Andreas Ziegler, Scott Product Manager for e-mountainbikes, describes the Strike eRide as follows:

"Comfortable and versatile. Someone without a big technical background can find their way around the bike after a few meters, but if you hit a technical section, the bike can handle it thanks to its 140 millimeters of travel. The women's version differs from the men's model by being limited to 27.5-inch wheels, as well as the grips and saddle, which are optimally adapted to the female anatomy."

Equipment

The Strike eRide is equipped with Bosch's CX Performance motor, a proven system that doesn't need to be compromised on. The Fox suspension is equipped with 2-way release remote levers and allows you to adjust the suspension from the handlebars. The majority of the parts used are Syncros components. The soft grips with ergonomic wings are very pleasing. The 125 millimeter seat post works perfectly, but should have a little more travel for size M. The seat tube bridge is equipped with a quick release. This allows the saddle to be lowered if necessary.
Unfortunately, the lever on the seatpost is not particularly easy to reach, a consequence of the very full cockpit.

The choice of tires fits perfectly with the strategy of the all-rounder. The Maxxis Rekon Plus have a wide range of uses. The Sram NX groupset, which is designed for e-bikes, performs flawlessly. A 4-piston brake from Shimano with 203-millimeter rotors is almost excessive. The optional kickstand gets in the way when riding on trails, but if you mostly ride on forest roads and only occasionally on a single trail, you'll appreciate the convenience. After all, it is often difficult to park a 24-kilo chunk in the right way.

Motor / battery

Bosch Performance CX / power tube battery
Power: 250 watts
Torque: 75 Newton meters
Battery capacity: 500 watt hours

Processing & details

Thanks to the fully integrated battery and the light color, the e-bike is not too bulky. The frame features good details such as neat internal cable routing or the elegant transitions from the rocker to the rear frame triangle. The metallic paintwork sparkles attractively in sunny weather. There are no typical women's motifs and if the bike wasn't labeled Contessa, it would be classified as a regular model.

On the flat

The riding position is upright and comfortable, pedaling is very pleasant. The front is agile, but the handling is slowed down somewhat by the long rear end.

Up the mountain

On the climbs, the long chainstays have a positive effect. Length runs - that's what they say, and the bike is easy to pedal uphill despite the upright riding position. It masters easy trails flawlessly, but rooty and rough uphills are not its thing. But it's not designed for that either.

Downhill

The suspension offers a sensitive response and provides direct feedback from the ground. It copes well with larger individual bumps. It only reaches its limits on hits in quick succession. The Strike steers light-footedly through the terrain, it's not for aggressive riding styles, you'll need a Genius for that.

Conclusion

Comfortable and versatile is Scott's motto. That's how the bike feels, a real easy rider. That sounds terribly boring. But it's not. Maybe the bike is a bit unexciting, but it's fun and very relaxed to ride. Thanks to its good price-performance ratio, it has achieved the goal of being an all-rounder for a wide range of buyers.

Recommendation

The Scott Contesssa Strike eRide is made for trail riders. But also for those who mostly ride on forest trails and prefer a bike with reserves for occasional detours into rougher terrain.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.scott-sports.com

Test report published in issue 03/2019 of Ride magazine