Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS Review
- Price: $5,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: It’s light enough to provide the fastest mountain riding experience, coupled with quality components.
What we didn’t like about it: Limited suspension travel both front and rear, insufficient support during intense descents.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS combines top-notch carbon engineering, unprecedented integration, and precise tuning. It’s faster than ever before, whether you’re climbing or descending.
Next, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
The Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS boasts a highly integrated design. All component controls can be operated through the remotes on the handlebars, making for a more convenient and seamless riding experience.
For this review, I took this bike to The Paiute ATV Trail in Utah and booked nearby accommodations on IHG. This trail consists of narrow paths with no massive drop-off platforms like a mountain bike park; it’s more about riding through forested trails. The terrain is rugged, composed of loose rocks and soft mud, with plenty of climbs and descents.
Climbing
The climbing capability of the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS is formidable. All bikes in this series offer superior climbing performance compared to bikes in the same category.
First, the lightweight carbon fiber frame provides excellent stiffness, giving me a more direct power transfer feel while climbing. There’s no sluggishness in the rear wheel, ensuring efficient pedaling.
Next, the SRAM GX Eagle AXS 1×12 drivetrain offers crisp and smooth gear shifts. When facing steeper climbs, I can shift the rear derailleur to larger freewheels, making for an easier pedaling experience and conserving energy during ascents.
Furthermore, the suspension support is sufficient, with minimal energy loss when pedaling hard. The power transfer is direct, ensuring a faster riding pace.
In conclusion, the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS excels in climbing performance, nearly rivaling hardtail mountain bikes.
Descending
When riding the downhill, it’s also impressively fast. The RockShox SID Select RL3 front suspension fork has excellent initial rebound sensitivity, making it well-suited for less aggressive descents. However, it has a limited suspension travel of only 120mm. Additionally, the fork’s supportiveness is not its strong suit, which can make me feel somewhat passive on platforms with significant drops.
On winding trails, the lower center of gravity provides more agile handling and a more stable bike stance, helping me easily control the bike on narrow paths. The Maxxis Rekon Race / 29×2.4″ large-grain tires offer excellent traction, allowing me to maintain higher speeds in corners.
Lastly, the Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes are reliable, with fast response times. They can be trusted even in the most challenging conditions.
Specifications
The Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS is available in four frame sizes (S-XL), catering to riders with heights ranging from 5’2″ to 6’7″, making it suitable for almost everyone.
The bike features a fully integrated design, giving it a clean and appealing appearance. The SRAM GX Eagle AXS electronic drivetrain offers precise and efficient shifting, while the Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic brake components provide linear and powerful braking performance that can be relied upon in any condition.
Notably, this bike comes with a rear axle tool that includes T25, T30, and 6mm hex wrenches, allowing adjustments to almost everything on the bike.
Lastly, the bike’s head angle can be adjusted to be more relaxed or steeper without the need to disconnect cables or brake lines.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable performance even in harsh conditions.
- The internal cable routing and concealed rear shock give it a cleaner appearance and make daily cleaning more convenient.
- The adjustable head angle can be set to be more relaxed or steeper without the need to disconnect cables or brake lines.
- The SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain offers efficient power transfer, and precise and crisp shifting, with easier daily adjustments in its electronic version.
- The rear axle features a hidden tool that allows adjustments to almost everything on the bike.
- The Evo-Lap technology results in an ultralight and compact frame without sacrificing stiffness, comfort, or impact resistance.
What don’t we like about it?
- Limited suspension travel both front and rear, insufficient support during intense descents.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
It has a lightweight and sturdy frame, combined with powerful components, making it suitable for all types of terrain riding and a good choice for riders of all levels.
- Can this bike accommodate a chain guide?
