Spesh FSR XC Expert -v- Scott Spark 60

HardrockRob

Hi all - at the risk of starting another "vs" thread, I am looking at these two bikes as my weekend "plaything". Think the Spark is a gorgeous looking bike, as is the Spesh...but is it me, or are the specs of the Spesh significantly better considering both bikes are the same price? (air fork on the Spesh, versus the Tora coil of the Scott).

Infact, the Spark seems more on a par with the slightly cheaper FSR XC Comp.

Anyway, I am swaying towards the Spesh, especially as I am a Spesh fan, and the spec looks to me that much better, but I would welcome your thoughts. (PS £1200 is absolute top budget).

Cheers

supersonic

The FSR is a more relaxed ride than the Spark. What terrain will you be riding? Spark is quite a racy XC machine.

HardrockRob

mostly cross country and single track. Some trails etc. Am based in south east, and tend to cycle to my local haunts, so a bit needs to have decent lock out for minimal road use.

However, would like to have something that I could use to be a bit more of adventurous if the mood takes me (hence why I am looking at something other than a hardtail, which I already have!)

supersonic

You can still be advernturous on a hardtail ie a long travel one - infact probably more so tha the Spark.

FSRs are very good this year, that bit more travel for the rougher trails, great frame and good value. I am not the greatest fan of the sus action, but like most designes there is a trade off somewhere - FSRs tend to bob a lot under power.

HardrockRob

That's interesting about the FSR. Want to try and avoid excessive bob. If I start looking back at hardtails, a shiny new Stumpy is suddenly in reach....hmmmmmm

supersonic

You can tame it with pro pedal, and steady pedalling - more bob usually means a more active set up which can feel plusher over bumps. Summat to test really. Better pedaling bikes often have more pedal feedback (or kickback) and may not be so active.

Daz555

Lockouts/propedal etc remove any concerns about bob for me and to be honest I never found it a problem anyway.

I have the 09 Comp so I'd be very confident that the Expert will be a great ride and it certainly scales up well to some of the rougher stuff with the slacker angles and 5in of travel.