Test: Scott Genius 700 Tuned

The "Tuned" version of the Genius 700 has a bold, Formula 1 look. The orange lettering shines out of the black carbon frame. The same color is also used for the rims, saddle and cockpit. The carbon frame is straightforward and, as expected, very cleanly finished. With the lightweight Syncros carbon wheels as well as the cockpit and saddle from the same company, the Genius also has first-class specifications. The latter is enthroned on a Reverb Stealth seatpost from Rock Shox.

The 28 millimeter wide Syncros rims are fitted with Schwalbes Rocket Ron tyres at the rear and Nobby Nic tyres at the front. Both are 27.5x2.25 and tubeless ready. The tires stand for smooth running rather than outstanding downhill performance. Impacts on the wheels are absorbed on the Genius 700 by 150 millimeters of travel on the front and rear wheels. It is surprising that this model weighs a relatively low 12 kilograms for an all-mountain bike. However, the test bike is equipped with a 2x11 XTR drivetrain from Shimano. The catalog version is equipped with Sram's 1x11 drivetrain and is therefore even lighter.

During the ride test, the pleasantly light propulsion is noticeable, for which the light 27.5-inch carbon wheels with the equally light tires are more responsible than the overall weight of the bike. The riding position of the Genius 700 Tuned is also pedal-friendly. This means that long flat sections fly by quickly and without back pain. But the Genius 700 is also almost as easy to climb as a marathon bike, which is why even long climbs are easy. The lateral stiffness plays right into your hands here, as the Genuis 700 transforms every pedal rotation into magnificent propulsion, especially when pedaling out of the saddle.
On single trails uphill, the bike trumps with good traction and despite the 150-millimeter fork, you don't need to shift your centre of gravity too far forward. On uphill terrain, we recommend riding the Fox Nude shock in Trail mode. In this mode, the shock only reacts to larger bumps and offers more counter-pressure so that less power is lost into the suspension. Climb mode, on the other hand, is too firm and only makes sense on gravel or asphalt roads.

The Genuis 700 is not only fun uphill. The Genius 700 is a lot of fun on flat, winding trails thanks to its high lateral stiffness. It can be chased around corners with agility and traction without feeling like you're losing control. At a leisurely pace, on the other hand, it is quite good-natured to ride. The shock is best ridden in open "Descend" mode, in which it responds very sensitively to small and fast bumps. It also absorbs larger bumps well, but you almost don't dare to really step on the gas. With this powerful bike, the 150 millimeters of travel are quickly forgotten. It takes a little time to let go of the over-cautious downhill riding style. Only then does the full travel really come into its own. The suspension responds impressively even at high speeds and always keeps its grip on the ground, even when subjected to constant bumps. Only at high speeds does the Genius 700 become increasingly unsettled. However, very few people will seriously exhaust this. The same applies to very steep descents, where the Vario seatpost releases even more reserves and compensates for a possible rollover feeling.

Conclusion: With the Genius 700 Tuned, Scott has created a bike that leaves the all-mountain range. It simply climbs strongly for the amount of travel, which makes it perfect for tours with a lot of elevation gain. The suspension impresses with a sensitive response and at the same time with a high level of swallowing. As a result, this bike also masters rides in rough terrain excellently. However, you should choose more stable tires there.

Specifications

Frame material:	Carbon
Price:	CHF 9'499.00, from CHF 2'499.00
Weight:	12 kg (size L, with pedals)
Suspension travel:	150mm front / 150mm rear
Forks:	FOX 32 Float Factory CTD FIT Air
Suspension strut:	Fox Performance Series Float, DRCV, RE:active, CTD damping
Shifting:	SRAM XX1 trigger
Brakes:	Shimano XTR M9000 Disc 180/180
Crankset:	SRAM XX1 GXP 30T
Rims:	Syncros TR1.0 Carbon 28H, Tubless ready
Hubs:	Syncros TR1.0 CL
Tires:	Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO vo. Rocket Ron Evo PaceStar 27.5x2.25
Saddle:	Syncros XM1.0 / carbon rails
Saddle post:	Rock Shox Reverb Stealth
Grips:	Syncros Pro lock-on grips
stem:	Syncros TR1.0 Carbon - Aluminum, Carbon Wrapped
Handlebars:	Syncros FL1.0 Carbon T-Bar, 9° 720 mm