The SCOTT Genius 710 Plus stood as the potential ringer in this group. Lined up next to the skinny tired competition, it looked like a plumped up underdog, like the fat kid who never got picked on school sports days. However, sometimes that fat kid is a lot faster than you think!
SCOTT embraced Plus from the very beginning and this experience is clear when you look at how the bigger tires are beautifully integrated into the High Modulus carbon frame. SCOTT have always commanded a premium and to meet the impressive price point we notice that there has been some cost cutting here and there with the build. The SRAM GX drivetrain is an affordable but reliable drivetrain, shifting well but adding a little weight. We were disappointed to see only a ‘Performance’ model FOX 34 and FOX Nude rear shock, as their damping falls short of the full Factory spec units. The Shimano SLX brakes also add a little weight, but we could not fault their performance.
We have to admit to having our doubts about the puffed up tires – would they perform on the tough Scottish trails? However, no sooner had we turned a pedal than we realised that the Scott Genius is in fact riotous fun. Mixing 140/130 mm of travel with Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO and Rocket Ron EVO 2.8 inch tires results in a concoction that is in fact genius. Anyone who says a Plus bike rolls slowly has never ridden one. On flowing trails, the SCOTT Genius 710 Plus picks up and holds incredible speed, despite its 13.46 kg weight, easily reeling in, then passing its narrow-tired brethren. The active suspension sinks into its travel smoothly and generates so much grip that flat turns become berms and direct lines, then even crazy lines, become the norm. Geometry can be shifted between two positions – ‘low and ‘high’ – but all testers prefered the low position, extracting maximum fun from the big wheels, but nobody liked the cheap feeling, 70 mm long stem and narrow 740 mm bars. Even though it’s the heaviest bike on test, the SCOTT displays a nimbleness and agility that makes it feel far lighter, switching lines easily and diving eagerly into turns. We were impressed with the plush SCOTT Genius suspension platform, which effortlessly absorbed impacts and offered support through aggressive turns. But, as expected, the budget fork and shock soon got overwhelmed on long rock gardens or big compressions, saved somewhat by the big wheels.
Specifications of the SCOTT Genius 710 Plus
Fork: FOX 34 Performance 140 mm
Rear Shock: FOX Nude DPS
Brakes: Shimano SLX
Drivetrain: SRAM GX
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Syncros TR 1.5
Handlebar: Syncros FL 1.5 T-Bar
Wheelset: Syncros X-40
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.8/ Rocket Ron 2.8
Weight: 13.46 kg
Price: € 4,999
The basic spec Shimano SLX brakes scrub speed as well as their far more expensive counterparts, though we would look to fit a bigger 203 mm rotor on the front for more bite. We admire the SCOTT TwinLoc system, allowing the front and rear suspension to be firmed up at the flick of a switch, but with a bike that pedals so efficiently in the fully open mode we rarely had to use it, it’s nice to have though!
Conclusion
The underdog gave us a lot to think about. We were underwhelmed with the budget suspension at this price point but the SCOTT Genius 710 Plus is a fantastic trail bike with excellent geometry and handling characteristics. Intermediate riders could really benefit from the huge capability and capacity for fun that the bigger tires bring to the table.
+ High quality frame
+ Brilliant fun to ride
– Cheap suspension
– Outdated cockpit
More information you can get on the SCOTT website.
[/emaillocker]For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Battle of the super powers: 9 of the best trail bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX | Cube Stereo 140 C:62 SL | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 650B | Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 | Ibis Mojo 3 XT 1x | Whyte T130 C | Yeti SB 4.5c X01
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Words: Photos: Trev Worsey, Ross Bell
