The engineers of the all-new SCOTT Genius 700 Ultimate have pulled out all the tricks. The bike not only looks outrageously good, but it’s also record-breakingly light too. Combined with its top spec and potent geometry, on paper the Genius promises to be a grin-inducing machine – we couldn’t wait to test it out on the trail!
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
Light, strong, affordable – choose two! With the SCOTT Genius, the choice obviously fell on the first two points. At a hefty € 9,799, the bike is anything but a bargain. No wonder then that when Scott specced the bike, only the very best would do. The FOX Factory suspension, SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and classy DT Swiss XMC 1200 SPLINE One carbon rims are top-notch! As usual with SCOTT, the new Genius has their TwinLoc technology, which allows the suspension to be adjusted in three stages (lockout, traction, descend). A unique new feature is the Syncros Hixon cockpit, in which the handlebar and stem are joined together in a single carbon piece. The complete package is rounded off with MAXXIS Rekon Skinwall tires in a 2.8″ width. If you prefer, the Genius can also take 29″ wheels easily. To do so, simply adjust the geometry via the flip-chip in no time.
The seating position on the SCOTT Genius 700 Ultimate is comfortable, albeit a bit sportier due to the cockpit being lower than most other bikes in this class. Pressing the TwinLoc remote firms the suspension noticeably and reduces the sag. In combination with the low weight, the Genius marches forward relentlessly and climbs so well you’d think it’s an e-bike. This not only saves strength, but you could also – God forbid – start to think of climbing and sprinting as fun! With this bike, you could easily participate in a marathon.
Fast and beautiful! The clean look and enormous efficiency of the SCOTT Genius won us over completely!
On the descent, the Genius delights with its very balanced riding characteristics. The progressive rear suspension has to be set up with a bit more sag, but once dialled in works well and feels nicely defined. As light-footed as the Genius goes uphill, so it goes downhill. Direction changes are direct and need no encouragement. Those who like to pump through flat sections and on flowy trails will be rewarded with loads of pop. When the terrain becomes rougher and more demanding, the Genius shows what it’s made of, never feeling overwhelmed. Our only criticism? The small brake rotor in front.
The SCOTT Genius 700 Ultimate in detail
Fork FOX 34 Float Factory 150 mm
Rear shock FOX Nude Evol Factory 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide Ultimate
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory
Stem Syncros Hixon IC SL Carbon
Handlebar Syncros Hixon IC SL Carbon 760 mm
Tires MAXXIS Rekon 2.8″
Wheelset DT Swiss XMC 1200 Carbon Spline CL
Weight 11.72 kg
Price € 9,799
Something we haven’t seen on a mountain bike! The Syncros Hixon iC SL combo gives the bike a futuristic look. The “stem” length is 45 mm, and the handlebar is 760 mm wide.
The SCOTT Genius will happily accept 29″ wheels. The bottom bracket height can be adjusted using the flip-chip on the rocker link. Flipping the chip also slackens the head angle to 65°. If you want to let her rip downhill, we recommend grabbing the big wheels.
The silhouette of the SCOTT Genius is pleasantly uncluttered; even when looking closely, the frame’s clean lines stand out.
By activating the TwinLoc lever, both the shock and the fork are completely locked out. The Genius then turns into an XC sprinting machine and climbs like a mountain goat.
Geometry of the SCOTT Genius 700
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm | 520 mm |
| Top tube | 568 mm | 601 mm | 632 mm | 668 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 95 mm | 110 mm | 125 mm |
| Head angle | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° |
| Seat angle | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° |
| Chainstay | 436 mm | 436 mm | 436 mm | 436 mm |
| BB drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1.165 mm | 1.198 mm | 1.231 mm | 1.270 mm |
| Reach | 412 mm | 445 mm | 472 mm | 505 mm |
| Stack | 596 mm | 596 mm | 609 mm | 623 mm |
Conclusion
Marathon or enduro race? The SCOTT Genius 700 Ultimate can do both! It’s super-efficient uphill and impresses on the downhills with a high degree of agility while remaining very stable. This bike is a true all-rounder and thus the deserved test winner!
Pros
– climbs uphill like an XC bike
– fun and balanced handling
– looks incredibly good
Cons
– small front brake rotor
– 760 mm handlebar is somewhat narrow
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for money
More info at: scott-sports.com
The test fleet
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
All bikes in test: Giant Trance Advanced 0 | Liteville 301 MK14 All Mountain | Nicolai ION-G13 QLFLINE | Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29
This article is from ENDURO issue #031
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