Scott spark rc world cup or custom specialized epic 8

The first one has objectively better parts on it (Scott)

The specialized is pretty good. I’ve seen a comparison of that exact Scott Spark RC with a Spark 910 (or was it 900?) and the only thing that stayed with me from that comparison was that the Spark RC was squeaking like a 30 old mattress during the whole test ride. No Idea why or which part, but it was annoying as heck.

So going back to the comparison. The Specialized has very nice Control SL carbon wheels (around 1300g a pair). Also I prefer the XX1 cranks + XTR transmission to the AXS. Thing is, one in twenty-thirty rides you are going to forget the battery in your charger at home, or forget to charge it or whatever. The XTR is a top of the line proven technology, The AXS is nice, very precise, but not foolproof because of the battery handling. The battery also degrades (don’t hear many talking about that). It is foolproof in what setup is concerned. Switching is smooth and accurate, so there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a fraction of a second slower than the XTR, not sure if enough to actually make a difference, but it is something you feel.

I lean towards the Specialized. It also feels more compact, more nimble. I’ve seen a lot of reviewers saying the geometry of the epic feels just right. It works even on harder terrain where it should have no right to be.

I’d get the specialized just because I hate the idea of having the shock inside the frame.