Scott Unveils its 2015 Trailbikes in Park City, Utah

Jul 26, 2014
by Richard Cunningham  

SCOTT: 2015
BY: R. Cunningham

Scott released its DH Gambler and Voltage range in Europe and then followed it a month later with a trailbike launch in Deer Valley, near Park City, Utah. The stars of the show in Deer Valley were the 170-millimeter-travel Genius LT 700 enduro racer that is based on 27.5-wheels, and its two trailbike brothers: the 130-millimeter-travel Genius 900 29er and the 27.5-inch-wheel Genius 700. While we were there, Scott showed us their 2015 helmet and shoe lineup, which featured some promising candidates for harder-edged riders, in addition to its well respected skinny-tire kit. Scott had a huge demo fleet at Deer Valley with more high-modulus carbon fiber on display than a military air show. For those who are put off by the thought of a ten-thousand dollar bike, this was not the opportune time to ride the lifts at Deer Valley. Every high-end 2015 Scott, both road and mountain, were lined up and guests were encouraged to bust out laps on as many different bikes as we could.




19.1-Pound Scale 900 SL

Scott Scale 900 2015
  Scott's no-compromise Scale XC racing hardtail comes in both 29 and 27.5-inch wheel sizes, with the smaller-wheel model coming in at 18.7 pounds. Its 100-millimeter-stroke RockShox SID fork is remote controlled and the rear dropout is adaptable from its stock, 142/12-millimeter through-axle, to a quick release style. The drivetrain is SRAM XX1, but Internal cable routing and a direct-mount front derailleur boss are in place for Shimano Di2 wiring as well. The chassis is Scott's best HMX carbon, the seatpost is carbon, the bars are carbon, the stem is half carbon and its wheels are carbon. MSRP for the Scale 700 SL 27.5-inch-wheel and the Scale 900 SL 29er depicted here are the same: $7,999 USD. Scott makes a number of lower cost, slightly heavier models which range all the way down to $1400 USD. Only the top range Scales get Scott's mega-light HMX carbon chassis.




21.4-Pound Spark 900 SL

Scott Spark SL 2015
  Nino Schurter has clocked World Cup XC wins aboard both the 27.5-inch-wheel version of the Scale hardtail and the Spark dual-suspension bike. The Spark 900 SL shown here is the doppelganger of the mid-sized wheel version and it is the choice of the rest of the Scott XC team when the World Cup venues get scary. The mid-sized-wheel Sparks get 120-millimeters of fork and rear-wheel travel, while the 29er gets only 100-millimeters of travel. Both use Scott's TwinLoc, three position lockout system and both use SRAM XX1 one-by drivetrains. The Spark 900 SL shown here uses Scott's HMX carbon throughout and intentionally mirrors the Scale hardtail's geometry so the team can switch bikes seamlessly for different tracks. Spec and the MSRP are the same for both wheel sizes. Prices begin at $8,999 for the SL models.








Choose Your Weapons

Attractive as it may have been to stomp out climbs on a 21.2-pound dual-suspension Spark or an 18.7-pound Scale hardtail - or to bomb the area's intermediate DH trails on a big bike like the Voltage or the Gambler, Deer Valley's fast, loose and rocky singletrack is best devoured upon a mid-travel AM/trailbike with 2.35-inch tires, or for the more cultured rider, savored aboard a fast-rolling dual-suspension 29er. Having put in a lot of miles here, I waved off Scott's purpose-built racing machines and opted to maximize every corner and kicker on the mountain with the Swiss-based bike maker's version of the ultimate trailbike. I was not alone. When pressed for a vote, the replies among journalists and Scott staff alike were unanimous: the Genius.

After nine hours of lift-access shred, I am happy to present riding impressions of on two very different 2015 bikes from Scott that share the Genius name. Along the way, enjoy some images and sound bites from the launch that will hopefully translate the vibe at Scott Sports. Everyone there spoke bikes, and throughout the launch I could count on seeing every person on staff there on the mountain. While Scott's designers, engineers and marketing personnel were on hand to answer questions, there was rarely a need to seek them out, because chances were good that everyone, from the receptionist to the boss, had first-hand experience on the bike or the accessory in question. The takeaway from the Scott launch was that they are a passionate, very race-driven bike company, and while some may question their innovative approach to design, every facet of their bicycles is motivated by performance.




