New 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC first ride review – The David Copperfield amongst enduro bikes

Over a year after introducing the updated versions of their trail and XC rigs, the Genius and the Spark, SCOTT have finally presented the new 2024 Ransom 900 RC. SCOTT’s enduro rig rolls into the new season with a fresh new look and integrated shock, combining 170/160 mm of travel and big 29″ wheels. We found out what it’s capable of, both on and off the trail!

The Ransom has been an integral part of SCOTT’s portfolio for almost two decades. When it first launched back in 2006, it caused a real sensation with its consistent lightweight concept, whopping 160 mm of rear travel, and excellent performance both up and downhill. Almost 18 years and several evolutionary stages later, SCOTT introduce the latest generation of the Ransom, which stands in stark contrast against all previous Ransom models with SCOTT’s new, innovative design language. The Swiss manufacturer now employs this across their entire portfolio, with bikes like the SCOTT Lumen light eMTB and Patron full-fat eMTB as well as muscle powered bikes like the Spark XC and Genius trail rigs. The Ransom is the latest model to take on SCOTT’s new design approach.

As usual for SCOTT, integration was high on their priority list, so they hid the shock inside the carbon frame. However, the Ransom was designed to impress not only with its design and integration features, but also with outstanding downhill and all-round capabilities. It generates 170/160 mm of travel (f/r) and rolls on 29” wheels, but can be converted to a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5″ rear wheel via a flip chip. Some of you might be reminded of the Bold Unplugged, which was unveiled at the beginning of 2023 and shares similar design features and key data as the Ransom. However, despite the similarities, the bikes are very different, especially when it comes to the rear suspension – the Ransom relies on a brand-new 6 bar linkage design. Bold Cycles is a subsidiary of SCOTT, which enables the two manufacturers to benefit from each other’s know-how.

As is well known, SCOTT also attach great value to low weight, and the new Ransom is no exception. The 900 RC flagship model we tested tips the scales at just 15.8 kg in size L – nearly a kilogram less than the average weight in our latest enduro group test – but we all know that weight isn’t all that matters. The SCOTT Ransom 900 RC retails at € 9,999.

The 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC in detail

At first glance, the new 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC doesn’t have much in common with its predecessor, at least in purely visual terms. The shock is hidden inside the frame, ensuring a clean, minimalist look. Access to the shock is via a service port, which can be opened quickly and easily at the push of a button, without the need for tools. However, to set up the shock, you’ll have to flip the bike upside down or on its side to get proper access. There’s a SAG indicator on the rocker link, allowing you to see the percentage SAG externally, so you don’t have to guess with the shock hidden inside the frame.

The big opening in the frame also doubles as a storage compartment, which comes standard with SCOTT’s Save The Day kit – the same you get with the Bold Unplugged. This includes a spare inner tube, tire levers and a spoke key, and is complemented by a multitool, which is secured to the inside of the compartment with a rubber strap. A second smaller, magnetic cover at the back of the seat tube allows you to access the rear shock from behind, which makes it easier to access the dials of a retrofitted shock.

The 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC features a generously sized seat and chainstay protector, which prevents paint chips and chain slap. Moreover, a chain guide prevents the chain from falling off, and is compatible with a SRAM Transmission bash guard. The cables are routed internally, and disappear into the frame through the headset, reappearing shortly before reaching their destinations.

TracLoc system and shock compatibility for the new 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC

The new 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC features FOX’s FLOAT X Nude air shock, which was developed exclusively for SCOTT and designed specifically to be integrated into the frame, with the valve and dials positioned in such a way that they’re easily accessible through the service port. Unlike previous SCOTT models with an integrated shock, the Ransom positions the shock horizontally rather than vertically, which ensures a lower centre of gravity. According to SCOTT, the integration concept improves not only the look of the bike but also its performance. Inside the frame, the shock is protected from dirt, and it should work more consistently, as it isn’t subjected to such sharp changes in temperature as externally mounted shocks, which are constantly exposed to the elements.

The Ransom 900 RC features SCOTT’s proprietary TracLoc system which, unlike the TwinLoc system, is connected just to the shock and not the fork, which allows the use of forks with lots of adjustment options, like FOX’s top-tier GRIP2 damper, which isn’t compatible with the 3-position design of the Twin Lock remote. The TracLoc lever on the handlebars lets you select one of three modes: Climb, Ramp Control and Open. In Climb mode, the compression damping on the shock is closed, locking out the shock to avoid any of your pedalling input getting absorbed by the suspension. Ramp Control mode opens up the damping, but closes one of the shock’s air chambers. By doing so, the shock becomes more progressive – in essence, it’s like adding a volume spacer at the flick of a lever. As the name suggests, Open mode is for the descents and corresponds to the shock’s normal open setting, as you’ll be familiar with from other shocks. It takes some time to get used to using the remote at first: it’s easy to push the wrong lever and it isn’t always clear what mode you’re in while you’re riding. Moreover, the additional cables on the cockpit clutter the otherwise very clean look of the RANSOM 900 RC to some extent.

