SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM (2020): Ride Review

Introduction to the SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM (2020)

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a bike that's pretty darn special, the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM. If you're a fan of cross-country mountain biking and you're looking for a machine that can absolutely shred the trails, then you've come to the right place. This bike isn't just a set of wheels and a frame; it's a meticulously engineered piece of equipment designed to give you an edge, whether you're racing or just out for a serious adventure. We're going to break down what makes this bike tick, what kind of rider it's best suited for, and why it might just be the upgrade you've been dreaming of. So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of the SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM. We'll cover everything from its super-lightweight frame to its cutting-edge suspension and components, giving you the full picture so you can decide if this beast is the right steed for your next trail conquest. Get ready to learn about a bike that truly embodies performance and innovation!

Unpacking the Frame and Suspension

Let's start with the heart of the beast: the frame and suspension of the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM. SCOTT is known for its innovative carbon fiber work, and this Spark is no exception. The frame is constructed using their high-end HMF Carbon Fiber, which strikes a fantastic balance between being incredibly lightweight and seriously strong. This means you get a bike that feels agile and responsive when you're climbing or sprinting, but also robust and confidence-inspiring when you're bombing downhill. The geometry is dialed in for that classic cross-country feel – think steep-ish head angles for precise steering, a relatively short wheelbase for quick handling, and a comfortable pedaling position. But what really sets the Spark apart, especially in the 2020 model, is its integrated suspension system. The rear shock is neatly tucked away inside the seat tube, which not only gives the bike a super clean, minimalist look but also protects the shock from the elements. Less grit and grime means smoother operation and potentially longer service intervals, which is a win-win, right guys?

Now, let's talk about the suspension itself. The Spark 900 ACE VM features SCOTT's TwinLoc Suspension System. This is a game-changer, seriously. With a simple flick of a switch on your handlebars, you can seamlessly toggle between three distinct suspension modes: Descend, Traction Control, and Lockout. In Descend mode, you get the full 120mm of plush, active travel at the rear, perfect for soaking up bumps and maintaining traction on rough descents. Flick it to Traction Control, and the shock's compression is firmed up, reducing sag and giving you a more efficient, pedaling-friendly platform for climbing or pedaling across flatter terrain. Finally, Lockout mode completely firms up the rear suspension, making it super efficient for those long climbs on smooth roads or fire roads. This system allows you to adapt your bike's suspension characteristics on the fly without having to take your hands off the grips, which is a massive advantage when you're on the move. The front suspension is typically a high-quality 120mm fork (like a Fox 34 or RockShox SID), which works in harmony with the rear to provide a balanced and capable ride. The integration of the TwinLoc system with the rear shock not only optimizes performance but also adds a unique aesthetic to the bike, making it stand out from the crowd. It’s all about maximizing efficiency and fun, and this bike delivers on both fronts with its intelligently designed frame and adaptable suspension.

Componentry and Performance on the Trail

Moving on to the components that bring the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM to life, this bike is specced to perform. You're typically looking at a high-end drivetrain, often a SRAM GX Eagle or Shimano XT setup. These 1x12 drivetrains are the gold standard for cross-country riding because they offer an incredibly wide gear range, allowing you to tackle steep climbs without feeling like you're going to fall off the back, and still have plenty of speed for the flats and descents. The shifting is crisp, precise, and reliable, even when you're putting down serious power or navigating technical terrain. It just works, guys, and that’s what you want when you’re out there pushing your limits.

When it comes to stopping power, you'll find reliable and powerful disc brakes, usually from SRAM (like Level TLM or G2 RSC) or Shimano (like XT or SLX). These brakes offer excellent modulation and stopping power, giving you the confidence to brake late and hard when needed. For cross-country, you don't necessarily need the biggest, baddest brakes, but you do need ones you can trust, and these deliver. The wheels are typically lightweight and robust, often featuring Syncros (SCOTT's in-house brand) components, which are designed to be durable and fast-rolling. They'll be running fast-rolling XC tires, usually in a 2.35" or 2.4" width, that offer a good balance of grip and low rolling resistance. You can, of course, set these up tubeless, which is pretty much essential for modern mountain biking. Tubeless setups allow you to run lower tire pressures for better traction and comfort, and they drastically reduce the risk of pinch flats – a lifesaver on rocky trails.

The cockpit is usually a blend of Syncros alloy or carbon components – handlebars, stem, and seatpost. These are chosen to be lightweight and provide a comfortable riding position. The saddle, often a Syncros model too, is designed for performance and comfort over long rides. One of the standout features is the dropper seatpost. While not always standard on every XC bike, the ACE VM often includes one, and it’s a massive plus. A dropper post allows you to lower your saddle on the fly with a lever on your handlebars. This is incredibly useful for descending, as it lowers your center of gravity and gives you more freedom to move around the bike. It transforms the bike’s descending capabilities, making it feel more like a trail bike when you need it to be. All these components come together to create a bike that's not only fast and efficient but also incredibly fun and capable across a variety of XC terrain. It’s a well-thought-out package where every component plays a crucial role in the overall performance.

Riding the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM: The Experience

So, what's it actually like to ride the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM? In a nutshell, it's pure, unadulterated XC performance with a dash of trail-bike capability thrown in. When you're climbing, the bike feels incredibly responsive and efficient. Engage the TwinLoc system to the 'Traction Control' or 'Lockout' setting, and the bike stiffens up, allowing you to put all your energy into forward motion. The lightweight carbon frame means you're not lugging around any unnecessary weight, and the pedaling platform is firm and supportive. You'll find yourself easily keeping pace with friends on the climbs, and maybe even passing them! The geometry keeps you in a comfortable, powerful position, so you can attack those climbs without feeling strained.

