Interbike Update 9-17-2012:


We finally got a chance to ride the Scott Genius 700 650b bike at Interbike. And it took a little bit of Mtbr clout because these were the most in demand bikes at the Outdoor Demo for test rides. About 10 bikes were completely booked up for both Demo days and test riding was 'by appointment only'.

We rode the aluminum version and were surprised to see that the finish on it was pretty difficult to distinguish from the carbon version. It had a matte-black finish and the branding and the blue striping of the aluminum matched that of the carbon version.

To refresh our memories, this bike has 150 mm travel front and rear with a 67.7 head angle and a steep 73.8 seat angle. Chainstay length is at 17.3 inches and BB height is at 13.6 inches. So it all checks out on paper with a slack head angle just the right height BB for a 150mm travel bike. This particular bike came with a Fox Talas front fork with 120/150 mm of front travel.

So I took the shuttle up to the very top of the mountain and started the descent on the sometimes often swoopy and sometimes rugged trail back down to the expo. The bike proved extremely capable and agile. It was easy to handle and throw into a corner. The bike was easy to pump as well and it gained speed on the many ups and downs of the Bootleg Canyon singletrack. It was playful in mid-air as well. So in all these respects, it was better than a 29er.

Now Bootleg Canyon has rocks, and sharp jagged ones at that. The Genius 700 got up and down them well and rolled over them better than a 26er. The Nobby Nics performed well on the rocks and the many swoopy turns near the bottom of the trail.

When it was time to climb, I flicked the Fox lever and it locked out both the front and rear shock. This was a new experience for me but oh so refreshing. Flicking the other lever unlocked the system. Since this toggle was so convenient to use, I found myself using it more frequently than on my bikes with no remote levers.

The bike performed extremely well and I suspect it will be as scarce in dealer shops next year as it was at the Scott Interbike demo tent this year.

francis@mtbr

While most had their attention on Tour de France, Scott quietly introduced their new 650b bike in France. What they came up with is a more traditional suspension design with 150mm of travel both front and rear for the Genius 700, sporting 650b sized wheels. They also have a 29er version which has 130mm of front and rear travel. They have done away with the 26er version.

While the old Genius had a complex pull shock design, this 2013 one has a more traditional push shock layout. It is nicely integrated into a sculpted carbon frame. The linkage is very slick as it lays over the seat tube when fully extended. This saves space and gives the bike a very clean look.

150mm of travel is a lot, but that is really the promise of 650b bikes. 29ers can handle the shorter travel bikes but they hit a wall as they creep into long travel as their chainstays and wheelbases get longer. That's where 650b takes the baton and allows bikes with long travel and big tires to still maintain the fun and agility that riders expect.

The Genius 700 series (650b), in its low setting, sports a 67.7-degree head angle, a 73.8-degree seat angle (effective), a 13.6-inch-high bottom bracket and 17.3-inch chainstays. These numbers tell the story of a slack bike with still fairly shortchain stays and the BB height is just perfect for a bike designed for 650b as opposed to a 26er conversion.

Frame weight is another interesting story. Scott saved 200 grams and still managed to make the frame stiffer. Weight is claimed at 5.07 lbs. Interestingly enough, the 29er version also weighs in at the identical weight.

Other details:
  • Press-fit BB92
  • Internal cable routing
  • Rear axle that can work with 142x12mm, 135x12mm and 135x10mm quick-releases
  • Comes with 135x12mm DT Swiss RWS
  • Front fork is a shortened custom Fox 34 with a QR15 bolt-through axle and a full 150mm of travel
Genius is full-suspension chassis that's designed to handle Any Trail, Anytime. It is the most capable trail bike ever produced and offered in two unique forms. The Genius 900 has 130mm of travel and all the benefits of the 29" wheel while the Genius 700 utilizes an entirely new wheel standard, 27.5, which allows it to offer 150mm of travel.

The latest Mtbr Reader Survey (with 2700 responses) shows that over 10% are planning to buy a 650b bike. 7.5% of that are focused on a full suspension 650b bike. With very few choices in the market right now, Scott is in a good position with this bike to cater to this new appetite.



A good discussion on this bike is available here: https://forums.mtbr.com/650b/2013-scott-27-5-a-799396.html

Check out the geometry on the Genius 700.



Here is a comparison between the told 26er Genius and the two new Genius wheel sizes. The graphic below compares the geometries of the New Genius 700 (green) and 900 (blue). It reveals that the geometries are almost identical in spite of their differing wheel sizes. Because the bottom bracket drops as wheel sizes increases, the BB axle migrates further below the wheel axles for a low slung feel. With the new Genius, riders will therefore enjoy a more 'in-the-bike' experience than ever before and reap the rewards of improved handling and stability. The Genius 700 and 900 are the only bikes in the Trailbike segment which offer adjustable geometry. By changing the shock mount chip, BB height increases 6 mm and steepens the head tube angle 0.4°, while handle bar position remains unchanged.





