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The weight of the Scott Gambler is a sensation. The full carbon speedster with proper DH shoes weighs 15 kilos. This means that the big bike from Switzerland outperforms many enduro bikes. We tested the new Gambler (15.3 kg) in 2019. At first glance, not too much has changed on the frame with its elegantly positioned shock absorber above the bottom bracket.
Instead of a steel shock absorber, Scott now equips the top model with an air shock - this saves weight and gives the suspension a more direct, taut character. The rear end reacts sensitively, but has less reserves. This makes it easy to carry momentum - paired with the lively handling, the Scott is a lot of fun to ride.
Scott Gambler 900 Tuned: Great for the park, with shortcomings in the race
On most park tracks and especially for jumps, the rather firm rear end is an advantage. However, when things get rough at high speed, you miss comfort and therefore control. This didn't change when we softened the suspension. The geometry is more on the short side. The reach value of 460 in size L is rather tight. The frame offers a few adjustment options, for example the chainstays can be set to a long position. This provides a smoother ride, but makes manuals a feat of strength and distorts the successful DNA of the Freeracer, as we call the Gambler in reference to celebrity rider Brendan Fairclough.
Conclusion on the Scott Gambler 900 Tuned
The lightweight Scott is an ideal park bike. Its easy handling makes it fun even on tight enduro trails. It is the antithesis of the pure traction monsters.
The Scott would be my choice for park use, because it is manoeuvrable, agile, playful, loves to jump and yet is fast. I would say light. For top speed in nasty, steep terrain, there are better bikes that generate much more traction and comfort. - Peter Nilges, test editor
More big bikes
The most important information about the Scott Gambler 900 Tuned (29 inch)
Manufacturer information
- Material: Carbon
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL (test size greased)
- Price: 8499 Euro >> available here
- Weight without pedals: 15 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 200 mm / 200 mm
- rear suspension system: Multi-link
Equipment
- Fork / damper: Fox 40 Factory / Float X2 Factory
- Cranks / gears: Sram X01 DH Carbon/ Sram X01 DH
- Brake system: Shimano XT
- Impellers: Race Face Atlas system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip TR DH 2.5, Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip TR DH 2.5
Strengths and weaknesses
- Plus: playful geo, handling, pop, weight
- Minus: Little comfort & traction at high speed
Sheet music
- Park: 6 from 6
- Race: 4 from 6
- Overall grade: 9,0
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
