After twentyniners, 27.5-inchers and fatties, the industry is not taking a breather: in 2016, the plus formats will find their way into the model ranges of many manufacturers. Scott has already shown the way.
Who actually had the glorious idea of adding another crown to the whole wheel size confusion? Surly, WTB, or Rocky Mountain with its Sherpa? It doesn't really matter, the wheel of time can't be turned back anyway. This was clearly evident in mid-June in Tuscany, where Scott presented the highlights for the 2016 model year. The Swiss company is focussing on Plus in 2016, and in full: four models - Scale, Genius, Genius LT and the E-Genius - are being sent into the 2016 season in 27.5 Plus format. This means that voluminous 2.8 mm tyres on wide 27.5 mm rims should offer plenty of grip, comfort and puncture protection with only slightly poorer rolling and acceleration values.
Scott's Plus models come in addition to the normal range
The fact that B-Plus - at least for the time being - will not start a new cut-throat competition among the wheel sizes should provide some relief. All four models will also be available as conventional 27.5 and 29-inch versions in 2016. "We see B-Plus", says Scott Product Manager Rene Krattinger, "as an additional option for our customers". However, Krattinger has few doubts that B-Plus will not catch on: "We recognise huge potential for all types of bikers because the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages." In the Scott Genius Plus and Genius LT Plus are fitted with a Syncros rim with a 40 mm rim width and 2.8 mm Nobby Nic tyres. We've taken a closer look at the actual advantages and disadvantages of the Plus tyres. objectively analysed in a major system comparison in BIKE 8/2015. The Plus tyre was ridden at 1.0 bar and the 2.35 Nobby Nic at 1.5 bar.
Advantages and disadvantages of thick tyres
Of course, you have to make concessions in terms of inertia and the associated higher acceleration effort. With the Syncros/Schwalbe combination used by Scott, however, these disadvantages are kept within limits. The wheelset is said to be only 250 grams heavier than a 29er wheelset, and at 820 grams Schwalbe has managed to keep the fat Nobby Nic surprisingly light.
In terms of tyre clearance, chain line and Q-factor, the engineers have got the problems with the new Boost standard under control. Thanks to the 148 millimetre wide hub in the rear triangle and a chainring shifted outwards by three millimetres, there is enough space for up to 3.0 tyres and this with double compatibility on all Plus models. The Q-factor does not change. Charming side effect: the flatter spoke angle makes the wheel stiffer.
Scott Genius LT: Plus tyres demand new standards
Both the Scott Genius and the Scott Genius LT use the main frame of the Twentyniner model for the Plus model, only the rear triangle - made of aluminium in the Plus models - has been adapted to the wider hub standard. At the front, the Genius uses the new 34 mm Fox with wider casting and 140 mm travel, while the Genius LT uses the 36 mm counterpart with 160 mm travel. Both have the Boost hub standard with an installation width of 110 millimetres.
Scott Scale Plus and e-bike on top
While the plus sizes on the Genius and Genius LT may change the riding characteristics but not the range of use, the fat tyres on the Scale hardtail have a more fundamental impact. According to Scott, the Scale mutates from a cross-country race bike to a playful trail bike with the fat tyres. We won't have to argue for long about the usefulness of plus-size tyres on e-mountainbikes. Rolling resistance and acceleration play a subordinate role, what counts is grip, traction and puncture protection. Consequently, Scott also uses Plus tyres in the two new E-Genius models (710 and 720) and in the E-Contessa. All three bikes come with the 500 watt Bosch Performance drive, 140 mm suspension and Shimano 10-speed gears.
