This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

The 150mm-travel, 27.5-inch wheel Scott Genius 710 pairs an efficient climbing pedigree with long-travel chops that equates to a bike that's as well-suited to all-day, all-mountain exploration as it is to enduro racing, multi-hour tag team events, and even the occasional cross country race.

The 710 reflects a growing trend among manufacturers to create lightweight bikes that are downhill-capable while still climb-worthy due to the use of remote shock controls. Scott's TwinLoc is one such remote, and it's the key to unlocking the Genius 710's full capabilities.



TwinLoc doubles your pleasure

TwinLoc refers to the twin-lever remote mounted near the left hand grip that simultaneously adjusts both front and rear suspension units. The levers toggle the suspension between full-open, platform mode and full lock-out-or as Scott calls it, Climb, Traction Control, Descend. In Climb mode, the fork and shock are extremely firm and the Genius feels like fully rigid bike. We used it sparingly, and even then only on long, smooth sections of fire road and connector pavement.

For the most part we used the Traction Control for technical climbing as well as rolling terrain. As you'd expect, we opened it up to the Descend mode for bombing the downhills.

Part of the reason we say TwinLoc is critical is because the suspension (especially the rear) can be quite finicky to setup. Small adjustments make big differences, and all of our test riders preferred running the rear shock with more sag than normal to soak up bigger hits. The downside was less-than-ideal climbing efficiency, which we compensated for with frequent use of TwinLoc. Just like dropper posts, the easier it is to access, the more you will use it…the more you use it, the more you appreciate it.

While it works when used as prescribed, there's no doubt the system adds complication and cables to the equation. Between shifter cables, brake cables, a dropper post cable and TwinLoc's two cables, there's a lot going on up front. Additionally, getting used to what lever or button controls what takes some practice. But as we've seen with all manner of controls in the past, these things become second nature and-as was the case with our test riders-after a couple rides, this "control confusion" becomes a non-issue.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Genius gets Nude and Foxy

The other half of the suspension formula is the switch to Fox-a new manufacturer for Scott's Nude shock system. Prior iterations of the DT Swiss-made Nude suffered from lack of plushness and initial stiction. The Fox version feels more responsive and opens up the downhill abilities of the Genius. As we mentioned, setup is critical, but once dialed, the shock delivers exceptional performance.

Getting chippy with adjustable BB, geometry

The Scott Genius 710's good, all-around handling is the result of its sweet-spot trail geometry-67.9-degree at the head tube and a 74 degree seat tube angle. It's not quite as slack as some of the more relaxed bikes in our test, giving it a more XC vibe. The bike's shock mount chip system allows you to make it even more quick handling in it's high setting, moving the head tube angle to 68..4-degrees and the seat tube to 74.5.

Changing the chip position also alters the wheelbase, which is longish at 45.4-inches. If you're riding relatively straight shot, fast downhills, this makes the Genius feel very stable and sure footed. On fast side-to-side transitions, however, the handling was not as nimble as some other bikes we tested. Interestingly, the Genius 710 has a longer wheelbase than the 29er Genius 910 of the same size.

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Scott Genius 710 and full photo gallery »



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

A great climber that's itching to race

The Scott Genius is an excellent climber and makes a great race bike for not only enduro, but endurance XC events as well. The Genius 710 weighs in at 27.4 pounds, but on the trail, our riders said it felt like less.

"I was impressed at how easily this bike made it to the top," said one test rider. "It's not exceptionally light to pick up, but it climbed as if it were a pound lighter."

The praise comes despite the Schwalbe Nobby Nic tire spec that many of our riders complained about both on this bike and others in the test. Tire performance, perhaps more than any other factor, are highly condition-dependent, and fortunately, are an easy upgrade/switch to make.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Switching to glide

On the descents, with the suspension set up properly and run fully-open, the Scott railed. On rolling, flowy singletrack the bike was very capable and "ate up every bump," according to one of our testers.

On high-speed downhills, the Genius was, "confidence-inspiring and felt very stable." Over square edged rocks at low- to mid-speed, however, the initial shock feel was still a bit sharp. The Genius likes to go fast and works best when running in the middle of its stroke and at full speed.



