Scott Spark 940 Full Suspension MTB Review

In May of 2022, I purchased the Scott Spark 940 full suspension mountain bike for a much needed upgrade from an old hardtail MTB that I had been using for a few years. I made the mistake of renting a Specialized Stump Jumper while riding the Whole Enchilada in Moab, UT and I realized instantly that I needed a full suspension mountain bike.

I didn’t love the look of the Specialized Stump Jumper and I have never really subscribed to the hype of Specialized because I think they are a bit over-rated. This lead me down the research rabbit whole of full suspension mountain bikes that would fit my needs.

Scott Spark 940 Full Suspension MTB In-Depth Review

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room – the travel (which refers to how much the suspension moves up and down). 130mm in the front and 120mm in the back. To some people this may sound like not enough travel, but if you are like me and keep the tires within a few feet of the ground then you will probably be just fine with this amount of travel.

I believe most people purchase way too much suspension when in reality most people aren’t doing 10 foot drops or shooting big gaps. Anyway, let’s deep dive into the in-depth review of Scott Spark 940 Full Suspension Mountain Bike.

If you’re looking for a mountain bike that can handle any terrain, the Scott Spark 940 is definitely worth considering. The bike features a lightweight carbon fiber MTB frame and comes equipped with high-end components that make it suitable for aggressive riding.

Scott Spark 940 Mountain Bike Features Review

In the review below, we’ll take a closer look at the Scott Spark 940 Full Suspension Mountain Bike’s features and capabilities.

1. Wheelset

The Scott Spark 940 has a 29-inch wheelset, which provides excellent traction and stability on rough terrain.

2. Shocks

The bike also has a Fox Float DPS shock, which can be adjusted to provide the ideal amount of suspension for your riding style. The front suspension is handled by a Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork, which provides 130mm of travel and can handle rough terrain with ease.

3. Groupset

The bike’s drivetrain is powered by a Shimano XT groupset, which provides smooth and reliable shifting. The bike has a wide range of gears, making it suitable for climbing steep hills or cruising on flat terrain.

4. Brakes

Scott Spark 940 mountain bike brakes are Shimano MT520 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power and can handle any terrain.

5. Handlebars, Stem, and Seatpost

The Scott Spark 940 is also equipped with Syncros components, which are designed specifically for mountain biking. The handlebars, stem, and seatpost are all made from lightweight and durable materials, making the bike easy to handle and maneuver. The bike also has a Syncros Dropper 2.5 seatpost, which can be adjusted on-the-fly to provide the perfect riding position for any terrain.

6. Suspension System of Scott Spark 940

One of the standout features of the Scott Spark 940 is its TwinLoc Suspension System. This system allows you to adjust the bike’s suspension on-the-fly, with three different modes to choose from: Lockout, Traction Control, and Descend. This system makes it easy to adjust the bike’s suspension to suit the terrain you’re riding on, providing a more comfortable and efficient riding experience.

Scott Spark 940 MTB Pros Explanation

The Scott Spark 940 has several notable perks that make it stand out from other mountain bikes on the market.

Rear Suspension of Scott Spark 940

Firstly, the bike features a rear suspension that is encased in the frame. This design choice helps to keep the suspension clean and free of debris, reducing the amount of maintenance required to keep the bike in top condition. Additionally, this design helps to protect the suspension from damage, ensuring that it remains functional for longer.

Water Bottle Cages

Sometimes it is the little things in life that make all the difference. The Scott Spark comes with two water bottle cages which is fantastic for long rides. On short rides I use one of the cages for my bluetooth speaker that I use as mountain lion and bear “repellant”.

Suspension Lock System

Another great perk of the Scott Spark 940 is that both the front and rear suspension can be adjusted from the handlebars. This is a feature that is not commonly found on mountain bikes, making it a standout feature of the Scott Spark 940.The suspension can be locked out fully or adjusted to provide just the right amount of damping for the terrain you’re riding on. This feature makes it much more convenient to adjust the bike’s suspension on-the-fly, without having to stop and manually adjust it.

