If you're standing next to the trail and see an orange and turquoise Scott Genius whizzing past, you won't immediately know whether it's the motorised version of the All Mountain or not. That's how similar the New Genius 700 Tuned for 2018 and the new E-Genius. No wonder, because the two bikes were developed together. The E-Genius has the same genes as the normal Genius. 150 millimetres of suspension travel, the upside-down shock above the bottom bracket and the option of 27.5 and 29-inch wheels. This is made possible by a flip chip in the upper shock mount, which adjusts the geometry.
The history of the Scott E-Genius
The E-Genius has been part of Scott's extensive range since the 2016 model year. The first generation with 130 millimetres of travel rolled exclusively on 3.0-inch wide plus tyres and initially beat the competition. Not much has changed for 2017The e-bike was still powered by a Bosch CX motor and came with 2.8-inch wide tyres from the factory. At the BIKE Festival on Lake Garda in May 2017, the Scott finally the E-Spark with Shimano drivetrain - an indication of how beautifully the battery can be integrated into the down tube.
Own motor cover and integrated speed sensor
The Shimano Steps E-8000 is one of the most popular electric motors for mountain bikes, as it can be compactly integrated into the frame, provides smooth assistance and is easy to combine with Di2 components. The 500 Wh battery guarantees a range of 50-100 kilometres and can be charged to 80 percent in 2.5 hours. The Steps E-8000 generates a maximum torque of 70 Nm in the highest support level ("Boost"). The cover on the new Genius, which consists of three parts, comes from Scott itself: Ventilation openings are integrated on both sides to prevent the motor from overheating so quickly. In addition, all cables and cables run under the cover. This not only looks tidy, but also protects them in the event of impact. The lower cover also protects the unit from damage. The motor is easy to operate and does not require any additional remote controls or display: The three support levels are changed with a Di2 trigger on the left, while the riding information appears on the unobtrusive, easy-to-read and colourful Di2 display.
The battery is elegantly integrated in the down tube, can be removed for charging and is locked with an Abus lock. Another advantage of the integrated battery is that the E-Genius can be fitted with a bottle cage. The speed sensor is also an in-house solution from Scott. The magnet is located in the centre lock mounting of the rear brake disc, the sensor is located on the left dropout. This means that, firstly, nothing can slip and, secondly, both parts are better protected from mud and dirt.
A kickstand on an E-MTB?
Time and again, Scott's craftsmen and engineers have received feedback from retailers that customers would like to mount a kickstand on such bikes. Scott has responded to this request with the new E-Genius. For this reason, two screw threads have been integrated into the left-hand chainstay near the bottom bracket, which are not particularly noticeable. If desired, a kickstand can now be attached there. For a clean look, all cables and lines in the E-Genius are routed inside the frame - from the dropper post to the rear brake.
Thanks to a new handlebar from Syncros, the FL 1.0, two of the three cables of the Di2 display also disappear directly into the cockpit. A small cut-out on the underside of the handlebar makes this possible. The carbon version of the Di2 handlebars weighs 70 grams more than the normal model due to the reinforced areas around the cut-outs. Syncros has also developed a mini chain guide for chainrings with 30-36 teeth, which is attached to the main bearing above the bottom bracket.
Wheels and kinematics
The weight and positioning of the motor and battery present bike engineers with a particular challenge when it comes to e-mountainbikes. Thanks to the Shimano motor, Scott was able to base the kinematics of its virtual four-bar linkage on those of the normal Genius. Overall, the suspension curve is very similar to that of the E-Spark, but it is significantly more progressive towards the end. As with the normal Genius, you can also ride 27.5-inch wheels and 29ers on the E-Genius. The same flip chip adjusts the geometry. In size M, the chainstays measure 460 mm and the head angle is a slack 65.3 degrees (even half a degree slacker as a 29er). By way of comparison, the chainstays on the old E-Genius were a whopping 490 mm long. For better climbing characteristics, the seat angle has also been split by two degrees; it is 75.5 degrees on the 27.5er.
Models of the E-Genius 2018
There will be a total of three men's models of the new E-Genius and a Contessa version, the E-Contessa Genius 720. The E-Genius 730 will remain as a run-through with the old frame. The E-Genius 700 Tuned will be the top model with the new aluminium frame, equipped with a Shimano XT Di2 (11 gears), Shimano Zee brakes and a Fox 36 fork. The bike is said to weigh 22.9 kilos. Exact prices and availability will be available from Eurobike.
