SB100 was one of the original downcountry bikes, a wonderful riding bike in my opinion. I agree with the TR version over the XCO for most riders, but the comment had mentioned a traditional trail bike like the Ripley and compared that to the Blur TR (Similar to the pinkbike test with the Top Fuel vs Blur TR). There you will feel a significant weight difference that is going to affect the feel of the bike over small trail features.
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Some really good thoughts here - appreciate them @Brettn13 @adrian_r @mailman !
One thing I’ll point out is that much of the weight difference between bikes comes from component choice, not frame/shock/fork. For instance, there’s only about a 2.5 pound weight difference between the framesets (frame, fork, shock, headset) of an ibis Ripley and a Santa Cruz Blur (based on my research into all of this).
So if you’re going to build up both framesets with the same build kit, the weight difference still exists, but it’s not huge. I’m realizing it just because I have two full MTB build kits that are interchangeable - with three different wheelsets.
I did look at the Blur TR before opting for the Epic Evo. I decided not to as it had a narrowish flat bar and 2 piston brakes, fine if your Stage races or XCM’s are not so technical but here in NZ most of them are exactly that and I also wanted it for the BCBR. I could have changed these out but the price was already high on this bike and decided it would have been a waste.
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Ouch, the team (that was) at BIKE mag seem unanimous against the Spark - The Beta Tests: Scott Spark 900 Tuned - Beta MTB
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Interesting read.
This is the exact question I’ve had regarding the support of the suspension tune between the RC and Spark.
In my experience with the previous version 910 (Fox Performance Elite) I’ve finally found a more supportive set up and got it dialled, though I still think the RC would be more supportive.
Yes, that didn’t read well!
I wonder why they gave it such a presumably linear suspension curve!
It’s not like it has 200mm of rear travel 
That’s one bike to cross off the list then!
They reviewed the “trail” bike and not the XC, so not particularly relevant in this thread. Furthermore, apparently they either don’t get or like the Twinloc, which is what Sparks build their bikes around. This “review” seemed clueless. I wouldn’t base anything from that crew.
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They addressed it. I’m with them that requiring its use to achieve the same goal as bikes that don’t have lockouts is a negative.
“The Pivot Trail 429 and Ibis Ripley are energetic and encouraging climbers, while still offering more traction than a Spark in Twinloc’s middle firmness. So, regular use of Twinloc is mandatory if you want the Spark to be in your corner on the climbs.”
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It seemed very positive to me, with the caveat that if you don’t like lockouts it’s not the bike for you.
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You’re assuming you’re achieving the same “goal”.
I think they did take the twinlock into account. In fact they praised it.
But they did say that with the twinlock activated, the bike still fell short of the climbing performance of the two other bikes.
Is there much difference between this version of the Scott and the XCO? Besides the angle adjustment headset? I imagine the leverage ratio curve would be the same? The linear suspension with lack of midstroke are of particular concern. That despite having the maximum amount of spacers installed. Not sure how one could fix that.
Yeesh. They were not fans of the Canyon.
Big shame.
I can’t say I expected anything to he wrong with the STA effecting geo. It has a pretty standard set of XC/DC angles.
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This and the horrible execution of the cockpit/lockout levers on the lower end models!
The Epic Evo looks better and better!
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Have you demo’d the Evo yet? Apologies if it’s further up thread/in the 2021 one.
Just here for the Element review… 
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I’m picking it’s going to be glowing based off the reviews so far.
Quinney would be all about the downhill capability.
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Sadly not yet!
My local bike shop has none in stock at the moment!
The Canyon Lux CF6 looked like a good competitor, but not a fan of the Fox suspension lockout levers. After learning you basically cannot take it off, due to suspension default is locked out, it’s pretty much off my list.
The Santa Cruz Blur TR does look good though, albeit a tad more expensive
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Yeah, I’ve been most surprised by the Canyon Lux Trail review. I’ve been helping a mate narrow his choices and thought the Canyon was going to be perfect with its incredible value.
Needs some extra research now. He’s a Trek fan so I’ve sent him the Top Fuel review. We had previously written it off due to slack geo and weight.
I honestly think the Spark is a fantastic option, but like many other bikes availability strikes it off the list at the moment more than anything. The Scalpel SE looks like another great one, but a bit like Spesh, the high pricing is off-putting.
I haven’t read this whole thread, but is the consensus that XCO racing will be moving onto 120/120 bikes? I primarily race 90ish minute races and I’ve been thinking of upgrading but have been holding off for a few reasons.
- Supply. There aren’t many XCO bikes available right now
2 . As I asked above, are manufacturers going to go to 120 for their XCO bikes? If so, i may as well hold off until they get them dialed. - I’m still on a 100/100 Turner Czar. It’s several years old (pre-boost! Omg). But it’s still plenty capable for XC racing (23lbs and down the middle geometry). I have a hard time dropping $8k for a bike that really won’t make me any faster.
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I think it’ll be a few years before all the brands are in the 120/120 XCO game.
It may be inevitable though as suspension continues to improve. As Levy said in the review the suspension has come a long way and they can squeeze some incredible performance into 120mm travel now giving both support and active travel.
Some of the brand’s aren’t building their bikes around it yet, but possibly will do.
There may be enough improvements in a modern bike to make it a big enough upgrade from your bike. I wouldn’t wait for 120mm unless you’re looking for 120mm already in terms of capability. The current 120mm XC bikes (Scalpel, Spark, blur TR, Orbea Oiz TR etc) are already awesome.
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