120 millimetres of suspension travel is the end of the BMC model range. Since 2022, the Swiss company has only been selling bikes with more travel and more riding fun via its sister brand Scor. True to the motto - Play the Mountain - the Swiss are focussing on maximum off-road riding fun with their offspring.
The frame platform of the first 4060 has a choice of 160 or 140 millimetres of suspension travel and rolls on 29er wheels with powerful tyres. In other words, only downhill-hungry enduro bikers and all-mountain riders can enjoy Scor's fun development approach. Until now. Because with the brand new Scor 2030, the Swiss company now also has a pedalling trail bike in its portfolio.
Scor 2030: New bike, "old" philosophy
As with its big brother, the model name of the Scor 2030 also provides information about the suspension travel: namely 120 millimetres at the rear. If that's not enough for you, you can increase the crumple zone to 130 millimetres with a damper with more travel. Forks with 140 millimetres of travel work under the head tube in all models. Wheel size: 29-inch front and rear wheels. But even if the key data is more reminiscent of a sporty touring bike, the 2030 from Scor also serves only one purpose: maximum trail enjoyment.
The engineering team laid the foundation for this with the Scor-typical frame design with a low-mounted shock absorber. This design lowers the centre of gravity, which increases riding stability. Carbon is used as the material. But if you take a look at the geometry table, the newcomer really shows its fun side. With the slack steering angle (64.5 degrees) combined with the long reach (485 millimetres, size L), it is clear where the journey is heading: rapidly downhill. The noticeably short rear end (432 mm chainstays in frame size L) also promises a good dose of playfulness when doing tricks and on narrow trails.
The facts about Scor 2030
- Suspension travel: 140 / 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Price: Three models for 4999 euros, 6999 euros and 8999 euros, frame kit for 3299 euros
- Frame weight without shock: approx. 2940 grams (manufacturer's specification)
- Total weight: 13.12 to 14.10 kilos, depending on the model
- Extras: Fifth frame size (M/L), storage compartment in the down tube, angled headset, compatible with coil spring shocks
- Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL
Attention to detail: the Scor 2030
The chassis of the Scor 2030 is not only visually very similar to that of the 4060, but also fulfils the same safety standards. Despite the short suspension travel, the newcomer doesn't shy away from tough bike park missions. But that's not all. In order to meet the requirements of the widest possible target group, the 2030 also offers the option of adapting the geometry to your personal riding style. This is possible thanks to an oval headset shell.
The bike is delivered in the slack setting (64.5 degrees). However, if you want to sacrifice some of the smoothness in favour of playfulness, you can rotate the headset shell by 180 degrees and the steering angle becomes one degree steeper (65.5 degrees). Long-distance fans and backpack opponents will also be pleased with the storage compartment in the down tube. Also good: As with all Scor bikes, the "Make It Yours" programme allows you to create a customised look with a selection of frame protectors. And if you want a completely unique look, you can create your own design with Mysublimistick from Slicy
The geometry of the Scor 2030: the optimum for everyone
Scor secures another USP with its versatile size concept. In addition to the usual sizes S, M, L and XL, the Swiss company is introducing an intermediate size for the Scor 2030. Why? The majority of bikers with a height of around 1.75 metres fluctuate between sizes M and L with Scor's geometry approach. The fifth intermediate size is intended to compensate for the large jump in reach from 457 millimetres (size M) to 497 millimetres (size L) and thus perfectly meet the needs of this large target group. The chainstay length increases in line with the frame size. The reach is generous in all sizes. With its comparatively slack head angle (64.5 degrees), the Scor 2030 almost rivals full-blown enduro bikes. The seat angle varies depending on the frame size, but is relatively steep without being extreme.
Scor 2030: features, models and prices
The new Scor 2030 is available in three equipment variants. The full carbon frame including storage compartment and variable headset shell remains the same on all models. The most affordable Scor 2030 NX (€4999) is equipped with Sram's simple NX drivetrain and Rockshox suspension from the second-class Select+ series. The next most expensive GX model will cost 6999 euros. On this model, the suspension comes from the premium Rockshox segment (Ultimate series). In contrast, the top model, which costs € 8999, uses first-class suspension elements from Fox's Factory series. The shifting processes are the responsibility of Sram's mechanical X01 shifting group. Scor also specifies carbon wheels from DT-Swiss on its 2030 flagship. For all bikers who want to customise their MTB, the Scor 2030 is also available as a frame kit for 3299 euros. Also on board: a Fox Float Factory shock.
How the new Scor 2030 rides
As part of the new product presentation, we were able to collect many trail kilometres with Scor's latest addition. Whether loose forest soil, root carpets or rough rocky passages, the trails around the event location in La Bresse, France, offered the perfect test conditions for the new trail bike - both uphill and downhill. On the downhill, the Scor 2030 is in top form. The 64.5 degree head angle paired with the generous reach create a very smooth ride for an MTB in this suspension travel league. Only the short rear suspension travel means that the bike can't quite keep up with the geometry's gripping qualities on angry high-speed sections. However, thanks to the short rear end, the mountain bike is surprisingly nimble around tight corners even on winding trails and encourages a playful riding style.
The progressive rear suspension offers a lot of support and also encourages an active riding style. The Scor 2030 can be pulled into flight mode almost effortlessly on off-road edges and pushed over undulating trails. On climbs, the mixture of steep seat angle and long reach places the rider in a very propulsion-orientated position with a lot of pressure on the front of the bike. In technical key sections, the compact riding position offers sufficient freedom of movement, which makes control increasingly easier. The short-travel rear suspension is stable in its travel, responds well and generates sufficient traction. The only drawback: Due to the very short chainstays, you have to fight more actively against the rising front wheel on steep ramps than on models with more moderate geometries.
Max Fuchs
Editor
