8000 versus 9000 euros, Tuned versus S-Works, Plus versus 6Fattie. The duel between the new generation of trail bikes is all about superlatives. Scott and Specialized send their respective top models to the test in the new Plus tyre format. To get straight to the point: However, both manufacturers still offer customers the choice of purchasing a "classic" Genius or Stumpjumper FSR with 27.5 inch or 29 inch tyres. In order to build a Plus-capable mountain bike, both industry giants use an existing carbon main frame and combine it with a wider aluminium rear triangle - for tyres up to three inches wide. Together with a Fox 34-width fork (up to 3.25-inch tyres possible), this creates a completely new trail bike.
Both bikes are based on their respective 29-inch counterparts: carbon main frame of the 29er plus new aluminium rear triangle. Scott deliberately opted for a tyre width of "only" 2.8 inches on the Genius Plus in order to avoid the fat bike feeling and give the bike maximum agility and agility. The 2.8-inch tyre weighs less and is also much closer in diameter to a normal 27.5-inch tyre. The 3.0-inch tyre from Specialized weighs more and its outer diameter is almost as big as a 29er.
Weight advantage for the Scott Genius
Even on the first few metres off-road, it becomes clear that Specialized has not ignored the weight, but the focus was more on gaining traction. If you look at the total weight, the two rivals are separated by just 200 grams. Scott achieves this weight advantage thanks to the lighter and slightly stiffer frame. However, Specialized's trump card with the frame is the SWAT door. If you prefer to ride without a rucksack and hate having to stuff jersey pockets, you can use the down tube as a practical storage space for all the small items you need.
Practical test: Which bike rules the trail?
Back on the trail: Thanks to the lower front and the lighter tyre setup, the Genius Plus rides a little more sportily. In direct comparison, the Stumpjumper is a little more touring and therefore more comfortable. Due to the low compression damping in open mode, the Scott rear triangle requires you to reach for the quickly accessible Twinloc lever to eliminate pumping when pedalling. Here the Stumpi reacts more calmly and can be ridden very well in open mode. Downhill, the Stumpi plays its tyre trump card. The heavier but better damping tyres are noticeably firmer and offer more traction. In combination with the extremely sensitive suspension, the bike is incredibly comfortable and almost floats over roots. On hard landings and compressions, the Scott offers more reserves thanks to more progression at the rear. In terms of geometry, there are many similarities. The head angle and bottom bracket height differ only minimally between the bikes, but the front end of the Stumpi is significantly higher. In combination with the shorter chainstays, this makes the Specialized easier to pull onto the rear wheel, but requires more physical effort when climbing steep climbs. At 325 millimetres, the bottom bracket is extremely low on both bikes. We made unwanted contact with the ground several times. Due to the ten millimetre narrower carbon rims, we had to run the Specialized tyres with more air pressure to achieve the same lateral stability - which means you lose some of the advantages of the Plus tyres.
TEST CONCLUSION PETER NILGES (BIKE EDITOR)
Scott or Specialised, Tuned or S-Works? With extremely high effort and a correspondingly high price, both manufacturers manage to put fairly light plus-size touring bikes on their tyres. If you are looking for a sportier bike and don't want to compromise on agility, Scott is the right choice. Those who place more value on comfort and traction will be better served by the Specialized, although a large part of the difference is due to the choice of tyres.
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TEST SCOTT GENIUS 700 TUNED PLUS
Scott bikes have a sporty flavour across the board. The Genius Plus does not deviate from this credo. Despite the 2.8 tyres, the bike is very light-footed and agile. The weight of the top version is also surprisingly low at less than 12.3 kilos in size L. The frame weighs 200 grams less than that of the Stumpjumper. In addition, the familiar Twinloc lever allows for quickly adjustable suspension. However, the Schwalbe tyres in the fast PaceStar compound do not provide a wow effect in terms of traction. Here, the somewhat more comfortable Stumpjumper 6Fattie can put on a better show.
PLUS Sporty, propulsion-orientated, low weight
MINUS Low grip increase, low bottom bracket
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TEST SPECIALISED STUMPUMPER FSR S-WORKS 6FATTIE
Float instead of rumble is the motto of the Stumpi 6Fattie. The combination of thick three-inch tyres and super-sensitive Fox suspension make the 6Fattie a real comfort miracle. Root carpets seem to literally disappear. No harsh feedback from the road surface, no stopping bumps. The Stumpi virtually floats over the trails with ease and only passes on the most necessary information to the rider in filtered form. Despite the narrow carbon wheels, the slightly heavier tyres compared to the Scott need to be accelerated first. On the other hand, the maximum interlocking with the ground provides security in every situation.
PLUS Super comfortable, significant increase in grip
MINUS Wide rear triangle, low bottom bracket, high front end
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