Until 2010, the Scott Ransom was the Swiss manufacturer's flagship when it came to bikes with lots of suspension travel. In 2011, however, Scott decided to give its enduro bike a new look. The Ransom became the Scott Genius LT. For eight years, the Long Travel Genius was to stand in the corridors of bike dealers and become a real bestseller. The Swiss company has sold thousands of models of the Scott Genius and the LT version in recent years. But now the new upheaval: in 2019, the new Ransom replaced the Genius LT again.
Anyone who pays the right "ransom" will be rewarded with a thoroughbred enduro MTB. 170 millimetres of travel front and rear, as well as the 2.6 inch wide tyres - either 27.5 inch or 29 inch - already reveal the Ransom's area of application: the hostages of the new companion are enduro racers who want the most potent bike possible on the stages of this world. This orientation is supported by the geometry of the bike. A 436 millimetre reach in size M and 438 millimetre chainstays promise a smooth ride even at high speeds, yet the play instinct is not neglected. Thanks to a flip chip in the upper shock mount, the steering angle can be changed by 0.8 degrees from a flat 64.2 degrees to 63.4 degrees. Doesn't sound like much, but it is noticeable on the trail. 15 millimetres of rise on the carbon handlebar/stem unit and a steep seat angle ensure a short, compact riding position that provides comfort.
The equipment is also clearly downhill-orientated. All models come with a 12-speed drivetrain and a damper with Nude technology. The new shocks have up to 30 per cent more air volume. On top of this, the shock offers plenty of adjustment options. The rider can choose between a very linear suspension behaviour or a more progressive setting (ramp lever). Scott is not only installing these new Nude shocks with ramp adjustment in its new Ransom models: the 2019 Genius versions also come with this technology. The suspension can also be tightened or opened using the traditional Twinlock system. The weight is also impressive. The top version of the Ransom weighs just 13.3 kilograms without pedals.
The bike is available in four versions. The cheapest model starts at 2999 euros. For the most expensive version, prospective customers have to fork out 7599 euros. You can read how the Ransom fared in the duel against the Cannondale Jekyll 29 and how the bike rides in tough enduro use in BIKE 10/18 - on newsstands from 4 September.
The models at a glance
