CTD shock on Spark?

[mark43]

The Fox suspension website has a picture of a Scott Spark with an iCD shock on it. There is also a video where Geoff Kabush talks about how much he loves it. Has anybody swapped the nude shock on the Spark for a Fox CTD (electronic or mechanical)? The reviews of the CTD have been very positive, just wondering how it compares to the nude shock.

[bedell99]

I would imagine it would feel good. I would contact Scott though for a recommendation of the exact model they would use.

Erik

[E46_M3]

In the cyclingnews review of the Spark RC they mention swapping to a Fox and said it solved the DT shocks lack of small bump compliance. I just purchased a Spark RC frame and will consider going with a Fox CTD depending on how the DT serves me once spring comes. It looks like they run ~$400 new but have been watching the mtbr classifieds and people frequently post near new shocks in the $200 range.

Review is here: Scott Spark 29 RC Long-term Review | Cyclingnews.com

[rjaudi]

I wonder if you could get a Fox CTD remote rear shock to work with the twinloc switch. I wouldn't mind swapping out my 5 year old DT nude for one of the new Fox shocks.

[jju]

You can use fox remote lever, it will fork with fox fork and shock: CTD Explained | New for 2013 | Bike | FOX

[Wicked DJ]

I consider about the same; swapping the stock Nude 2 shock on my 2012 29 Pro to a 2013 Fox Float CTD Rear MTB Shock Remote Lockout. I'm wondering as well if the standard Twinloc handle would suit the Fox Shock handling...
If anybody can clear that up it would make me very happy.

[slowkiwi]

I have just swapped my DT shock on my 2012 29er for my 6 year old Float RP2 off an old bike. The difference was night and day. I have chopped off the remote cables and will never use DT shocks again. Mine wouldnt lock out after a years use and had horrible feel. The fox with propedal on has no pedal bob yet still soaks up bumps, propedal off is plush plush plush descending. When I can afford a new Fox I will go for it, I wont worry about remotes again. This was my main gripe with the spark like many others. Problem solved at no cost=happy wife!

[E46_M3]

I've looked into it enough to learn that Fox does not make a 6.5" long x 1.5" stroke CTD shock with Boost Valve. Apparently they may have been made for some OEM applications in this size but they are not available for purchase aftermarket. So the potential CTD shocks for the 2nd gen Spark are the base Float CTD model or the Float CTD Remote model. I didn't look into the iCTD any more than learning it costs mega bux ($1000+) and I don't think you can even buy one right now anyway.

I'm thinking of getting one of the two CTD options. I think I'd prefer the remote shock but I'm not all that interested in using the gargantuan Fox lockout lever. No word on if the twinlock lever will work for it and I doubt anyone can say if it will work without just trying it. I may just order the CTD Remote shock and see if it works. If it doesn't I'll return it and get the standard CTD shock. Price difference is $375 vs $395 so not much incentive there. The Fox lockout lever runs $80 though so if the twinlock lever doesn't work, you'd be spending $100 extra between the added shock cost and the lever.

[zzzman20]

I just put a CTD remote on the 2013 Spark. It sort of works with the Scott lever, but you have to change the small removable disc in the lever from the NUDE2 one to the FOX one which should be available from Scott. But, it takes a TON of force on the lever to switch it into the 3rd position. I talked to the service manager at fox and he said their Twinloc will work better than the Scott since it has a much longer lever and definitely pulls the correct amount of cable (He was dubious that the Scott lever had the correct pull radius even with the Fox inserts)

So, sounds like your best bet is to buy the Fox lever or to go with the standard CTD with the switch. An added bonus of the CTD shock is that it can be mounted upside-down which actually leaves room for a large water bottle in the cage! (gasp)

[E46_M3]

Thanks man. Super helpful info. You just saved me a week of time and the hassle of having to pay shipping both ways. I think I'm just going to go with the std CTD shock and just deal with using the manual lever on the shock body.

I have yet to even get my bike out a single time, but slowkini's review has convinced me that the Nude2 shock is going to suck. I may as well just swap shocks now since I think that where I will end up anyway. Then I can truthfully list the DT for sale and say it's never seen use.

Were you able to transfer over the eyelet hardware from your DT shock or did Fox provide you with eyelet hardware that fit the Spark?

[zzzman20]

Actually, I have it set up now with the Scott lever (with the Fox inserts), and it seems to be working correctly. I will compare once the Fox lever comes in. You'll need the mounting hardware too, it's the 6x22.2 mm spacers on both sides.

[E46_M3]

Actually, I have it set up now with the Scott lever (with the Fox inserts), and it seems to be working correctly. I will compare once the Fox lever comes in. You'll need the mounting hardware too, it's the 6x22.2 mm spacers on both sides.

Couple more questions. What "disc" did you swap? The one bolted to the bottom of the Twinlock and intended to be used for different forks (i.e. the one in the picture)? Or did you swap out the main lever that currently controls the rear shock?


I contacted Scott and they knew nothing. Said they had no idea if you could control a Fox rear shock with their lever. Kind of odd since I'm sure it has been tried by them. Perhaps I just didn't get in touch with the right person.

So would you say that the Scott Twinlock works ok or not? Earlier you said it takes a ton of force. Is it still ok or would you say it is simply too much and it doesn't really work?

Are the spacers you mention for the shock the ones that come with the Fox shock? Or are they something you had to get independently?

Thanks

[gonzoy5]

Seems Scott has a longer Twinlock lever now. I got an early 2013 Spark 910 in September. Had to warranty the lever this month and it was a little different. Longer lever. I'm now seeing it on the Genius.definitely makes the throw easier. I clicked a lot before and feel like I'm using it more now. Maybe the new version will help you.

[NoBalance]

So has anyone replaced the Nude on a newer (2012) Spark? Trying to figure out which bushings I need for both the front and rear eyelets. Are they the same as the old Spark models?

I called Fox and they were actually mostly not knowledgeable so back to the forums.