Scott Genius goes down the hidden shock route

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Following on from their stunning Spark with the hidden rear shock, here’s details of the new Scott Genius with the same sort of integrated suspension tech wizardry.

The news of this bike just landed in our inbox today so excuse the press release-fest! It sure is a looker.

Press Release:

THE ALL-NEW GENIUS

Introducing the ALL-NEW SCOTT Genius. Our favorite trail bike has been redesigned from the ground up, and now features our patented integrated suspension technology. Ready for ANY TRAIL, ANY TIME. Discover NOW!

Givisiez, Switzerland. November 2022. The SCOTT Genius has sat at the core of our trail bike collection for the last decade. More than ever, the Genius embodies our Innovation, Technology, Design ethos.

First introduced in 2003, the birth of the Genius marked the start of a cult and manifested SCOTT’s position as an innovation driver in the full-suspension segment. Each iteration of the Genius platform in 2009, 2013 and 2018 respectively raised the bar by introducing technologies and innovations still seen industry wide today.

Throughout, the Genius has always remained true to its DNA: an ultimate trail bike wrapped in a lightweight and versatile package ready for ANY TRAIL, ANY TIME.

Smart Suspension, Smarter Features and our Smartest Design yet lead to an unbelievable trail bike that just can’t get enough, no matter whether you’re conquering high alpine trails or shredding single track with your buddies.

INTEGRATED SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

The new Genius applies our patented Integrated Suspension Technology. Not only does this make for a fantastic looking bike, but it also allows us to improve the bike’s suspension performance. Primarily, we can engineer frames with a lower center gravity, resulting in better handling, and a more stable, confidence-inspiring ride for the end user. Additionally, the frame’s construction is stiffer around the BB, which reduces unnecessary movements laterally to the direction of the shock’s travel. It goes without saying that the shock is also protected from debris and the elements, two of the main enemies when it comes to shock performance.

GEOMETRY

This 29” wheel size specific frame features 150mm of rear suspension paired with a 160mm fork. The new Genius platform has been tailored to the demands of the modern trail bike. We’ve utilized an intelligent application of slacker, longer and lower with an even more capable geometry than its predecessor. We wanted a Genius that continued to excel going up the hill, while having all the tools necessary for an even better time down to the valley floor. As is the case with many of our mountain bikes, head angle is adjustable. The bike comes with headset cups that allow you to choose between a 64 or 65 degree head angle.

With this bike’s predecessor, we already had a solid suspension platform to work with. Changes to shocks and the amount of capability expected in this category have led to an increase in progression and optimization of the kinematic. What we end up with is a classic Genius vibe perfect for all day epics and add to that a solid pinch of party for when the trail points downward.

GENIUS vs GENIUS ST

We’re introducing the Genius in two different formats, Genius 900 and Genius Super Trail, or “ST.” Our all-new Genius 900 platform takes the tradition of versatile trail bikes and delivers a package that is ideal for any trail, any time, while the ST is tailored to more aggressive riding. While both of these bikes run the same frame layout, they have very unique characters. At the heart of both layouts is our NUDE shock platform, which has been a preeminent feature of the Genius family for over a decade. You’ll find the NUDE 5T shock on the Genius 900, and a brand-new addition to the NUDE Family on the Genius ST – the Float X NUDE from FOX. With this shock, we apply our unique in-house technologies to a platform that suits even more aggressive riding.

In terms of geometry, the main difference between both platforms is the head angle. The Genius 900 comes stock with a 65-degree head angle, while the Genius ST comes in with a slacker 64 degree head angle. Now of course, with our angle adjust headset that is available on both models, you can play around with this to see what suits you best. Each version has a different approach with regards to spec, ultimately resulting in two different characters on the trail.

SAG

Setting sag and checking travel use is easier than ever before with the new Genius. An external indicator on the link allows the end user to easily set sag and to see how much travel they’re using.

COCKPIT

The Genius features a Hixon Cockpit from Syncros which has undergone a redesign, with refined ergonomics for both backsweep and upsweep, two options for rise depending on frame size (15mm and 25mm) and two stem lengths. Multiple options exist for computer mounts, lights, etc. with the possibility to mount on the stem cap but also out the front of the bar using two threaded inserts. All cables flow neatly under the bar and into the headset leading to a clean, clutter free cockpit. Speaking of headset, swapping head angle is easy. Just take off your cockpit, remove headset cups, rotate them each 180 degrees, and reassemble. No need to cut any cables or bleed any brakes. Cable integration is not exclusive to the one-piece cockpits though.

scott-sports.com

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While you’re here…

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

More posts from Ben

  • This topic has 25 replies, 24 voices, and was last updated 1 year ago by mashr.
Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 25 total)
  • Scott Genius goes down the hidden shock route
  • Jordan
    Full Member

    Where did that geo table come from? The press release says HTA 64/65 deg. The table says 67deg.

    weeksy
    Full Member

    Well yes, that is genius! It’ll keep the shock lasting a bit longer that’s for sure. I like

    ads678
    Full Member

    Are they just trying to make all bikes look like e-bikes so e-bikes don’t seem so ugly?

    submarined
    Free Member

    Hark, is that the sound of collective bike mechanics looking at that, and not being sure whether to cry into their coffee, or celebrate the minimum 4 hours workshop charge to do anything involving cables or hoses?