But where the Spark 900 ACE VM truly shines is when the trail starts to point downhill or get a bit rough. Flick that TwinLoc lever back to 'Descend' mode, and the 120mm of rear travel comes alive. The bike feels planted and stable, soaking up roots, rocks, and chatter with impressive composure. The integrated shock design and the well-tuned suspension linkage mean that the travel feels progressive and controlled, avoiding harsh bottom-outs. The slackening head angle (when the suspension compresses) and the relatively long reach contribute to a feeling of confidence and stability at speed. You can really lean into corners, trust the tires, and push the limits. The dropper post, if equipped, is an absolute game-changer here. Dropping the saddle instantly makes the bike feel more playful and maneuverable, allowing you to get low and pump through berms or manual over obstacles. It transforms the descents from something to be survived into something to be enjoyed.

On flatter, more undulating trails, the bike feels lively and agile. It accelerates quickly, and its relatively short chainstays and quick steering make it fun to flick around berms and navigate tighter sections of trail. The bike truly excels at its intended purpose: cross-country riding and racing. It's designed to be fast, efficient, and capable of handling the demands of modern XC courses, which often include technical descents and challenging climbs. Whether you're lining up for a race, tackling a challenging backcountry adventure, or just looking for a super-fast and fun bike for your local trails, the Spark 900 ACE VM delivers an exhilarating ride experience. It strikes a brilliant balance between race-day speed and trail-riding fun, making it a versatile and highly desirable machine for any serious XC rider. You feel connected to the trail, empowered to push harder, and most importantly, you're having an absolute blast doing it!

Who is the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM For?

Alright guys, let's talk about who this bike is really for. The 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM is a high-performance cross-country mountain bike, and as such, it’s best suited for riders who prioritize speed, efficiency, and light weight. If your idea of a perfect ride involves conquering climbs with gusto, railing singletrack, and potentially dabbling in a bit of cross-country racing, then this bike is absolutely in your wheelhouse.

First off, dedicated XC riders and racers will absolutely love this machine. The lightweight carbon frame, the efficient suspension with the TwinLoc system, and the race-oriented geometry are all designed to give you an advantage when every second counts. It’s the kind of bike that can help you shave time off your personal bests or podium at local events. The agility and responsiveness mean you can dart through technical sections and accelerate quickly out of corners, which is crucial in racing.

Secondly, enthusiast trail riders who enjoy the challenge of climbing and appreciate a bike that can handle more than just smooth fire roads will also find a lot to love. While it’s an XC bike, the 120mm of travel, the capability of the suspension, and the option for a dropper post make it surprisingly capable on descents. If your local trails have a good mix of punchy climbs and fun, flowy descents, the Spark 900 ACE VM offers a fantastic blend of climbing prowess and descending confidence. It’s not a long-travel enduro bike, so don't expect it to be a mini-shuttle vehicle, but for aggressive XC riding that borders on trail riding, it’s an excellent choice. It allows you to explore further and ride harder, thanks to its efficiency on the climbs and capability on the descents.

However, it’s important to note who this bike isn't for. If you're primarily looking for a bike to ride purely downhill, a bike for enduro racing, or a bike that feels plush and forgiving on very rough, technical terrain for extended periods, you might want to look at bikes with more suspension travel (like a longer-travel trail bike or enduro bike). The Spark 900 ACE VM is built for speed and efficiency first and foremost. While it can handle descents admirably, its strengths lie in its lightweight agility and climbing performance. Riders who prefer a more relaxed, upright riding position for comfort over long, casual rides might also find the XC geometry a bit aggressive. Ultimately, if you value a fast, light, and capable XC machine that can handle a wide variety of trails with a focus on performance and fun, the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM is a seriously compelling option. It’s a bike that rewards a good rider and encourages you to push your boundaries, all while offering a refined and enjoyable ride.

Final Thoughts on the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM

So, after diving deep into the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM, what's the verdict? Simply put, this is a phenomenal cross-country machine that punches above its weight class, offering a brilliant combination of speed, efficiency, and capability. SCOTT has a reputation for innovation, and the Spark platform, especially with the integrated rear shock and the incredibly versatile TwinLoc suspension system, truly showcases their engineering prowess. The lightweight HMF carbon frame provides an excellent foundation, making climbing feel effortless and descents surprisingly controlled. The component spec, typically featuring high-end drivetrains and reliable brakes, ensures that the bike is ready to perform right out of the box, whether you're lining up for a race or just hitting your favorite local trails with friends.

The riding experience is truly where this bike shines. It’s responsive and lively, eager to accelerate and nimble through corners. The TwinLoc system is a standout feature, allowing riders to instantly adapt the bike's suspension to their needs, transforming it from a climbing rocket to a capable descender with a simple flick of a lever. This adaptability is what makes the Spark 900 ACE VM such a versatile option for serious XC riders and even aggressive trail riders looking for a faster, more efficient bike. It empowers you to tackle challenging climbs with confidence and descend with newfound speed and control. The inclusion of a dropper post, often found on this model, further enhances its descending prowess and overall fun factor.

In conclusion, if you're a rider who lives for the thrill of cross-country mountain biking, who wants a bike that’s both a podium-chasing weapon and an exhilarating trail companion, the 2020 SCOTT Spark 900 ACE VM is an outstanding choice. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology meets thoughtful design. It offers a refined, high-performance ride that will undoubtedly elevate your mountain biking experience. It’s a bike that makes you want to ride more, push harder, and explore further. Truly a fantastic piece of kit, guys!