SCOTT X Lionel Smit X Nino Schurter

In close collaboration with South African artist Lionel Smit, SCOTT invited contemporary art into the world of high-performance mountain biking. Working directly on raw carbon Spark RC frames, the project transformed a race-proven platform into two, hand-painted, one of a kind artworks.

These are not graphics.

Not a paint concept.

But original artworks, created directly on carbon.

Known internationally for his figurative portraits, paintings, and sculptural work, Lionel Smit usually works on canvas or in three-dimensional form. Painting directly onto a bicycle frame, an object defined by function, speed, and motion, was entirely new territory.

There was no predefined layout and no intention to reproduce the artwork. Each brushstroke was applied directly to this specific frame and exists only once. Rather than treating the frame as a blank surface, the painting process followed the Spark RC’s existing lines, curves, and geometry.

Throughout the project, the Spark RC’s role remained unchanged. Designed as a World Cup-level race platform, it remains fully functional and fully rideable. The artwork defines the character of the object without altering its purpose.

As an artwork, its value extends beyond function. The frame carries artistic authorship and intention, marked by the hand that painted it rather than by applied graphics or branding. What emerges is a unique object shaped by both performance and process.

"The bicycle itself is already an artwork on its own. Painting onto something that already existed was an interesting concept. It changes the way you see the object." - Lionel Smit

At the heart of the collaboration lies a personal connection. Nino Schurter, the most successful cross-country rider of all time, has been closely connected to South Africa for many years through racing, training, and friendships. Long before this project, he admired Lionel Smit’s work, which eventually led to a shared idea: translating contemporary art onto one of the most advanced XC race bikes in the world, without compromising its identity.

"It’s so completely different lives, he is in his artist world, so deep in that, and I’m deep in this athlete world. But we still can connect and it’s a special connection. For me those two frames really stand for this friendship that goes beyond art and sport." - Nino Schurter

As part of the collaboration, two, hand-painted SCOTT Spark RC frames were created, each entirely unique. One became part of Nino Schurter’s personal collection. The second was built to his personal training and race specifications and created with a broader purpose in mind.

This one-of-a-kind Spark RC will be raffled to support World Bicycle Relief, a long-standing partner of both SCOTT and Nino, extending the project beyond the object itself.

For more information about the raffle, visit viprize.org/nino.

“Transportation gives people independence. Even if you give someone a bicycle, it could help.” - Lionel Smit

Frame: SCOTT Spark RC HMX, Size M
Fork: Rockshox Sid Ultimate Flight Attendant, 120mm Travel, 44mm Offset
Rear Shock: Rockshox Sidluxe Flight Attendant 120mm Travel
Remote: Sram Axs Pod Ultimate Controller
Handlebar: Syncros Fraser Ic Sl Wc / -40° / 80mm / 700mm
Seatpost: Rockshox Reverb Axs 31,6mm, 100mm
Saddle: Syncros Belcarra R 1.0
Grip: Syncros Silicone GR-M100 Grips
Rear Derailleur: Sram XX Sl Eagle Transmission
Shifter: Sram Axs Pod Ultimate
Crank Set: Sram XX Sl Eagle Transmission Power Meter, 170mm/ 36T Chainring
Chain: Sram XX Sl Eagle Transmission Flattop Chain
Cassette: Sram XX Sl Eagle Transmission / 10-52t
Brakes: Sram Motive Ultimate
Wheels: Syncros Silverton SL
Tires: Front Maxxis Aspen 29x2.40wt Testpilot Exo/Tr