Scott is one of the strongest drivers of innovation in the bike industry. The Swiss company last made a name for itself in mid-2021 with the new Spark. At that time, the Swiss not only presented the most downhill race fully to date, but also benefited for the first time from their brand shares in the Sister company Bold. Since the takeover in 2019, the Scott developers have also been able to utilise the patent for shock integration in the seat tube. Since then, the Spark has been setting new standards in terms of system integration in addition to its outstanding riding characteristics.
At this point, it was also clear that this development approach would sooner or later spread to the other models in the Scott portfolio. And lo and behold: just under a year and a half later, the sixth version of the cult all-mountain bike Scott Genius sees the light of day. The similarities to the Spark are obvious: the same design language, the shock is hidden in the seat tube and the system integration on the handlebars and stem is also taken over by the newcomer from the current Spark generation. Coupled with an extremely versatile 150-millimetre frame platform, top values on the scales and a wide range of models, the new Genius is one of the most exciting all-mountain bikes for the 2023 season.
The facts about the new Scott Genius
- The damper is invisibly integrated into the seat tube from the outside.
- Suspension travel: 150 millimetres at the rear and 160 millimetres at the fork.
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Geometry update: The bike is longer and slacker for more safety downhill. The very steep seat angle improves climbing ability.
- The Twinloc lever for chassis control ensures maximum efficiency.
- The ST version (ST stands for Super Trail) offers slightly more downhill potential than the normal Genius models.
- Frame material: full carbon, carbon/aluminium, aluminium
- Ten model variants between 3799 euros and 11,999 euros (including two Contessa bikes especially for women)
- Weights from 12.8 to 15.8 kilograms according to the manufacturer
Centrepiece: The frame of the new Scott Genius
The Genius has been an integral part of the Scott model range since 2001. Back then, however, the fully still had a 100 mm fork and the rear suspension only provided 90 millimetres of travel - it had little to do with the all-mountain bike as we know it today.
It was only with the third expansion stage in 2013 that the Genius-typical platforms with 150 millimetres of suspension travel became established. Not much has changed in this respect. Quite in contrast to the frame construction. Anyone familiar with Genius history will know that the Genius shock was initially positioned vertically between the tyre and seat tube. Later, the shock mount moved under the top tube. In the last generation, the suspension element was again positioned vertically in the frame triangle, only to disappear completely inside the voluminous seat tube.
But what purpose does the system integration fulfil apart from the aesthetic component? As the lower shock mount no longer sits on the frame, the chassis and linkage move further down, which in theory results in a slightly lower centre of gravity. This ensures greater riding safety downhill at high speeds and generates more traction when cornering. In addition, the design provides good frame rigidity, particularly in the bottom bracket area, without excessive material thickness. Last but not least, the integration also contributes to durability. Protected from water, mud and dust, the shock integrated in the seat tube requires significantly less maintenance than rear suspension elements in conventional MTB frame designs.
The fact that Scott has a knack for lightweight carbon frames is impressively demonstrated by the Swiss company with the new Genius. The frame of the predecessor in the All Mountain category weighed in at a record-breaking 2249 grams. It seemed almost impossible to maintain this level with the new frame construction. But our laboratory scales show us the opposite: 2239 grams. That's how much the frame of the top model with the lightest HMX carbon fibre weighs in size L. In view of the voluminous frame construction in the bottom bracket area, the high material thickness to compensate for the opening in the down tube and the fact that shocks with reservoirs also fit into the seat tube of the Genius, the engineers have outdone themselves with the frame weight of the current evolutionary stage. According to the manufacturer, the frames with the slightly cheaper HMF carbon fibres weigh 2795 grams in size M. Another good thing: Scott offers three model variants with aluminium frames, bringing its entry-level model below the 4000 euro mark.
The new Scott Genius in detail
A quick-change artist: the right Genius for every riding style
In order to attract an even larger customer base to the Scott Genius in the new generation, the developers have created a platform with maximum versatility. Similar to the Spark series, the classic Genius 900 models will be joined by more downhill-orientated ST models (ST stands for Super Trail). The two versions differ primarily in terms of their suspension.
