Do you ride a Scott? If you don’t, make it a plan to have at least one in your garage. Scott bikes are some of the best in the market.
The MTBs, especially, have been crossing the finish line first and fast for years. That shows you how capable the bikes are, and the company’s prowess and skill of building the best racing bikes.
All Scott bikes are fantastic, but we will focus on their MTBs to keep it more interesting. No matter your budget, there’s a bike for you in this Scott bikes review.
Best Scott Sports Mountain Bikes
1. Scott Aspect
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy
- MTB Type: Hardtail
It’s wise to start with the budget bike, but I must warn you that Scott Aspect also has some expensive options.
If you intend to ride a bike with a Scott name on it and spending just a few hundred, then the Aspect will give you the pleasure you need.
The models stretch from Aspect 700/900, the 700 series with 27.5-inch wheel size, and 900 being 29ers. The models stretch up to 780/980. The bikes lower the rank by the last two digits of the model.
The higher the quality of components the bike has, the more expensive it is. 700/900 come with a 1×12 drivetrain and Fox 32 Rhythm forks, while the 780/980 comes with a 3×7 drivetrain and an SR Suntour forks without a lockout.
All the models in this range are aluminum-made, and they usually have 100mm of travel for the forks.
The bike is more recreational and most suitable for those who love off-roading. It’s not only simple but also comfortable and with stable geometry.
The most popular Scott aspect is the 950. The company has been making constant amends with the model, the latest feature being the top tube curving just close to the head tube.
The Scott Aspect is suitable for riders who are just starting out and want some quality riding feeling but not at the expense of their bank account.
While Scott Scale is more of an XC bike, best suited for racing, the Aspect is more of a touring bike that will take you through the soft terrains of your area. It’s definitely a good buy.
2. Scott Scale and Scott Scale RC
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm or 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Hardtail
Just like Aspect, Scale comes in a variety. Every combination of a different set of features along the Scale line of bikes produces 19 models. There’s Scott Scale for kids, 27.5” bikes, 29ers, and the Scale Contessa for women.
All Scale bikes are cross country concept, while Scale RC have an XC racing concept. The Scott Scale RC has a different design to the normal Scale, especially if you look at the seat tube and the position of the stem.
The normal Scale starts at 750/950 and upwards. 980 is one of the most popular Scales on a budget. The bike will give you almost the same experience as a Scott Scale RC.
The Scale RC starts at 900/700. It’s the bike you’ll find in Nino’s garage if you ever manage to enter inside there. It’s the most expensive of all Scales, and I can’t help to wonder how it would feel to own a World Cup winner’s bike.
All 27.5”s come with 120mm fork travel for better shock absorption. There are five Contessas available. Scott 900 to 950 are the most XC capable bikes on the line, and they are light and race-ready.
With a lighter frame and components, the Scott 900 RC gives you no excuses on the hills. It’s also stiff and can withstand jumps.
With such fantastic handling and traction, thanks to the wonderful geometry, you can see why Nino will never take a different hardtail.
Weighing about 20 pounds, this is one of the lightest MTB’s you’ll ever see in your life.
3. Scott Voltage YZ
Specs
- Fork: 100 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 26”
- Frame Size: Standard
- Frame Material: Alloy
- MTB Type: Hardtail
For the dirt jumpers in the house, Scott also has your interests at heart.
The dirt jumping scene is growing, and so is the demand for dirt jump bikes that are not just good for the job but sturdy enough to withstand the nature of the sport.
The Scott Voltage YZ was the answer to a growing demand for these types of bikes.
The YZ is a heavy-duty aluminum hardtail with a pretty long top tube. The bike comes with a 100mm travel fork to absorb the jumps and disk brakes for balanced stopping power.
You have the option of going for the entry-level 40, 30, 20, and 10 Voltage YZs, or the high-end Voltage YZ 0.1 or 0.2, which are specific dirt jumping bikes.
The most advanced of them all is the Voltage YZ TMO. It features a welding technique better known as Full Nelson and also has an interchangeable dropout system.
