Scott has always been on the top of their game with MTB bikes. Now they’re bosting with their new design on the flawless Scott Spark RC series. The new Spark RC is said to be the lightest xc-bike for 2017.
This new full-suspension design on the Spark RC is making some waves through the industry; in fact, Scott has made other brands rethink their designs on their bikes. However, there is one brand that is sticking to their guns, and one bike in particular that challenges the new Spark; and that bike is the 2017 Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5 0.
2017 Scott Spark RC SL
With the frame weight of the Spark at 1749 grams, Scott has created their all-new HMXS carbon fibre grade to deliver minimum weight, without compromising on efficiency. Now to test that efficiency they also created the EvoLap-Technology which basically simulates forces exerted on the frame, and therefore Scott could adjust the design of the frame accordingly. What they’ve also done, at the bottom bracket of the frame, is design it specifically for 1x drivetrains. In doing so they eliminate some of the off-set between the bottom of the seat tube and the swing-arm. This gives the bike a more even look and minuses a few grams of weight.
New Frame, New Geometry
Scott offer a wide variety of bikes in the series that offer their own specific geometry to accommodate more rider styles and disciplines. But what they all have in common is the Optimized Kinematic which is basically their new suspension linkage design that now has only one pivot linking to the frame. This gives way to more suspension characteristics that we would not have felt before. It also plays a vitalizing role in the added wheel stiffness and tyre clearance, therefore helping to create what Scott calls; Boost Technology.
Lighter than Light
What makes this frame lighter:
- Carbon fibre suspension linkage.
- Compact rear shock module.
- Rear triangle is constructed from a two piece mould; one side moulds the full right side and one the full left side.
- Dropouts integrate with thru-axles systems.
Nino Schurter Geometry!
Scott’s team of designers were in contact with Nino a lot; they wanted to set the geometry of the Spark RC according to a racer’s requirements. In doing so, Scott slackened the head tube angle by 1.3 degrees and steepening the seat tube angle. This results in 17mm longer reach and lower stack and stand over. This allows riders like Nino Schurter to get into an attack position when going all-out, and exert all effort into pedalling.
Exceptional Components
The Scott Spark RC SL features FOX’S lightest fork ever; the 32 StepCast, paired up with FOX’S Nude rear shock, to bring smooth shock absorption to the party. The drivetrain is inevitably going to be a Sram 1×12 or x11 gear-set. Since Scott created a brand new frame that is exceptionally light-weight; the components by Syncros called the SL line, also had to be reduced in weight, brought up to speed with comfort and increased with structure quality.
New Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5 0
The new Giant Anthem might not have a new frame design, but it’s still made with Spark rivaling material; Advanced Grade carbon fibre and redesign Maestro suspension. The linkage has one pivot linking it to the frame and Advanced Composite walls to ensure a bit of weight saving and durability.
Geometry Talks!
Geometry is one the big things that make an XC bike, an XC bike. With a 68.0-degree head angle and 73.5 degree seat tube angle you ride in a very similar position as the Spark RC.
Sram Rules
Giant have gone all-out on using Sram products on the Anthem Advanced 27.5 0 with the RockShox Pike RCT3 with Overdrive technology, and 120mm travel fork on the front and RockShox Deluxe RT3 rear shock. These components are essentially light, but also deliver optimized performance. The drive-train is SRAM’s XX1 Eagle that is super smooth and controllable. It offers great variety with the 1×12 gear set. Giant have blended together the features of a trail bike with the features of an XC bike, by adding their Contact SL dropper post, which does add more weight, but gives way for more rider variety. Like Scott, Giant have updated their Contact Components to bring in XCR technology for added comfort and functionality. Plus for stability purposes, they’ve added the new Giant XCR 0 Composite DBL WheelSystem, which will allow you to sprint faster, without having to worry about loosing traction or stability.
A Direct Comparison:
| Spark RC SL | Anthem Advanced 27.5 | |
| Frame: | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Suspension: | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Wheels: | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Drivetrain: | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Comfort: | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Speed: | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Handling: | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Verdict
The Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5 0 has experience and has been used by professionals for years, and Giant’s expertise in full-suspension makes this bike a good choice for racing. However, the new Spark RC SL has frame technologies without comparison and that is what propels the Spark RC SL above the Anthem. The Spark RC SL is the winner!
Pictures taken from Giant and Scott websites.
Hi there.
You state that the Giant Anthem does not have a new frame design. This is not entirely true. The frame is redesigned. Top tube is longer, slacker head angle, etc.