Let's face it, trails have evolved. No matter what trail you ride, you want a bicycle that can handle anything, and do it well. Whether it's that epic singletrack that you look forward to riding over and over, or that tough uphill that leads to a fun or demanding descent. That was the spirit of the very first mountain bikes and that's what this evolution of the trail bike represents; one bike to rule it all. The Genius is full-suspension chassis that's designed to handle Any Trail, Anytime. It is the most capable trail bike ever produced and offered in two unique forms. The Genius 900 has 130mm of travel and all the benefits the 29" wheel has to offer without the negative effects that forcing too much travel onto the wheel size incurs. The Genius 700 utilizes an entirely new wheel standard that is positioned nearly between 26" and 29". The 27.5" tire/wheel combination offers the benefit of improved roll over trail obstacles and increased traction, like 29", but without travel limitations. Because of this we can offer it in 150mm.

10 Years ago, Scott conceived the Genius, the first "Do-it-All" super-lightweight carbon trail bike. From inception, it was developed for the trail rider who desires a bike that possesses proficient uphill performance while remaining capable on demanding technical trails and descents. The Genius shock produces three unique modes - Lockout, Traction and Full travel. Scott's invention of TracLoc in 2004 transformed trail riding in that it made the rider think carefully about the bikes attitude and the efficiencies offered when three unique modes are available right at your fingertips to control the rear shock. Then with TwinLoc we added front suspension into the mix giving the rider full control of the shock and fork with one switch. Often imitated, there is no substitution for the total control TwinLoc offers. Today's mountain biker has evolved, and so has Scott's approach. Our engineers have totally re-invented the Genius, and the new 700 (27.5") and 900 (29") series of Genius take Trail Riding to the next level. It's been 10 years since the first stroke of Genius, it's about time we change the game, again.

Key Features:
  • Travel to wheel size optimization
  • Improved Linkage and OS Pivots
  • Nude2 compression style shock with DAS
  • TwinLoc - One Lever, Total Control of the Shock and Fork
  • IMP Frame
Wheel Size Technology

With three wheel sizes to choose from it's best to find the size that suits your needs rather than becoming hung up on a diameter. Once you've chosen type of bike you want, look at the geometry to be ensure the fit works for you while the travel suits your riding style. Bigger can be better, but only until the travel reaches a certain measure. See the research below. Improved roll-over effect is the most prolific attribute when it comes to 29er wheels. The big wheels are great for rolling over nasty roots and rocky sections, essentially making it easier to ride these conditions. Improved traction is also a key factor with the increased wheel diameter compared to 26" wheel's as tire contact to the ground is larger. When discussing the pros and cons of the big wheeled bikes, shorter riders find themselves in an ambivalent situation; They want to benefit from the 29" wheels, but suffer from the negative effects when fit is considered. Additionally, the increase in rotational weight challenges many lower watt-producing riders, so the performance gains are negated when the rider cannot accelerate the wheel system as quickly.

Frame Technology

Scott has always been a leader in Carbon frame technology, going way back to the Endorphin in (1992) which was one of the first Mountain Bikes made completely of carbon fiber. In 2003 Scott Engineers revolutionized frame construction with the CR1 Process. This was procedure of creating individual tubes with the layers completely managed in order to avoid wrinkles and gaps between the layers, as well as mitering the joints and Carbon Welding them.

Highlights for the New Genius Frames



Molded Oversize Bottom Bracket
The PF BB 92 bottom bracket is molded using our IMP technique. Because its shape is optimized to manage the main pivot load and seamlessly interface with the down tube it offers much higher lateral stiffness so that riders' pedal input is efficiently transferred into torque.



Forged Mono 'U' Link w/ Geometry Adjustment
The newly designed Mono Link is low profile and able to handle the loads of a harder hitting Trail Bike. The link is more solid than the one used on the Spark with an additional bridge incorporated in the design while the bearings have been moved outboard into the seat stay to widen and stiffen the link. The link also features adjustable geometry by way of a shock mount chip. Simply flip the chip to either mounting position to affect the bottom bracket height and head tube angle by 6mm 0.4 degrees respectively. The Genius is the only Trail Bike on the market that offers this feature.



IDS -SL Dropouts (Interchangeable Dropout System-Super Light)
Interchangeable and lightweight, the IDS-SL dropout system works with 142x12mm, 135x12mm and 135x10mm QR rear axle standards. Shred the turns more aggressively and with enhanced control, because the rear end is laterally stiff.



Tapered Head Tube
The Genius features a tapered head tube for a seamless joint to the oversized down tube. This increases stiffness, safety, durability, and control.



Oversize pivots
Increasing the pivot diameter better manages loads, and in turn increases the lateral stiffness of the frame. Because of this, we've upgraded the pivot axle sizes to match those used on all of our current suspension bikes.



Direct Post Mount
We've saved even more weight by eliminating bulky brake hardware for mounting the rear caliper and integrated a direct post mount to the chain stay. This mounting position also decreases the load the brakes apply to the swingarm parts.



Internal Cable Routing
Routing the cables internally saves weight by omitting bulky hardware and looks cleaner. The cables can endure a longer lifetime as they are hidden from view and protected within the frame.