The bike comes with a lightweight crankset, making the entire bike feel light in your hands. The tough components will remain in one piece no matter how hard you hit the ground. If you are a dirt jumper, these are the bikes to look out for.
4. Scott Spark and Scott Spark RC
Specs
- Forks: 130 mm or 140mm travel
- Shock: 120 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29er
- Frame Size: M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full suspension
There goes another Nino Schulter’s favorite toy. The Scott Spark RC is one of the bikes that have won the World Cup titles, and looking at it, you will understand why.
It’s a masterpiece and a quality build. If you are an avid follower of Scott Spark, you have probably heard about the 2022 model.
Some of the latest features are the integrated cables going into the frame through the stem and the head tube.
There’s “TripletLoc,” if that’s going to be the new name of what used to be the TwinLoc technology.
The dropper post-trigger was moved from the top of the bars to the bottom. The Spark is also the first full-suspension bike to come with room for two bottle cages inside the triangle. Wondering how?
The selling point of the Scott Spark 2022 is the rear suspension going inside the frame. The internally situated shock will prevent dirt from damaging the links and also reduce the cost of maintenance.
The Spark remains the favorite of all Scotts because of its vast choice. It’s suitable for trail riding, XC, and any other kind of riding you want to do, making it a very versatile bike.
The Spark starts at Trail 900 and RC and scales down to the 970, which is the most affordable of all the bikes in the Spark category.
The Contessa models and the 27.5” bikes have 130mm and 120mm fork and shock travel combinations. Spark models also take extra-sized tires.
5. Scott Genius
Specs
- Fork: 150 mm travel
- Shock: 150 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
- Frame Size: M, L, XL
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension
Scott Genius may look like Scott Spark’s twin, but it’s only the similarity that they share. The riding feel is different and incredible with each bike.
Scott Genius is marketed as a do-it-all trail bike, and you can imagine why. It’s the kind of bike you want to take to the bike park and hit the trails with your buddies when nature calls out for you, or ride downtown and back.
Even though nothing changed in the Scott Genius 2021, we may be seeing new features, probably the same as Sparks. Keeping our fingers closed as we wait for that giant leap.
The Scott Spark comes in two options, 27.5” wheels or 29er, all based around the same features as you climb the ranks.
The Genius 910 AXS sits on top of the hierarchy of the Scott Genius family, with the most extraordinary tech you’ve ever seen. The Genius 950 is one of the most affordable options in the series, but it still has incredible features.
There are eight aluminum Scott Genius options, two being female-specific. They are seven carbon frames to make sure you are spoilt for choice and have a hard time picking your bike of choice.
One of the most beautiful features of the bike is the TwinLoc system which allows you to shift from 150mm to 100mm travel, depending on the type of terrain you are riding on.
6. Scott Gambler
Specs
- Fork: 203 mm travel
- Shock: 200mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: M, L, XL.
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension
If you thought Scott don’t have a bike for every purpose, you are wrong. You need a downhill bike for a downhill race, and Scott has the right bike for that. Scott Gambler is the kind of bike that you need.
The Gambler comes with a 210mm or rear travel to allow you to roll down on those hills like a pro.
One great thing about the Scott Gambler is the wheel options you have for one bike.
For instance, you can change the wheels from 29” to 27.5” and adjust the bike’s geometry to fit your riding. The same can be done from a 27.5 Gambler and use 26” wheels instead.
Initially, the Scott Gambler bikes were only available for pro-athletes, but today, the bikes are available in the public scene.
However, it would cost you almost ten grand to have one of these, and you would also need the skills and the terrain to ride the bike.
The current Gambler is lighter than ever before and better. Downhill racing or riding is all about rolling down on steep tracks with little pedaling if any.
Therefore, the bike’s chainstay is longer for the rider to balance in the front wheel strategically. In addition, the low BB allows the rider to balance on the pedals.
The Gambler is pretty much a rock-solid bike that dances on the way down without affecting the rider’s comfort.
