Spotted: Scott-SRAM is on a new Spark RC

Piper Albrecht

XC bikes are apparently like buses right now; they're all coming at once. No sooner had Specialized revealed the Epic 9, and Canyon followed with an overhaul of the Lux World Cup, than Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team appeared at the opening round of the Whoop UCI World Cup on what looks to be a new Spark RC. While we’ve been briefed on more of the bike’s details, those remain under embargo for now. But even sticking to what can be readily seen, there’s already plenty to unpack.

Ace photographer Piper Albrecht captured these fleeting images of the new bike under Emily Johnston and Bjorn Riley during the first practice session in Mona YongPyong, South Korea. We've only got one primary photo to go on at this point but there's still a fair bit to learn if you zoom in. At first glance, it looks like a subtle evolution of the current Spark. Look closer, though, and there are some meaningful changes, most notably around the suspension layout. Here is what we can tell from the lone image so far.

Specialized consolidates the Epic range with the new race-focused Epic 9It’s lighter and sharper, but the bigger story is how one bike replaces the brand’s XC lineup.Escape CollectiveAlex Hunt

The Spark was due for an update

Even without going into specifics, one visible change is that the new Spark RC has a different suspension platform that features a lower shock position within the frame.

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