Scott Gravel Tuned shoe review
BikePerfect Verdict
Tight, light, well-priced, close connection, balanced stiffness shoes that work well from road to rough as long as you’re careful with the Boa and the wobbly, narrow stance.
Pros
- Light
- Very well priced
- Balanced stiffness/comfort performance sole
- Double BOA adjustment
- Tuneable insoles
Cons
Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We’ll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.
With gravel bikes becoming so popular, the best gravel bike shoes are definitely a thing now too. These Scott shoes are a great balance of road and MTB features for light, stiff, low profile mixed surface performance as long as you don’t accidentally kick the Boas off.
According to Scott, its new Gravel shoes are a ground-up design, not just a blend of its XC and road race shoes, and the Tuned is the most expensive option. So what does that mean for your feet on mixed surfaces? Read on to find out.
Design and performance
Scott has clearly made a decision to make its gravel shoes quite different from its XC/MTB shoes. That means it hasn’t only shrunk the tread on either side of the cleat hole in depth, but also in width. That can make them wobbly underfoot in the center, and there’s no side stamping traction either. If that’s what you’re after, you are better off getting the XC shoes, but in terms of toe and heel traction and coffee stop/short toddle utility, the Gravel Tuned shoes are fine. The lightweight ‘Sticky Rubber’ compound doesn’t turn into soap at the first sign of dampness either.
As well as the tread being very low profile, the sole is also super thin which properly floors your foot onto the pedal. It can feel weird at first but being that close definitely pays dividends in terms of control and connection when you realize your all-season tires aren’t really a match for winter grip levels.
Add carbon composite reinforcement with a stiffness index of 8 and they’re a very direct feeling shoe with a decent kick. Plus there’s still enough flex not to numb your foot on typically high mileage, high vibration gravel days.
While they feel flat internally, the insoles can be raised by fitting a fatter center orthotic (available separately). The squared-off toe box is quite low but usefully broad and the whole shoe has a snug but well-proportioned fit that should suit performance-minded riders well. The double BOA dial arrangement starts low on the forefoot to give a really secure ‘whole foot’ wrap. They’re only single directional though so if you need to back off tension if your feet swell you have to fully undo and start again.
While it’s potentially an issue with any BOA shoe, the dials seem particularly pronounced and we knocked the top of the right upper right twister into the undergrowth within 15 minutes of starting the first ride. To be fair, that was on tight sniper rock singletrack though, not strictly gravel territory.
Otherwise the padded, perforated one-piece synthetic upper is hot spot free and cuts a reasonable balance between summer sweat and winter freeze. They clean up well and dry fast and there’s a reinforced bumper around the toe for at least a hint of stub protection too. A padded collar adds heel retention and there’s a soft cut out in the tongue where some shoes can dig in when new. Overall weight is low at 383g per size 44 shoe and for a double BOA, carbon-reinforced shoe pricing is really good. even compared to Scott’s own MTB and road shoes.
Scott Gravel Tuned shoe review
BikePerfect Verdict
Tight, light, well-priced, close connection, balanced stiffness shoes that work well from road to rough as long as you’re careful with the Boa and the wobbly, narrow stance.
Pros
- Light
- Very well priced
- Balanced stiffness/comfort performance sole
- Double BOA adjustment
- Tuneable insoles
Cons
Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We’ll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.
With gravel bikes becoming so popular, the best gravel bike shoes are definitely a thing now too. These Scott shoes are a great balance of road and MTB features for light, stiff, low profile mixed surface performance as long as you don’t accidentally kick the Boas off.
According to Scott, its new Gravel shoes are a ground-up design, not just a blend of its XC and road race shoes, and the Tuned is the most expensive option. So what does that mean for your feet on mixed surfaces? Read on to find out.
Design and performance
Scott has clearly made a decision to make its gravel shoes quite different from its XC/MTB shoes. That means it hasn’t only shrunk the tread on either side of the cleat hole in depth, but also in width. That can make them wobbly underfoot in the center, and there’s no side stamping traction either. If that’s what you’re after, you are better off getting the XC shoes, but in terms of toe and heel traction and coffee stop/short toddle utility, the Gravel Tuned shoes are fine. The lightweight ‘Sticky Rubber’ compound doesn’t turn into soap at the first sign of dampness either.
As well as the tread being very low profile, the sole is also super thin which properly floors your foot onto the pedal. It can feel weird at first but being that close definitely pays dividends in terms of control and connection when you realize your all-season tires aren’t really a match for winter grip levels.
Add carbon composite reinforcement with a stiffness index of 8 and they’re a very direct feeling shoe with a decent kick. Plus there’s still enough flex not to numb your foot on typically high mileage, high vibration gravel days.