GENIUS LT 700 TUNED: First Ride

Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned 2015


Scott's 2015 Genius LT 700 Tuned is a textbook enduro racing machine. Sporting 170-millimeters of suspension travel that is powered by a Fox 36 fork, a lightweight carbon chassis, gravity approved geometry, wide wheels and tires, and a SRAM XX1 one-by drivetrain, the 27,5-inch wheel Scott does not need the "E" word printed on its top tube decal to be recognized as a contender in the sport's fastest growing venue. "LT" stands for long travel and, until enduro racing solidified the need for a downhill capable machine that was sufficiently lightweight and efficient to be powered at race pace uphill and on the flats, the Genius LT had a difficult time finding a toehold in the market. The original 180-millimeter-travel LT was launched in 2011 with a lightweight carbon chassis, innovative pull-shock, and Scott's first TwinLoc remote suspension adjustment. But the LT was seen by gravity types as too lightweight to be a serious freeride bike, while trail riders could not look past its pull-shock and monster suspension travel to consider the bike to be an adequate climber. Recently, however, the long-travel trailbike has undergone a rapid evolution, which has catapulted the genre into the popular imagination. Call it luck or serendipity, but the planets have finally aligned in favor of Scott's LT concept - and the latest iteration, the Genius LT 700 is ready to take full advantage of it.

Scott Genius LT 700 details 2015
  The Genius' seatstay bridge affords adequate tire clearance for the big Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires and brings a welcome measure of stiffness to the rear end. A bonded carbon bash guard protects the downtube. Scott revised the internal cable routing to ease the task of switching them out. Scott tucks the Shimano XTR Trail caliper inside the rear triangle for protection. Reportedly, getting the pivot close to the rear axle turns out to be almost as good as using a concentric pivot....Hmmm.


Genius LT 700 Details

Frame: This year's Genius LT shares the same single-pivot swingarm, rocker-driven shock chassis as the 2014 model. Scott offers the LT with 27.5-inch wheels only and at three build levels. The LT 700 frame features its highest strength HMX carbon layup and both the front section and rear suspension is carbon, which is claimed by Scott to be 20-percent stiffer and 14-percent lighter than its standard HMF layup. The LT 710 uses Scott's HMF carbon layup and has an aluminum rear suspension, while the LT 720 has an all-aluminum chassis. All share the same geometry, rear suspension configuration and features, including internally routed cables and hoses, protected rear brake caliper mounts, and a suspension chip on its rocker link that lowers the bottom bracket six millimeters and slackens the head angle by one-half degree. Carbon frames have carbon bash protectors on the underside of the down tubes and feature a Scott-designed upper chain guide that rotates on the swingarm, and a lower guide that bolts beneath the right chainstay Internal routing for its dropper post is standard and sizes will be small, medium and large. The top-drawer LT 700 Tuned frame that we rode is reported to weigh only 2450 grams including its shock (5.4 pounds) in the medium size, with the complete bike coming in at 26,6 pounds (12.1kg) . MSRP is $7,999 USD.

Geometry: You can use the 2014 geometry for this year's Genius LT, but the important numbers are: The head angle is 66.3 degrees, which is slack for 27.5 wheels and both frames and bikes will be shipped with Syncros fixed headset cups that can be used to add or subtract one degree; The bottom bracket height is 346 millimeters (13.62") and the chainstay length is 439 millimeters (17.3"). As mentioned, the rear suspension's rocker link has a "chip" that can further tune the bottom bracket height and head angle. Top tube length for the medium size is 600 millimeters (23.6"), which is roomy as enduro bikes go.

Scott Genius LT 700 details 2015
  The addition of the new Fox 36 fork is a huge injection of capable for the Genius LT. Nothing phases it. A look at the left handlebar grip shows the location of the black TwinLoc lever and the silver release lever below it. The button for the Reverb Stealth dropper sits below the handlebar. Every rider new to TwinLoc suffered through the learning curve, but once committed to memory, TwinLoc was a useful tool. A look at Syncros carbon AM 1.5 rims.


TwinLoc suspension controls: Reportedly, the upper actuator lever of Scott's TwinLoc suspension controls has been lengthened slightly to ease its operation. The three-position lever assembly operates the fork and shock simultaneously from the left side of the handlebar. Up front, the Fox 36 Fit fork is switched between its standard "Climb," "Trail," and "Descend" modes. Scott calls the middle position "Traction Control" and thus, the LT's Fox-made Nude shock is designated CTCD. In Traction mode, the shock's travel is shortened to 110-millimeters and the air-spring curve ramps up sharply. When the lever is on Descend, the fork and shock are wide open and the shock's spring rate is much more linear. In the rarely used Climb mode, suspension travel is reduced to 110-millimeters and both the fork and shock feel nearly locked out. The rear suspension rides quite high, giving the bike an ergonomic feeling pedaling position on the steeps. Fork travel remains at 170 millimeters in all modes.