Its adjustable geometry makes it a tunable bike that can adapt to any track and preference. If you have the money and looking for two DH bikes in one, the Scott Gambler is the right bike for you, but it’s going to be a struggle to find the suitable terrain to put it to test.
Riding the bike in a different terrain will not be doing it justice. Regardless, Scott Sports have one of the best bikes for DH racing.
7. Scott Ransom
Specs
- Fork: 170 mm travel
- Shock: 170 mm travel
- Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
- Frame Size: M, L, XL.
- Frame Material: Alloy/Carbon
- MTB Type: Full Suspension.
The question you must be asking yourself right now is that whether Scott does have an enduro bike. Yes, they do have one, the Scott Ransom.
It’s one of the Scott bikes I’ve tried, especially the 29er option. It’s a versatile bike, meaning you can take it to the bike park this weekend, attend a stage racing the next weekend, and hit the most demanding trails any day.
In short, if you have the Ransom, you won’t need another bike. The Ransom has the longest suspension travel than any other Scott bike.
It comes with a 170mm, which is quite a big deal, especially for riders looking to ride on descents faster and with much confidence. It’s quite a manageable bike, and we haven’t even gotten to the features.
The TwinLoc lever has been a common thing in all Scott’s full-suspension bikes, and the Scott Ransom is no different.
Most full-suspension bikes have a suspension lockout but not have that critical double switch right close to your thumb.
If they exist, they aren’t as effective as Scott’s TwinLoc system, which allows you to increase or reduce travel forks and shocks consecutively in three different settings.
This setting enables the Ransom to ride anywhere. You can turn the bike rigid for effective climbing. You can also lock the suspensions if you decide to ride on the road.
The Ransom has longer chainstays and slightly higher BB than other bikes in its category, making it more playful. In addition, the bike is lighter compared to other aluminum bikes in the category.
Some riders say the Ransom is lighter than the Santa Cruz Bronson with a carbon frame. That can only mean that the bike is light enough to feature in an XC race rather than buying another bike.
Just like with the Gambler, you can downscale the wheels to 27.5 on your ransom with no worries, and the bike will do the job, thanks to the adjustable geometry. Besides, you also get 800mm bars which you can cut to a size you prefer.
Warranty and After-Sale Service
Scott’s bike limited warranty covers defects on materials as a result of poor workmanship to Scott branded bikes entirely assembled by the brand or authorized Scott dealer.
The warranty for the frames and swingarms lasts five years from the date of purchase, while the forks have a two-year warranty.
The warranty is limited to the first purchaser of the bike. They must register on www.scott-sports.com within ten days from the date of purchase to benefit from the warranty. Transferring the product to a third party terminates the warranty.
All the verified distributors of Scott bikes will offer you the after-sale service if you have any concerns about your bike.
History of Scott Sports
Every bike manufacturer has a history. Scott has been around for over 60 years now since its founding in 1958 making them one of the top bike brands on the market.
The formerly Sun Valley-based company started with manufacturing aluminum ski poles before venturing into building bikes. Their first mountain bike model was built in 1986.
Scott is now a Swiss company that owns a couple of brands, including Bold Cycles from where the drew Spark’s internal rear suspension idea and Syncros, which manufactures rims, bars, stems, seat posts, seats bottle cages, amongst other things for the company.
Nino Schurter is the face of Scott XC MTB racing. He’s not only an Olympic gold medalist but also a six-time World Champion.
He rides the high-end Spark or Scale, all being Scott brands. He has also won tens of other races.
That’s how excellent Scott mountain bikes are. Kate Courtney is the female version of Nino, scooping all the cups and medals in her way with her Scott bikes.
Final Remarks
Scott Sports have some of the best mountain bikes in the scene, and you can’t help but get mesmerized by how much knowledge they have invested in their builds.
The rod bikes are also very attractive and good. Get yourself a Scott bike of your choice and live life behind bars. For any questions that you might have, don’t hesitate to engage us.