Chainblocker and ISCG Mounts
The chainblocker plate protects the frame from "chainsuck" by blocking it from falling off the inner ring and damaging the frame. The system is compatible with 3x and 2x front drives. An optional ISCG adaptor allows riders to run a chain device for single or 2x chain set and is removable to leave a clean, light mainframe when not in use.

Suspension Technology

TwinLoc - the Lever for Total Control
The patented TwinLoc system is found on the all of our full suspension mountain bikes. TwinLoc now features Traction mode on both shock and fork so you can choose between Lockout, Traction mode and Full mode options via handlebar-mounted switch. This is perfect for Climbing, Riding and Descending. With One Lever you have Total Control of the shock and fork simultaneously.

There are two types of suspension management:

LTD is only available on Scott bicycles equipped with our DAS (Dual Air Spring) suspension technology. This unique suspension design allows for a static Lockout, available via our TwinLoc switch on the handlebars. It also offers "Traction" mode. This mode offers a unique geometry and travel adjustment because of the air volume adjustment via DAS. This differs from a 'Platform' that does not allow for a unique travel setting and spring rate. Descend mode is another unique travel and geometry setting for the bike adjoined by the full travel the bike offers.

LRD continues to use the TwinLoc switch, but the 'Ride' mode is a platform only and does not offer a geometry adjustment or a travel setting. You still get three settings, but not three unique bike characteristics. LRD is offered on models equipped with aftermarket suspension, like FOX.

Nude2 Rear Shock
The second evolution of our Nude rear shock gains performance and technology while remaining lightweight. It works exclusively with our patented TwinLoc system and comes stock on both 27" and 29" versions. The Nude2 is a completely new shock with an improved air spring and damping system. The shock possesses a more progressive damping curve and mode sensitive damping than its predecessor. This means that both travel modes have separate damper settings relative to their travel length and effective forces. When collecting data for the Genius project, we also calculated rider input data, including forces such as the rider's gyro-scoping pedal stroke and its' effects on the suspension. We simulated a rider's pedaling and jerky motions made while pedaling or clearing obstacles, and measured their influence on the suspension. Many other designs assume that a rider is static and coasting, or they only include acceleration forces on the suspension and drivetrain. We are more concentrated on suspending the movement of the rider instead of negating pedaling forces.

Front Suspension
We worked with our suspension partners, both FOX and RockShox, to build forks with damping that matched our rear shocks. All Genius 700 and 900 series bikes offer mode sensitive damping front and rear and work with our TwinLoc switch.

Genius 700 Series


Genius 700 SL
The all new Genius 700 SL features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5" (650b) wheels. The HMX carbon frame is offered in 150mm travel and Super Light (SL) component spec. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
  • Frame: Genius 27.5 Carbon HMX
  • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Factory, 3 modes, 150-120-Lockout
  • Shock: Scott DT Nude2, 3 modes, 150-100-Lockout
  • Group: SRAM XX / XO
  • Brakes: Avid XO
  • Parts: Syncros TR 1.0
  • Wheels: Syncros TR 1.0 Carbon 27.5"
  • Price: $9,134.99


Genius 710
The all new Genius 710 features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5" (650b) wheels. The HMF carbon frame is offered in 150mm travel and high end component spec. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
  • Frame: Genius 27.5 Carbon HMF
  • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Factory, 3 modes, 150-120-Lockout
  • Shock: Scott DT Nude2, 3 modes, 150-100-Lockout
  • Group: Shimano XT
  • Brakes: Shimano XT
  • Parts: Syncros TR 1.5
  • Wheels: Syncros TR 2.0 27.5"
  • Price: $5,774.99


Genius 720
The all new Genius 720 features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5" (650b) wheels. The HMF carbon frame is offered in 150mm travel and mid to high end component spec. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
  • Frame: Genius 27.5 Carbon HMF
  • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Evolution, 3 modes, 150-120-Lockout
  • Shock: Scott DT Nude2, 3 modes, 150-100-Lockout
  • Group: Shimano XT / SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX
  • Parts: Syncros 1.5 Serie
  • Wheels: Syncros TR 2.5 27.5"
  • Price: $4,724.99


Genius 730
The all new Genius 730 features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5" (650b) wheels. The 6061 alloy frame is offered in 150mm travel and mid to high end component spec. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
  • Frame: Genius 27.5 Alloy 6061
  • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Evolution, 3 modes, 150-120-Lockout
  • Shock: Scott DT Nude2, 3 modes, 150-100-Lockout
  • Group: Shimano XT /SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX
  • Parts: Syncros 1.5/ 2.0 Serie
  • Wheels: Syncros XC-55 27.5"
  • Price: $4,094.99


Genius 740
The all new Genius 740 features a totally re-designed frame optimized for 27.5" (650b) wheels. The 6061 alloy frame is offered in 150mm travel and mid level component spec. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
  • Frame: Genius 27.5 Alloy 6061
  • Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Evolution, 3 modes, 150-120-Lockout
  • Shock: Scott DT M3, 3 modes, 150- Lockout
  • Group: Shimano XT / SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano
  • Parts: Syncros 2.0 Serie
  • Wheels: Syncros XC-55 650b
  • Price: $3,149.99
For more videos, photos and information visit www.scott-sports.com/genius