First Look: Scott Release Latest Generation of Scale RC Hardtail

Dec 16, 2022
by Henry Quinney  
photo

Scott is still very much associated with cross-country racing, even though the brand did win the downhill overall World Cup as recently as 2020, and sponsor freeracing phenom Brendan Fairclough, Whether it's down to the bikes themselves or the barnstorming talent they have at their disposal, their bikes certainly see frequent trips to the podium at World Cups.

As with most things Scott in 2022, the new Scale hardtail is at the forefront of cable integration. However, compared to the full-suspension Genius or Spark, the lack of hidden rear shock at the rear of this bike makes this thing look like a halfway house.

Yes, the headset cables are routed internally, but for a bike like this, I don't see it putting too many people off. In fact, this frame seems to have been the product of a very thorough of small but important details. Whereas something like an enduro bike is full of compromise, a true XC race hardtail is more clear-cut - and you can see that thinking reflected in the pursuit of reducing weight throughout.
Scale details
• Intended use: cross-country
• Travel: 100 mm fork
• Carbon fiber monocoque
• Small, medium, large, and XL sizes
• Claimed weights as low as 8.9 kg / 19.6 lb
• Weight: 1,390 - 1,555 grams
• MSRP: $3,499 - 13,999 USD
• More info: www.scott-sports.com

photo

Frame Features

The frame is made of carbon. In areas where stiffness is prioritized, a higher proportion of ultra-high and high-modulus carbon was used. These areas, such as the head tube or bottom bracket, will be stiffer under load compared to something like the top tube-seatpost junction or the seat stays. The carbon here is more flexible to hopefully give more comfort to the rider.

The frame is manufactured with just three molds. This means there can be fewer joins, which can need to be overbuilt to ensure stiffness. This monocoque bike is, as is nearly always the case with new-generation XC bikes - a bit lighter than the previous version. That said, at this point, the gains are relatively marginal. That's not to say unimportant but rather the return is somewhat diminished as the XC race bike is already somewhat refined. The top-end HMX-SL frame sheds 22 grams compared to the outgoing model, to achieve a claimed weight of 847 g. The mid-tier HMX frame has a weight of 912 g. For the entry-level bike, the HMF, the gains for the new model are more substantial, and it cuts out an impressive 126 grams.

Something that will seem like a why haven't we always done this moment for some, while completely inconsequential to others will be the bottle cage inserts. These not only sit flush with the frame but can also be swapped out with blanks. It's a very small detail - but a nice one all the same. In a similar vein, the bike has a hollow dropout. This enables the axle to sit completely flush within the frame and shaves off 20 grams.

photo
The entry Scale RC Team
photo

Something that isn't inconsequential, however, would be the frame mount, and - good news sports fans - it's a standard post mount. In recent years we've seen some brands going to the, in my opinion, inferior flat-mount system that you may well find on a road bike. The bike will also impress the home mechanic with a service window around the BB for ease of routing. There is also a simplified and lightweight chain guide that can be removed completely, and replaced with a blanking plug.

photo
photo

As mentioned, the cables do go through the headset, and much like other Scotts, this features the Fraser one-piece bar. It also features adjustable headset cups, which are something of a novelty for XC hardtails. These cups mean you can steepen the head angle by 0.6 degrees in a reasonably isolated fashion.


Geometry

photo

Models
photo
The entry Scale RC Team
photo
... and the Scale RC World Cup Model

Although at $3,500 for a hardtail, it's certainly not cheap, the Scale RC Team model does represent the best value of the bunch and, in my opinion at least, should prove enough for most, if not nearly all, amateur racers. The HMF frame is slightly heavier and doesn't feature the same exotic blend of fibers, but it has seen the most aggressive weight reduction for this product cycle. The bike also does without the carbon Fraser bar, making use of an alloy one. The XT-equipped bike has a SID bolted to the front and a claimed weight of 10.6 kg.

Next up, is the World Cup model. As you'd probably guess, this sees a big jump in terms of spec. For $7,500, you'd certainly hope so. It uses the lighter HMX frame, the very high-end drivetrain from SRAM with an X01 AXS drivetrain, carbon DT Swiss XRC1501 wheels, and a Select+ SID from Rockshox. The bike has a claimed weight of 9.7 kg.

photo
The $10,000 World Cup Evo model isn't short on spec.
photo
Neither is the range-topping Scale RC SL model.

