Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Scott E-Spark 710 Review

10.09.2014
by

The Swiss bike company Scott sent us their flagship full-suspension E-Spark 710 for our group test. Not just the name, but also the looks — you can clearly see that this e-mountainbike has been constructed based on the successful Spark model range, which has built an excellent reputation in the marathon arena. Because of this, we were especially excited to see how a Spark equipped with the pervasive Bosch drive system would perform.

Scott E-Spark 710 E-Mountainbike Magazine (8 von 8)

First impressions

For 3,999 € the Scott E-Spark is a bike with clean lines and a well thought-out component mix. A mix of Shimano XT and Deore components handles shifting and braking. Finishing kit is primarily from the Syncros range. At the front end, a Fox 32 Float suspends the rider whilst at the rear a special Fox Nude shock is fitted. This is the product of a co-operation between Scott and Fox, and was specifically developed for the Spark series. Both suspension elements can be adjusted remotely from the bars to the changing terrain with three modes (Climb, Traction, Descend) using Scott‘s Twinloc Technology.

Scott E-Spark 710 E-Mountainbike Magazine (1 von 8)


The Scott E-Spark 710 costs 3.999 EUR.


Specification

For 3,999 € the Scott E-Spark is a bike with clean lines and a well thought-out component mix. A mix of Shimano XT and Deore components handles shifting and braking. Finishing kit is primarily from the Syncros range. At the front end, a Fox 32 Float suspends the rider whilst at the rear a special Fox Nude shock is fitted. This is the product of a co-operation between Scott and Fox, and was specifically developed for the Spark series. Both suspension elements can be adjusted remotely from the bars to the changing terrain with three modes (Climb, Traction, Descend) using Scott‘s Twinloc Technology.

Scott E-Spark 710 E-Mountainbike Magazine (7 von 8)

Handling

After just a few meters on a flat trail, you can feel the long 488mm chainstays and the 1210mm wheelbase. This means the Scott needs a conscious amount of effort to elicit quick steering and line changes. Exactly the same characteristics, combined with a low center of gravity and complete weight of 20.15kg, mean the bike feels safe and secure on fast descents.
It‘s here that we also criticize the over-long stem, narrow 700mm bars, narrow low-profile tires, and the lack of a dropper seatpost. The suspension overall can be described as very linear; the rear suspension has virtually no end-progression, and combined with the flexible fork this meant the bike reached its limits sooner on raw and rough trails. On more moderate trails the front and rear shocks harmonized well and offered plenty of comfort.

Sculpted. The whole Scott E-Spark looks fantastic with clean lines and a unique design. The rear brake mount has been perfectly integrated into the frame.
Sculpted. The whole Scott E-Spark looks fantastic with clean lines and a unique design. The rear brake mount has been perfectly integrated into the frame.
Out of its depth. The Fox 32 Float fitted in the Scott was overwhelmed by the high complete bike weight. A Fox 34 would have been a better choice.
Out of its depth. The Fox 32 Float fitted in the Scott was overwhelmed by the high complete bike weight. A Fox 34 would have been a better choice.
Full control. Thanks to the Twinloc Technology the rider can simultaneously adjust front and rear suspension into three modes: Climb, Traction, and Descend.
Full control. Thanks to the Twinloc Technology the rider can simultaneously adjust front and rear suspension into three modes: Climb, Traction, and
Descend.

All in all, the Scott E-Spark 710 is a sensible and very solid e-mountainbike. With a few details improved upon, the performance and rider fun could be dramatically increased.

All in all, the Scott E-Spark 710 is a sensible and very solid e-mountainbike. With a few details improved upon, the performance and rider fun could be dramatically increased.

Text: Max Philip Schmitt Photo: Christoph Bayer

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