Feature

Pro Bike Check: Remy Absalon’s Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned

07.03.2015
by

Remy Absalon is no stranger to Enduro after 10 seasons of racing. This will be his second season with Scott and SR Suntour. Since last year there are some important changes and developments on his Genius LT 700 Tuned, which debuted 2 years ago. Considered one of the first of a new generation of long-travel enduro bikes, it has outstanding climbing ability and low weight for a bike with 170mm of travel. Remy has some key changes put on his including a new prototype shock and electric shifting.

Remy's "DH" configuration with big pedals, tires and wheels : 13,4kg (size L)
Remy’s “DH” configuration with big pedals, tires and wheels : 13,4kg (size L)
760mm bars and 50mm stem are colour matched to the frame.
Syncros 760mm bars and 50mm stem are colour matched to the frame. Ergon grips and saddle provide some comfort and contrasting colour.

Where do you see the main advantage of the Di2?
The main advantage is for sure the quick gear changes! So good for blind riding when you have an unexpected uphill. I am also very happy to not have to change a cable never again! Lastly, it is so cool to adjust your shifter on the computer how you like.

Shimano Di2 lets Remy customize his shifting to his own preferences and the demands of the course.
Shimano Di2 lets Remy customize his shifting to his own preferences and the demands of the course.
No cables here: the hoses and wires are neatly integrated into the frame.
No cables here: the hoses and wires are neatly integrated into the frame.

What is new about the rear shock?
For the moment it is a working prototype of the shock. The main difficulty is to adjust it for this bike. Lots of hydraulic work was done last year. From that work comes the adjustable volume and the lockout lever on the handlebar.

New for this year is the remote lockout for the prototype Suntour shock.
New for this year is the remote lockout for the prototype Suntour shock.

Any info about the prototype front tire?
This front tire is a Michelin Grip’R reinforced with a prototype compound (for the moment its name is J compound). Still some testing to be done but normally I use the new Magi-X compound. The advantage is that it keeps the best grip in all the condition of temperature (because sometimes the compound is worse when very hot or very cold. With this one no problems).

Only known as "J compound" for now, the Michelin prototypes are being designed to work well in all temperatures.
Only known as “J compound” for now, the Michelin prototypes are being designed to work well in all temperatures.

Do you change your configuration for different races?
Most of the bike stay exactly the same other than small changes in suspension settings. If I want a lighter configuration I use the carbon Duke Crazy Jack wheels, smaller pedals and a lighter front tire. That brings the weight down to 12,8kg. The wheels in the photos are the Duke Crazy Star.

The 170mm Suntour Auron fork is running custom internals.
The 170mm Suntour Auron fork is running custom internals.

What’s your fork setup and why?
I ride quite hard on the fork with a quite fast rebound. I feel that it is better to go fast even if it is less comfortable. I don’t notice any problems in the big holes. I keep the same pressure and same high speed compression, I just adjust my low speed compression according to the track. Suntour has given the team a custom negative spring and cartridge and we are waiting for new Suntour cartridge R2C2 with possibility to adjust high speed and low speed rebound. It could be interesting to adjust it too, we will see…

This tool allows them to analyze the fork action to fine-tune the performance.
This tool allows them to analyze the fork action to fine-tune the performance.
The downtube protector is stock and very necessary for rocky trails.
Remy runs a neat downtube protector to keep the frame safe from flying rocks!
Remy has opted for the 1x11 Shimano XTR drivetrain with a top guide.
Remy has opted for the 1×11 Shimano XTR drivetrain with a top guide.

Any other customization?
Even if the Auron is longer than the Fox 36 of the standard model, I keep the head set with –0,7° angle and 0,7mm spacer between the fork and frame to keep it slack and low. Another thing, I like to have lots of sag on the shock and I run the frame in the low bb setting. So I change the crankarms to 170mm, as to not hit rocks when pedaling.

Some nice, integrated custom graphics for this speedy Frenchman.
Some nice, custom graphics for this speedy Frenchman.
All set for the upcoming season, Remy is looking comfortable on his Genius LT!
All set for the upcoming season, Remy is looking comfortable on his Genius LT!

Words: Tyler Malcomson / Remy Absalon Pictures: Scott

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