Although it was an expected move by 27.5-inch pioneer Scott to put its Gravety bikes on bigger wheels, the high-end bike manufacturer didn't make it easy for itself. Product Manager Ben Walker explains: "Initially, it was extremely difficult to convince our riders of the new concept, everyone thought that we would have to make too many compromises". In the meantime, all skepticism seems to have been lost, because Scott is also sending a clear signal in the gravity sector towards 27.5 inches.

Gambler: more adaptable and stiffer

The Scott team originally tested three prototypes with various riders at eight different locations and routes. The aim was to ensure that as few processes as possible were involved in the development process. The result was a bike with a slightly lower bottom bracket height, while the chainstay and rear suspension travel remained the same.

The interchangeable "Headset Cups" allow the Gambler's head angle to be adjusted between 61 and 65 degrees. The chainstay length can also be adjusted between 425 and 440 millimetres. Although the bike runs on 27.5-inch wheels, the bottom bracket remains relatively low: it can even be adjusted between 343 and 353 millimeters thanks to the geometry chips. This triple adjustment option means that the bike can be adjusted depending on the route and conditions: For very steep, rough trails, simply set the head angle to flat, the bottom bracket height to 425 millimetres and the chainstay to 252 millimetres. For flatter, flowing trails, the reverse setting would be ideal.

Quick facts about the Scott Gambler 2015

• 27.5 inch wheels
• 210 millimeter rear travel
• 343 bottom bracket height
• 425 millimeter chainstay

Voltage FR also stands on big wheels

The Voltage FR fills the gap between Scott's dirt jumper Voltage and the downhill bike Gambler. The new Voltage FR offers more suspension travel, a chainstay of the same length with larger wheels and a lower bottom bracket at 343 millimeters. As with the Gambler, the steering angle of the Voltage FR can be adjusted from 62 to 66 degrees using the Syncros "Headset Cups". The geometry can also be adjusted in terms of chainstay length, which is equivalent to adapting to steep or rather flat terrain. In addition, the suspension strut mount on the Voltage FR can be adjusted, resulting in a reduction of the suspension travel from 190 millimetres to 170 millimetres.

Quick facts about the Voltage FR

• 27.5 inch wheels
• 190 (170) millimetres of suspension travel
• 343 millimeters bottom bracket height
• Steering angle between 62- 66 degrees