The racing season in Europe has just picked up speed again and the weather in this country is slowly getting better. We took this as an opportunity to shoo one of the most popular carbon bolides over the still snow-covered trails of the Ore Mountains.
HMF carbon, IMP3 shaping process, SDS shock damping system, tubular structure, SCDS carbon dropouts; Scott uses all these terms to advertise the 2013 generation of his Scale Frame. Everything together should lead to the lowest possible weight with maximum rigidity and high comfort. And the early praise is great.
Last year, Nino Schurter won on his 27,5 Scale both the overall World Cup and the World Championships and also won silver at the Olympic Games in London. He used a 27,5 instead of a 29, mainly because of his short body size, after tests by his Scott Swisspower team had shown him the advantages of larger wheels compared to the 26 version. Seen in this way, you can also use the 29er Scale expect some.
// Furnishing
The mid-range 29er is very well equipped in the version delivered to us for its 3300 euros. A complete Shimano XT groupset and also XT brakes are mounted on the carbon frame - both components that are known for function and durability. The whole thing is complemented by seat posts, handlebars, stems, grips, saddles and wheels from Synchros. The latter are manufactured by DT Swiss and are equipped with 2,1 RocketRons from Schwalbe. At the front of the Scott Scale 900RC A Fox Float 32 with a 15 mm thru-axle works, which can be set to three different modes using the Scott Rideloc - fully open for descents, fully blocked for climbs on asphalt and without many bumps from the ground and a slightly firmer suspension for rough climbing passages. The frame also has almost all modern standards. It has a tapered head tube, a PressFit bottom bracket, a Postmount brake mount integrated into the rear frame triangle and carbon dropouts.
// Conclusion
It quickly became apparent that the equipment had been chosen with care. The XT components do their job reliably. At the same time, the gear ratio of 38/24 teeth at the front and 11 to 36 teeth at the rear has been very well adapted to the needs of 29ers - small enough for steep climbs and large enough for pusher passages. The Fox suspension fork also worked great. She responded very sensitively and used her travel well.
Switching between the different modes worked excellently and was used by me accordingly often. The Synchros components, on the other hand, showed small weaknesses. I couldn't get along with the handles at all. The strain on my hands on snow that was sometimes very hard packed was actually rather high, but I had never had wrist pain, even on very long rides. The saddle didn't really fit me either. However, both are parts that depend very much on individual needs and that can usually be exchanged for a reasonable price.
Nevertheless, the bike showed its positive side most of the time. Thanks to the moderate weight of 10,6 kg (with bottle cages and XTR pedals), the Scale climbed very well. The flat steering angle also contributed to this, which ensured smooth handling both on climbs and descents. The slightly heavy wheels also contributed to this feeling, but they robbed the bike of its agility a little bit. The frame, on the other hand, felt very stiff in every situation. The RocketRons provided good grip, even on heavily snowed trails. Despite the generously dimensioned 34,9 post, the rear end of the bike had enough flex to ensure adequate comfort. This shows how Scott combines lightweight construction, rigidity and comfort in the frame. Overall, the 29er got me Scale convinces with its top carbon frame and the good attachments.
//Product highlights
- good climbing properties
- beautifully crafted frame
- reliable Fox fork
//price and web
- 3300 Euros
- www.scott-sports.com