The frame of the 900 models houses the Nude 5T shock from Fox, which was specially developed for the Scott Genius. With the tried-and-tested Twinloc system, the fork and shock can still be adjusted simultaneously from the handlebars in three stages. This allows the Genius to be pedalled more efficiently than almost any other all-mountain bike on the market. In open mode, the suspension unfolds its full potential. In the so-called Traction Control mode (platform), the air volume in the damper shrinks and more compression damping is activated. As a result, the bike has more suspension travel uphill and on undulating trails and eliminates the influence of the drivetrain when pedalling. For long climbs on gravel or tarmac, the suspension can be completely locked out using the third riding mode.
Tracloc instead of Twinloc for chassis control
In favour of downhill performance, efficiency takes a back seat on the Genius ST. The Nude 5T gives way to a Float-X-Nude with a reservoir. In this configuration, the rear suspension reacts even more sensitively to bumps thanks to the larger air volume and also offers adjustable rebound and compression damping. In line with this, the Fox 36 with Fit4 cartridge is replaced at the front by a suspension fork with a four-way adjustable Grip2 cartridge. The suspension control has not been left untouched either. Instead of the Twinloc system, the Scott Genius ST uses a so-called Tracloc lever, which only controls the rear suspension. In addition to the open mode, there are also two other riding modes to choose from. In ramp control mode, one of the two air chambers closes. This has the same effect as installing a volume spacer - but at the touch of a button. The result: with an active riding style, the rear offers more support in the suspension travel. A classic platform serves as the climbing mode. There is no closed lockout.
But that's not all: at 63.9 degrees, the steering angle of the Genius ST is also 1.2 degrees slacker ex works than the Genius 900, promising an even smoother ride at high speeds. However, the variable headset on both models offers the option of adjusting the steering angle by 0.6 degrees in both directions.
The geometry of the Scott Genius
Based on the flat head angle setting (63.9 degrees), the head tube is 3.3 degrees slacker than its predecessor. With a reach of 485 millimetres in size L, the bike is also 14 millimetres longer. The seat angle measures between 76.8 and 77.4 degrees across the sizes S to XL. The chainstays are a standard 440 millimetres long. With these dimensions, the new Genius is a modern and downhill-orientated all-mountain bike. All models are available in sizes S, M, L and XL.
How the Scott Genius 2023 rides
With the two top models, the Scott Genius Ultimate and Genius ST 900 Tuned, we have already had the pleasure of putting in plenty of trail kilometres. Our first impression: Despite the generous 485 mm rake in size L, the steep seat angle placed us very upright on the bike. If you are in between sizes and prefer a sporty riding position, you should go for the larger size if in doubt. The pressure on the front wheel is not too low thanks to the steep seat tube. This allows the new Genius to climb even steep ramps without having to actively fight against the rising front wheel. The compact riding position also leaves enough room to manoeuvre to master key technical uphill sections. In terms of efficiency, the Scott Genius is still one of the best all-mountain bikes on the market - whether Twinloc or Tracloc. In platform mode, the rear suspension of both systems works almost bob-free and still generates a lot of traction. However, if you prioritise pedalling as much as downhill, you should opt for the normal Genius. The option of locking the fork and shock at the same time makes for a more harmonious uphill riding experience.
Downhill, we also got our money's worth with both models. Not too sluggish, but not nervous either - the handling is just right. The suspension of both Genius variants feels rather sporty compared to the otherwise rather cosy all-mountain competition. This favours an active riding style and benefits you when pushing through berms or pushing off jumps. If, on the other hand, you want a fuller ride feel, we recommend more sag than usual and less compression damping. In terms of responsiveness, the Scott Genius ST with Float-X-Nude shock and Grip2 cartridge in the Fox fork does a better job.
Have we piqued your interest in the new Scott Genius? Then it's worth taking a look at BIKE issue 1/23, where you'll find a detailed test report with all the results from the BIKE test lab. Available from 6 December at newsagents or in the DK Kiosk app.
Models and prices of the new Scott Genius
"From a technical point of view, the new Scott Genius is the epitome of engineering: system integration at the highest level, great attention to detail, outstanding workmanship and amazingly light. In practice, the bike turns out to be the perfect all-rounder thanks to its exemplary climbing characteristics. Whether it's brisk laps around the house, pedal-heavy tours or technical trails - the Genius covers a very wide range of uses despite its generous suspension travel. Those who prefer to collect metres in depth will appreciate the suspension upgrade on the ST models."
Max Fuchs
Editor