The World Cup Evo model features a SRAM powermeter, full AXS, DT Swiss XRC1200 CL wheels and XTR brakes. All of which gets the weight down to an impressive 9.2 kg.

Should that still not quite be what you're after, then the $14,000 RC SL goes to Trickstuff brakes and Syncros Silverton wheels. It also uses the HMX SL frame, as opposed to the HMX, and weighs a mere 8.9 kg.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks XC Bikes Scott Scott Scale


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218 Comments
  • 262 4
 Pro tip: If you need a $14k hardtail, you don't have to buy it. Someone else is paying you to ride it.
  • 39 3
 I dunno, the weird thing about the economics of these super expensive bikes / bike parts is many pros DONT ride some of this super high end stuff, particularly roadies, it's generally reserved for the ultra rich folks....

'Lightweight' (brand) wheels were like $6k+, never saw those on a pro-road bike but saw my share on group rides by middle age, semi in-shape weekend warriors, go figure.....same can be said for all the trick brakes, aftermarket ceramic hubs and other fancy stuff....
  • 10 1
 @RadBartTaylor: Solid user name
  • 10 3
 @RadBartTaylor: That's because the pros who used Lightweight wheels paid for them out of pocket and put their sponsor's logos on them. I'm not a huge road racing fan so Chris Froome is the only name that comes to mind but there were others. You point definitely stands but that one example is incorrect.
  • 10 25
flag OldFatBassTerd (Dec 16, 2022 at 13:07) (Below Threshold)
 They'd have to pay me $14k to ride one of those
  • 2 0
 @lelandjt: ok, RARELY seen on pro road bikes (I don't remember seeing them but assume you are right).
  • 17 1
 @RadBartTaylor: If you never saw lightweight wheels on pro bikes, it's because you weren't looking
  • 4 0
 Literally "Pro" tip.
  • 6 17
flag DirtMcGuirk07 (Dec 16, 2022 at 13:44) (Below Threshold)
 its so cool when someone uses "Pro Tip" so cool .. Pro tip, be a pro and use an actual pro tip when referring to pro tip..pro tip
  • 2 3
 @OldFatBassTerd: you’ll never ride one
  • 4 1
 @enduroNZ: My back wouldn't let me
  • 1 0
 word
  • 5 0
 @Weens: Jan Ulrich ran them.
  • 14 3
 PRO tip: For some people $14K is like 14 cents. Wink
  • 21 0
 Gross! Is that an externally routed chain? Get that filth away from my eyesight.
  • 35 4
 @martin737:

I don’t get the hate for expensive stuff.

I can neither afford a $100k car or a million dollar watch, but I don’t hate on those that can.

I guess I could get a 100k car, but man would that be a poor decision
  • 4 5
 Aint it strange that the "elite climbers" of mtb are all trying to get the lightest weight rig possible. Like instead shouldn't we be saying "daaaang that guy's riding a 50 lb bike, he's elite af!"
  • 4 0
 @RadBartTaylor: Here's a thread that spans 16 years that discusses exactly that topic. Tl;dr, there are lots of pros that have ridden Lightweight wheels.

weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=10108
  • 1 1
 @speed10: Yes, you are not allowed to have internal chains even though it would be better!
Because?
  • 18 0
 A younger, angrier me used to resent people who bought bikes that were better than the rider. Now I thank them for accelerating the development of what the rest of us will be riding.
  • 1 0
 It's like mist ... heavy on senses.
  • 3 0
 @RadBartTaylor: Ineos (or was it still Sky back then?) used them in 2019 and 2020 seasons I think, maybe even 2021. Just for the mountain stages/races though.
  • 3 0
 @RadBartTaylor: You might be too young. Jan Ullrich, Lance Armstrong and a few others bought Lightweight wheels out of their own pockets to race in mountain stages instead of their sponsor correct hoops in the 90s/2000s. But Sky/Ineos have run LWs quite heavily for the last few years too.

