Scott is one of the strongest drivers of innovation in the bike industry. The Swiss company set its last major milestone 2021 with the new Spark race bike. At that time, the Swiss not only presented the most powerful race bike to date, but also benefited for the first time from their brand shares in the Sister company Bold. After taking over the company, Scott was also able to utilise the patent for shock integration. Since then, the Spark has been setting new standards in terms of system integration as well as its outstanding riding characteristics. The Genius all-mountain bike now also has the shock absorber in the frame. The same applies to the entire e-mountainbike model range. So you don't have to be a scene insider to guess which mountain bike Scott will be the next to adopt the new design language. That's right: the Ransom.
The facts about the new Scott Ransom
- The damper is invisibly integrated into the bottom bracket area.
- Suspension travel: 170 millimetres at the rear and fork.
- Wheel size: 29-inch or optionally with a small 27.5-inch rear wheel
- Geometry update: The bike is longer and slacker for more safety downhill. The very steep seat angle improves climbing ability.
- The Tracloc lever for chassis control ensures maximum efficiency.
- Frame material: Full carbon on the top model, carbon main frame paired with aluminium rear triangle on the other models.
- Five model variants between 5999 and 9999 euros. (including a Contessa bike especially for women)
- Weights from 15.2 to 16.7 kilograms according to the manufacturer
In focus: downhill expertise and system integration
In order to integrate the Scott Ransom enduro bike perfectly into the model hierarchy, the focus has also shifted significantly further towards downhill - just like its smaller siblings, the Spark and Genius. The engineers laid the foundation for the increased downhill performance with a completely new frame platform with 170 millimetres of travel and a six-bar rear triangle. However, the shock is no longer positioned in the seat tube, as we know it from the Spark and Genius models, but is instead positioned almost horizontally above the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket area is so generously designed that the Ransom is compatible with other common steel and air spring shocks in addition to the Float-X-Nude. The integrated shock offers more than just visual advantages. It also creates space in the main frame for a large water bottle. The integration also contributes to durability. Protected from water, mud and dust, the frame-integrated shock requires significantly less maintenance than conventional frame designs. The less positive aspect is that the shock is much more difficult to reach for setup. However, if the bike is upside down, you can easily reach the service hatch under the bottom bracket.
The new Scott Ransom is versatile and full of details
In order to be able to adapt the Scott Ransom as easily as possible to the preferences of different types of riders, the MTB was given an adjustable angled headset. Depending on how the oval headset shell is inserted, the steering angle is 63.5 or 64.7 degrees. A neutral headset cup for the centre position is included. But that's not all: the customer can also decide on the wheel setup thanks to the flipchip: Should the bike roll uniformly on 29-inch wheels or be set up with a smaller 27.5 rear wheel in favour of playfulness? The Ransom offers another USP with a host of clever details: an external SAG indicator, a thru-axle tool, the in-house Syncros Vario dropper post with adjustable stroke, a spare tube and tools fit in the frame alongside the shock and there is a tubeless puncture kit in the ends of the handlebars.
The geometry of the new Scott Ransom
63.8 steering angle (slack setting), 483 millimetre reach, 440 mm chainstays and a 77.4 degree seat angle - with these dimensions, the new Ransom is committed to the modern type of enduro bike, but avoids extremes. This means that the Ransom remains easy to control even for less experienced riders and does not require sophisticated riding technique.
Models and prices of the new Scott Ransom
Five model variants are available between 5999 and 9999 euros. Only the top model comes with a full carbon frame made from the super-light HMX carbon fibres. In the other variants, the rear frame triangle is made of aluminium and the main frame relies on the simpler HMF fibres. The bikes are available in frame sizes S, M, L and XL. The Contessa women's model is only available in S, M and L.
The Scott Ransom 900 RC in the BIKE practical test
We have already had the opportunity to test the top model Scott Ransom 900 RC in a 29er set-up. Balanced, sporty and well thought-out down to the smallest screw - that describes the core competences of the new Ransom pretty much perfectly. The riding position is modern and compact, the steep seat angle places the rider far forward on the bike. With a lot of pressure on the front, the Scott climbs even tricky climbs with ease. In terms of efficiency, the Ransom is one of the best enduro bikes on the market. The rear suspension can be adjusted in three stages from the handlebars using the Tracloc lever. In addition to the open mode, there are two other riding modes to choose from. In Ramp Control mode, one of the two air chambers in the shock closes and the suspension travel shrinks to 130 millimetres.
This has the same effect as installing volume spacers - just at the touch of a button. For example, the rear offers more support on undulating trails and supports an active riding style. A classic platform serves as a climbing mode. It eliminates any bobbing even when pedalling out of the saddle. Downhill, the rear suspension feels comparatively progressive despite the increased air volume of the Float-X-Nude shock and provides good feedback from the ground. Nevertheless, the response behaviour is convincing across the board. Riders with an active riding style are likely to love this suspension characteristic. However, if you prefer a setup that completely decouples you from the ground, you will find more potent bikes from the competition. Alternatively, you can also set up the bike with a little more sag. From 35 per cent negative suspension travel upwards, the Ransom also conveys a fuller ride feel.
And the handling? It holds its line with determination and precision - thanks to the long wheelbase and flat steering angle. The high front end and low bottom bracket also integrate the rider safely behind the cockpit. Nevertheless, the Ransom scurries nimbly from one bend to the next with its successful riding position and reactive chassis.
Conclusion on the Ransom 900 RC by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The new Scott Ransom strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and playfulness. Coupled with the versatile chassis, low weight and great climbing performance, the bike covers an extremely wide range of uses. However, those who only value downhill performance will find more consistent models.
Max Fuchs
Editor
