There's no question that both bikes look great. Understatement obviously does not fit into the concept of this price range. "Take me!", Scott and Bergamont shout at the customer. But at least the "Straitline 8.0" is also convincing at second glance. The North German bike manufacturer has equipped the entry-level downhiller with an almost complete Shimano "Zee" groupset (only the brakes have been downgraded to "Deore" level) and good suspension elements from RockShox. Although the "Boxxer RC" does not have a particularly high-quality compression cartridge, experience has shown that it can hold its own in not too extreme conditions. The "Kage RC" shock is reliable and works inconspicuously. The bike is also fitted with good Maxxis "Minion" tyres, which are perfectly suited to the area of use. So the all-clear on the parts front, although the geodata seems a bit old-school. Let's see.
On the Scott, the data looks really good: long reach, low bottom bracket, low centre of gravity. We have already tested the frame at the press camp in the Châtel bike park in the highest quality freeride version and were satisfied with the handling and suspension function. At that time, however, the top models from Fox were responsible for the traction and the bike also cost 1100 euros more. On the cheaper sister bike in this test, however, the spec gave us a few deep lines of concern: a RockShox "Domain R" and a Truvativ "Hussefelt" crank are among the cheapest you can install on a bike. And the cheapest version of the fork without adjustable compression has already caused us headaches and the odd hairy situation in previous tests.
The Shimano brakes and drivetrain (SRAM "X9") are on a par, but Scott's tyres are even worse: the Schwalbe "Magic Mary" in the unreinforced performance edition is relatively light and helps the Scott to scrape under the 18 kilometre mark, but such puncture-prone rubber has no place on a park bike with a focus on rough terrain. This means that the Bergamont has made a mark in the parts check. But even in modern times, bike duels are not decided by smell or visual impression, but solely by riding performance. Where did the shoot-out take place? Of course: Bolzano, Bolzano and Bolzano again! Almost all testers now roll their eyes in annoyance when another Brutal test unit is due in South Tyrol, but what can you do - it's hard to find a more selective route for suspension. And because there are also a few big jumps lurking, the descent on the Kohlern also fulfils the freeride and park requirements of the Scott. So screw on your bits, hand over your discs at the lift station and head into the scree!
Beam me up, Scottie!
On the "Voltage" you sit very upright thanks to the high stem. A comfortable position for drops and jumps. The long reach and the very low bottom bracket make you feel well integrated into the bike. The Scott rolls dynamically - the rear suspension with strong end progression has plenty of pop. You notice the light tyres immediately. Unfortunately, you also notice almost immediately which fork has been fitted: the "Domain R" has a sensitive but undefined suspension, it drops deep into the stroke every time you brake and makes riding through rough rock gardens a scary ride. You miss every chosen line unerringly because the front wheel jumps as it pleases. And most of the time, it likes to jump towards large boulders. Then it goes "Pöng-Pang!" and both tyres are flat. After the third flat tyre on a descent and various near-death experiences on the big jumps due to massive bangs from the fork, we put the bike in the corner, somewhat annoyed. Riding safety and big bike feeling look different to us. This is all the more annoying as the plush rear suspension and good geo are ideal prerequisites for a really good bike. A "Boxxer RC" in this bike and you would have a great machine for the rough stuff. Unfortunately, Scott doesn't offer such a "Voltage". Sure, you can roll through the park and pull whips on flowing trails, but you don't need an 18-kilo monster under your bum for that.
Fish head, take over!
On the Bergamont you sit a little higher, but the front is flatter and the rear triangle longer - racestyle. With its 215 millimetres of travel, the rear is just as plush as on the Scott and the large wheels give the "Straitline" improved smoothness. The fork provides good suspension at medium speeds, but passes on some hard bumps to the rider at full throttle. Nevertheless, you can keep a clean line and always feel in control of the situation. The "Straitline" feels secure on flatter sections and in long bends, but on very steep terrain it gets a little nervous and you ride with a lot of weight on the front wheel. With a slightly lower bottom bracket, resulting in a higher stack and longer reach, Bergamont could give the bike more beginner-friendly handling on steep terrain. The geo is a slight weak point, but the overall package is harmonious. That's why the Bergamont makes short work of this duel and is our clear winner.
Conclusion: Scott's "Voltage" has the potential to be a very good big bike, because the geo is great and the rear suspension is active and plush. But the fork is rubbish. The well-balanced Bergamont has an easy time of it, although we didn't like the geo as much.
BERGAMONT Straitline 8.0
Manufacturer information
Distribution Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb GmbH, www.bergamont.de
Material/sizes Aluminium/S, M, L
Price/weight without pedals 2 599 Euro/18.3 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 200 mm/215 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link with split pivot
Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Boxxer RC/RockShox Kage RC
Cranks/gears Shimano Zee/Shimano Zee
Brake system Shimano BR-M615
Impellers BGM Pro DH hubs, Sun Ringle Inferno 31 rims, Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR ST 2.5 27.5"/26" tyres
SCOTT Voltage FR 720
Manufacturer information
Distribution Scott Sports AG, www.scott-sports.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/S, M, L
Price/weight without pedals 2499 Euro/17.7 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 200 mm/170/190 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link
Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Domain R/Fox Van RC
Cranks/gears Truvativ Hussefelt/Sram X9
Brake system Shimano BR-M615
Impellers vo. Formula DHL-92 hub, hi. DCL-360 hub, Syncros MD25 rims, Schwalbe Magic Mary 2 2.35 tyres
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