The Athertons run Trickstuff brakes too, don't they?
  • 1 0
 @catoctinmountaincyclery:

Correction

...."rode" them
  • 1 0
 @OldFatBassTerd: In Russia, $14k hard ride you.
  • 5 0
 14k this year so the 7k bike seems like a better deal. Next year it will be 15k for the top and 8k for mid. Everyone will complain but they’re hoping the top makes the middle seem like a ‘good’ deal.
  • 1 0
 @wingguy: I guess I just never noticed those guys riding em', but unfortunately I'm not to young to use that as an excuse Smile
  • 4 1
 @hllclmbr: Some of these younger, lazier adults like to shit on hardworking individuals upper-end lifestyle. I do very well for myself and enjoy my expensive bikes. I didn't get to where I am by trolling the internet all day. I feel bad for today's youth.
  • 3 0
 @SLP999:
Where do you get off spending your hard earned dollars the way that you want to. And then, to top it off, having a clear concise justification for your own actions. Mature adults of today, what had this world come to?
  • 119 37
 YOU CAN'T CHARGE $14K FOR A HARDTAIL

F*CK OFF SCOTT
  • 86 32
 I'm not going to defend that price - it's crazy expensive - but keep in mind that the wheels alone are $4,500, and the brakes are around $1,000. And it's not like that's the only model they're offering.
  • 30 3
 And it still weighs almost twenty pounds! What a ripoff
  • 64 0
 The price is the hidden shock?
  • 8 0
 popcorn ready Smile
  • 48 1
 @mikekazimer: blink twice if scott's marketing team has you at gunpoint

trickstuff brakes are an awesome component choice though, can't argue with that
  • 40 9
 @EnsBen: "I'm not going to defend that price, but".... immediately proceeds to defend the price. -Mike Kazimer
  • 14 0
 And no dropper post?
I don't recall seeing more than a handful of the world cup xc racers riding without a dropper this last season. Suggests to me that xc race bikes should come stock with droppers.
  • 49 8
 @thegoodflow, I'm not defending it at all, simply offering some insight as to how it's possible that a bike can cost such an exorbitant amount of money. Unless you're the type of person who burns $100 bills to keep warm, there's no reason to buy that particular model.
  • 11 29
flag thegoodflow (Dec 16, 2022 at 12:37) (Below Threshold)
 @mikekazimer: everybody already knows that exorbitantly bikes come equipped with exorbitantly expensive components. Everyone also knows that we don't have to buy a $14,000 bike if we're not rich.
  • 3 0
 @Compositepro: well done!
  • 12 1
 No respectabke swish banker would ask to see the price before purchasing. How uncivilized.
  • 19 3
 @mikekazimer: So the reason this bike is so ridiculously overpriced, is because it's components are ridiculously overpriced. Ok, got it.
  • 14 1
 @pink505: This is so ridiculously expensive no one's talking about dentists lol
  • 13 0
 $14K stock scale.. much to hire Dangerholm for a custom Scale? Would probably be lighter.
  • 14 2
 @mikekazimer: so we have two of the most ridiculously overpriced components, and we're still $8,500 short of the total price of a non-boutique brand hardtail. You're totally right no one has to buy this spec level, but you also can't blame people for ridiculing ridiculous things.
  • 1 0
 @bok-CZ: I don’t know I think your trickstuff comment beat mine
  • 4 0
 Not that I'm in the market for a bike like this, but what's annoying is the top end bike has the nicest paint job and is the lightest most developed frame. I'm not interested enough to check, but unless they sell the frame standalone that's always annoying as top model spec is never what I would want anyway.
  • 23 1
 There’s no shortage of $14K road bikes with no suspension at all.

