Plush 170 mm travel, 29″ wheels, slack head angle and sophisticated features: the SCOTT Ransom promises to be a capable Enduro bike. We wanted to find out if it could deliver on the trail and we were in for a surprise.
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
The SCOTT Ransom 920 is the Swiss brand’s latest addition, slotting perfectly into its portfolio in more than just looks. The Ransom features SCOTT’s proprietary TwinLoc system which allows you to stiffen up the suspension in three stages. As with the Spark and Genius, the shock is positioned parallel to the seat tube. However, the Ransom 920 does without the higher-end shock found on the more expensive models, which features an adjustable air chamber allowing you to tune progression of the air spring. Considering the € 3,799 price tag, the build is simple but functional. You’ve got Shimano MT520 brakes, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and a well-dimensioned Syncros cockpit. The suspension consists of FOX Performance components, but unfortunately, it isn’t possible to adjust the compression damping on the fork due to the TwinLoc system. For the tires, SCOTT fit a 2.6″ MAXXIS Minion DHF with an EXO casing up front and the more robust EXO+ version on the rear. The smooth lines of the aluminium frame makes it difficult to distinguish from its carbon counterpart. A flip-chip also offers compatibility with different wheel sizes, though we only rode the bike with 29″ wheels in the low setting.
The SCOTT Ransom 920 is more of a long travel trail bike than a thoroughbred Enduro machine.
The SCOTT Ransom 920 in detail
Fork FOX 36 Performance Grip 170 mm
Shock FOX NUDE T EVOL 170 mm
Brakes Shimano MT520 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM NX Eagle 11–50
Seatpost Syncros Dropper 2.0 150 mm
Stem Syncros XM1.5 50 mm
Handlebar Syncros Hixon 1.5 Rise 780 mm
Wheels Syncros Revelstoke 2.5
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.6″
Instead of having the option to lock out the fork on the SCOTT RANSOM, we would have preferred a compression adjuster to make it a little more supportive.
The chainstay protector on the SCOTT is sufficiently long and soft. You won’t hear any chain slap here!
The 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Minion DHF tires offer a lot of grip when you’re going slowly, but they lack precision and puncture protection when you’re on the attack.
The Shimano MT520 brakes perform very well. If you want even more braking power, we recommend changing to ICE-TECH rotors first.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 571 mm | 604 mm | 635 mm | 671 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 100 mm | 115 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 75° | 75° | 75° | 75° |
| Chainstays | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm |
| BB Drop | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,183 mm | 1,216 mm | 1,249 mm | 1,289 mm |
| Reach | 406 mm | 440 mm | 467 mm | 500 mm |
| Stack | 614 mm | 614 mm | 628 mm | 641 mm |
The SCOTT Ransom 920 in review
The geometry of the SCOTT Ransom 920 isn’t anything out of the ordinary, so you should feel right at home on the bike. The riding position is somewhat compact and upright, but very comfortable. Thanks to the TwinLoc system, the 15.04 kg bike willingly marches uphill. We liked Traction Control mode best for the climbs, which limits travel to 120 mm and firms up the suspension while still providing sufficient comfort and traction. This setting is good for flowing and flat trails too and lets you generate a lot of speed by pumping the bike. On the other hand, with the suspension open, the bike will suck up a lot of your input. But why ride flat trails on an Enduro bike? The Ransom is purpose-built for demanding terrain.
In Descend mode, the suspension always keeps the wheels planted on the ground and provides a lot of traction. However, active riders will likely want a more support. On steep terrain, the fork doesn’t offer enough support and unfortunately, there is no way of tuning the compression. The Ransom readily changes direction, offering light-footed and predictable handling. The balanced weight distribution helps, providing plenty of grip on the front and rear wheels. However, we did feel a bit too perched on top of the bike and less integrated between the wheels. The wide tires offer a lot of grip, though they lack precision and puncture protection for more aggressive riders.
Thanks to the TwinLoc system, the Ransom flies up the mountains!
Conclusion
The SCOTT Ransom 920 is impressively efficient, but can also offer plush suspension and very predictable handling. Thanks to the TwinLoc system, the bike is super versatile. It performs particularly well in technical terrain. However, if you’ve got a really aggressive riding style, you’ll want a little more support from the suspension.
Tops
- efficient and light-footed climber
- plush suspension
- predictable handling
Flops
- the Descend mode lacks support
- expensive
- the TwinLoc system isn't necessary on the fork
- tires feel a little vague for some riders
For more info head to: scott-sports.com
The test field
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
All the bikes in test: Canyon Strive CF 5.0 | FOCUS SAM 8.9 | Propain Spindrift Performance | RADON Swoop 9.0 | Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Slash 8 | YT Capra 29 AL Comp
This article is from ENDURO issue #039
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