Preview of 2014 Scott mountain bikes
Continued focus on the 27.5" wheel size
Gstaad, Switzerland has been the backdrop of Scott Sports 2014 product launch this week. The event started with the introduction of the new Genius, Spark and Scale models. Scott is continuing to delve into the 27.5” category and has re-introduced both the Spark and Scale in both 27.5 and 29” versions. The Genius LT is only available in a 27.5” version.
Some of the changes to the bikes include a frame redesign for the 27.5” models, altering the geometry to accommodate the larger wheel size. The result is a higher bottom bracket with greater clearance and a slacker head tube angle. Scott’s philosophy has always been to focus on shorter chainstays, low standover heights and roomier head tubes. Some of the common features found on all of their new bikes include a semi-integrated tapered headset, a 31.6mm seatpost, a PF92 BB, a geometry chip at the base of the shock, IDS-SL dropouts and the same hardware on all the frames, which makes it easy for dealers to stock parts and easily maintain bikes.
Scott worked with Fox to pair the frames with the latter’s Nude shock-and-fork system with TwinLoc technology. This system offers riders three different suspension options: descend, traction control and climb. The TwinLoc design makes it easy to shift between each position and alter the length of travel depending on the riding conditions. Fox has also adjusted its fork design a little; the new version has a firmer feel and doesn’t have as much give as previous models.
I had the chance to ride the Genius LT 700 and Spark 700, both in the 27.5” offerings. The Genius LT is considered an all-mountain bike and the 700 covers 0-135-170 mm of travel. I immediately appreciated the full lock-out and climb modes on the suspension as I started my ride and quickly made my way up a steep, long paved road to a chairlift. Once on the trail, another long climb took me up to an exposed ridge. I had switched the mode to traction control and the bike climbed beautifully. Where this bike excels, however, is in its ability to descend. I’ll admit I’m not one of the world’s great downhill experts. But a ride with Brendan Fairclough, one of the U.K.’s great DH pros who I happened to be riding with at the time, meant the descents would be fast. With 170 mm of travel, I was impressed with how balanced the bike felt and how well it responded to the tight corners and steep drops. Considering this is an all-mountain bike it can handle very aggressive terrain without too much difficulty.
The Spark 700 is Scott’s XC bike. The 27.5” version I rode comes with 0-85-120 mm of travel. Some of the big changes for the 2014 model include a revised down-tube shape for increased bottle clearance on all sizes, a redesigned seatstay bridge, 5 per cent increased head-tube stiffness, 5 per cent increased BB stiffness. Scott says the Spark 700 is 19 per cent stiffer than the Spark 900. This bike was very nimble on the descents and cornered with great predictability. All of the trails I rode in Switzerland, I rode for the first time. They were steep and had lots of exposed roots and rocks with the occasional drop. I was grateful that the bike performed with such predictability so that my focus wasn’t on what the bike was going to do but rather what the trail was going to throw at me next. This bike proved to be a great all-rounder.
The bikes are all very clean and come with internal cable routing and integrated chain guides that are available for both single and double chainrings. The models are available in HMX carbon, HMF carbon and 6061 alloy.
Stay tuned for updates on their new road line.
