Scott Spark 950 Review
- Price: $4,199
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″Aluminum
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: It’s an all-around full-suspension trail bike with excellent climbing and descending capabilities.
What we don’t like about it: The design lacks a built-in chain stabilizer and requires post-installation.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Scott Spark 950 is a lightweight full-suspension mountain bike with outstanding geometry. Paired with carefully selected reliable components, it delivers robust riding performance.
Next, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Scott Spark 950. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several of the best bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Scott Spark 950 utilizes a belt drive system, which is quieter compared to traditional chain drives. Additionally, compared to other types of commuter bikes, it boasts superior off-road capabilities, which I appreciate.
For this reason, I plan to take my Scott Spark 950 to Mammoth Mountain bike park and have already booked nearby accommodations through IHG. This mountain bike park offers a vertical drop of 940 meters, and I’ve chosen a route with moderate difficulty, featuring natural drop-offs, winding trails, and bumpy descents.
Climbing
When climbing, the Scott Spark 950’s excellent geometry encourages a forward riding position. This allows for better weight distribution between the front and rear ends of the bike, resulting in strong upward power and increased speed.
Furthermore, the Schwalbe Wicked Will 29×2.4″ Performance wide-profile tires provide impressive traction, ensuring the bike grips the ground firmly and reducing the likelihood of slipping. This enhances transmission efficiency, converting each pedal stroke into upward power.
Encountering steeper gradients, the SRAM SX-PG1210 / 11-50 T freewheel offers a range of speeds, making pedaling during climbs lighter and conserving more energy.
Ultimately, I’m satisfied with the climbing performance of the Scott Spark 950. Its excellent geometry, suspension tuning, and reliable components make its climbing abilities comparable to hardtail mountain bikes.
Descending
Although the Scott Spark 950 excels in climbing, its descending capabilities are equally impressive. The RockShox Pike RL3 front suspension fork and RockShox Deluxe Select RL3 rear shock boast 130mm and 120mm of travel, respectively, allowing me to tackle drops and platforms with less significant gaps with ease. The landings are stable, effectively absorbing all impact.
Navigating bumpy fast descents, the exceptional initial sensitivity of these shocks combined with the 29-inch large wheels filter out more vibrations. Similar to riding on flat terrain, it rolls over minor bumps and potholes with ease. During these moments, I feel like I’m maneuvering a tank, charging through with confidence.
Finally, the performance of the Scott Spark 950 on narrow paths is also impressive. The Schwalbe tires grip the ground tightly during turns, combined with the Shimano Mt500 brakes and 180mm Front / 180mm Rear rotors that offer excellent braking power. This allows me to ride quickly and flexibly on narrow trails.
Specifications
The Scott Spark 950 comes in four sizes (S to XL) and offers aluminum alloy frames to choose from. It’s suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5’2″ to 6’7″.
Furthermore, the dropper post design allows riders to adjust their center of gravity between climbs and descents, ensuring they stay in the optimal position for continuous and rhythmic riding.
Equipped with 29-inch large wheels, it ensures strong riding versatility and stability. During downhill rides, the bike maintains a stable posture, ensuring safety.
The Shimano MT501 hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking power even in the harshest conditions, making them trustworthy and dependable.
The internal cable routing and concealed rear shock further integrate the bike’s appearance and make daily cleaning more convenient.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The dropper post design ensures riders are always in the right position between climbs and descents, maintaining riding continuity.
- The combination of quiet cable routing reduces noise during rides, creating a quieter overall riding experience.
- The aluminum alloy frame with internal cable routing looks clean and makes daily cleaning more convenient.
- Multiple frame sizes are available, catering to riders with heights ranging from 5’2″ to 6’7″, suiting the majority of riders.
- Hydraulic disc brakes that perform reliably even in challenging conditions.
- Excellent suspension system with reliable damping performance to handle more complex riding conditions.
What don’t we like about it?
- The design lacks a built-in chain stabilizer, requiring post-installation.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable. With its sturdy aluminum alloy frame and reliable components, it’s appropriate for all riders passionate about mountain biking.
- What type of wheels does this bike use?
