In our last test, we criticised the extremely low bottom bracket in combination with the long cranks, which resulted in constant bouncing. Scott has responded by fitting one centimetre shorter 165 mm cranks on all 2019 E-MTBs. In addition, the top model now rolls on 29x2.6 tyres instead of 27.5 Plus tyres, which raises the bottom bracket and the centre of gravity. Incidentally, most equipment variants will be available with both wheel sizes. Also new: the shock has been given a larger air chamber, which can be reduced in size using a lever. This should increase the progression if desired. All in all, we can say that the uphill weakness is a thing of the past, the Genius climbs strongly thanks to its long chainstays, top rear suspension and the massive grip of the 29er rollers.
In the test, the Genius eRide needed a little affection to shine on the trail. Only when we had tuned the suspension really soft (35 per cent SAG on the rear triangle) was it able to impress with a lot of traction and lush handling. The overly narrow handlebars detracted from the trail fun. Apart from that, the thick 29ers really come into their own on bumpy terrain and provide a lot of directional stability and a safe ride. Typical Scott: the suspension fork and shock can be adjusted in three stages from the handlebars. What particularly pleases racers on the non-motorised bike loses its significance on the E-MTB - because even in open mode, the Genius is stable and high in its suspension travel.
Too bad: The 2018 vintage rolled into the test on the Maxxis Double Down casing. There was a downgrade in 2019. The thinner Hans Dampf with mild Apex reinforcement ran out of air several times during the test. The front end of the 29er Genius is quite high.
Conclusion on the Scott Genius eRide 900 tuned by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test editor
The Genius eRide demanded an extra portion of pampering from us before it could fully realise its potential. It was only when we tuned the rear suspension very softly (35 per cent SAG) that the suspension revealed its full potential. Even then, it remains on the firm side, which gives the bike active handling. With a classic, rather firm setup, our celebrity testers attested to the lack of enduro genes and categorised the Genius eRide more in the touring and all-mountain category.
Technical data Scott Genius eRide 900 tuned 29"
Price 6999 Euro
Time / 500 hm4
25:00 min.
Reach height 1132 hm
DRIVE
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque¹ 70 Nm
Battery¹/ weight² / price Replacement battery Shimano 8020 Intube, 504 Wh, 3148 grams / 799 euros
Circuit Sram GX/X01 Eagle (12-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 11 - 50
Display / Size Shimano M8000 / 21 x 38 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork / damper Fox 36 Factory Fit4 E-optimised / Fox Nude TTR DPS
Spring travel (f. / h.) 150 mm / 150 mm
Telescopic support Fox Transfer Factory, 150 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
Impellers DT Swiss H 1825 Spline system wheels
Wheel size 29''
Tyres Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf, 29 x 2.6 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 23.81 kg
Centre of gravity height 525 mm
Handlebar width 740 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 180 mm
Reach / Stack 452 mm / 646 mm
EMTB JUDGEMENT VERY GOOD³
Manufacturer information
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price.
4 Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB test laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts pedalling power of the rider. The time / 500 altitude metres refers to the first 500 altitude metres.
EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient. 4Average value from the range height test over the entire distance.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
