The “inbetween” wheel size – 650b/27.5″ is taking the bicycling industry by storm. Bikes like the Scott Spark 700 SL are making it possible to have one, “do everything” bike.
For 2015 Scott has fine tuned their 700 series line of bikes. Replacing the 600 line (26″ wheels). Scott now offers bikes in 27.5″ (700 series) and 29″ (900 series).
The smaller wheels of the Spark 700 along with it’s 3 mode suspension (front and rear) makes this bike the most fun to ride AND race, bike on the market.
With 120mm of travel, the Spark 700 suspension can be switched from fully open (for descending), to trail mode (90mm of travel), to climbing mode (fully locked out) with the flick of a switch. The rear suspension design allows for just enough give when going up loose and technical climbs, with the benefit of no unwanted movement in pedal bob.
For riders moving up in wheel size from the 26″, you’ll find the 27.5″ provides a little more ease when rolling over small obstacles, while still allowing the bike to accelerate quickly out of corners. The slightly bigger wheel provides a larger tire patch to contact the ground so riders moving from a 26″ will notice increased grip and confidence when cornering as well.
Scott offers both aluminum and carbon versions in both lines of bikes, the 700 and 900. Out of the box the top of the line Spark 700 SL comes race ready with Syncros carbon wheels, XTR brakes, and XX1 11 speed drive train.
After riding the Scott Spark 700 all over the valley, the only improvement we can see fit is a dropper seat post (for getting super low – and rad – down those steep descents!)
For those on the fence about purchasing a high end race bike AND a fun to ride trail bike look no further, the Scott Spark 700 SL is the bike that makes owning one (mountain) bike possible. Whether you’re cruising up Pemberton or ripping down Bell Pass, this bike is capable and fun to ride!
Both bikes are available for rent at MMC so stop into the shop and take one (or both) for a test ride!