Scott Spark adds more electronics for 2021

Scott Spark RC 900 SL AXS
(Image credit: Scott)

The Scott Spark World Cup racing team might not have had much opportunity this season, but that has not prevented the brand’s product planners from evolving the Spark RC.

One of the world’s winningest dual-suspension XC race bikes, the 2021 model year Spark RC range has gained some slight upgrades.

Although the Spark RC’s geometry remains relatively unchanged, there has been a notable specification improvement with those bikes leading the portfolio.  

All nine models within the Spark RC range are now equipped with a 110mm front fork, complimented by 100mm of rear travel. That suspension configuration gives the Spark RC a 68.5-degree head angle, 73.8-degree seat angle and 456.8mm of reach, on a size L.

That Spark RC’s geometry numbers deliver a good balance between climbing efficiency and descending confidence, creating favorable mass distribution, over the bike.

Scott Spark RC 900 SL AXS

Scott Spark RC 900 SL AXS adds a power meter for 2021 (Image credit: Scott)

Escalating the electronics 

The premium build option within Scott’s 2021 model year Spark range is the RC 900 SL AXS. That naming convention clearly reveals the presence of SRAM’s electronic AXS drivetrain, although it does not include the most sophisticated version of RockShox’s dropper post, with Scott opting for a fixed carbon seatpost instead.

Perhaps the most meaningful component upgrade on Scott’s latest RC 900 SL AXS, is the presence of a mountain bike power meter, compliments of SRAM AXS. The caliber of riders that Scott targets with its RC 900 SL AXS, are obsessive about personal performance and remaining as true to their data trendlines of their training schedules.

With a factory-fitted SRAM AXS power meter, there is now one less aftermarket upgrade required, for buyers of the new 2021 model year RC 900 SL AXS.

The remainder of Scott’s premium XC dual-suspension racing build will be familiar to committed followers of the brand. A TwinLoc system locks the Fox 34 Stepcast fork and brand matching Nude EVOL rear shock, while Shimano’s XTR grade brakes manage the bike’s deceleration.

Wheels and cockpit components are carbon and sourced from Scott’s sub-brand, Syncros, which also supplies the custom chain guide, to ensure you don’t suffer any drivetrain issues when descending a particularly technical section of trail, at speed.

Lance Branquinho
Freelance writer

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.