Scott Spark 960 2025: Review, Test, Pros, Cons, Issues, Performance, Opinions – Everything You Need To Know (Really)
Scott Spark 960 2025: Review, Test, Pros, Cons, Issues, Performance, Opinions – Everything You Need To Know (Really)
Scott Spark 960 2025: Review, Test, Pros, Cons, Performance, Opinions – Everything You Need To Know
The Scott Spark 960 2025 is positioned as the entry-level model in the Spark range with an aluminum frame, embodying the philosophy of versatility and technology that made the series famous. Despite being an accessible build, it inherits the modern geometry, integrated suspension system, and TwinLoc technology of the flagship models, making it a significant option for riders seeking high performance in Cross-Country (XC) and light Trail riding.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Build Quality
The Spark 960 2025 features an Spark Alloy SL 6011 aluminum alloy frame, which offers a balance between robustness and contained weight. The build quality is primarily distinguished by the adoption of the Integrated Suspension Technology design, an aesthetic and functional feature introduced on previous models and maintained even on the aluminum version.
The construction technology includes the Integrated Suspension Technology, which positions the shock absorber inside the seat tube, protecting it from dirt and the elements. This design contributes to a lower center of gravity and increased stiffness in the bottom bracket area. The cable routing system is fully integrated through the headset (Syncros Cable Integration System), giving it a clean and elegant appearance.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Frame
The Spark 960 frame is the heart of its modern and versatile DNA, combining typical XC Race and Downcountry elements.
Travel: The bike offers 120 mm of rear travel, managed by an X-Fusion Nude 5 RLX shock absorber, and a 130 mm fork up front (generally a RockShox Judy Silver TK or similar). This configuration makes it more capable on descents than traditional 100/110 mm XC bikes.
TwinLoc 2 System: Scott's distinctive feature is the TwinLoc 2 Technology remote system. This handlebar lever simultaneously controls both the fork and rear shock, offering three modes:
Descend (Open): Full travel (120 mm), ideal for downhills.
Traction Control (Mid): Reduces rear travel (to approximately 80 mm) and increases compression damping on the fork and shock. Improves pedaling efficiency and control on technical climbs or uneven terrain.
Lockout (Locked): Suspensions almost completely locked for maximum efficiency on asphalt or smooth climbs.
Adjustable Geometry: The frame also integrates a system for adjusting the head tube angle (Syncros - Acros Angle Adjust), allowing for a ±0.6∘ variation to fine-tune the setup according to the rider's preference (more aggressive or more stable).
Scott Spark 960 2025: Components
The 960 build is designed to offer a functional and robust package at a competitive price.
Drivetrain: The bike is generally equipped with a mix of Shimano 12-speed components, typically featuring a Shimano XT RD-M8100 rear derailleur and Shimano Deore CS-M6100 levers/cassette (10-51T). This combination ensures precise and durable gear shifts, with a wide ratio range.
Brakes: The braking system relies on Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (for example, MT501/MT500) with 180 mm rotors front and rear, providing adequate stopping power for Trail/XC use.
Wheels and Tires: It features Syncros X-30SE wheels with a 30 mm internal width, tubeless ready, paired with Schwalbe Wicked Will 29×2.4′′ tires in the Performance version. This tire choice highlights the bike's Downcountry vocation, offering a good compromise between grip and rolling speed.
Additional Components: The handlebar, stem, and dropper post are branded Syncros. The dropper post (Syncros Duncan Dropper Post) with generous travel (up to 150/170 mm in sizes L/XL) is a fundamental element for descending control, in line with the Trail orientation.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Comfort
Comfort is significantly influenced by the integrated suspension system and TwinLoc.
Progressive Suspension: Despite the limited travel, the rear suspension, thanks to the shock's position, can work sensitively and progressively, effectively absorbing trail bumps.
Personalized Control: The TwinLoc system, by allowing the rider to quickly switch from Descend to Traction Control mode, offers superior control over the pedaling platform. On long, uneven climbs, using the intermediate mode reduces unwanted movement, improving efficiency and reducing fatigue.
Geometry: The saddle position is modern, with a steep seat tube angle that favors a central and efficient pedaling stroke, essential for comfort over long distances.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Handling
The Spark 960 is designed to be fast and versatile on a wide range of terrain.
Climbing: Efficiency is the priority. TwinLoc in Traction Control mode is extremely effective, transforming the bike into an almost rigid platform that maximizes power transfer without completely sacrificing traction. This makes it an exceptional climber, although the weight of the aluminum frame (around 14.95 kg with inner tubes) places it above the RC carbon models.
Descending: With 130/120 mm of travel, modern head angles, and a dropper post, the Spark 960 is surprisingly capable. High-speed stability is high, and handling is ensured by optimal weight distribution. It is fast and fun on flow trails and is not afraid of technical sections.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Performance
The performance of the Spark 960 is measured by its ability to bridge the gap between pure XC and Trail bikes.
Category Versatility: It is a true "Downcountry" or light Trail bike, excellent for marathons and day rides where climbs and technical descents alternate.
TwinLoc Efficiency: The speed with which the rider can adapt the suspension response to trail conditions is a distinctive performance advantage over the competition.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Pros and Cons
Pros
Integrated Suspension Technology: Clean design, low center of gravity, and shock protection.
TwinLoc System: Drastically increases pedaling efficiency and versatility, offering three bikes in one.
Modern Geometry: Adjustable head angle and updated geometry make it stable and capable on descents.
Functional Build Kit: Mix of Shimano (XT/Deore) and Syncros components that ensures reliability and good value for money.
Cons
Weight (Aluminum): The aluminum frame, while robust, results in a higher weight (around 15 kg) compared to the carbon Spark models and some direct aluminum rivals, slightly impacting pure climbing performance.
Shock Maintenance: Access to the shock (via a hatch) for maintenance and initial adjustment (SAG) can be less immediate than with external systems.
Fork Simplicity: The RockShox Judy Silver TK is an entry-level fork, reliable but less sophisticated and performing hydraulically than the Fox 34 or RockShox SID found on higher-tier models.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Recommendations
Tubeless Upgrade: Converting to tubeless is highly recommended. The rims and tires are tubeless ready, and the weight reduction from the inner tubes and increased puncture protection significantly improve performance.
TwinLoc Adjustment: It is essential to dedicate time to the correct configuration of the TwinLoc and cable tension. A correct setup maximizes the effectiveness of the three modes.
Suspension: For more aggressive riders, a future fork upgrade to a model with more advanced hydraulics (e.g., RockShox SID Select or Fox 34 Performance) will significantly improve descending performance.
Scott Spark 960 2025: Alternatives
In the segment of aluminum Trail/XC Marathon bikes with 120/130 mm travel, the main alternatives include:
Trek Top Fuel 8: Offers a similar light Trail approach with 120/120 mm of travel and versatile geometry.
Canyon Neuron 6/7: Excellent value for money, with greater travel (140/130 mm) and a focus on Trail/All-Mountain, but without the integrated remote lockout system.
Specialized Epic EVO Comp Alloy: Oriented towards XC/Downcountry, with 120/110 mm of travel, it is lighter but less aggressive on descents.
Giant Anthem 29 (Aluminum): Focused on XC efficiency, with less travel, ideal for those who prioritize climbing speed.
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Note: The photo does not refer to the specific bike under review.