While the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC comes standard with the special FOX FLOAT X Nude air shock, it’s not the only option – you can also use other air and coil shock models, like the FOX FLOAT X2, DHX2 or RockShox Super Deluxe Air, which are better suited to potent enduro bikes than the FLOAT X. If you swap the shock, you can also wave goodbye to the TracLoc system, as this isn’t compatible with other shocks. However, the SCOTT Ransom 900 RC is rather efficient, meaning that you can easily make your way to the trailhead without a climb switch – but more on this later.

Alongside the integrated shock, SCOTT also gifted the Ransom a new rear suspension concept, replacing the old Horst-Link system with a 6-bar design and moving the main pivot point to the bottom bracket. The main bearing can be accessed with a T47 bottom bracket tool, which we’re sure everyone has in their workshop ;)

The spec of the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC

We tested the 2024 Ransom 900 RC flagship model, which is uncompromisingly aimed towards trail performance and light overall weight. The FOX Factory suspension features a fancy Kashima coating and consists of a 38 mm GRIP2 fork and matching FOX FLOAT X Nude Factory air shock. The suspension delivers top trail performance, with countless adjustment options.

An electronic SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain ensures smooth, precise shifting and relies on a hanger-less rear derailleur, which is very robust as it’s secured directly to the frame. SCOTT pair the rear derailleur with an older SRAM AXS Rocker paddle shifter, rather than the new AXS pods. The Rocker paddle can be connected directly to your brake levers using Matchmakers, which ensures better looks and ergonomics.

SRAM also supply the CODE Ultimate Stealth four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors, which provide powerful and reliable deceleration, even on long descents. For the rest of the spec, SCOTT rely on their in-house component brand Syncros, including the 210 mm Duncan dropper post, which can be pushed nearly all the way into the frame, ensuring excellent freedom of movement on the bike. The one-piece, 800 mm Syncros Hixon iC carbon cockpit perfectly matches the Ransom’s frame, at least visually. However, the one-piece design doesn’t allow for any fine-tuning, except for the handlebar width, which can be (irreversibly) adapted to your needs by shortening the bars. If you want to adjust the bars in height, you’ll have to cut the steerer tube, which is never an optimal solution.

Thank goodness, SCOTT have stopped using carbon wheels on their enduro bike, and replaced them with a robust Race Face Turbine R alloy wheelset. For the tires, the Swiss brand rely on MAXXIS, combining an ASSEGAI with light EXO+ casing and MaxxGrip rubber compound up front, with a DISSECTOR in the robust Doubledown casing and hard MaxxTerra compound at the rear. While the shallow-profiled rear tire ensures low rolling resistance and still provides sufficient traction in dry conditions, it reaches its limits when things get wet – we recommend upgrading to a more aggressive-profiled model, like the MAXXIS Minion DHR II.

Tuning tip: tires with more aggressive profile for more traction

More 2024 SCOTT Ransom spec variants

The new SCOTT Ransom is available in a total of 5 pre-configured builds, with prices ranging between € 5,199 and € 9,999 €. All versions generate 170 mm of travel (f/r) and roll on 29″ wheels. SCOTT also released a female-specific Contessa model, which is similar to the Ransom 910. The carbon frame is available in two different carbon layups called HMF and HMX. The flagship 900 RC employs the more expensive HMX variant, which uses a different carbon layup to ensure the same stiffness at a lower weight. All other Ransom models come with the slightly heavier HMF carbon frame, which is paired with an alloy swingarm.

The SCOTT Ransom 930 entry level model retails at € 5,199 and relies on a mixed suspension setup, with RockShox and FOX components consisting of a ZEB Domain Solo Air fork and FOX FLOAT X Nude EVOL air shock. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed, cable-operated Shimano DEORE drivetrain, while Shimano MT520 four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors do stopping duties.

The Ransom 920 costs € 5,999 and features a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork and FOX FLOAT X Nude EVOL air shock. Although the fork offers less adjustment options than its Ultimate counterpart, it shares the same top-tier damper as RockShox’s flagship model, thus delivering an excellent performance on the trail. SRAM also supply the DB8 four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors. Unlike most SRAM brakes, the DB8 entry level stoppers use mineral oil instead of their usual DOT 5 brake fluid, which is unusual for the American manufacturer, but doesn’t affect the brakes’ performance on the trail. Shifting is taken care of by a cable operated, 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur, which is combined with a cheaper SX shifter.

