Scott Spark RC: When speed becomes instinctive
The Scott Spark RC returns in a new generation, launched in June 2026, and it aims for one thing: pure cross-country speed. Redesigned carbon frame, lighter, lowered center of gravity, 120 mm travel and a shock absorber integrated into the frame. Just a few days after its arrival, the bike made a name for itself where it truly matters: on the podium of a World Cup race in Leogang. Here's what's new with this Spark RC, and why it appeals to both racers and enthusiasts of fast mountain biking.
The new 2026 Scott Spark RC, a cross-country racing platform. What is the Scott Spark RC?
The Spark RC is Scott's cross-country (XC) race mountain bike: the full-suspension platform designed to climb fast and descend cleanly, in the spirit of World Cup courses. The "RC" stands for Race: it's the sharpest version of the Spark, built for competition and high-intensity rides.
Where an enduro mountain bike prioritizes travel and robustness, the Spark RC focuses on lightness, pedaling efficiency, and precision. It's a bike that rewards effort: every pedal stroke translates into forward motion.
A new chassis, lighter and more stable
Most of the work was done on the frame. The new generation adopts an HMX-SL carbon whose weight drops to around 1,427 g (3.1 lb) for a medium size, without shock absorber, including paint and covers, making it one of the lightest frames in its category. With the shock absorber, we're talking about approximately 1,870 g (4.1 lb). On HMX-SL models, Scott announces a weight reduction of approximately 12% compared to the previous generation.
The Spark RC World Cup EVO in its element, on a cross-country course. Beyond the number on the scale, it's the geometry that evolves. The suspension kinematics have been revised and the center of gravity lowered, making the bike more stable and easier to handle in technical sections. The head angle is also adjustable by half a degree, to adapt the behavior to the terrain.
The HMX-SL carbon frame, lightened by approximately 12% on high-end versions. The suspension: 120 mm and a hidden shock absorber in the frame
The Spark RC rides on 120 mm of travel front and rear, with 29-inch wheels. The true signature is the shock absorber integrated into the frame, protected by a magnetic cover that keeps it safe from dust and water while remaining accessible in seconds for adjustments.
High-end versions feature RockShox SID and SIDLuxe Ultimate suspension with Flight Attendant, the electronic system that automatically adjusts the suspension between modes depending on the terrain. The rider no longer has to think about locking or unlocking: the suspension takes care of optimizing performance for them.
The shock absorber housed in the frame, protected by a removable magnetic cover. Designed for racing, but not only
Scott has paid attention to the details that make a difference on a long ride. A storage compartment integrated into the frame (the "Save the Day Kit") allows you to slip a pump, inner tube, and tire levers directly into the down tube, without a saddle bag. The internal Syncros Octopus cable routing goes through the headset for a clean cockpit, and a dropper seatpost is equipped on M, L, and XL sizes.
Result: a race bike that remains enjoyable for everyday trail riding, even when you don't have a race number on your back.
Exploded view of the frame: Syncros bottle cage and suspension integration. 
The integrated "Save the Day Kit" storage: pump, inner tube, and tire levers fit directly into the frame. World Cup approved: two podiums in Leogang
The best argument for the Spark RC is what it does under the world's best riders. At the third round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Leogang, Austria, the SCOTT-SRAM team achieved two podium finishes in rainy and muddy conditions.
In short track (XCC), Filippo Colombo finished 2nd, narrowly missing out on victory. The next day, in cross-country (XCO), Bjorn Riley took 3rd place after a spectacular comeback following a puncture early in the race. The team placed three riders in the top 10 of the men's overall standings and climbed to 2nd place in the XCO team standings.
The SCOTT-SRAM team racing in Leogang, on the new Spark RC. "After the puncture, I was hurting... I thought I was going to drop far back, but my teammate Fabio pulled me up the climb. I just focused on his wheel and tried to survive."
— Bjorn Riley, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team rider
The Scott Spark RC range
The new range comes in several levels, from the lightest factory model (the SL, around 10.7 kg / 23.6 lb) to a more accessible entry-level option (the Comp, around 12.8 kg / 28.2 lb). All share the same carbon frame, 120 mm travel, and integrated shock absorber. What changes from one model to another is the carbon level, drivetrain, suspension, and wheels. Here's a quick overview. The complete range and detailed specifications are on the official Scott website.
| Model | Frame | Drivetrain | Suspension | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark RC SL | HMX-SL Carbon | SRAM XX SL AXS | RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Ultimate, Flight Attendant | Syncros Silverton CF1 carbon |
| Spark RC World Cup EVO | HMX Carbon | SRAM XX SL AXS | RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Ultimate, Flight Attendant | Syncros Silverton CF1 carbon |
| Spark RC World Cup | HMF Carbon | SRAM X0 AXS | RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Ultimate, Flight Attendant | Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon |
| Spark RC Team Issue | HMF Carbon | SRAM GX AXS | RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Ultimate, Flight Attendant | Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon |
| Spark RC Pro | HMF Carbon | Shimano XTR Di2 | FOX Factory, TwinLoc | Syncros Silverton CF2 carbon |
| Spark RC Expert | HMF Carbon | Shimano XT Di2 | FOX 34 SL Factory, TwinLoc | Syncros Silverton AL2 aluminum |
| Spark RC Team | HMF Carbon | SRAM S1000 AXS | RockShox SID, TwinLoc | Syncros Silverton AL2 aluminum |
| Spark RC Comp | HMF Carbon | Shimano Deore | RockShox SID, TwinLoc | X-30SE aluminum |
In short: the four high-end models (SL, World Cup EVO, World Cup, and Team Issue) feature electronic Flight Attendant suspension, which adjusts the suspension automatically, while the others use manual TwinLoc adjustment. As for wheels, carbon is used up to the Pro model, then the Expert, Team, and Comp models switch to aluminum. Prices and availability vary depending on models and arrivals. To find out which versions are available in Canada and delivery times, it's best to write to us or visit our store.
The Spark RC range extends from the SL factory model to the more accessible Comp. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the travel of the Scott Spark RC?
The Spark RC offers 120mm of travel both front and rear, with 29-inch wheels. This is the typical setup for a modern cross-country mountain bike: enough to handle technical race courses without making the bike too heavy.
Is the Scott Spark RC a good bike for beginners in cross-country?
It is first and foremost a race bike, so it's performance-oriented. Entry-level versions like the Comp make the platform more accessible, but if you're new to mountain biking with no competition in mind, other models might be more versatile. It's best to discuss it with an advisor to choose the right bike for your practice.
What is the difference between the Spark and the Spark RC?
The Spark is Scott's versatile full-suspension platform; the Spark RC is its race version, lighter and sharper for cross-country and competition. The RC prioritizes efficiency and lightness to the maximum.
Is the new Scott Spark RC available at Bicycles Quilicot?
The range has just been launched. As an official Scott retailer in Quebec, Bicycles Quilicot plans to integrate the new models. To find out about available versions, prices in Canadian dollars, and lead times, write to us or visit one of our stores.
Want to ride the new Spark RC?
Our team will guide you in choosing the right model for your riding style and budget.
View the Scott rangeConclusion
The new Scott Spark RC confirms its reputation: a cross-country mountain bike designed to transform intent into speed. A lighter carbon frame, 120 mm suspension with integrated shock, clever storage, and a more stable geometry, all validated right out of the gate with two World Cup podiums. Whether you're aiming for a race number or simply the fastest rides of your season, this is a platform built for performance. Curious to discover the range and models available in Quebec? Contact us or explore our mountain bikes online.