Component highlights: The best component upgrade to the Genius LT is its Fox 36 fork. With the new internals, the 36 remains the most capable long-travel single-crown fork in its class. Fox also upgraded the Nude shock internals as well to give the LT smoother action in the mid-stroke. Scott retains grippy 2.35-inch Hans Dampf tires on both ends, mated to new Syncros AM 1.5 wheels that sport a wider, lower profile than the previous AM model. LT 700 models sport RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper posts and SRAM also fills out the drivetrain with an XX1 ensemble driven by a just-right-for-climbing, 30-tooth chainring. Brakes are Shimano XTR and the cockpit is decked out with a 50-millimeter Syncros' 1.0 stem and a 35-millimeter-diameter, 760-millimeter wide aluminum handlebar.

Scott Genius LT 700 details 2015
  Scott mounted the Genius LT's upper chain guide to the swingarm so it can follow the chain. The 50-millimeter Syncros stem clamps a 760-millimeter-width bar. The clamp diameter is 35 millimeters. Scott puts dropper posts on all of the LT models.



Genius LT 700 Riding Impressions

"Capable" is a good word to describe Scott's 2015 Genius LT 700. Gone is the sense that the LT was simply a pumped up version of a lightweight trailbike, replaced with the sense that the new LT 700 would be hard pressed to find any of the trails at Park City challenging. Point the oversized-diameter, 760-millimeter width handlebar where you want and the Scott will carve, drop and leap, just like a good AM/enduro bike should. Credit for the LT's muscular handling goes to its Fox 36 FIT fork, which rarely pushed the O-ring to the top of its 170-millimeter stroke. Scott's Fox-made Nude CTCD shock feels better this year too. Most bikes in this travel group sport some sort of reservoir shock like the Fox Float-X, so we were expecting a less than satisfactory performance over Park City's signature braking bumps and sharp, imbedded rocks.

To be fair, the LT 700's compression tune was on the stiff side of comfortable, but when pushed hard, the bike remained at its proper ride height and maintained grip in the turns. Scott's Global Marketing guy Jochen Haar admitted that they had settled on a firmer race tune on the LT's suspension because that was ultimately what the bike was intended for. Lowering the fork and shock spring pressures helps to smooth things out a little, but without a low-speed compression adjustment the rider must use spring pressure to maintain proper ride height.

That said, the Genius LT 700 leaves little to want. Even without the assistance of its TwinLoc system, it climbs quite well - no doubt assisted by the fact that it weighs a few duck feathers over 26.6 pounds (12.1 kg). Once adapted to the TwinLoc lever, it proves to be an effective tool. I used the middle "Traction Control" option almost exclusively. By raising the tail end up slightly and doubling the stiffness of the fork and shock the middle mode allowed me to stand up and pedal without compensating for the effects of the suspension, and if I hit a rough section, the bike was free to suck up the worst of it. In Climb mode, the suspension was too harsh to be useful for all but the smoothest trails. Opened up, the LT 700 feels predictable and easy to control. Its brakes are powerful and there is plenty of traction and stability on hand from its wide-stance Syncros AM 1.5 wheels and Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires. Steering feels light and sure, but without the dull sensation that the present crop of super slack head angle bikes impart. Hard charging all-mountain types and aspiring enduro racers who want it all will find almost everything in the 2015 Genius LT 700.




GENIUS 700 TUNED: First Ride

Scott Genius 700 Tuned 2015


Scott's Jochen Haar said that, in Europe, the 150-millimeter-travel Genius 700 is considered an all-mountain bike, while in North America, the same model is perceived as more of an XC/trail machine. Either way you look at it, Scott's intention was to make the 700 as close to a do-it-all mountain bike as possible, without hiding the fact that it weighs less and accelerates better than bikes that other brands claim to be XC racing sleds. That's 23.3 pounds (10.6kg) in case you were wondering, for a six-inch-travel trail shredder with a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post, a SRAM XX1 drivetrain and a trail-worthy component pick. Scott's TwinLoc system toggles the rear suspension travel from 150 to 100 millimeters, while simultaneously boosting the shock's spring rate and switching the fork and shock to 'Traction" or nearly locked out "Climb" modes. The "Tuned" addendum to the 700 refers mainly to the act that it is the ultimate model in the range, and also that its chassis design, suspension tune and component selection were balanced towards a single performance goal - which in the case of the Genius 700, means Scott's most versatile trailbike. The Genius 700 Tuned MSRP is $8,999 USD.

