL carbon frame is claimed at 1,427g without shock, while lighter Syncros wheels, hidden-shock access doors and full electronic SRAM kit reinforce its World Cup race focus.
  • At 10.50kg and priced at £11,299, the second-tier model sits just below the Spark RC SL and enters a crowded 2026 XC field as a top-end race option rather than a value buy.

Insights

Does the new Spark's focus on descents sacrifice the raw climbing speed needed to win races?
As XC bikes adopt trail bike features, is the 'down-country' category now redundant?
With bike prices soaring past $15,000, is elite equipment becoming unattainable for new talent?