I am wondering if someone knows about the dampers in the ultimate vs select+ models on the 2022 sparks. My understanding is the select+ still uses the old charger damper from the previous years of the SID. This would make some sense to me because the new race day damper is a 2 position rather than 3 position model.
However, I was just looking again at the specs and the top tier models with the ultimate fork say “custom race day 3 position damper”. So did scott figure out a way to make the new damper work on their bike, but only specced it on the ultimate not select+ models? I am looking to buy maybe in a few months and would ask a shop, but wanted to check here first. Not every shop has people selling who are intimately familiar with details like this as well.
A local shop in Phoenix AZ just got a few of the team gx build of the Spark RC in (6 bikes total). Still waiting on the higher end model though.
In terms of the damper question, my understanding is that Select+ is the good charger 2.1 model, it’s just 100 grams heavier than the race day damper but should perform just as well. Select is the old charger damper.
The race day damper changes its performance too, not just weight. There are reviews that mention it but i always take them with a grain of salt, but in the time on my friends sid with the race day it was immediately obvious how much more compliant it was in the first bit of travel. Felt far more like my 34 than a super stiff racey xc fork. I currently have a 2020 spark, and I have the feeling the new damper would feel absolutely amazing with the ability to swap between trail and open, that’s why I am curious about this.
I just realized there is an upgrade now available aftermarket for a 3 position race day damper when I was googling around. Might just consider getting that instead.
I’m curious, has anyone heard of the high end Spark RC models getting delivered to shops yet? So far I’ve only seen and heard of the GX AXS team build being available. Still waiting on a World Cup model (USA) that was supposed to arrive in October/November.
Only 200 Sparks are to make it to the US. That includes all sizes and models. If you don’t already have one ordered and guaranteed you’re most likely not getting one. Since the 2022 model was launched I’ve been working with the one of the largest Scott dealers in the US to get a Spark Pro 2022. It appears it’s just not gonna happen as supplies are so low. I’m really looking forward to that 2023 model though, lol.
Looks like Scott have just increased the prices of the Spark. Mine went from up by 300 Euro. Hope I don’t have to pay extra as I’m still waiting for delivery of the bike I ordered back in June.
I’m a bit confused about sizing. I thought I’d be a medium as my current Trek Procaliber is a medium but a small seems more comparable. Would you go for a Small or medium to get the same fit as my medium procaliber?
I think that’s a pretty great spec compromise (at least that’s nearly exactly the same as mine). You can always update parts as they wear if you have a desire to change to AXS etc.
Have you got the bike in hand yet? I’ll be super keen to hear your thoughts.
(Also seems like a pretty good deal based on a Google currency conversion - it had seemed like the 2022 was eye wateringly expensive, but €4799 is significantly less than RRP of the equivalent 2021 Spark 910 which doesn’t have the HMF frame)
wheels aren’t that great, the do the job and 30mm is nice and all, but I think I found the 25 or 26mm version of that wheelset at a weight of ~ 2kg.
I will be upgrading the set to a lightweight set (duke rims, light hubs) hopefully < 1400 grams.
I got lucky with this one, it was still the old price ~4600