Frame numbers are a little steeper than the LT, with a 67.9-degree head angle and a 754-degree seat angle, and the bottom bracket height is slightly lower, at 345 millimeters, which works out to 11.6 millimeters below the axle-line - a big benefit for stability during cornering and when rolling over rough terrain. Top tube, reach and wheelbases measurements are very similar to the Genius LT, as the two share the same frame, so the cockpit is roomy, with an additional 10-millimeters of reach due to the longer stem. All Genius frames use an adjustable chip on the rocker link that can raise or lower the bottom bracket by six millimeters and the numbers furnished here are with the chip in the low position. Get the full geometry here.

Scott Genius700 details 2015
  The 150-millimeter-travel Genius 700 Tuned is a much lighter build than the LT, beginning with its 32-millimeter-stanchion Fox fork. A look at the cable-actuated TwinLoc mechanism of the Fox-made Nude shock and the similar setup which controls the CTD damper of the Fox Fork. The 70-millimeter carbon-wrapped Syncros stem is a big tip-off that the Genius 700 leans towards the XC side of trail riding.



Genius 700 Highlights

The 700 and LT 700 share 27.5-inch-wheels and the same frame, with slight modifications to their suspension to configure their different wheel travels and numbers, including the HMX carbon layup for its front section and rear suspension. The 700, however, only gets the upper chain guide and is spec'd with a lighter weight Syncros TR 1.0 carbon wheelset and a Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo rear-tire/Nobby Nic front-tire combination. To enhance climbing and acceleration, Genius 700s arrive with a 70-millimeter carbon/aluminum stem that clamps a 35-millimeter diameter, 760-millimeter-width TR 1.0 carbon handlebar. Like its LT cousin, the 700's rear suspension is handled by a similar Fox-made Nude CTCD shock, but up front is a more conventional 150-millimeter-stroke 32 Float FIT fork, modified for the TwinLoc remote system. Scott offers frame sizes in small, medium, large and X-large, with the weight of a medium frame and shock stated to be 2000 grams (4.41 pounds), and with a complete bike at 23.3 pounds (10.6kg)

Genius 700 Tuned - Riding Impressions:

Stepping off of the monster-travel Genius LT and jumping onto the svelte, 150-millimeter 700 Tuned on the same trails was a rare opportunity to measure the benefits and possible drawbacks of each. Would the lighter-spec'd, reduced-travel bike climb significantly better? Would the 700's the narrower rims and minimally studded tires turn the resort's dry, twisted expert trails into religious experiences? The answer is "no." While the more trail oriented 700 required more attention on the steeps and more specific line choices to set up for turns, the '700 turned out to be quite a ripper on the downs - to the point where I finished off the day riding the DH courses just to see how deep I could go on the Genius before trepidation turned into trouble.

Uphill, there is no arguing that climbing will be better aboard a 23.3-pound carbon wonder-bike. Flip the TwinLoc to the middle position and flowers bloom, testosterone bursts into the bloodstream, oxygen molecules super-saturate the air around you and your legs start pumping like steam engines. Well, not so much, but the Genius 700 does climb beautifully with the TwinLoc engaged, especially in Traction mode, where the suspension is sufficiently active and the lever can be ignored for longer periods of time. Those who are wary of remote pedaling aids might become converts after spending a day on the Genius 700. Once you get the hang of the TwinLoc levers, being able to firm up the suspension precisely where you need to make an effort and then return to rock and roll in a millisecond becomes a powerful tool. Complain about the nest of cables sprouting from the handlebar, but hold your judgment about the value of TwinLoc until you've spent a day on the Scott.

