Spotted a prototype of SCOTT that could be the Spark 2027

The start of the XCO World Cup 2026 in Mona YongPyong has brought one of the first major technical innovations of the season even before the races take place. During training, several riders from SCOTT SRAM MTB Racing have been seen riding a completely new bike that does not correspond to any current model from Scott. It is identified as Racing Concept and could be the new generation of the Spark or a completely new model.

Scott accelerates the transition of the Spark with an advanced prototype already in competition 

The name is not casual and is usually used in very advanced developments. In the environment of teams and mechanics, there is already work being done with the idea that we are facing the next generation of the Scott Spark, a key platform within modern XC, and whose last major update dates back to 2022, which fits with the usual product evolution timelines within the sector.

 

 

 

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The images allow us to go beyond simple speculation. Scott maintains one of the pillars of the current Spark, the completely integrated shock within the frame, but introduces profound changes in its arrangement. It could now be positioned horizontally, due to the volume of the tubes, and if so, it would imply a modification of the kinematics almost from scratch. As we are seeing with other brands, this type of solution seeks to optimize pedaling efficiency and better control compression phases, while allowing for more precise adjustment of mass distribution within the assembly.

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There is also a significant structural change in the suspension system. With a more compact rear triangle, the visible upper link disappears and a scheme with a lower link around the bottom bracket is adopted, an architecture that Scott has already explored in other developments linked to Bold. This approach usually provides greater stiffness in the main triangle and a more consistent behavior under load.

Visually, the frame presents more streamlined lines, suggesting a possible weight reduction effort. There is also a more advanced integration in elements such as the seat clamp and the appearance of new Syncros wheels with carbon spokes on the team’s bikes, a component clearly aimed at improving response and reducing inertia.

The prototype is already being used by riders like Filippo Colombo, Emily Johnston, Andri Frischknecht, or Bjorn Riley, and it seems that it will be their main bike for this World Cup, indicating that the development has surpassed the initial phase and is in a state very close to the final product, although still without official confirmation or release dates.

All of this is set against a particularly active moment for XC. Specialized has renewed its platform with the Epic 9 and Canyon has done the same with the latest Lux World Cup, while Trek and Lapierre continue testing prototypes in competition. Despite the growing debate about larger diameter wheels, the reality in racing remains clear, and all these new bikes, including Scott's, remain at 29 inches.

Key data such as weight, travel, or final geometry are still missing, but what can already be stated is that Scott is preparing a deep revision of its reference bike in XC. This is not just a simple adjustment, but a redesign that directly targets kinematics, integration, and overall efficiency of the assembly in competition.