"I just wanted a good XC bike": this is the SCOTT Spark RC Dangermule

Dangerholm has presented a new interpretation of the SCOTT Spark RC, but this time the approach is different from his other projects focused on minimum weight or extreme levels of integration. The "Dangermule" is born as a practical bike, designed for daily riding and, at the same time, to serve as a testing platform for various components. It is not a closed or definitive assembly; it is a working tool.

Dangerholm creates the "Dangermule," his SCOTT Spark RC for testing components in XC

The creator himself explains that most of his projects usually have a very specific goal from the beginning, for example, achieving the lowest possible weight or taking integration to a new level, which means that once completed, they remain unchanged until a complete transformation. In this case, the idea is quite the opposite. The Dangermule (its name comes from test cars known as "mules") is designed to evolve, to assemble and disassemble parts, test tires, brake discs, or different configurations without losing the bike's purpose.

The base of the project is a Spark RC HMX frame in size L that had already been used previously in another assembly, the well-known "Visione" in Ferrari red. After a first season, the frame suffered damage to the paint, so it was stripped down to its primer and visible carbon before receiving a new finish.

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The current decoration, with neon yellow and pink on white, is freely inspired by bikes from the early nineties. This is complemented by Y2K-style graphics that provide a striking and carefree contrast. The painting process was laborious, but it is also part of the project's appeal.

On the technical side, the Dangermule combines parts from other assemblies with some interesting new features. One of the most unique elements is the crankset with a power meter. It is a hybrid configuration made up of a left SRAM XX arm with an integrated power meter in the axle, combined with a right SRAM XX SL arm to reduce weight.

The assembly is completed with a RadoxX Bergakungen 38-tooth chainring, which maintains a classic aesthetic of a conventional chainring. This solution allows for a traditional appearance in the drivetrain while the bike integrates advanced technology in other areas.

The suspension is managed by the electronic RockShox Flight Attendant system, both in the RockShox SID Ultimate fork and the RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate rear shock. In this way, the bike combines a classic-looking chainring with automatic suspension management. In this case, an earlier generation of the SID is used, which slightly affects the total weight compared to the more recent versions that have a lighter crown.

The braking system uses Trickstuff Piccola Carbon calipers with METI hardware, along with Jagwire Pro LR2 discs measuring 160 mm at the rear and 180 mm at the front. These discs are a novelty for Dangerholm and, according to him, offer solid performance as well as a distinctive aesthetic compared to other options on the market.

The Syncros Silverton SL wheels reinforce the fast and light XC character of the assembly, while the Schwalbe Rick XC tires in size 29x2.4” provide a versatile approach between competitive cross country and light trail.

The cockpit includes the Bike Ahead Composites The Wonderbar handlebar and the Intend Grace XC stem, along with a Zirbel ZShift 01 button system managed via SRAM BlipBox integrated into the stem.

The RockShox Reverb AXS 125 mm dropper post completes an assembly that combines lightness, electronic technology, and very specific components.

The declared final weight is 10.71 kg. This is not a record figure within Dangerholm's usual extreme projects, but it does fit with the goal of this Spark RC: a solid, functional bike ready for anything, capable of serving both for daily enjoyment and as a real test bench.

Complete assembly of the SCOTT Spark RC Dangermule

• Frame: SCOTT Spark RC (HMX) size L
• Rear shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant
• Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant
• Steering: Syncros adjustable +/- 0.6 degrees
• Stem: Intend Grace XC
• Top cap: RadoxX Components Oknytt
• Handlebar: Bike Ahead Composites The Wonderbar
• Grips: Syncros Foam
• Shifter: Zirbel ZShift 01 with SRAM BlipBox in the stem
• Dropper post remote: SRAM AXS Pod
• Post: RockShox Reverb AXS 125 mm
• Saddle: Björn Setka
• Brakes: Trickstuff Piccola Carbon
• Brake caliper screws: METI
• Brake discs: Jagwire Pro LR2 160+180 mm
• Crankset: SRAM XX Power Meter Upgrade + SRAM XX SL drivetrain side crank
• Chainring: Radoxx Bergakungen 38T
• Bottom bracket: CeramicSpeed PF41 DUB
• Pedals: Xpedo M-Force 8Ti
• Chain: SRAM XX SL T-Type
• Cassette: SRAM X0 Transmission
• Rear derailleur: SRAM X0 Transmission with HOPP parallelogram and lower protector
• Rear derailleur cage: CeramicSpeed OSPW X for Transmission
• Wheels: Syncros Silverton SL
• Tires: Schwalbe Rick XC 29x2.4”
• Water bottle cage: Syncros Tailorcage 1.0