Scott's Genius has been around in one form or another for 12 years, but its evolution into a top contender in the trailbike class required the race-based brand to step out of the cross-country box and refit their carbon super-chassis with more contemporary kit. Its wide handlebar, acceptable-length stem, dropper post and XX1 drivetrain announce that the 2015 genius has arrived. Comparing the 700 with the longer-travel LT is a no-brainer: The LT is a weapon and as such, requires targets of opportunity, The LT is best for the rider who seeks out more difficult trails and chooses alpha lines that send most riders in search of ride-arounds. The LT also suits less talented riders who can use its capable handling and ample suspension to boost their A-game. The Genius 700 Tuned, however, is the bike that, with the addition of some more aggressive rubber, could descend just about anything the LT is capable of under an accomplished rider - albeit, at a slightly slower pace - and still rip around the forest at a true cross-country pace. For most, though, the 150-millimeter-travel Genius 700 Tuned is about versatility without compromise – and in that respect, it is as close to the perfect, do-it-all mountain bike that can be had.




Genius 900 Tuned

Scott Genius 900 tuned 2015
  The 29er version of the top-range Genius, the 900 Tuned, shares the same spec as the 27.5-wheel 700 that we previewed, but its suspension travel is reduced from 150 millimeters to 130. It was one of the most popular bikes in Scott's massive stable in Park City. The Genius 900 Tuned is reported to weigh 10.8 kg (23.8 pounds). The wheels are Syncros TR-1 carbon models, which are significantly narrower than the LT's rims. MSRP is $8,999 USD.







Tuned Kits

Scott also rolled out the key players in its accessory and soft goods ranges. Not available in North America, but worth taking a look at, were Scott's "top to bottom" kits that feature clothing, shoes, hydration packs and helmets integrated into "Tuned" kits, each designed to match the colors and riding styles of its high-end road and mountain bikes. Scott's crew were sporting the kits while we putting in laps. I especially liked the "Trail Tuned" ensemble, styled to match the Genius LT. The cut and styling was bold, but not in your face. It looked sharp. It's a shame that we won't see them here.








MTB Premium Shoe

Those who ride more conventional cycling shoes might take a look at Scott's "MTB Premium" enduro-style offering. It has a grippy sole, stiffened with HMX carbon, but with enough of a rocker to be useful for off the bike excursions. The uppers are well ventilated and feature welded seams that prevent chafing. A new BOA lacing system can be tuned to put more or less tension at each of the upper's three lacing stations. When asked about the possibility of a flat-soled DH shoe, Jochen remarked that Scott's previous attempts to produce a flat-pedal shoe did not get any traction in the marketplace, so the decision was made to abandon the project and to focus on conventional racing styles which are popular among Scott's core customer group. The MTB Premium features a footbed with removable arch and metatarsal pads. Average weight is 380 grams and sizes range from Euro 38 to 48 with an MSRP of $349 USD






Stego Helmet

New for 2015 is Scott's version of the neoclassic extended-coverage half-shell enduro helmet. The Stego is designed with a busload of safety features, beginning with large areas of smooth surfaces on the outer shell with which to better deflect impacts and inside, an MIPS layer to prevent brain injuries created by rotational impacts. Scott uses its latest MRS-2 fit system - an adjustable head band that nearly encircles the head that secured by a 32-click ratcheting dial (that is 16 clicks more than most helmets use).

According to Scott, larger vents in the forward and top of the helmet, paired with smaller ones towards the rear provide more cooling effect inside the shell, especially while climbing. Scott claims that its new Stego passes all European and North American safety standards, and has sent the helmet for independent testing to scientifically evaluate its rotational protection, as there are no existing standards. Stego helmets will be sold in green and black colorways and should be in stores this autumn. We should have a proper review up about the same time. Weight is pegged at 340 grams and sizes are small, medium and large. MSRP: $189 USD





Big Ed Fatbike

Scott Mister Ed 2015
  Scott enters the fatbike arena with Big Ed. It features the new RockShox Bluto suspension fork, and Scott insisted upon mounting Kenda's lightest tires - reportedly because the upgrade saves three pounds from the wheels. The feeling I got from Scott was that they anticipate the emergence of UCI-regulated fatbike competition and wanted to get a race bike in their quiver to ensure their team will be on the top of the box when that day arrives. (pun intended) Big Ed's MSRP is $2999 and reportedly weighs 15.3kg (33.7 pounds)




Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

84 Comments
  • 170 3
 Wish I had a fat tire bike so I can run over my neighbors barking ass dogs. Wtf it's four in the morning.
  • 69 19
 You are lucky you did not write " neighbours cat" otherwise you'd get your axx nailed by Euro mid-aged, childless hipster couples, who's FB news feed consists in 90% of cat memes and animal rights groups.
  • 209 0
 That and cats don't bark.
  • 15 0
 ^^^ lol ^^^^
  • 24 16
 I prefer barking that a cat miauuing at midnight. Also the noises cats make when they fk at night are far from tollerable
  • 7 0
 at least you guys don't have to deal with fire trucks, cops, drunk fights (which are actually really entertaining from your bedroom window)... city life
  • 3 10
flag themountain (Jul 26, 2014 at 14:08) (Below Threshold)
 You are better off with a shot gun or poison Smile
  • 12 1
 mhbeast12 - drunk fights are awesome when watched from upper floors of a house or apartment building - you can shout advices! "Hit him low, in the stomach! He's big but slow!"
  • 2 0
 exactly! I'm on the 3rd floor of my house too so I get all the action
  • 5 0
 @PHeller: There is a video of a cat barking though, but putting the link here would be lame.
  • 3 1
 @PsychosisTripper, just buy yourself a nice 12 gage
  • 101 5
 I knew it...stinky Fox. "Let's just put POS 34 mm stanchions on everything in 2014 so we can put good 36's on everything in 2015 to make the 2014 people feel bad". And next year the 2015 people will feel bad because all the 2016 fox stuff will have the re-aktiv damper. Effing bike industry. I'm new to the sport, but am beginning to learn where all the market complaints come from.

"With the new internals, the 36 remains the most capable long-travel single-crown fork in its class"...so it's better than a Pike? Which was just in the same class as the Fox 34? But how can the 34 and the 36 be in the same class? This doesn't make any sense. What bloody class are you talking about!?

FOX's future:
2014 - the year of the 34 mm stanchion and 15 mm axle
2015 - the year of the 36 mm stanchion and 15 or 20 mm axles
2016 - the year of 36 mm stanchions and smarter dampers
2017 - the return of 34 mm stanchions and 15 mm axles with the smarter dampers
2018 - the return of 36 mm stanchions and 20 mm axles with the smarter dampers
2019 - e-bikes have completely taken over the market and there are no mtb forks anymore--just e-bike forks
2020 - the US invades Palestine in a religious crusade against muslims, Israel nukes Palestine, Russia nukes Israel, America nukes Russia, end of the world
2021 - nuclear war has ravaged the planet and the only people who survived were the mountain bikers on old suspensions who managed to get to higher ground. The EMP from the blasts wiped out everyone's new electronic suspensions and e-bikes, and all who just had to have the newest technology will have perished
2022 - Cam Zink wins the first Redbull Rampage since the great war
2023 - Leonardo Dicaprio and I become best buds
2024 - How the f*ck am I supposed to know!?
  • 17 1
 Impressive, remember, whatever whoever tells you on your illness - "not all who wander are lost" - I dig you man
  • 7 0
 Seems legit.
  • 12 2
 Thanks WAKI, as a long time fan and reader of your comments, it's truly an honor to be recognized by such an influential thinker in the PB community. Love that quote--I'm going to have to start using that as my life's motto. For without wandering, there can be no discovery. With no discovery there and be no growth. And with no growth, there is no humanity--only the monotony of a static world filled with no individualism and creativity.
  • 3 0
 Yep, everything looks to be in order.
  • 5 1
 Not sure why I'm getting down voted by some here--surely you all prefer circles over squares. Same team guys. Same team.
  • 3 0
 Piggybacking of loamydog here, I have been led to believe that the Pike was the best long travel single crown fork around, or at least the same as the 36. So where did the 36 come and kick ass from? Is there much difference between the two other than ones black and the other is shiny?
  • 1 4
 I didn't know that Jesus is on pinkbike...
  • 4 0
 watsonkass - you probably missed a tiny detail that Pike uses "charger" super dooper damper with a "super bladder" that Fox 36 uses since like... 2007?
  • 4 0
 Jesus is everywhere man. Duh.
  • 5 0
 He is. I can feel him in my pocket right now. A little to the left Jesus.....ooohhh that's the spot dude.
  • 2 0
 I do not see any reason why do you guys see Jesus in this thread. Even if he was who many people believe he is and had the power to appear anywhere and intervene... why the F would he be care about that sht?! if you truly believe you should know that he is more imprtant sht to deal with, like Honey Boo Boo...
  • 5 0
 I think lilshredman was confusing me for Jesus man. I have that effect on people sometimes. Usually it happens when I smile, but sometimes my powers are recognized and appreciated through my speech. Not sure what Dobbs is talking about, but I appreciate him joining in on the conversation--all voices are welcome here. As for Jesus, I hear he's taking the summer off from the Honey Boo Boos of the world to build wood berms and ramps up in Whistler--he is a carpenter after all.
  • 5 0
 Sorry, wrong guy...I thought you were the guy walking on my pool yesterday
  • 31 0
 Those are some ridiculously light bikes. 23.3 pounds for a 6 inch travel bike?!
  • 12 1
 its cause they're only running 1 rear shock/dampener! LOL. let the neg props roll in
  • 4 0
 The travel was reduced to 130 it says. Nope im wrong..
  • 4 0
 I have a jekyll and that's funny! Haha. That's some light ass bike, was my first thought! Props to Scott.
  • 29 2
 thank god theirs no e bike
  • 25 0
 My craps are heavier than that Genius.
  • 3 5
 Gross!
  • 10 0
 Welcome to Scott 2015. We have three hardtails in our lineup this year. One of them weighs a little less than the other two put together.
  • 11 1
 Wow, that genius LT700 is a very good-looking bike. Well out of my budget unfortunately.
  • 8 0
 Don't forget about the LT720. Aluminum frame with similar components for half the price.
  • 2 0
 Yep, these are some nice looking bikes with incredibly light weights for the range of travel. With all the new carbon 27.5 offerings, I'm definitely priced out these days.
  • 1 0
 Demoed one today, such an amazing bike! Well out of my budget too though Frown
  • 4 0
 While not a huge deal, I don't think Deer Valley, where it looks like this demo day was held, will appreciate that the author kept calling the venue Park City. Deer Valley is in Park City, but people will confuse that with Park City Mountain Resort. Looks like an incredible lineup if bikes! Very impressed by the LT....way out of my budget though. Ride on!!!
  • 1 0
 Was about to post the same thing!
  • 3 1
 I guess that's almost as bad as calling Manhattan, New York. Thanks for the heads up.
  • 12 5
 All these bikes looked awesome until I get to the sodding Fat Bike.
  • 2 0
 Rode the genius 700 yesterday that thing is fast and it told me to petal and go faster really shocked how great the bike is wasn't on the radar as far as bikes in the long travel 650b rode the endro 650b and the stump jumper evo 650b and that was the best
  • 3 1
 RC what is the difference between "all mountain" and an "xc/trail machine?"
I ride my bike on trails, some are gnarly and some more mellow. Should I be riding an all mountain bike or an xc/trail machine? These marketing terms are not only b.s. but probably confusing for people trying to get into the sport as well.
  • 7 1
 XC/trail is the old-school style. lightweight dual-suspension bike that evolved from XC racing hardtails. Its geometry is a bit steeper, the cockpit layout favors climbing and pedaling over descending and the build, from tire selection to the saddle choice, reflects the need for lightweight and efficient pedaling. While a good XC trailbike can be ridden almost anywhere an AM bike can go, it requires an excellent skillset to do so. For most riders, they are the perfect trailbike, because they are nimble and move with great ease up and down hiking-type singletracks: Trek Fuel, Ellsworth Truth, Specialized Epic, Niner JET 9