So there are a lot brands that need to be added to that f*ck Off List.
  • 7 2
 still more complicated than a 14k road bike
  • 7 0
 Wait till you see what premium road bike prices are!
  • 5 5
 @Mac1987: I guess you can't be surprised that people will ridicule that bike, but I still don't understand why. Just because they made it and someone other than you might buy it doesn't mean it's to be ridiculed. I find it the same in the road bike world and the car world and the golf world and the ski world. There's always some really, really expensive thing that makes no sense for myself, but I don't ridicule Ferrari for making cars I can't buy.
  • 4 23
flag XCplease (Dec 16, 2022 at 14:01) (Below Threshold)
 @mikekazimer: and the wheels arent even that lightweight dawg
that thing sucks monkey cock and balls full deep throating
they taking the piss dawg
  • 10 3
 @mikekazimer: I’ve never understood why people get upset about the price of bikes. If your upset by the price then your probably not the demographic they are trying to sell it to.
  • 10 0
 @mikekazimer: OEM wheels always sport exaggerated prices to fool potential buyers...and editors?
  • 22 0
 YOU CAN'T CHARGE $ 4,500 FOR WHEELS ! F*CK OFF SCOTT . I know, ( Below Threshold .)
  • 5 2
 @enduroNZ: nah the bike is shite and they are f*cking up the market if bikes that expensive are put out there
takin the piss
  • 5 0
 @Smashmouth: i mean you can but they better be around 900g
  • 4 6
 @JohSch: they just shite wheels
  • 11 3
 I'd like to complain about the price here on Pinkbike. But instead I'm off to the Ferrari dealer. "100k for a two seater car? I paid 10k for a four seater. Was just as red as your car!"

And they go: "Yeah, but our wheels..."

Pathetic.
  • 3 0
 Maybe there's actually a shock hidden in the frame?
  • 20 0
 @thegoodflow: it’s shocking to me that even with Trickstuff brakes it’s still 19.6 lb WITH NO DROPPER POST!!

I built an Epic HT that’s a pound lighter with a dropper on it. For half the cost of this thing. Silly.
  • 13 3
 I'll chime in here to compare apples to oranges.

This costs less and is 100% more fun:
www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-pl/models/travel/701-enduro-2023.html

$12,500usd
  • 8 1
 @mikekazimer: Funny that the super lite/ expensive model is not really any lighter that a reasonably lite mountain bike from 15 years ago, before they added wagon wheels?
  • 1 1
 @mikekazimer: It should still be $10k with those wheels.
  • 9 1
 @enduroNZ:
I think we are upset that bikes cost this much because:
1. They don’t have to
2. A rising tide lifts all boats, or something like that.

I just built up a HT that weighs 150g more than this bike. Except mine is ready to ride weight for a size large. Also only cost around $3,800. Better looking to boot.

So that price is not necessary to justify its performance.

If the top of the line bikes keep getting more and more expensive then you can continue to raise the price on the whole line up because those pos nx bikes start to look like a real value at $4k
  • 8 1
 Well, if Nike can charge $150 for a pair of Nike Frees, because of all the R&D it took to figure out which padding to remove, then surely Scott can charge for the R&D of figuring out how to remove the rear shock.
  • 1 0
 @bicycle019: maybe a hard question to answer, but are road bikes cheaper then equivalent spec MTBs? I know absolutely nothing about road bikes.
  • 1 0
 @VelkePivo: Dentist want to know the price so they can tell all their friends
  • 1 0
 @audeo03: And a battery! Wink
  • 1 0
 @smartyiak: And snack storage. I wonder whether at some point a bike brand will just make an opening in their frame to slide the One Up EDC unit into. Especially for those XC bikes with particularly short steerer tubes (where the EDC might not fit) or carbon steerers (which can't be threaded).
  • 2 0
 @mtallman2: I have an epic evo at 17.8lbs that was cheaper than this bike.
  • 1 0
 @yourrealdad: which frame and what spec?
  • 1 1
 @EdSawyer: I don't believe that for a moment.
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977: I think Specialized is moving their model names around a little. Stumpjumper is no longer available as hardtail, you can get Epic as a hardtail (and still as a full susser too I think), the Fuse is no longer a BMX but as a hardtail. So maybe his Epic is a hardtail too?
  • 3 0
 @vonb:
Epic HT clone frame.
So before someone gets on here and says that is why it is so cheap, I could swap it with an actual s works frame at full retail and the cost would still be about $6k or less than half the Scott.

Spec is XX1 mech (got XX1 AXS lying around that would bump the price only $600). SID Ultimate 120mm, e13 trs crank, garbaruk chainring/cassette. Formula cura 4 pot brakes (overkill, but cheap, light, strong pick all), one up 180mm dropper, s works phenom saddle, mt. Zoom stem and 760mm bar, Farsports ultra lite wheels. Dt 240 hubs, 30mm internal, 1200g

Bike is sexy af as well
  • 1 1
 @yourrealdad: coulda gone for some Ali hubs, cf spokes, and light bicycle 250g hubs
What frame r u using can u send the link
I'm riding a 17lb china ht that's ab 6k~ with expensive wheels
  • 1 0
 @XCplease:

I pretty much run Farsports for all my Chinese wheels. Have had well over 10 pairs ranging from plus size to super ultra lite road. Zero issues. Typically it seems they are leading the Chinese development. Lighter, cheaper, better spec than LB wheels.

