When it comes to cross-country race bikes, few platforms have a record as stacked as the SCOTT Spark RC. World Championships, World Cup wins, and the toughest stage race on the planet have all been conquered aboard this machine. Most recently, the Spark added another jewel to its crown when Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo powered it to overall victory at the Absa Cape Epic in 2025.
Paid partnership with SCOTT Sports Africa
To celebrate that milestone, SCOTT Sports South Africa has launched an “As Epic As It Gets” promotion on three of its top-tier Spark RC models – all equipped with the game-changing RockShox Flight Attendant suspension system.
And if you’ve been eyeing a World Cup-level race bike, the timing couldn’t be better.
“We are subsidising the RRP on the prices of these bikes in honour of Nino Schurter and Filippo Colombo’s victory at the 2025 Absa Cape Epic,” explains Joggie Prinsloo of SCOTT Sports Africa.
“We don’t have a SCOTT SRAM team at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, but we are most definitely there in spirit. And of course, you will see that a large percentage of the Cape Epic field this year – as in previous years – have put their trust in the SCOTT Spark.”
And there’s a reason for that.
BUILT FOR WORLD CUP SPEED WITH EPIC DURABILITY
The Spark RC platform is purpose-built for modern XC racing. Light, brutally efficient, and incredibly capable on technical terrain, it’s a bike that blurs the line between pure cross-country race weapon and marathon machine. Add to that, the Spark’s reputation for unmatched durability – John Gale rode 11 Cape Epics on the same SCOTT Spark!
Central to the design is SCOTT’s Integrated Suspension Technology, where the rear shock sits neatly inside the frame. It’s not just a design flourish – it delivers tangible performance benefits.
By hiding the shock inside the frame, the bike gains improved stiffness, a lower centre of gravity, and better power transfer. It also keeps the shock protected from dirt and debris while maintaining easy access for servicing.
Paired with 120 mm of travel front and rear, the Spark RC delivers the kind of control and traction that both modern XC tracks and rugged South African stage-race routes demand – without sacrificing the razor-sharp efficiency racers rely on.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: SUPSENSION THAT THINKS FOR YOU
A major highlight across the promoted models is the integration of RockShox Flight Attendant – arguably one of the biggest innovations in mountain bike suspension in recent years.
In simple terms, Flight Attendant is automatic suspension control.
Instead of reaching for a lockout lever, the system uses sensors to monitor rider power, terrain, speed, and rider position. It then automatically switches between three suspension modes:
- Lockout for maximum efficiency on climbs and sprints
- Pedal mode for balanced traction and support
- Descend mode for full suspension performance on rough terrain
All of this happens in real time – faster than any rider could react manually.
For marathon and XCO racers, the benefits are obvious. The bike stays firm when you’re hammering climbs or pushing power on flats, preventing energy loss through suspension movement. The moment the terrain gets rough, it opens up instantly to maximise traction and control.
The result? More speed, less guesswork.
Testing has shown an average 1.8% speed gain compared to manual systems – roughly 96 seconds saved over a 90-minute XC race. At race pace, that’s massive.
Spark RC World Cup
SCOTT Spark RC World Cup – you won’t find a better-priced RockShox Flight Attendant-specced bike!
Using SCOTT’s HMF carbon frame, it retains the same race geometry, integrated suspension layout and Flight Attendant technology, but with a slightly more accessible component package.
Shifting is handled by SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, while Syncros carbon wheels and SRAM four-piston brakes keep performance squarely in race-ready territory.
Available in Hush Purple and Carbon Black, it weighs in around 11–11.3kg depending on build.
Promotion price: R189 000
Spark RC World Cup EVO
Next up is the SCOTT Spark RC World Cup EVO – still very much a top-tier race machine.
Built around an ultra-premium HMX carbon frame, it shares the same 120mm Flight Attendant suspension system but offers a slightly different build configuration.
The drivetrain remains high-end SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission, while Syncros carbon wheels, powerful four-piston brakes and premium finishing kit ensure the bike remains firmly in elite territory.
Weight sits around 10.5–11kg.
Promotion price: R235 000
Spark RC SL
At the top of the line sits the SCOTT Spark RC SL – a full-blown elite race machine.
The bike is built around SCOTT’s ultra-light HMX SL carbon frame, weighing just 1870g including the shock. Up front sits a RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant fork, paired with a custom SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant shock delivering 120mm of travel.
Shifting duties are handled by SRAM’s wireless XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain, while braking is taken care of by SRAM Level Ultimate four-piston brakes.
Rolling stock is equally impressive, with Syncros Silverton SL2-30 full carbon wheels wrapped in Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.4-inch tyres.
The result is a brutally efficient race bike tipping the scales at around 10.7 kg (tubeless).
Promotion price: R299 000
EPIC PEDIGREE, EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
The Spark RC has always been a bike built to win – from World Cup circuits to the brutal climbs and descents of the Absa Cape Epic.
With this “As Epic As It Gets” promotion, riders now have a rare chance to get their hands on one of the most successful race bikes ever built – complete with cutting-edge automatic suspension – at significantly reduced prices.
The promotion is available through SCOTT Flagship Dealers across South Africa.
If you’re chasing podiums, personal bests, or simply want to ride one of the most advanced XC bikes on the market, this is the moment to make your move.
Paid partnership with SCOTT Sports Africa