AM/trailbikes usually have slacker geometry, heavier steering, and longer suspension travel, beginning at 150mm. Their brakes, suspension components, wheels and tires are generally larger, slightly heavier and more capable items, because the AM/trailbike is specifically designed to seek out and excel on the downs and over the most technical elements at a given trail network. Its stem is short and bars, wide, and a dropper post is a necessity. While an AM/trailbike is expected to climb well, its cockpit layout and components spec are selected to allow for climbing and pedaling, not to enhance it: Santa Cruz Bronson, Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Jekyll, Yeti SB66c
  • 2 0
 RC - I would not call XC/Trail old school, it just hasn't become NU school yet. And the time shall come...
  • 1 2
 Xc/trail bikes are dying in result of all the new great pedalling AM bikes.
  • 1 0
 a 140mm travel bike used to be a free ride bike. . . er, should I say "Black Diamond" bike. I think there is more marketing at play here.

but that's what gets people to buy bikes.
  • 2 0
 goldhecklerswag - no they won't die. That is absolutely true that current Am bikes are pedalling as well as trail bikes, because well, pedalling efficiency depends mostly on shock, and all kinds of bikes from XC to deep Enduro use pretty much same schocks and components, sometimes even same wheels and tyres. however, although you can pedal a 6" bike almost as well as 5" one, on XC/Trail kind of hilly terrain, you definitely get more reward by riding a "smaller" bike, especially when you can pump sht.
  • 1 0
 It's about speed man. There's no question a 140 mm bike could be ridden comfortably down a "black diamond", but there is no question that 160 mm will be faster under most riders if it's properly steep.

