The Scott Genius has been a staple in the Scott MTB line-up for a long, long time but it's never looked as good as it does now. Setup as Scott's do it all trail / Enduro bike the Genius has 150mm of travel front and rear. Utilising Scott's innovative 'TwinLoc' system this can be reduced to 100mm and locked out via the user friendly handlebar mounted lever. But how does this translate to on trail performance?
Descent
The Scott Genius's geometry isn't the slackest, lowest or longest on the market when compared to modern day Enduro bikes but, it doesn't need to be for South East QLD MTB terrain. We're not exactly ridding down alpine cliff faces! With a 65 degree head angle in the low setting the Genius has plenty of stability for the steeper, more challenging trails but maintains a lively, agile ride in tighter switchbacks and flatter sections of trail. The suspension felt capable and composed in rough terrain, allowing confident line selection without the fear of being bounced off course.
Riding the fast, flat out trails at Tewantin the bike was easy easily controlled and snappy in the corners allowing for greater speeds to be carried from berm to berm. In the air the bike was predictable and balanced with composed landings, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead without impediment.
Climbing
Going down is fast, fun and exciting which normally means we're penalised on the climbs with a slow, sluggish bike but this isn't the case with the Scott Genius. The 'TwinLoc' remote system is equally as impressive, if not more than it sounds on paper when actually riding. By flicking the lever the Genius's front and rear suspension is reduced to 100mm and compression damping greatly increased for a firm pedal platform with just enough give for technical climbs. But if you're on a fire road or tarmac climb you can take it a step further with 'lockout' mode for the firmest pedalling platform possible. This shock setup allowing for maximum power transfer combined with Scott's famously light frame designs makes for the best climbing 150mm travel bike we've experienced. As our SEQ MTB trails are often undulating with pedalling between features required the Genius can really excel in these areas.
Summary
The Scott Genius has really impressed us here at For The Riders. The frame is well thought out with a high attention to detail but most importantly the design is on point for the local South East QLD MTB trails. At a time where bikes are getting excessively long and slack the Scott Genius strikes a confident but fun balance that will make it a joy to ride at places like Gap Creek, Iron Bark and Castle Hill. For many riders it's the do it all SEQ mountain bike they've been looking for. Keen to learn more? drop into For The Riders Brisbane MTB store and talk Scott bikes with the team today.
