Solidly equipped eye-catcher

The first pictures didn't promise too much, the Patron eRIDE is also an eye-catcher in real life. The frame is well thought out and very cleanly finished. The positions of the motor and suspension strut are particularly striking. The integrated motor is turned upwards and the shock absorber is integrated into the top tube. This makes it possible to place Bosch's long 750 watt-hour PowerTube in the down tube. As a result, neither the riding characteristics nor the handling when dismounting suffer. The volume of the carbon frame also stands out. This should offer more stiffness from the front to the rear and thus prevent the additional power of the Bosch drive from fizzling out and ensure precise maneuvering.

The integrated shock is protected from external influences, but the motor could get a little dirty as its cover is perforated for ventilation. The test will show how both prove themselves.

Tune, adjust, ride off

The integrated shock is an unjustified headache. The cover under the shock can be easily removed to adjust the rear suspension. If you can't operate the rotary knob on the cover by hand, you can use the valve cover on the suspension fork as a "screwdriver". Attaching the air pump and adjusting the damping is as easy as on mountain bikes with non-integrated shock absorbers. The shock and fork are set up with 30 percent negative travel each, as recommended. Thanks to the SAG indicator attached to the outer rocker arm and the frame, the tedious measuring of the negative suspension travel is no longer necessary.

On the smartphone, it quickly becomes clear that ECO and TURBO modes can be selected, but not the automatic modes TOUR+ and eMTB. For the time being, I only reduce the Eco mode from 85 to 70 Newton meters and increase the dynamics a little to test the possibilities. The maximum speed and support level can also be changed for each riding mode.

On tour with Tour+

After setting up the Scott Patron, we head out and up the mountain. The bike feels good, from the riding position to the support of the motor. In Tour+ mode, the Bosch CX unit pushes finely to powerfully, but also very smoothly. There is hardly any jolting between load changes and you almost forget that you have an e-bike under your butt. However, if you pedal harder, the mode provides an astonishing amount of support in the upper rev range. This is also ideal for mastering uphill trails.

Eco mode, on the other hand, is hardly useful when throttled back. Back to 85 Newton meters of torque, the advantages of an e-bike are back, and with increased dynamics and support, the weakest mode is also more fun. If you want to make full use of these options, you need to get to grips with these settings, otherwise it is better to leave it at the default settings.

Like motorcycle trial light

The Patron is generally very powerful and easy to control, especially on steeper and more technical climbs. The Tour+ mode also offers sufficient power here. The power and dynamics of eMTB mode are only required at the technical limits. The suspension offers a good mix of shock absorption and end-progression for these kinds of gimmicks. In short, it helps to keep the rear wheel on the ground and maintain grip for as long as possible.

Compared to its predecessor, the Genius eRIDE, the Patron weighs around one kilogram more. The additional weight is due to the large battery, which adds 700 grams, but also the more robust equipment, including the Fox 38 suspension fork. The frame, on the other hand, has become significantly stiffer and better, but at 2,970 grams (size M) it certainly doesn't weigh any more.

Although the Patron weighs just over 24 kilograms in size L, it is surprisingly easy to maneuver. It feels like a motorcycle trial light. Whether it's easier or more difficult climbs, the bike is super balanced, offers long grip and is great fun when motor-assisted hopping around or negotiating steps, all without a throttle grip or noise.

An iron on single trails

The low and central center of gravity comes into its own on descents. The Patron is very stable and tracks well on the trails. The rear triangle is very sensitive to the fine bumps. With 30 percent negative suspension travel, the suspension is quite comfortably tuned and perfect for a more passive riding style. Rough terrain no longer feels so wild with the Twentyniner, as the Patron tames even rough trails without bucking up.

The downside of the softer setup is that the rear suspension soon bottoms out when riding harder. Those who like to leave the brakes open would do well to give the rear shock a little more air pressure. But even with 25 percent negative travel, the rear end is still very forgiving. While the bike offers a lot of control on rough and steep descents, it loses some of its liveliness in comparison. This is particularly noticeable in fast cornering sequences, but should not be seen as a negative. Because if you get a little cocky, the Patron forgives the odd riding mistake.

Shift and shift

The "Hixon iC SL" stem/handlebar combo from Syncros is not just an eye-catcher. Although I personally don't like stem/handlebar combinations due to the lack of adjustment options and comfort, there's nothing to complain about with the Hixon. The carbon handlebars feel really good in the hands, provide precise steering movements and also sufficient vibration damping.

However, the left hand is slightly overstrained. In addition to holding the handlebars and brakes, it also has to operate the dropper post, the TwinLoc 2 and the Bosch remote. It's probably a matter of getting used to it, but on the trail, my thumb occasionally hits the TwinLoc lever instead of the seatpost remote. With a taut rear triangle and high saddle, riding downhill isn't quite as relaxed.

The Bosch remote is located at a user-friendly distance from the thumb. This makes it easy to switch back and forth between the four support modes uphill on the trail.

Après bike

The post-ride care program is not just for the rider. It takes around 2:45 hours to charge the empty battery to 50 percent. A full charge takes six hours. Bosch only offers the 4-ampere charger for the 750 Powertube, which is why faster charging is not yet possible. If you need to charge the battery at home or in a hotel room, you can remove it relatively easily. To do this, simply unscrew the cover under the motor, release the fuse and pull out the Powertube by the tab. Thanks to the integrated battery cover, this can be done without much resistance.

Conclusion

With the Patron eRIDE, Scott doesn't just offer an eye-catcher. Despite its 160 millimeters of suspension travel, the new e-mountainbike is in the trail category and therefore covers a wide range. It shines in terms of workmanship, looks and quality and scores with good downhill and uphill performance. Bosch's Performance CX motor offers great performance and, in combination with the large battery, extends the range enormously. If you fit snappier tires, you can create even more reserves off-road, of which the Patron eRIDE already has plenty.

Recommendation

The Patron eRIDE covers the needs of a wide range of trail bikers. From leisurely touring riders to enduro-savvy trail bikers, everyone will find this e-mountainbike an extremely versatile companion for long tours and technical riding challenges. However, enduro bikers with a downhill background are better off opting for Scott's Ransom eRIDE.

Specifications

scott-sports.com/scott-patron-eride-900-tuned