People know this and the bikes market themselves--people want to be fast. All the marketers have to do is come up with flashy names and colors, and pretend like their tech is "better" than the other guys.
  • 1 0
 "Those who are wary of remote pedaling aids might become converts after spending a day on the Genius 700. Once you get the hang of the TwinLoc levers, being able to firm up the suspension precisely where you need to make an effort and then return to rock and roll in a millisecond becomes a powerful tool. Complain about the nest of cables sprouting from the handlebar, but hold your judgment about the value of TwinLoc until you've spent a day on the Scott."

This. I acquired a Scott Spark 29 Team second hand. It was confusing at first to deal with all the levers with my left hand... However, once I got my bearings and really got into using it... it was f'ing great.

Having complete manual control is great. I mean sure u could have "The Brain" and have it automatically do stuff for you, when you want...or don't want lol... or be a service nightmare because it's behaving badly and in the shop all the time (I have followed a thread about these situations and... not down with that).

Or you can have manual control of it, and have it do what you want: when you want.

It's kinda like having a manual transmission over an auto. Sure some automatic transmissions work well enough to not enough you, and I can live with that. Some just plain f*cking suck which makes me hate them. Nothing beats the control of a 6-speed manual with a clutch though...just for pure pleasure alone.

I'm not dissing the brain specifically, it was just an example. It does work great for many people and has been demonstrated though in the Olympics and World Cup.
  • 1 0
 Give it up on the Thunder Burts already. Scott continually puts the crappiest most impractical but lightests tires they can on the bike to lower the weight of their bikes. Yet if you test ride their bikes, they will always have replaced the useless tissue-thin Schwalbes with something tougher. Twin loc is indeed a good thing, especially when you need it to make up for less than top-level performance suspension. Again, if Scott says it's pasta, look under the sauce. If you look past their manipulated weight claims and their gimicky levers, their bikes start to look a lot more ordinary.
  • 4 1
 These have to be the most hideous shoes I've ever seen. Perfect match for a full lycra outfit
  • 4 0
 The whole Genius line looks so clean. Great looking bikes.
  • 3 1
 Dont have to be a genius to figure out there are better bikes for a cheaper price Wink
  • 1 0
 Alright, who let the drunk Scottish guy write the article? "stiffness tot eh rear end," wtf does that mean? Smile
  • 1 0
 HAHA, Ali might take offense. I'm blaming Microsoft-8. BTW, It means: "Laterally stiff and yet, vertically compliant," in the Scottish dialect.
  • 1 0
 Hahaha, I meant no offense. I just thought it was a funny spell check that slipped through.
  • 1 0
 the genius lt is one the best looking bikes of 2014
  • 1 0
 Finally a four-bar linkage on the Scott!
Thank you Specialized ;-)
  • 1 0
 It's not a true FSR or Horst Link design.
  • 2 0
 Eh? Where?
  • 1 0
 Semeniuk is right, it's just a single pivot.
  • 1 0
 If you look close you will see that the axel is mounted to the seat stay like on a FSR design. However, the loction of the pivot is above the axel where as on a true four bar Horst Link or FSR the pivot would be below and in front of the axel. Rocky Mountain also uses this design which is somewhat better than a single pivot design but not as good as a true Horst Link. They do this change in design to avoid infringing on Specializeds' FSR patten.
  • 1 0
 Only thing wrong here is the helmet. Not bright orange!!!! Razz
  • 4 0
 Flo green is "the" color for past 5 years...even the cave man from progressive knows this!
Its kinda like the modified crew cut combover thing,..u know, like wearing ur beanie only on back of ur head like a condom.
Lol, trends.
  • 1 0
 Does Scott do frame-only sales? I know that they used to.
  • 1 0
 too much time on your hands.......
  • 1 0
 Scott Scale 930 2015, photos???
  • 1 0
 Those are some damn good looking bikes. Great specs too. Well done Scott
  • 1 0
 Those shirts are really ugly !
  • 1 0
 So, how did the rear feel on that lt 700?
2014 reviews=noodleee
  • 1 0
 So how did the rear end compliance compare to other designs???
  • 1 0
 Very cool beans on setting them up with shorter stems! \o/
  • 1 0
 UCIi sanctioned fat bike racing. OMG, this is the end of days fer sher
  • 1 0
 COLOURS o.O
  • 1 0
 Scotty wish to own one
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