Retailing at € 7,999, the Ransom 910 ranks just below the flagship model. It comes equipped with a robust, electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain and FOX suspension consisting of a 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 fork and FLOAT X Nude EVOL air shock. The fork might not have a fancy Kashima coating, but it employs FOX’s high-quality GRIP2 damper, delivering the same excellent performance as the top-tier Factory model. The SRAM CODE RSC Stealth four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors provide powerful and reliable deceleration. For the wheels, SCOTT combine a Syncros Revelstoke 2.0 alloy wheelset and MAXXIS ASSEGAI/DISSECTOR tires, which is the same tire setup for all Ransom models, featuring the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound and EXO+ carcass at the front and harder MaxxTerra compound with robust Doubledown casing at the rear.

The geometry of the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC

The SCOTT Ransom 2024 is available in 4 sizes, S to XL. Size L combines a moderate 483 mm reach and 440 mm seat tube, which is neither too long nor too short. The 210 mm dropper post offers plenty of travel, but can’t be inserted all the way onto the frame. Chainstay length is 440 mm across the board and doesn’t change with the frame size. The head angle can be adjusted between 63.8° and 64.9° by rotating the headset cups by 180°, and there’s also an additional headset cup included in the box, which allows you to run an intermediate 64.4° setting. Changing the head angle will also affect the reach, bottom bracket height and stack height. The SCOTT Ransom can also be converted to a mullet bike using the flip chip in the chainstay, provided you have the right rear wheel.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	569.9 mm	598.7 mm	624.4 mm	649.1 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle	63.8°	63.8°	63.8°	63.8°
Seat angle	77°	77.2°	77.4°	77.6°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1,206.6 mm	1,238.8 mm	1,270.4 mm	1,299.8 mm
Reach	428 mm	458 mm	483 mm	508 mm
Stack	614.8 mm	619.3 mm	632.8 mm	641.7 mm

The 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC on the trail

We had the opportunity to test the Ransom 2024 900 RC at SCOTT’s press camp in sunny Spain, near Girona. The test track included everything from fast, flowing trails with berms and jumps, to rough enduro gnar with rock gardens, root carpets, steep chutes and long slabs – and sand, lots of it! We made our way to the trailhead under our own steam. We know the area pretty well, as we carry out our annual E-MOUNTAINBIKE comparison test there, so we’re very familiar with the test tracks.

When riding uphill, the Ransom integrates you nicely between its wheels, putting a slight pressure on your hands on level ground. When the gradient rises, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, ensuring good control even in loose sand. The firm rear suspension generates good traction and only bobs marginally. Although your thumb sits right next to the TracLoc lever, you’ll hardly ever have to use this, because the Ransom is a very efficient climber even with the shock in open mode, accelerating willingly from the get go.

As soon as you drop into the trail, the first thing you’ll notice is how efficient the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC feels, accelerating willingly, especially on dry and hardpack trails. Moreover, the firm suspension makes it easy to generate speed by pushing through rollers and berms. When riding fast, you can pump from berm to berm, and spontaneously pop off edges to get a whiff of the mountain air. Despite its lively nature, the suspension provides plenty of support and reserves, bailing you out when you blast through rock gardens at Mach 10, or when a massive slab spits you out into a nasty compression.

The SCOTT Ransom 900 RC impresses with intuitive handling, making you feel at ease from the get-go. The suspension provides plenty of feedback from the ground, and always lets you know what’s happening under your wheels. Speaking of which: the rear tire performs well in dry conditions and hardpack surfaces, but quickly reaches its limits on loose terrain, like sand or mud. In open corners, the Ransom feels pleasantly balanced and, despite the high front end, doesn’t force you to actively shift your weight to keep the front wheel tracking. The high stack gives you an extra boost of confidence in steep sections and techy lines, with the direct, precise handling making it easy to hold your line. However, on fast trails, this requires an experienced rider who can handle the direct nature of the SCOTT Ransom 900 RC.

Who should take a closer look at the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC?

The SCOTT Ransom 900 RC is for anyone who is looking for an efficient enduro bike with plenty of reserves, who still wants to get to the trailhead under their own steam. However, the direct handling makes it primarily an option for experienced riders, though beginners will also get their money’s worth provided they stick to moderate trails. Especially on flowing trails, the capable suspension generates tons of speed and still offers enough reserves when the going gets tough. With its high level of integration and polarising design, the Ransom is also a good option for eccentric riders who want to stand out from the trail crowd and don’t mind a little extra fiddling when adjusting the suspension.

Our conclusions about the 2024 SCOTT Ransom 900 RC

With the new 2024 Ransom 900 RC, SCOTT combine a polarising look with excellent trail performance. The frame features plenty of clever details, like the storage compartment in the down tube. The new Ransom is efficient on climbs and delivers a tremendous performance downhill, impressing above all with its powerful suspension and direct, balanced handling. All of this makes the SCOTT Ransom 900 RC an awesome all-rounder that delivers plenty of fun on the trail, whether you’re cruising the flow or shredding gnarly enduro trails.

For more info, visit scottsports.com

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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Daniel Geiger, Mike Hunger