[manamana]

I currently have an Evil Following which I really like, 120mm rear travel and I have a 120mm fork and 140mm fork depending on the type of riding I'm doing. It rides great with the 120mm fork but ideally I'd like something a bit lighter, the Following frame weighs in at 6.5lbs.

I started looking at more XC frames with a similar head angle and came across the 2017 Scott Spark, which actually looks to be slacker than the following (which is fine as we have some steep technical decents here) and quite a bit lighter.

I don't suppose anyone has ridden both and could let me know how the Spark compares to the Following? Are there any other light 120mm frames/bikes with head angles of 67-68deg that I should also be looking at?

 

[eb1888]

3.85lbs. The 27.5+ version fits a 2.8 Maxxis Rekon.

 

[splitendz]

I have both. 15' Following: 16' Spark 900rc. In a nutshell, the Spark is a lightweight climbing machine (22 lbs). The Following is more all around trail machine (mine has 130mm fork). Even with carbon(Nox) rims, the Following is 7 lbs heavier. Both bikes are great at what they are designed for. I have be more into XC lately (lots of climbing), and the Spark is noticeably lighter and more agile on climbs. Following is much more stable on downhills. Spark with 100mm fork is a bit twitchy; takes a little getting used to. Also have to be very careful with pedal strikes on the Spark. Love both bikes; they each have their place.

 

[ghoti]

I hated the older Spark for tech climbing. Platform sucks so you have to lock out the suspension if you want to avoid pedal bob. Trying to scale rocky ascents just had the rear bouncing all over and losing traction. Pretty awful. Would rather have a DW link design or something like trek's RE:aktiv. If the climbs are smooth though then it won't matter and the spark will probably fit the bill.

 

[mikesee]

I hated the older Spark for tech climbing. Platform sucks so you have to lock out the suspension if you want to avoid pedal bob. Trying to scale rocky ascents just had the rear bouncing all over and losing traction. Pretty awful. Would rather have a DW link design or something like trek's RE:aktiv. If the climbs are smooth though then it won't matter and the spark will probably fit the bill.

Any chance your suspension wasn't dialed? Sure sounds like it.

 

[ghoti]

Any chance your suspension wasn't dialed? Sure sounds like it.

Maybe. It probably needed a custom tune but I'm sure it would still require locking out or a harsh ride. They just have a crappy platform and expect you to lock out the suspension as a result.

We're past the days where we are saddle with poor suspension designs and components. Having to lock out your suspension to have a good pedaling platform is ridiculous. It defeats the purpose of a FS bike to some degree.

 

[Guest]

Are there any other light 120mm frames/bikes with head angles of 67-68deg that I should also be looking at?

Yes. Ripley LS.

 

[QuickSilverZ]

Yes. Ripley LS.

x2, Ripley LS is a seriously fast and capable bike. I still prefer my Following for my type of riding, but the Ripley was definitely a contender with a bit more XC feel.

 

[AxelNose]

Sorry to dig up an old post but I’m in the same boat. Looking at either the v1 Following, 2018 Spark, maybe a Genius.

Spark B.B. height 327 following 331 or 338. Standover Spark 760 following 715 . Wheelbase Spark 1182 following 1163. The spark is slacker longer lower in every respect except standover which don’t make ANY difference except to look at!!

Anyone ridden both? When I say both I don’t mean the old shape Spark but the 2018 model

Cheers ppl

 

[dubdryver]

Sorry to dig up an old post but I'm in the same boat. Looking at either the v1 Following, 2018 Spark, maybe a Genius.

Spark B.B. height 327 following 331 or 338. Standover Spark 760 following 715 . Wheelbase Spark 1182 following 1163. The spark is slacker longer lower in every respect except standover which don't make ANY difference except to look at!!

Anyone ridden both? When I say both I don't mean the old shape Spark but the 2018 model

Cheers ppl

The new Genius has been bumped up to 150mm travel I believe. The lockouts drop it down to like 110 or something.

Honestly, the Ripley LS is worth a look. It is a pretty rippin' lightweight bike that's super agile while remaining capable and stable.
The eccentric version of the DW-Link is just something you have to try....it feels a bit different than the traditional small link version of the DW.....almost a Switch Infinity feel once its dialed.

The thing that i like the most is that the geometry is very dialed....or tight so the bike feels extremely agile under you. It does have its quirks with the sizing but once that's sorted, you forget about it and ride. Bible of Bikes did a review of the V3, its worth going to Youtube and checking it out.

If you're looking for more travel than 120mm in the rear, the Norco Sight c9.2, the new Evil Following MB, and I would put the Yeti SB5 plus (setup 29) or the SB4.5 along with the Santa Cruz Hightower.

If you're looking for a shorter travel bike.....I don't want to make any suggestions because the Ripley LS can easily change your mind about having a shorter travel bike.