Test: The Scott Ransom eRide is an extremely powerful E-MTB with a generous 180 mm of travel at the front and rear and a geometry to match. A Bosch CX motor with a 625 Wh battery provides propulsion - but doing without the current Smart System also has advantages.
Aluminum frame with 180 mm travel and powerful flip chip
As the "big brother" of the Genius eRide, the Ransom relies on an aluminum frame that looks very similar, but with 180 mm of spring travel at the front and rear it offers much more reserves for off-road use. Accordingly, the geometry is also designed for descents, although the dimensions are not extremely progressive. This balance has a positive effect on the trail - more on that later in the practical impression. The flip chip on the damper mount is exciting: it changes the bottom bracket height to such an extent that the 29 inch wheels specified ex works can be swapped directly for 27,5 inch ones. Very cool!
Bosch CX drive - without Smart System
Even though Bosch presented its new Smart System last year and the vast majority of new eMTBs are equipped with it, there are still numerous models with the existing "non-smart" system - such as the Scott Ransom eRide. This is mostly due to the fact that the new 750 Wh battery of the Smart System does not fit into many existing frames and since this is the only battery option for the Smart System, the manufacturers are only left with the well-known system from Bosch CX and 625 Wh to block.
We don't want to go too deep into the differences at this point, but the most important thing in brief: In terms of performance and response behavior, nothing has changed with the update to the Smart System; In addition to the larger battery already mentioned, the biggest differences are in the operation and connectivity. "Non-smart drivers" have to do without the LED Remote and the Kiox 300 display, as well as the new Flow app.
However, a look at the weight shows that newer does not always automatically mean better: The larger battery of the Smart System not only grows in length, but also weighs a whopping 800 g more. For this reason alone, e-mountain bikes with a Smart System weighing less than 25 kg are rare, especially in the Ransom eRide suspension class. Accordingly, we were pleasantly surprised when our test bike in size M and without pedals weighed in at a very good 24,5 kg. That would hardly be possible with the 750 Wh battery; especially since the 625 Wh battery enables very good ranges, which should be sufficient for most drivers. Based on our consumption measurements from the test bench, you can expect a range of around 130 km on the flat and around 1.800 m in altitude on the mountain.
Convincing component package
In the test, we had the top model of the series, the Scott Ransom eRide 910, which costs 7.199 euros. For this you get a well thought-out and high-quality component package, even if you have to do without precious parts. The chassis comes from Fox: At the front, a Fox 38 in the Performance Elite version and with the Grip2 damping cartridge absorbs bumps. Except for the missing Kashima coating, you can enjoy all the features of the Factory version here. The X2 Performance damper in the rear doesn't offer quite as many adjustment options, but it harmonises very well with the rear end and has plenty of reserves for longer descents.
When it comes to shifting, you almost always reach for the highest Sram Eagle shelf: The 12-speed components come mainly from the X01 series with the very wide 10-52 cassette, which offers a huge range and with which you are armed even for the steepest climbs. The cheaper NX Eagle variant is only used for the shifter. No austerity measures were taken with the brakes: Shimano XT in the 4-piston version with large discs should be among the best that you can currently get on the market and really do not give any reason for criticism. The same applies to the numerous Syncros components: Whether wheels, cockpit or saddle - in the past the components from the Scott brand have always been able to convince us completely.
The tire choice of the Maxxis Assegai at the front and the Dissector at the rear suits the Ransom eRide's area of application very well. Lots of grip at the front, a slightly lighter rolling tire at the rear that still offers plenty of braking traction. The Exo+ variant is used for the carcass at the front and rear. That's okay, even if you could consider the even more stable DoubleDown version on an E-MTB with 180 mm of travel, at least at the rear.
Balanced handling - surprisingly versatile
We're honest: The Scott Ransom eRide really surprised us in practice. Because when we looked at the technical data – 180 mm spring travel, flat steering angle, potent equipment – we had actually opted for a pure shooting machine. But: The Scott E-MTB is much more than that and finds a surprisingly good balance between the aforementioned baller E-MTB and a versatile all-rounder. In its prime discipline on the trail, the combination of the full, responsive chassis, grippy tires and the powerful, reliable brakes is a delight. When it's uphill, the central seating position, the powerful Bosch CX motor and the wide range of gear ratios make the Ransom almost a climbing artist.
However, the fact that the bike is much more than just a downhill machine is due in particular to its very well-balanced geometry. This is modern enough for active riders to enjoy pressure on the front wheel thanks to the long frame and flat steering angle, but not so progressive that less experienced riders are overwhelmed. Even if the surface is more moderate, the pace is a bit more leisurely and the riding style is less active, the bike is completely convincing. Very few E-MTBs achieve this balance, especially in this price range.
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