Scott Spark 940 MTB Carbon Fiber Frame

Finally, the Scott Spark 940 is a great bike for riders who enjoy small jumps and drops, but don’t need a bike that can handle huge jumps or extreme terrain. The bike’s lightweight carbon fiber frame and aggressive geometry make it ideal for fast climbing and nimble handling, while the suspension provides just enough support to handle small jumps and drops. This makes it an excellent choice for riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of terrain, without sacrificing speed or maneuverability.

Overall, the Scott Spark 940 is a well-designed and versatile mountain bike that offers a range of perks that make it a great choice for riders of all skill levels.

Scott Spark 940 MTB Cons Explanation

While the Scott Spark 940 has many impressive features, there are a couple of downsides to keep in mind. One of the main drawbacks of the bike is the derailleur.

Derailleur of Scott Spark 940

The bike comes equipped with a SRAM Eagle NX derailleur, which is not the highest quality component. Many riders may find that they want to upgrade to a higher-end derailleur, such as the GX, in order to get smoother and more precise shifting.

Design of Rear Suspension

Another potential downside of the Scott Spark 940 is the design of the rear suspension. While the encased suspension is a great feature in terms of practicality and maintenance, it can give the bike a somewhat unconventional appearance. Some riders may find that the bike looks a little bit like an e-bike, which could lead to some confusion on the trails. Others may simply not like the way the bike looks, and prefer a more traditional design.

However, it is worth noting that these downsides are relatively minor compared to the many advantages that the Scott Spark 940 offers. The derailleur can be easily upgraded, and the encased suspension is a highly practical feature that many riders will appreciate. Ultimately, whether or not these downsides are significant enough to be a deal-breaker will depend on the individual rider’s preferences and priorities.

FAQs about Scott Spark 940 MTB

What is the frame of Scott Spark 940 made of?

The frame is made of lightweight carbon fiber, which helps to keep the overall weight of the bike low.

What size wheels does the bike have?

The Scott Spark 940 has 29-inch wheels, which are a good choice for riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of terrain.

Can the suspension be adjusted while riding?

Yes, the front and rear suspension can be adjusted from the handlebars, allowing riders to fine-tune their suspension on-the-fly.

What is the maximum tire width that the bike can accommodate?

The bike can accommodate tires up to 2.6 inches in width, which is suitable for a variety of terrain and riding styles.

Is Scott Spark 940 mountain bike suitable for beginners?

While the Scott Spark 940 MTB is a high-quality mountain bike, it may be too advanced for complete beginners. However, intermediate and advanced riders should find that the bike offers a good balance of performance and ease of use.

What is the weight of the Scott Spark 940 mountain bike?

The weight of the Scott Spark 940 varies depending on the size of the frame, but generally ranges from around 27 to 29 pounds.

Can the derailleur be upgraded?

Yes, the bike comes with a SRAM Eagle NX derailleur, but many riders may want to upgrade to a higher-end derailleur, such as the GX, for smoother and more precise shifting.

What is the travel on the front and rear suspension?

The front suspension has 130mm of travel, while the rear suspension has 120mm of travel. This provides a good balance of support and maneuverability on a variety of terrain.

Is Scott Spark 940 suitable for jumping and drops?

The Scott Spark 940 is designed to handle small to moderate jumps and drops, but may not be suitable for more extreme riding styles. However, the bike’s nimble handling and lightweight design make it a good choice for riders who want to tackle a variety of terrain.

Final Remarks about Scott Spark 940

Overall, the Scott Spark 940 is a highly capable and versatile mountain bike that offers an impressive range of features and benefits. It is an excellent mountain bike that is suitable for riders of all skill levels. The bike’s lightweight carbon fiber frame, high-end components, and TwinLoc Suspension System make it ideal for aggressive riding on any terrain. If you’re looking for a mountain bike that can handle anything you throw at it, the Scott Spark 940 is definitely worth considering.