It comes with ISCG05 mounts on the frame, which are compatible with most chain guides available on the market.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here for your reference. However, the best way to find the most suitable size is to try it out, as individual preferences may vary.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Spark RC Carbon HMF 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 SID Select RL3 Air Custom Charger 3-Mode Damper 15x110mm Maxle Stealth / 44mm offset / Tapered steerer Lockout / Reb. Adj. / 120mm travel |
| Rear Shock | RockShox NUDE 5 RL3 Trunnion SCOTT custom w. travel / geo adj. 3 modes: Lockout-Traction Control-Descend Debon Air / Reb. Adj./ Travel 120-80-Lockout / 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 XC 1.5 Syncros Cable Integration System -12° rise / 7050 Alloy / 31.8mm / 1 1/8″ |
| Handlebar | Syncros Fraser 1.5 XC Alloy 7075 D.B. Flat Bar / 8° / 740mm Syncros Pro lock-on grips |
| Saddle | Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 Titanium rails |
| Seatpost | Syncros Duncan 1.5 / 10mm offset 31.6x400mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS / 12 Speed Wireless Electronic Shift System |
| Crank | SRAM GX Eagle DUB 55mm CL / 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Rocker Controller |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1275 / 10-52 T |
| Chain | SRAM CN GX Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8100 Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Syncros Silverton 2.0-30 6 Bolt F: 15x110mm, R: 12x148mm 30mm Tubeless ready rim / 28H / XD Driver Syncros Axle w/Removable Lever with 6mm Allen, T30 and T25 Tools |
| Tires | Maxxis Rekon Race / 29×2.4″ / 120TPI Foldable Bead Tubeless Ready / EXO |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT76 / 6 Bolt / 180/F and 160/R |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 R | 1 × 12 |
| Ibis Ripley V4S X01 | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | SRAM Code RSC | 1 × 12 |
| Pivot Mach 4 SL RIDE LIKE A PRO | Click View | 120mm front | Carbon | SRAM Level TL | 1 × 12 |
| Kona Hei Hei CR/DL | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | SRAM G2 RSC | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS vs. Cannondale Habit Carbon 1
Comparing the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS and the Cannondale Habit Carbon 1, the latter has a longer suspension travel, which makes it better suited for tackling more rugged and intense terrain. However, the former’s suspension and geometry design enhance its climbing capabilities.
In terms of drivetrain components, both of these bikes use SRAM GX components. However, the former is the electronic version, which makes tuning and adjustments more straightforward.
When it comes to braking components, the former is equipped with Shimano brakes that offer a more linear feel, while the latter has SRAM brakes that provide a crisper and more direct braking experience.
In conclusion, between these two full-suspension trail bikes, I would recommend the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS. It’s lighter in weight and offers strong overall riding performance.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review]
Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS vs. Ibis Ripley V4S X01
While these two bikes have similar suspension travel, the latter, equipped with the Fox Factory Float 34 front fork, offers better support compared to the former, which features the RockShox SID Select. As a result, it handles drop platform landings more effectively.
In terms of drivetrain components, both bikes use SRAM drivetrain components. The latter uses higher-level components, but the former is equipped with the electronic version, each with its advantages.
Regarding the braking components, the latter is equipped with the SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes, which provide more powerful braking performance compared to the former’s Shimano XT M8100 brakes.
So, indeed, the Ibis Ripley V4S X01 offers superior performance, but it comes at a higher price point.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripley AF Deore Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripley AF Deore Review]
Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS vs. Pivot Mach 4 SL RIDE LIKE A PRO
Firstly, these two bikes have almost the same suspension travel. In terms of drivetrain components, they both use SRAM drivetrain components. However, the latter features higher-grade components, while the former utilizes an electronic version of the drivetrain.
In terms of geometry, the former has a more relaxed geometry, which provides greater stability during descents. However, its excellent suspension design makes it agile and efficient when climbing.
In conclusion, between these two bikes, I would recommend the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS. It offers a stronger overall performance.
Learn More: Is Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS Splendid – [Pivot Mach 4 SL Team XX1 AXS Review]
Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS vs. Kona Hei Hei CR/DL
When comparing the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS and the Kona Hei Hei CR/DL, they share the same suspension travel and both use the RockShox SID suspension fork. However, the latter is a higher-grade version, offering better support and overall performance.
In terms of drivetrain components, both of these bikes feature the SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, providing crisp and efficient shifting with straightforward adjustments.
Regarding the braking components, the former is equipped with Shimano dual-piston brakes, which may not match the braking power of the SRAM four-piston brakes found on the latter but are still reliable enough.
Ultimately, the Kona Hei Hei CR/DL boasts more powerful components and is a great choice if your budget allows for it. Conversely, the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS has a more advanced frame with greater potential for future upgrades.
Learn More: Is Kona Hei Hei CR/DL Worth Buying? – [Kona Hei Hei CR/DLReview]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS. In our opinion, it’s an excellent bike with well-designed frame geometry, offering a lightweight and agile riding experience, which is why we gave it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension trail bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, and there are many exciting options to explore. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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