When Scott labelled the brand new Genius a marathon bike at its premiere four years ago, people smiled. 150 mm travel for marathons? Rubbish! From today's perspective, the characterisation is more accurate than ever. In the circle of all-mountain bikes trimmed for downhill fun with chain guides and fat tyres, the Genius is actually the most suitable for marathons. We have written several times that the design is getting on in years. The lightweight aluminium chassis doesn't offer state-of-the-art technology (thru axles, tapered head tube, high stiffness), but it does offer adjustable suspension travel and sporty handling. The riding position is pleasantly sporty, the geometry doesn't get uncomfortable on long rides and the power transfer is good. As expected, the Genius didn't make a dent on the difficult downhill. Where the competition ploughs through the sea of rocks at full throttle, the Genius rider grips the brakes firmly. The lack of stiffness and narrow tyre width result in limited confidence in the bike. But here, too, it's a case of complaining at a high level. You have to reach this limit first.
PLUS Chassis adjustment, overprice
MINUS Not very stiff, state of the art (frame)
Conclusion: the sportsman among the long-travel all-mountain bikes. The Genius is versatile thanks to its adjustable chassis.
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