While they feel flat internally, the insoles can be raised by fitting a fatter center orthotic (available separately). The squared-off toe box is quite low but usefully broad and the whole shoe has a snug but well-proportioned fit that should suit performance-minded riders well. The double BOA dial arrangement starts low on the forefoot to give a really secure ‘whole foot’ wrap. They’re only single directional though so if you need to back off tension if your feet swell you have to fully undo and start again.
While it’s potentially an issue with any BOA shoe, the dials seem particularly pronounced and we knocked the top of the right upper right twister into the undergrowth within 15 minutes of starting the first ride. To be fair, that was on tight sniper rock singletrack though, not strictly gravel territory.
Otherwise the padded, perforated one-piece synthetic upper is hot spot free and cuts a reasonable balance between summer sweat and winter freeze. They clean up well and dry fast and there’s a reinforced bumper around the toe for at least a hint of stub protection too. A padded collar adds heel retention and there’s a soft cut out in the tongue where some shoes can dig in when new. Overall weight is low at 383g per size 44 shoe and for a double BOA, carbon-reinforced shoe pricing is really good. even compared to Scott’s own MTB and road shoes.
Performance Comparison
Power Transfer
The MTB Team Boa offers excellent power transfer. These shoes are stiff enough for most riders, with minimal and hardly noticeable sole flex unless you compare them side-by-side with the stiffest shoes we tested like the Giro Empire VR90.
While hardcore XC racers would likely prefer the Giro Empire VR90 and Enduro-focused athletes would be better off picking the similarly stiff Five Ten Hellcat Pro, the majority of riders should find the MTB Team Boa suitable for the demands of everyday XC style trail riding and even light-duty racing. This shoe has a decent cleat adjustment range, though limited compared to most all-mountain/gravity shoes, that should allow most XC riders to find their optimal position.
Comfort
The MTB Team Boa is a very comfortable shoe. The high levels of comfort are a result of the quality footbed, supple Microfiber uppers, and a closure system that wraps snugly around the foot. We never experienced hot spots and had no problem wearing these shoes for 3 hour long test rides, even when they were brand new.
The MTB Team Boa is only offered in whole European sizes, and our size 44 test pair felt true to size. Unfortunately, they don’t come in half sizes, so some riders may not get the exact perfect length they need. The fit of this shoe is slightly slimmer and more performance-oriented than most of the all-mountain/enduro shoes we tested. The result is a precise fit that may feel somewhat snug the first time you try them on, but the uppers conform nicely to the feet after a short break-in period. The shoe is tightened around the foot by a single Boa dial which pulls a flap over the top of the foot and tightens over the upper and mid-foot. A well-placed velcro strap finishes the task at the bottom of the foot. The tongue wraps over the foot under the outer Boa flap and it really feels like it hugs the foot very securely and comfortably. Additionally, the Boa dial allows for quick and easy tension adjustments on the trail. The ErgoLogic footbed provides good support and offers just enough cushioning for all-day rides without being too cushy.
The synthetic uppers are a leather-esque material with a number of perforated ventilation holes throughout that help make these shoes comfortable in even the hottest conditions. There is minimal protection on the shoe, except for cushioning around the ankle cuff, making it less adept at the bike park or enduro duty than burlier, more protective models.
Traction and Walkability
The MTB Team Boa is an XC-style shoe, and they can’t really compete with the new crop of trail/all-mountain shoes on the market in terms of walkability. Sure, they are fine to walk around in, but they aren’t the shoe we’d want on our feet for serious adventure rides with extended hike-a-bikes. The patented StickiRubber that comprises the lugs of the outsole gives them decent grip on most surfaces and in the majority of weather conditions. The stiffness of the sole, however, doesn’t allow for much flex through the toe.
Unlike shoes with full coverage rubber soles, the smaller size of the sole lugs bite well into loose, dry, and wet dirt, but they don’t inspire as much confidence when hiking up uneven or steep surfaces such as rocks or through deadfall. The toe of the shoe has mounts for toe cleats, which are included, and make traction significantly better if you find yourself in muddy or loose conditions often or intend to use these shoes for cyclocross racing.
Weight
The Scott MTB Team Boa weighed in as one of the lightest models we tested at 359-grams per shoe in a size 44. They are far lighter than most of the trail and gravity-focused models in this test, which is to be expected. We feel these are a great option for the rider looking to shave some weight from their kit without shaving too much weight from their wallet.
Value
The MTB Team Boa is a value buy given its features and performance. This shoe delivers quality construction, a secure and comfortable fit, and great power transfer in a sleek-looking package. There are less expensive options, but none that can touch the price to performance ratio of the MTB Team Boa. We would recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a quality XC-style shoe who doesn’t want to break the bank.
While they may not be the least expensive model in our test, the Scott MTB Team Boa packs XC features and performance into a mid-priced package. With a very comfortable and secure fit and excellent power transfer, we feel these are a great option for the XC or trail rider looking for a quality shoe that won’t break the bank.
