The SCOTT Genius 2018 on the trail
Over the course of four days we got the opportunity to test the brand new SCOTT Genius 2018 on challenging, Alpine trails in Val d’Aosta and in Pila Bike Park. At 180 cm, our test rider found the size large frame to have a great, comfortable riding position that lends itself equally to long rides and short, quick bursts. Even at 2,400 meters of altitude, the bike was an eager climber, although it’s definitely beneficial to flick into traction mode on really steep gradients – this doesn’t just up the suspension efficiency but also steepens the geometry somewhat. As a result, there’s no real reason why you’d feel the need to avoid any climbs on this lightweight bike. In short, the new Genius really demonstrated how it can pack a punch on the climbs.
After battling your way up to 2,600 meters above sea level, you definitely deserve to tame the wildest terrain on the descents. But going off any mountain shouldn’t just be about getting loose, but more about the knowing the limits of getting loose (and staying safely within them). With one test day dedicated to 27.5″ wheels with 2.8″ tires behind us, we then switched up to the bigger 29ers with 2.6″ rubbers and were immediately charmed by the balanced and yet flickable performance. The bigger wheels and even slacker geometry turned the Genius into a seriously ripping descender that can hold its lines brilliantly, steer directly and dish up the ultimate blend of smoothness and agility at high speeds and even when faced with rapid, tight turns. The 29er also rode with more grip and could blast over any terrain with composure. Compared to the previous model, the suspension is notably more sensitive and gives more ground feedback. The bike rewards an aggressive, hands-on riding style with serious speed, and cornering is carried out with the utmost confidence on those bigger hoops. While the one-part Syncros bar took a while to get used to, the backsweep won us over by the end of the test phase (although at 770 mm wide including the grips, our only comment is that some riders may prefer a wider set-up)
Sadly we’re yet to encounter a bike that’s immune to a few shortcomings. And the Genius suffered on the descents due to the pretty paltry SRAM Guide brakes and the somewhat grip-anemic Maxxis Rekon tire up front; these presented a limiting factor to the bike’s capability. Bigger discs and grippier tires are therefore a mandatory upgrade for anyone who likes to tear down descents.
The bottom line on the SCOTT Genius 2018
Stop looking. Close the tabs. If you’re after an ultra efficient trail bike that can attack each descent aggressively, then here’s your rig. The new SCOTT GENIUS teams top-knotch climbing with stellar handling at speeds and down hills. It’s agile, smooth and flickable, plus brings a welcome dose of variability with the wheelsize options.
For more info head to: scott-sports.com
