The 2013 Genius is unmistakably a new birth. The suspension strut now runs parallel to the top tube and the bike is a further development of the Spark presented a year ago. The background to the completely new frame layout is the intention to further reduce weight. Only with this shock positioning could the Scott engineers achieve the goal of a lighter bike with greater stiffness. With a weight of 2.3 kilograms for the frame and rear shock, Scott is around 200 grams lighter than the previous Genius, while at the same time increasing the stiffness of the frame by up to 30 percent.

The Twinloc technology remains, which allows the bike to be set to the lockout/traction/descend riding modes using a handlebar switch. The shock absorber is an in-house development in collaboration with DT Swiss, and the Fox fork now also has these three settings. The different spring settings not only adjust the suspension travel but also change the geometry according to the area of use.

One of the striking differences of the new Genius, however, is the wheel size. The previous wheel size (26-inch) is no longer used on the Genius, instead there is "only" a 27.5-inch and a 29-inch version. The former has 150 millimetres of suspension travel, the latter 130 millimetres. The frame geometry is largely the same for both versions, but the handling and riding characteristics off-road are particularly different.

The shorter suspension travel of the 29er is based on physical limits: A 29er bike with 150 millimeters of suspension travel would result in such a large wheelbase that the bike would hardly be practical to use. In addition, the larger wheels can largely compensate for the two centimetres of travel.

With the new development of the Genius, Scott has almost completely abandoned the technologies that they developed together with German engineer Peter Denk. The previous suspension technology with the massive, two-chamber Pullshock shock originated from him. Denk has now implemented and further developed this for his new client Cannondale, while Scott is now saying goodbye to this concept. However, the existing system will continue to be used on the Genius LT model.

The most important changes to the Genius:

• Newly developed and repositioned rear suspension
• additional new compression rear shock (previously: Pullshock). A conventional shock pump can now be used to adjust the shock absorber
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• 20% higher lateral stiffness, 30% higher bottom bracket stiffness, 200 gram weight reduction
• More freedom of movement in the top tube
• Triple TractionMode also in the suspension fork
• Frame is compatible with Reverb dropper post with internally routed cable
• Aluminum versions also available (cheaper and slightly heavier)

Factsheet with details on the Genius 2013: click here