Scott Sees the Future of Cross-Country Bikes and It Looks Like the New Spark
As capable as a trail bike, without sacrificing cross country speed.
Takeaway: The all-new, fourth-generation Scott Spark gives a peek at where cross-country race bikes are heading over the next few years. The radical-looking frame pushes integration, geometry, and travel on a cross-country bike to new extremes. In essence, they are redefining what we can expect from XCO racing bikes going forward.
- 120mm of front and rear travel with a three-mode lockout.
- 29×2.4 tires on 30mm internal wheels have nearly endless traction on rough technical trails.
- Integrated rear suspension makes for a unique look with the added benefit of fitting two water bottles.
SCOTT SCOTT Spark RC World Cup AXS Bike
Style: Full suspension cross-country race bikeFrame: Scott RC Spark, BB92, 12x148mm w/ 55mm chainlineMaterial: Scott HMX Carbon FiberWheel Size: 29Fork: RockShox SID Select RL3 Air, Custom Charger w/ 3-Mode Damper, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 120mm travelRear Shock: RockShox NUDE 5 RL3, 3-modes: Lockout, 80mm travel, 120mm travel Drivetrain: Sram X01/GX Eagle AXS, 12 SpeedCranks: SRAM XO1 DUB Eagle CarbonChainring: 32Rear Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100 10-51 12-speedBrakes: Shimano XTR 180mm front / 160mm rearWheels: Front: DT Swiss 370 Hub, 15x110mm thru-axle/Rear: DT Swiss 370 Hub, 12x148mm Syncros Silverson 1.0 Tubeless Ready Carbon Rims, 28 holeTires: Maxxis Rekon Race 29×2.4, 120TPI EXO Casing, Tubeless ReadySaddle: Syncros Belcarra Regular 1.5 Titanium RailsSeatpost: FOX Transfer SL Performance Elite 100mm Dropper 31.6Handlebar / Stem: Syncros Fraser IC SL XC Carbon.12° rise, 8° back sweep, 740mm width
It’s not that long ago that a 120mm travel full suspension bike would have been considered a trail bike. But as trail bikes have increased in travel to 140mm, or even 150mm, cross country race bikes have generally remained frozen at 100mm travel for over a decade. (Trek even went in the opposite direction with the Super Caliber, with a mere 60mm rear-wheel travel.) Scott, meanwhile, has decided that it was time for cross-country bikes to progress.
Enter the 4th generation Spark RC, Scott’s newest edition of its race-proven cross country platform. A quick glance is all you’ll need to see that this bike is a pretty radical visual departure from any other full-suspension bike on the market, with its completely integrated rear shock and road-bike-style cable management system upfront. The visually unique suspension layout delivers 120mm of rear-wheel travel, while maintaining the vertical shock mounting that Scott has used in the past. The new Syncros Fraser iC bar and stem combo routes all the cables heading to the rear of the bike through the top headset bearing. A trick straight from the aero-road-bike playbook. Scott is sticking to its polarizing TwinLoc remote system, which now also incorporates a dropper-seatpost remote. The result is a race bike that simultaneously looks cleaner, and more complicated, at the same time.
Bike Family
The Scott Spark range for 2022 is immense. There are, quite literally, too many models to list here individually without putting you to sleep. The good news is that there is a Spark available at almost any price point, thanks to the five different frameset variations. So, to simplify this for you (All weights are for medium size with shock hardware):
→ There are three different full carbon offerings ranging from the top-of-the-line HMX-SL (1870g), to the mid-tier HMX (1999g), to the base model HMF (2150g).
→ Scott pairs an HMF front triangle for mid-level builds to an alloy rear (2590g total).
→ For those on more of a budget, there is a full alloy frameset (3290g) as well.
The Spark RC models are race-focused and are only available with full carbon frames. There are seven Spark RC builds; ranging from the top-of-the-line Spark RC SL EVO AXS at 14,000 to the relatively modest-priced Spark RC Comp at 4,000. Our test bike was the Spark RC World Cup AXS bike which retails for 9,000.
The Spark 900 series is billed as the trail-oriented version of the Spark. These models use 130mm travel forks and a geometry-adjust headset, providing a 2-degree slacker head tube angle compared to the RC models. With the top of the line, Spark 900 Ultimate Evo AXS bike retailing for 14,000. There are also builds using the alloy/carbon frame and full alloy bikes that start at 5000,800.
Finally, the Contessa Spark models use the same frames as other versions of the Spark, but with women’s specific touch points and slightly lighter suspension tunes. Scott currently has four versions of the Contessa Spark for sale; three being the 900 trail-tuned variety ranging from 5,000 to 3,200, and one Contessa Spark RC World Cup model that retails for 9,000.