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Everyone seems to be going from FSs to steel HTs these days. Not only to fly in the face of fashion but, also, to save my ageing back from feeling beaten up after day rides, I'm looking at/demo-ing various short travel FSs. I've demo'd a Spark 35 and been impressed with it - any skeletons in the Sparks closet?
Incidentally, anyone know of a place in West Yorkshire where I can get a demo Anthem??
Had a test on one too when i was looking for my new bike.
First impressions were great, best climbing bike I've ever ridden (and I've still not ridden better). However, it felt odd in tight singletrack, like the rear wheel was miles behind.
Next test ride was a Yeti ASR-SL, just sitting on it in the car park to sort out seat heights etc I knew I prefered it, test ride confirmed that. Didn't climb as well as the Spark but better in every other respect. Bought an ASR-C in the end.
Since then I have met quite a few people who have broken their Sparks, the chain-stay seems to be the most prone to it. No problems with their warrenties, but a lot of hassle if you don't have another bike. THis would lead me to avoid them if I was looking for another bike. Having said that I know someone who has wrecked 3 Yeti swingarms and mine's been perfect.
A lot of Trek Top-Fuels around too, maybe worth a look, not tried one, but I did have a go on a Crackandfail Scalpel and that felt really good.
Maybe a bit hard to find one for a test ride, but the only thing I would consider swapping my Yeti for would be a Pronghorn, only had a breif go on one but it made a good impression.
I've had my Spark Ltd for 3 years or so and it's admirably coped with 2 5-day epics around the Cairngorms and a trip to the Transrockies.
Excellent frame (I built it up so can't really comment on a complete Scott Spark).
Really climbs well and the shock is excellent when you consider it's size and weight.
My mate has last year's spark 50 and he realy likes it. Climbs really well as you'd expect and when I've ridden it I was suprized how fun it was. I will say though, that he had the chain stay break as well (warrentied). Just put this down to bad luck, but hearing what andrewh said, maybe there's something in that.
i tried a scott spark 30 a cannondale rush [with the lefty] and settled on the new style spesh epic with the carbon frame. for me the scott was a better fit as i preferred the length. imo they are a lot of money for an off the peg bike but there are some bargains around s/h.