Here is the frame: Bought from on Ali with the blue/purple chameleon.

airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/yfm053-airwolf-xc-carbon-mtb-frame-boost-29er-thru-axle-14812mm-hardtail-mountain-bicycle-frameset-and-seatpost-lenght-420mm-s-m-l
  • 1 0
 @numbnuts1977: what do you want, the pictures on the scale or the pricing spreadsheet?
  • 1 0
 @EdSawyer: A 17 pound epic evo, sorry meant to direct to @mtallman2
  • 2 0
 *Road cycling has entered the chat*: "You guys are getting PARTS with your 14k framesets?
  • 1 0
 @Quinn-39: These people don't know that they have that too, but everything is internal. If I'm paying for my cables and hoses, I want to see them too.
  • 43 0
 OEM Trickstuff brakes, well this looks like the fastest way to get them
  • 9 1
 Kinda f***ed up when apparently getting them directly is like vaporware...
  • 1 0
 @Jshemuel: 2 years, who the hell knows what´s gonna happen
  • 1 0
 @Jshemuel: I ordered a set earlier this year, at that time it was a noted 18-mnth wait, then the DT buy our article came a few months later. Will see how long it takes (if ever). Had an older set of Diretissimas that I sold for more than I paid for them, so there is that comfort.
  • 3 0
 @Jshemuel: I ordered some in Feb 2020 and they showed up 4 months ago. They do exist. But it’s certainly a wait and a half. If you want something close just buy some Hayes T4s.
  • 1 0
 @chwk: did you have to leave a deposit?
  • 2 0
 Buy the bike , strip the brakes and replace with something else, resell it, voila: Trickstuff without the 1.5yr wait.
  • 2 0
 @Muckal: nope
  • 31 1
 a bit disappointed the crank, derailleur, brakes, fork, handlebar, seat, etc are not hidden inside the frame. esp on the the $14K model...
  • 19 0
 bike companies: We're routing cables through the headset so we don't have to put unnecessary holes in the frame, which will weaken it.

Also bike companies: let's put an additional hole in the DT and make the water bottle holes even bigger... because smooth plugs.
  • 21 1
 Crazy how well the shock is hidden on this one
  • 4 0
 Exactly. It isn't a hardtail. It is an integrated lockout full suspension design optimized for climbing and weight savings. And because of that technology, it is an incredible value at $14k.
  • 20 0
 Scotty doesn't know.
  • 1 0
 HA!
  • 13 2
 67.9 degree head angle. LOL Why not 68? It's like the discount bin $9.99. Marketing....sigh
  • 6 0
 Well they had to match the 28.99 'DUB' Big Grin
  • 10 1
 Have you seen the comments on pinkbike? People in here would be angrier over a 68 degree head angle than the price.

"It's not slack enough!!!!"
  • 11 3
 First of all, adding a new word (monocoque) to your vocabulary is priceless.

Second, I have this figured out where you can buy the highest end model for $3000 or less.

Buy 2lbs of weed at no more than $3k. Sell it by the gram at $20/g to the dirt jumpers. Even if you keep it hydrated, you’ll lose some to shake, whatever, it should land you at about a 10-12 thousand dollar profit even with that.

And you all act like these bikes are out of reach.
  • 3 0
 You still have weed dealers?
  • 4 1
 Bake edibles with the shake, and eat them before attending the opera.
  • 4 1
 Where are you selling for 20 a G these days, some remote village in Alaska?
  • 2 1
 @Glory831Guy: gotta find the santa cruz/yeti folks.
  • 10 3
 Ha ha.
My Scott scale 920 with stans crest wheels weighed 23lb and cost me about £1200 with full XT back in 2013.


