The new Plus format is supposed to achieve comfort miracles and has already been hailed by the industry as a saviour. The promise is more grip, more safety, more fun and an "unprecedented level of control". Naturally, we wanted to experience this and sent the Plus Enduro into the race against the conventional competition. Instead of the standard Maxxis tyres, we used the rather thin-walled Nobby Nic with mini studs. We blew 0.95 bar into the tyres and surprisingly had no punctures. The well-equipped bike steers more slowly, which takes some getting used to. The sound is also new: it buzzes, especially when you tip the bike to the side in aggressive turns and scrape the bend at maximum lean angle. But the rubber ball effect is limited. Surprise: We only felt the safety advantage marginally on our downhill bolt course. If, on the other hand, the trail is rather flat over root fields, the Dickies play to their advantage and roll without losing speed. The bike also offers extra grip on intermediate climbs. Here, the tyres literally stick to the ground and climb with plenty of traction where other bikes slip. Pleasant: The thick tyres create the feeling of being particularly low on the bike. The Scott is light, manoeuvrable and playful, the rear and front harmonise, making it well balanced in every situation. In short: a very good bike - with or without plus tyres. If you are looking for a direct riding experience, you should avoid the Plus format.
ConclusionLight, agile, fast - the Scott is a very good bike, but somewhat special due to the thick tyres. The extra grip and rollover behaviour comes at the price of a slightly spongier ride feel. Not everyone likes that.
STRENGTHS Optics, chassis, all-round use
WEAKNESSES Braking behaviour, tyre tread
Manufacturer information
Distribution Scott Sports, www.scott-sports.com
Material/sizes Hybrid/S, M, L
Price/weight without pedals 7999 Euro/12.8 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 160 mm/100-160 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link
Equipment
Fork/damper Fox 36 Float 29 Fit3/Fox Nude DPS3
Cranks/gears SRAM XO/SRAM XO1
Brake system Shimano XTR
Impellers Syncros TR1.5 Plus system wheelset,
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo Trail/Pacestar 2.8
Performance
Uphill 4 out of 6 points
Downhill 4 out of 6 points
FREERIDE judgement 9 out of 10 points
FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points. 10 = Test winner, it couldn't be better. 9 = Very good. Recommended purchase. 8 = Solid performance. 7 = Below average. The product has weaknesses. 1 to 6 = We can only warn against this!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
