Scott comes with four-bar series "Genius

The bikes were already shown to the media in Ticino at the beginning of July, but we are only now able to report on them: Scott will be launching a four-bar bike for the first time in the coming model year. The bikes in the "Genius" series offer extensive drive neutrality as well as the option of adjusting the suspension travel as required using a small lever on the handlebars. Depending on requirements, the full suspension travel, a little more than half with increased progression or no travel at all is available on the rear wheel. Attentive observers have already been able to take a closer look at the "Genius" bikes at the Scott stand in the Expo Village at the SBM Festival.

There will be three model families of the "Genius", but they are all the same in one respect: a relatively unspectacular, classic-looking diamond main frame with a seat tube that is angled backwards is combined with a flawless four-bar rear triangle. Its pivot points are so cleverly positioned that the suspension remains completely smooth in the middle chainring. It only starts to bob slightly on the small disk. Further advantages of the classic main frame: it can be shouldered easily and offers space for two bottle cages. The monocoque dropouts are also a nice detail - however, it is unfortunate that there is no replaceable derailleur hanger.

Suspension travel as desired ? via handlebar lever
The actual heart of the "Genius" innovation is the shock: this is mounted between the bottom bracket and the rocker link and is a "pull shock": it is pulled apart when the rear triangle is compressed. The oil reservoir is integrated into the piston rod, and the engineers have also given the shock an external, second air chamber. This can be switched on or off using a small lever on the handlebars. Depending on requirements, the full suspension travel, slightly more than half with increased progression and reduced air volume or no travel at all are available. Scott calls this "All Travel Mode", "Traction Mode" and "Lock-Out Mode". Thanks to the shifter, at least one thumb has something to do again when Shimano's new "Dual Action" shifters are installed.

"Genius RC": Frischi's new racing rocket
The "Genius RC" series is aimed at racers and offers a maximum of 90 millimetres of travel at the rear. With a flat stem, straight handlebars and the geometry devised by Thomas Frischknecht - characterized by a long top tube, low bottom bracket, short chainstays and steep angles - the bike is like a board on the race track. Ideal for pedaling powerfully and picking up speed. All the more so as the frame of the top model, including shock, weighs just 2100 grams. In contrast to the "Strike" series, Scott does not rely on carbon this time, but on a lightweight aluminum-scandium alloy to achieve this remarkably low weight. All in all, a bike that is tailor-made for the tough World Championship course in Rivera - and is also state-of-the-art in terms of braking technology thanks to disc stoppers.

"Genius MC": The all-rounder for all occasions
The models in the "Genius MC" series are true all-rounders with their more moderate geometry: the bottom bracket of these bikes is slightly higher, the top tube is shorter, but the chainstays are a little longer ? and the suspension travel is a generous 125 millimetres in "All Travel Mode". Thanks to riser bars from Ritchey ? the top model uses a sophisticated carbon model with 31.8 millimetre clamps ? and the comfortable geometry, the "Genius MC" bikes cut a fine figure even on brutal single trails.

Thanks to the four-bar rear suspension and the low weight, even long climbs are no problem, on the contrary: the long asphalt climb from Morcote to Alpe Vicania was almost fun on the "Genius MC" ? despite the bull heat. With these characteristics, these touring geniuses should meet the requirements profile of the vast majority of bikers - and are also ideally suited for marathon use. Apart from the entry-level model, which relies on Avid V-brakes, hydraulic disc brakes are fitted throughout.

"Genius Contessa": A case for the ladies
With all the innovative fireworks, Scott has also thought about women: the "Genius Comtessa" series combines the new suspension technology with the already proven "Sportswoman" geometry and components that are tailored to the female anatomy, from the saddle and cranks to the grips and brake levers. Add sweet colors and floral motifs and you have a singletrail rocket for ambitious bike ladies. It is commendable that Scott does not withhold the advantages of hydraulic disc brakes from women.

It is also interesting to note that, unlike previous years, Scott will not be adding the word "USA" to the frame. After all, the bikes are developed in Givisiez, Fribourg, by German engineering genius Peter Denk and then built in Taiwan. Quite a few dealers had also complained that the clearly legible "USA" on the frames had hindered rather than promoted sales in recent months.