Now they want 14k for something that weighs just a big shit less than my bike. Ha hahahhahhahaha
And they are both almost similar looking (apart from wheels)
  • 3 1
 Was going to mention a similar thing. My wife has one of these from about the same time as yours and it’s like 24.5 lbs with pedals, an old Reba, tubes, and cheap wheels. It’s a (nice) commuter now.
  • 9 1
 My back hurts just looking at that bike...Although I would like just one hot lap on one...
  • 9 0
 What happens in Vegas.
  • 2 0
 Me too, but the result would probably be like ridiculously priced clothing or alcohol: it's nice, but not that much nicer than very the best mid-level stuff.
It does look very nice on the pictures though. That and the insane pricing almost make you forget about the cable routing...
  • 4 0
 I think Scott and Cannondale gave up this war for the lightest frames in the world after seeing the launch of this bike and the Scalpel HT. Perhaps they have reached their limit. Perhaps Specialized must have a problem, as the Epic HT disappeared from the market and is said to be a lack of carbon, and no other Specialized bike disappeared.
  • 7 2
 Can I get a price on a Dangerholm custom? If $14k for a hardtail is being considered, why not just splurge and get something unique and beautiful (a bike, not the quads).
  • 3 2
 tbh build something Dangerholm esc with an open mould frame and some trick components should be around 16 lbs but he does sell some of them hit him up on insta if u want
  • 2 0
 I mean, Dangerholm does have unique and beautiful quads. I am a straight male, but conifident enough in who I am to give credit wehre credit is due. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @bman33: ‍❤️‍‍
  • 7 0
 Cut it out, Scott, this is beyond ridiculous Frown
  • 7 0
 Those two exposed cables disgust me. How dare they.
  • 4 1
 What's wrong with flat mount?
I have them on my Oiz and they have been way easier to adjust than post mount. The brake sits flush and you loosen the screws and get it lined up and re tighten. I realize that you have to add an adapter to change the rotor size, but that is the same as literally every other type of brake.
  • 1 0
 -Can't swap with other caliper if needed -Smaller pad and rotor contact area -Less powerful than 2 piston post mount
  • 1 0
 @dave119: that’s not true. They use the exact same pads, and you can just swap with another flat mount… and I think your power remark is just anecdotal.