The front wheel uses a Formula CL-811 / 15x110mm, and the rear wheel uses a Formula CL-148S / 12x148mm.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Scott Spark 950 Specs
Build
| Frame | Spark Alloy SL 6011 Integrated Suspension Technology Flex Pivot / Adjustable head angle Syncros Cable Integration System BB92 / UDH Interface / 12x148mm with 55mm ChainlineBB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press FitHanger Standard: UDH |
| Fork | RockShox Pike RL3 Air Custom Charger 3-Mode Damper 15x110mm Maxle Lite / 44mm offset / Tapered steerer Lockout / Reb. Adj. / 130mm travel |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select RL3 Trunnion 3 modes / Lockout-Trail-Descend Debon Air / Reb. Adj. Travel 120mm / T165X45mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB PF 92 MTB Wide / shell 41x92mm |
| Headset | Syncros – Acros Angle adjust & Cable Routing HS System +-0.6° head angle adjustment ZS56/28.6 – ZS56/40 MTB |
| Stem | Syncros DC 3.0 Syncros Cable Integration System 0° rise / 6061 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8″ |
| Handlebar | Syncros DC 3.0 Syncros Cable Integration System 0° rise / 6061 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8″ |
| Saddle | Syncros Tofino 2.5 Regular |
| Seatpost | Syncros Duncan Dropper Post 2.0 31.6mm / S size 100mm / M size 125mm / L size 150mm / XL size 170mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle 12 Speed |
| Crank | SRAM X1 Eagle DUB 55mm CL / 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle Trigger |
| Cassette | SRAM SX-PG1210 / 11-50 T |
| Chain | SRAM CN NX Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano MT501 Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Syncros X-30SE / 32H / 30mm |
| Spokes | Stainless Black 15G / 1.8mm |
| Front Hub | Formula CL-811 / 15x110mm |
| Rear Hub | Formula CL-148S / 12x148mm Syncros Axle w/Removable Lever with 6mm Allen T30 and T25 Tools |
| Tires | Schwalbe Wicked Will 29×2.4″ Performance / TLR / Foldable / Addix |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT54 CL / F&R 180mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Brake Type | Travel |
| Canyon Neuron CF 9 | Click View | 1 × 12 | Carbon | Shimano XT M8120 | 130mm rear, 140mm front |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.7 | Click View | 1 × 12 | Carbon | Shimano M6120 | 120mm rear, 120mm front |
| Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C | Click View | 1 × 12 | Carbon | SRAM Guide T | 130mm rear, 140mm front |
| Fezzari Delano Peak Comp Sram | Click View | 1 × 12 | Carbon | SRAM G2 R | 135mm rear, 150mm front |
Scott Spark 950 vs. Canyon Neuron CF 9
Both of these bicycles are excellent full-suspension mountain bikes.
In terms of suspension, the first one features RockShox suspension with better initial sensitivity. On continuous small bumps, the ride is smoother. On the other hand, the second one’s Fox suspension provides better support, especially when handling big drop-offs and landings.
Regarding drivetrain components, the first one is equipped with SRAM components, offering a more robust and crisp shifting experience. The second one comes with Shimano drivetrain components, providing smoother gear changes.
However, in the braking department, the second one has the advantage with its Shimano XT M8120 brake components, which are of a higher level than the first one’s Shimano MT501, offering superior braking performance.
Therefore, between these two bicycles, unless you have a strong preference for the Scott brand, I would recommend choosing the Canyon Neuron CF 9.
Learn More: Is Canyon Strive CFR Worth Buying? [Canyon Strive CFR Review]
Scott Spark 950 vs. Trek Top Fuel 9.7
They both have similar front and rear suspension travel. However, the suspension system on the first one, equipped with RockShox, is more refined and capable of filtering out finer bumps. The suspension on the second one, featuring Fox, provides better support.
In terms of braking components, both are equipped with Shimano M6120 components on the rear, which offer better performance and more responsive braking compared to the Shimano MT501 brakes on the front of the first one.
However, when it comes to drivetrain components, the SRAM components on the first one provide a crisper and more robust shifting experience, whereas the Shimano components on the second one offer a smoother and more delicate shifting feel.
In conclusion, the performance difference between these two bicycles is minimal, so choosing either one would be a good decision.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.7 Worth Buying? [Trek Top Fuel 9.7 Review]
Scott Spark 950 vs. Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C
When comparing these two bikes, they both feature the same RockShox suspension, but the latter has a longer suspension travel, making it more capable of handling intense rides.
In terms of frame geometry design, the Scott Spark 950 boasts a stronger climbing ability, while the Santa Cruz 5010 offers more stability during descents.
Regarding drivetrain components, they both utilize SRAM drivetrains. However, the components used on the former are of a higher level, resulting in better transmission efficiency and quicker shifting response.
Ultimately, between these two bicycles, the Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C does indeed offer a more powerful performance. However, it comes with a higher price tag, so the choice can be made based on budget considerations.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz 5010 X01 A Good Bike? [Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review]
Scott Spark 950 vs. Fezzari Delano Peak Comp Sram
They are two bicycles with distinct focuses.
In terms of suspension, the latter has a longer suspension travel, capable of handling more intense and complex rides. However, the former’s excellent suspension design provides better support and climbing performance, making it more suitable for uphill riding.
When it comes to brake components, the SRAM G2 R brakes equipped on the Fezzari Delano Peak Comp Sram offer stronger braking capability compared to the Shimano MT 501 brakes on the Scott Spark 950.
In summary, if you have a greater emphasis on climbing and uphill riding, the Scott Spark 950 is more suitable. Conversely, the Fezzari Delano Peak Comp Sram is better suited for riders focusing on downhill riding.
Summary
Above is my review of the Scott Spark 950. In our opinion, it’s a visually appealing and excellently performing full-suspension mountain bike. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes with various price points and interesting features. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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