    It’s like a greatest hits of the worst things to work on.

    gavalar
    Free Member

    It’s a Bold, all Scott did was buy the brand and stick a Scott sticker on it, and why do Scott insist on throwing a tin of spaghetti at the cockpit, unescessary.

    roger_mellie
    Full Member

    Are they just trying to make all bikes look like e-bikes so e-bikes don’t seem so ugly?

    It certainly does look a) ugly and b) like an e-bike.

    andylc
    Free Member

    Other than making it more difficult to adjust, service etc it also removes the aesthetic of a nice looking rear shock. The advantage being,,,,???

    howsyourdad1
    Free Member

    Bottom of the want list. Proprietary bullshit everywhere!

    Ben_Haworth
    Full Member

    @Jordan Oops! Inserted the geo table for the Orbea OIz by mistake. Soz. Correct geo chart in there now. Thanks for spotting! #facepalm

    vinnyeh
    Full Member

    Where are they going to put the motor?

    Presumably they’ll want to retain such a worthy innovation for the electric version?

     

    The number of dead ends that Scott’s been down over the decades…..

    zerocool
    Full Member

    I dislike the headset routing and extra controls on the bars much more than the hidden shock. I think it looks quite nice but 5he triple controller and headset counts me out.

    fossy
    Full Member

    FFS

    fossy
    Full Member

    It’s a farkin MTB, it needs working on regular. Lets sell this to the golfers… whoops, no motor in this monster…

    thols2
    Full Member

    Other than making it more difficult to adjust, service etc it also removes the aesthetic of a nice looking rear shock. The advantage being,,,,???

    My thoughts exactly.

    BearBack
    Free Member

    The number of dead ends that Scott’s been down over the decades…..

    Go on?

    Scott launched the 3 stage remote activated carbon Genius platform in 2003, albeit with a pull shock until the v3 launch in 2013 (US Horst patent expiration). The v2 generation included the LT which pushed the mainstream brands for slack HA numbers..the LT like the rest of their bikes have typically always been amongst the lightest bikes in their travel range.

    The v1 ransom 2006-2010 was the only other bike to have a proprietary shock but it was a push shock and you could swap out the equalizer for an rp23 with a small aircan. Again lightest bikes in their class by a margin.

    Not sure what other dead ends there have been, or if the trac/twin lock with dual chamber suspension could be considered a dead end as it been around for 20 years, hopefully with no plans of them stopping.
    Can’t say internal/headset routing, or one piece bars/stems are dead ends either when other brands offer the same

    I’ve rose tinted glasses though so might easily be missing some brand clangers?

    .

    qwerty
    Free Member

    It’s shock in

    nickc
    Full Member

    All that internal routing and no end to end guides? just foam padding?

    Get in the sea.

    stwhannah
    Full Member

    In the mad rush of yesterday, I think the video was overlooked: https://youtu.be/oFut-_pt4xU

    ndthornton
    Free Member

    They have gone to great lengths to hide a component that looks cool and never needs servicing. Every time I have removed an air can its been immaculate inside (Fox shocks mainly).

    Put a box around the cassette and forks next time 🙂

    That said it does like quite cool actually (In a time of really fugly bikes)
    The cockpit is awful though

    dyna-ti
    Full Member

    A good idea.

    sillyoldman
    Full Member

    Not enough levers.

    rudedog
    Free Member

    Love the Twinloc on my genius, could not care less about the ‘look’ of a cockpit, it’s not something I spend a lot of time worrying about when I’m riding my bike.

    DickBarton
    Full Member

    Sounds like the adjusting head angle is exactly the same as you’d do on a normal bike – adjust the angles and reassemble with no cables needing cut there either…

    It looks decent in my Function over Form mind, but I really don’t like the hidden shock or internal cable headaches…appeals to me as something to look at like a poster on a wall, but will be an absolute nightmare to maintain.

    stevedoc
    Free Member

    I like the clean look and value the keeps s**T of the shock and bearings in winter slop .. But daft money 5 years on the frame. no bearing support and would be a bith to work on.. Dragons den mode … Im out !

    mashr
    Full Member

    But daft money 5 years on the frame. no bearing support and would be a bith to work on..

    Remember to add “proprietary shock” to your list

Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 25 total)

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