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<\/a><\/p>\nThe Frame<\/h2>\n
While the 2013 update to the line up is well remembered for the death of the 26″ Genius and the introduction of the 27,5″ and 29″ “new” Genius, of greater importance were the tweaks the model range received. Gone was the familiar pull shock, replaced with a more conventional push shock layout. This opened up shock choices, kept it out of the muc trail and made setup a bit easier. Everything else one would expect from a high end trail frame is there. 142x12mm rear axle, beefy Press-Fit 30 bottom bracket, removable ISCG-05 mount or chain guard, a tapered headtube and both carbon and alloy models feature internal routing for a dropper post.<\/p>\n
Not one to comment on graphics and color scheme in reviews unless it’s way off as it very subjective, I do have to say that Scott nailed it on the 740. Bright green accents and logos off sets the otherwise plain black.<\/p>\n
A “chainblocker” plate protects the frame from chain suck by blocking it from falling off the inner ring and damaging the frame. The system is compatible with 3x and 2x drivetrains. The optional ISCG adaptor allows riders to run a chain device for single or 2x chain set and is removable when not in use.<\/p>\n The frame is hydroformed using 6061 Alloy that is custom butted and designed around the use of a link driven single pivot suspension design, with a forged link activating the rear shock. The ace up it’s sleeve is adjustable geometry by way of a shock mount chip in the linkage. This is done by removing the shock mount chip and flipping it in either “high” or “low” mounting position. Doing this will affect the bottom bracket height by 5.5mm and the head and seat tube angles by 0.5 degrees. It has a knock-on effect on other measurements as well – in actual fact, only the chainstay and seat tube lengths are unaffected.<\/p>\n Scott utilizes a progressive leverage curve and a relatively low main pivot which follows the current industry trend, and allows a more supple suspension at sag, but with some ramp up as the wheel moves towards bottom out. This helps give the Genius good small bump efficiency, but keeps it from bottoming out or diving through it’s travel when the going gets rough. The relatively low main pivot location was a clear decision by Scott to maximize pedaling efficiency.<\/p>\n The area in in front of the rear tire where the front derailleur mounts is a possible mud-clogger.<\/p>\n More attention to detail can be seen in the IDS-SL dropout system which works with 142x12mm, 135x12mm and 135x5mm QR rear axle standards as well as bolt torque specs printed on the bearing caps. Claimed weight for a medium alloy frame and shock is 2,75kg with Scott’s expertise in carbon dropping that to 2.3kg for the top of the range carbon model.<\/p>\n https:\/\/vimeo.com\/6849224<\/a><\/p>\n If it’s not enough that the frame comes with a trick or two up it’s sleeve, Scott takes it a step further with their patented TwinLoc system, which is controlled by the handlebar mounted lever. When the lever is pushed to switch the shock to Lock mode, the fork is simultaneously put into Climb mode. Switching to Traction mode limits the rear shock’s travel to 100mm and puts the front fork into Trail mode.<\/p>\n The reduction in travel in Traction mode is achieved by reducing the shock canister’s air volume, creating less sag, which in turn raises the bike’s ride height, and slightly steepens the head angle.<\/p>\n Pushing the lever to its second stop locks out the shock and fork entirely, turning the Genius into a rock solid pedaling machine.<\/p>\n Fork:<\/strong> A Fox 32 Float Evolution CTD does duty up front. At a 150mm it is showing noticeable signs of flex when pushed. A Fox 34, Rockshox Pike or even a Revelation would be a welcome upgrade for those looking to ride the bike at it’s limits.<\/p>\n Shock:<\/strong> The 32 Float is mated to a Fox Float CTD. As I only rode the bike for one weekend, it was a bit tricky to get the suspension dialed to my preference. The shock did however perform as advertised and did not feel as linear as I have experienced it on other bikes. This is most likely down to the custom tune to match the Genius frame.<\/p>\n Drivetrain:<\/strong> The mix of Deore and XT parts are not really noticeable and, typical Shimano, just gets on with the task at hand.<\/p>\n Brakes:<\/strong> Stopping power comes courtesy of Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes. Although not fancy in any way they do get the job done. It really is nice to know that even the cheaper disc brakes out there can perform as expected when needed.<\/p>\n Wheelset:<\/strong> Shimano hubs laced to Syncros TR67 rims using DT Swiss Champion spokes, are fitted to the Genius 740. I have become used to wider rims and it takes some getting used to and a slight adjustment of riding style. It’s not a major issue and if you’re not riding wide rims you won’t even notice.<\/p>\n Tires:<\/strong> Schwalbe’s performance series tires are a popular OE choice. I would bump the Nobby Nic front and Rocket Ron rear up one level in the Schwalbe line-up and fit a Hans Dampf front and Nobby Nic rear. The new Nobby Nic is doing a great job covering most basis and when out riding your favorite trails you want tires with grip that can match the potential of the frame.<\/p>\n The finishing kit (handlebar, stem, seatpost and saddle) all comes from Syncros. Acquired by Scott in 2012 from Ritchey, Syncros is well-known for quality gear. Again, to match the potential of the frame, I would bump the 720mm handlebar to at least 750mm and drop the stem to 50 or 60mm. The long stem and narrow-ish handlebar felt a bit old school and the bike definitely felt more comfortable and capable when I switched those out. This is obviously a very personal choice.<\/p>\n The Syncros XM saddle was comfortable and hitting all the right notes for me.<\/p>\n A dropper seatpost was notable in it’s absence and although a QR release for the Syncros seatpost was welcome, I did miss a dropper post. I however understand the need to keep costs down and as the entry level bike in the line-up some cuts had to be made.<\/p>\n Billed as a do-it-all bike, the bike’s tagline one bike to rule it all, the Genius was designed to cover a lot of ground. If this will be your only bike you could easily race it in XC events in the “high” geometry setting and then drop it for social rides our some dirt-action on single track. Although not as slack as many other bikes in the 150mm category, the Scott counters that with sharper handling and climbing ease. I definitely had to to work less to keep the front wheel down when climbing technical sections than with a slacker bike which helped preserving some energy for when the trail turned south. I didn’t make much use of the complete suspension lockout setting, but can confirm that it well and truly locks it out. Traction mode was enough for me when needed.<\/p>\n Once I swapped out the handlebar and stem the Genius was in it’s element carving the single track on the Bottelary Hill trails. The shorter stem and wider bars counters the steepish head angle, leaving you with handling that is well-balanced for trail riding. On steeper terrain, I missed a slightly slacker head angle, but not to the extent that I felt I was missing out.<\/p>\n Scott’s trail bike tag is spot on as the Genius 740 felt best suited to tight, twisty, moderately technical trails and tackled these with ease.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nTwin Loc Lever System<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nOn the Trail<\/h2>\n