So still don’t get the hate.
  • 3 0
 why not just get a trek supercaliber instead. My 2022 9.8gx in large was lighter than the listed wieght so with pedals, invisiframe kit, bottle cage and small front mud guard my bike weighs just under 10.5kg. It rides as efficiently as a hardtail and has the added benefit of rear suspension too. i am noticiably faster on the supercaliber than i ever was on my orbea alma carbon hardtail which it replaces (and i use to really like that bike too).
  • 4 0
 Ehm.. stupid bottle mount inserts..hollow dropouts .. and whatnot.. and still you end up with a ~850g frame? Specialized and Mondraker are not impressed...
  • 5 0
 My aluminum, 1x10 gearing trek superfly from 2016 weighs roughly the same as the 2023 $3500 "HMF" carbon Scott scale.
  • 3 0
 I actually have no clue why, but for some reason older trek superflys are hella light. It just doesn't make sense. My friend has one with SX components on and it is lighter than my carbon hardtail with GX.
  • 2 0
 @Been-Jamin: Yeah they used to make alu bikes lighter. I also have a 2018 Marin rift zone (full sus, 130mm travel 29er) and its like 28lbs. That's virtually unheard of today -- not sure why.
  • 4 0
 I like the way the headset cable routing has a scoop under the cables so even more water will get dumped into the upper bearing. Engineering Genius / bright Spark etc....
  • 3 0
 I've never ridden a modern XC race bike, but that thing looks fast as f*ck. I just want to borrow one for the afternoon and see what kind of times I could put down on my boring local trails.
  • 6 1
 Can I change the head tube angle without having to bleed my brakes?
  • 23 2
 Yes. You just take the stem off, then rotate the cups inside the frame. No bleeding is necessary.
  • 3 0
 Cool. I guess. I race 6 or 7 endurance xc events per season, and I see a lot of folks line up with light hardtails. They usually are not in the top few percentage.
  • 3 0
 Lightweight hardtails are still awesome. I ride my 2011 Highball occasionally. It still fits, but the old lycra doesn't. Sad but true.
  • 3 0
 If I'm paying that much for a HT, the Torx bolt holding on the bar/stem combo better the f*ck not have chipped & rusty looking edges, like the one in the 2nd picture,,,,,
  • 3 0
 Am I the only one who resd the headline wondering how a remote control bike would function?
  • 1 0
 From what I understand in the description, that probably applies to the AXS stuff. Not sure why they call it "full AXS" though. Isn't AXS just for the rear mech, shifter and dropper? If you don't have a dropper, then the rear mech and shifter are the bare minimum of what can be called AXS, isn't it?
  • 7 5
 Some cool innovation. I realize this is a global website, but has anyone actually ever seen a new Scott sold in N.A. in the past decade?
  • 7 7
 Yeah, I see Scott’s all the time. I own an older gambler too. Pretty common actually
  • 1 2
 I see their road bikes more than their mountain bikes
  • 6 0
 Well, when I called the closest dealers about trying to get a Spark, they all basically said “gfl”. All agreed that the regional Scott rep doesn’t even talk to them and the are basically told by Scott what they will get. Tough to buy a bike if you don’t know of you can get your size.
  • 1 0
 @bto11: yeah the new sparks are nearly impossible to get. I have seen several though. Several of their e bikes. A whole lot of the previous generation sparks and geniuses, and a whole lot of the current but probably soon to be updated ransoms.
  • 1 0
 Yes, a friend bought a new Spark RC with the hidden shock earlier this year. They are not as common as some other brands but they are out there.
  • 1 0
 Seems like whenever I rent a bike it's either a Scott or Specialized. Most recently I had a Ransom at Keystone Resort this summer.
  • 1 0
 Yes. My LBS is a Scott dealer and one of my friends rides a spark. It is a nice bike.
  • 1 0
 At my bike shop all the time.
  • 4 0
 Kind of silly at the top price point. Race hardtail is a niche.
  • 4 0
 wow, you cant even see the rear shock
  • 4 0
 $14k? It's like they don't want people to buy it lol
  • 6 1
 Nice gravel bike.
  • 1 0
 They should come with the convertible handlebar...
  • 1 0
 Possible next year there will be similar tire clerance in gravel bikes, like in the scale Big Grin But thet will describe not 29x2.4 but 700x60 Razz Specialized hed 50mm yet
  • 2 2
 Scott can charge whatever they decide to charge. It’s their bike. I think that people are upset because they want it but can’t afford it simple as that. Why would they care otherwise. I love the bikes just can’t afford them.
  • 2 0
 Id take one with Shimano components and fox fork. I’m done with sram. Very disappointed with my epic that has x01 and SID select
  • 1 0
 I think that £2995 RC Team model * plus a new cycle-to-work opening is going to be the death of my gravel bike.


* Which let's face it, carbon + full XT plus upper-mid range SID is hardly slumming it.
  • 1 0
 I think my rift zone weighing in at a proud ~29lbs will be good enough to get me a top 10 finish in several cat 3 races this year, maybe even a podium if no one shows up and it's muddy! #winning
  • 3 0
 The first two comments didn't disappoint... keep up the good work!
  • 3 1
 This bike only exists to allow Dangerholm to beat his own record on Lightest 29er
  • 1 0
 His was hardly the lightest.
  • 4 1
 Scott is getting really good at hiding those rear shocks.
  • 1 0
 And cables !
  • 3 0
 Why buy a 14K bike if even the pros don’t use those parts?
  • 3 0
 Quite surprising that the SL model got a fox 32 and not the lighter Sid.
  • 2 0
 I thing this model is not exactly for racing, may be marathon, or rather some Transalp style. There is a seatpost with bigger offset and much higher handlebar comparing to WC. And I thing, people prefer fox forks. Good mechanic may tune fox to be very comfortable.
  • 2 0
 If I ride a sub-20lb hardtail will I overshoot a climb and land on the moon?
  • 2 0
 Love the headset routing! Now I know which bikes to not even bother fantasizing about.
  • 3 0
 Scott already knows where they can shove their $14k hardtail
  • 2 0
 The best HT that no uses.
Looking at the weight vs price… it’s just a bad deal.

