August 14, 2006

Spark debuts at Marathon World

Sun Valley, ID, August 10th, 2006-This weekend, Thomas Frischknecht will defend his Marathon World Champion title aboard Scott’s new SPARK XC bike. After months of testing, Frischknecht believes it is a worthy choice to battle for his 3rd title in Oisans, France on the 13th. Frischi will then pack up his new SPARK and head to the XC World Championships in New Zealand.

THE BIKE CONCEPT:
The SPARK is a super lightweight XC, Marathon and Trail full suspension bike. The new SPARK is the first bike produced with IMP (integrated molding process) technology, which is the next generation of carbon manufacturing from the developers of carbon tube-to-tube welding and CR1. Weighing a feather light 1550 grams (3.41 lbs) for the frame and 240 grams (0.53 lbs) for the new NUDE TC™ rear shock, the SPARK will be the world’s lightest 110mm full suspension bicycle. But that’s not it, like the Genius and Ransom before it, the SPARK will feature a 3 position handlebar switch called the TRACLOC™ which will offer Lockout/70mm/110mm travel modes.



FRAME:
Scott has patented a new carbon manufacturing process called IMP (integrated moulding process). The front triangle is produced in this new technology and produces a wrinkle free and lightweight tube-set. By combining it with a brand new, Scott exclusive HMX carbon-fibre, were now able to produce the lightest XC race bike available. Our engineers still use HMF (high modular fibres) but in the high stress areas of the head tube, the new HMX fibre increases strength and reduces weight. The frame also features carbon dropouts, carbon cable stops and has been designed to achieve the best ratio of stiffness and weight.

REAR SUSPENSION:
The SCOTT NUDE TC™ rear shock has been produced in co-operation with DT Swiss. The shock features an incredible weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and offers 3 settings which can be activated with the brand new Scott TRACLOC™ lever featuring a rapid-fire function for quick change of the different modes:
The AllTravel mode offers 110 mm of active travel while the TractionMode activates 70 mm of travel for climbs and fast and efficient single-track riding while the LockOut completely locks the shock for sprinting and climbing on asphalt.



FRISCHI’S PREFERRED COMPONENTS:
FOX F100 X fork with 100 mm travel and custom design
RITCHEY components, such as the lightweight carbon wheel set with clincher tires, WCS components and custom made chain wheel.
SRAM XO shifting and AVID Ultimate carbon disc brakes
His complete bike weighs 9.93kg (21.85lbs)


Frischi ‘s words on the upcoming race and his prospects of winning his third Marathon World Champion title:
“Despite a small problem with my left (adductor magnus) muscle, I am absolutely ready and super motivated. I was immediately falling in love with the new Spark. My thanks go to the whole engineering and PM crew of Scott and DT for their day and night efforts. The bike is incredibly light weight, stiff and offers the perfect set up of the rear shock while riding! It’s the ultimate marathon and trail bike!”