Shimano XT highlights parts mix

At $5799.99 the Scott Genius hits the same price point as many of the other bikes in our test. Despite a good chunk of the purchase price going towards its carbon frame and Nude shock setup, Scott was still able to deliver a good mid-to-high spec value level.

As we mentioned in our First Look, the Scott sports a Shimano XT 2x10 drivetrain, RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post and a handlebar and stem combo from their accessory brand Syncros. Also Syncros branded-the 710's tubeless-ready wheelset.

The aforementioned Scott/Fox Nude shock is complimented by a Fox 32 Float Factory CTD FIT Air fork that some riders found a bit flexy. Many thought a Fox 34 might help stabilize the front end.

Handling stopping duties is a pair of Shimano's excellent XT hydraulic disc brakes with Ice-Tech rotors.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Black is the new black

Scott's entire line of carbon mountain bikes feature the stealth black treatment-"murdered out" as the Angry Single Speeder likes to say. The 710 features a gloss-on-matte livery that looks sharp and matches the overall personality of this bike-high-tech and capable but not overly flashy or loud.

Who is this bike for?

If your definition of mountain biking includes enduro racing, all-day exploring, and endurance XC, the Scott Genius 710 might be just the ticket. This bike crushes the climbs and still has enough travel to handle the big stuff. Be warned, however, you need to be willing to put some time into set-up, as well as habituate yourself to the bike's many controls-TwinLoc, the dropper post, shifting, and braking.

The Last Word

What you get with the Genius is a cutting-edge carbon frame, a flexible persona-thanks to TwinLoc and the bikes adjustable geometry. The extra attention you pay to suspension setup will be rewarded with a bike that climbs and descends faster, and with more control. If your local trails have many square edged hits that you hit at mid to low speed, this might not be your top pick. The Scott Genius 710 likes to go fast and hard, and will work best for the rider who does the same.

The Good

  • Many options (carbon frame, super light carbon frame, alloy frame, womens specific, 27.5, 29)
  • Excellent Climber
  • TwinLoc puts both front and rear suspension adjustments at your fingertips
  • Adjustable geometry(BB height)
  • Stable ride

The Bad

  • Finicky setup
  • Long wheelbase and chaintstays
  • Not the plushest at square edge hits taken at low- to mid-speed
  • Cable clutter

Price and trickle down versions

Genius 700 series:
Genius 710 as tested: $5799.99
Genius 700 Tuned (HMX carbon)
Genius 700 Premium (HMX carbon)
Genius 720 (HMF carbon)
Genius 730 6061 alloy
Genius 740 6061 ally



2014 Scott Genius Key Specs

  • MSRP: $5799.99
  • Weight: 27.40 lbs.(size medium)
  • Wheel size: 27.5 inches
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Color: black
  • Frame Material: Genius Carbon / IMP technology / HMF
  • Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory CTD FIT Air
  • Rear Travel: 150mm
  • Rear Shock: Scott/Fox NUDE custom rear shock
  • Headset: Ritchey Pro Tapered (semi-integrated) 1.5" to 1-1/8"
  • Handlebar: Syncros FL 1.5
  • Stem: Syncros TR1.5
  • Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth 125
  • Brakes: Shimano XT BR-M785 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm front, 160mm rear
  • Brake Levers: Shimano XT
  • Shifters: Shimano XT
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano XT direct mount
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow Plus
  • Cassette: Shimano XT 11-36T 10 speed cassette
  • Crankset: Shimano XT 2x10 38/24
  • Rims: Syncros TR 2.0 tubeless ready
  • Hubs: Syncros TR2.0 15mm front/142x12 rear
  • Spokes: DT Swiss Aero Comp
  • Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO 2.25
  • ISCG Tabs: no
  • Chainguide: no
  • Bottom Bracket Type: BB92
  • Head Tube Angle: BB low=67.9 degrees, BB high=68.4 degrees
  • Seat Tube Angle: BB low=74.0 degrees, BB high=74.5 degrees
  • Chainstay Length: 439mm
  • Bottom Bracket Height: 344.9mm(low), 350.4mm(high)
For more information visit www.scott-sports.com

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.