Skip
  • 3 1
 How do we know there isn't a shock hidden in the bottom bracket?
  • 2 0
 what on earth have they been smoking? i want some
  • 2 0
 That's quite the price "Scale"
  • 2 0
 i'm surprised the top end bike is so heavy.
  • 3 1
 Why do mountain bikers hate flat mount brakes?
  • 3 3
 Cos post mount works better, is stronger, is easier to adjust, and it came first. Flat mount was invented for road bikes so that the frame doesn't look weird when running old school rim brakes. It was a pointless compromise for the sake of aesthetics, and now that disc brakes are well accepted in road it serves no purpose whatsoever.
  • 2 1
 @gabriel-mission9: I find it to be just as easy to adjust as post mount. What makes it stronger though?
  • 3 2
 @matyk: Larger bolts. Improved bolt spacing. More substantial anchor points. Flatmount is worse in every measurable way. It's only advantage is it looks neater with no caliper attached...
  • 5 1
 @gabriel-mission9: I don't know, but I think it's plenty strong. Is flat mount better? No, absolutely not. Is it necessary? No. Worse in every measurable way? That's a bit much.

Something tells me the real reason is "It's on road bikes, and I've been conditioned to think that's bad."
  • 3 0
 @gabriel-mission9: Have you owned flat mount? I wouldn't put it on an enduro bike, but on my xc bike it's perfect. not only is it easier for me to work on (frame dependent, but mine is super easy), it's like 50g lighter than post mount counterpart with less material in frame and metal on the brake caliper.
  • 2 0
 @turtletim3: Not to mention that since they have thru bolts there is no chance of stripping out the threads on the frame.
  • 1 3
 @matyk: If you are stripping the threads on your frame trying to attach a brake caliper, you should probably ask someone else to fit the caliper for you...
@turtletim3; I worked as a tech in a bike shop for over a decade, i've fitted hundreds of the bloody things to all different shapes and sizes of bike. Standard postmount is just less of a headache. And stonger. and easier to adjust. And less stressful on the frame so the frame doesn't need to be as overbuilt. Sure flatmount calipers are lighter on paper, but they need much beefier dropout arrangements. They look light in a catalogue, but they are objectively worse in every way.
  • 2 1
 @gabriel-mission9: You must have been a pretty lousy bike shop tech if you though those were a headache to work on. They're just as easy as post mount. Just a little different.
  • 1 2
 @matyk: reading comprehension fail...try again
  • 1 0
 @gabriel-mission9: I will go back to my assumption of "It's on road bikes, and I've been conditioned to think that's bad."
  • 1 2
 @matyk: General comprehension fail. Want a third try?
  • 1 0
 Having the previous gen and gen before that one, I'm glad they kept the 425mm chainstays.
  • 2 0
 You know, for a 1.4kg bike, $14k makes sense Wink
  • 2 0
 14,000 and heavier than the Epic S-Works?
  • 1 0
 $3500 is steep for ~1900g wheels.
  • 3 2
 i wonder how people feel about the $25,000 guitar at my local shop.
  • 1 0
 what kind of guitar is it?
  • 1 1
 @pmhobson: It must have hidden strings. You can't really play it, but it looks super stealthy.
  • 1 0
 @justwan-naride: You do realise that you can still ride a bike with a hidden shock? A lot of guitars have hidden mic’s …
  • 1 0
 I bet it sounds a lot nicer than the horrible freehub sound on this bike ;-)
  • 2 0
 Cool, its a hardtail
  • 1 0
 Is that internally routed sliding dropouts?
  • 1 0
 I got 5 kids to feed and Benny’s in school.
  • 2 1
 Why make a hard tail when you can just hide the shock?
  • 1 0
 Just trying to set the KOM on my the local blue trail
  • 1 1
 I think hardtails are fun. This looks like a pain-o-meter. I don’t have understand nor want too.
  • 2 0
 It's an XC race bike, probably not the hardtail most people are after.
  • 1 0
 Should actually ride and handle pretty nice.
  • 1 0
 Put it an integrated Road handlebars...
  • 1 0
 Danger Holm will sand one down.
  • 1 0
 Where is the new Sram XX1?
  • 1 0
 14,000? Soon I'll buy 2 motocross with that value.
  • 1 0
 I would love to see PB huck to flat this bike
  • 1 0
 Do they still race Hardtails??
Hump
  • 1 0
 *read
  • 2 1
 *hidden rear shock
  • 1 2
 14k only? can't wait to see dangerholms 20k+ version that weighs like 3kg (6.6lb for non-metric users)
  • 1 0
 Why so cheap?
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