Issue #036, Review - December 21, 2018

SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate Review

A ride on the SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate is extremely electrifying – not only because of the electronic suspension. Once you put your feet on the pedals, your heart will start to race. There are several reasons for this.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike you can buy

**SCOTT** Genius 900 Ultimate | 150/150 mm (f/r) | 12.70 kg | € 10,499

SCOTT has always been one of the early brands to focus on new technologies and trends, so it’s no surprise that the Swiss are one of the first manufacturers to install FOX’s brand new Live Valve system. With the Genius Ultimate, the electronic suspension replaces the TwinLoc system Scott previously relied on. It does the same job of locking out the suspension, but it does so completely automatically and much more often than you would with the TwinLoc lever. At a price of € 10,499, the Genius Ultimate is the most expensive bike in the test field and you can see why. Shimano XTR four-piston brakes, Syncros carbon wheels, a SRAM XX1 drivetrain – there’s no room for improvement here! Thanks to the flip-chip in the rocker link, the Genius can be ridden with both 29″ and 27.5″ wheels. The bike is rounded off with the futuristic Syncros Hixon iC SL cockpit and an outstanding bronze-brown paint finish. This bike is a work of art; it’s almost too pretty to have to dirty it on the trails.

The handling of the SCOTT Genius is so sharp that you should take care not to cut yourself

The SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate in detail

Fork FOX 34 FLOAT Live Valve Factory 150 mm
Schock FOX FLOAT Live Valve EVOL 150 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Stem Syncros Hixon iC SL Carbon
Handlebar Syncros Hixon iC SL Carbon
Wheelset Syncros Revelstoke 1.0 CL
Tires MAXXIS Rekon 29″ x 2.6″
Weight 12.70 kg
Price € 10,499

**Super stiff**
The Syncros Revelstoke 1.0 CL wheels give the Genius extremely precise handling. Their enormous stiffness, however, hardly forgives mistakes and will quickly wear you out.

**Extremely efficient**
The SCOTT Genius benefits noticeably from the FOX Live Valve system. The bike is even more efficient and shoots forward. There’s some room for improvement regarding integration though.

**Beautiful**
The Genius 900 Ultimate’s paintwork is absolutely perfect, giving this expensive bike precisely the look it deserves.

**It takes getting used to**
The Syncros Hixon iC SL cockpit looks super futuristic but doesn’t give you any adjustment options. If you don’t like the shape of the handlebars, you’re out of luck. We found the back sweep a bit too much.

Geometry of the SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	410 mm	440 mm	480 mm	520 mm
Top tube	570 mm	603 mm	633 mm	670 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	65°	65°	65°	65°
Seat angle	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°	74.7°
Chainstay	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
BB Height	346 mm	346 mm	346 mm	346 mm
Wheelbase	1166 mm	1199 mm	1232 mm	1271 mm
Reach	406 mm	439 mm	466 mm	499 mm
Stack	600 mm	600 mm	614 mm	628 mm

**Helmet** Specialized Ambush | **Shirt** ION Traze_Amp | **Short** ION Traze_Amp | **Hipbag** Bontrager Rapid Pack | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite

The SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate on the trail

But that’s exactly what the Genius is made for, and you’ll get to the trailhead very quickly. The low front end and efficient suspension constantly motivate you to get on the pedals. The stiff wheels accelerate with ease and the shallow tread of the Rekon tires leaves hardly a watt unused. The overall riding position is compact, which means that on steep climbs you’ll have to consciously shift your weight forward to prevent the front wheel from lifting. The FOX Live Valve is tuned in such a way that we mostly rode in mode two of the five available modes. Going downhill, the low front end and the Hixon iC cockpit define the bike’s handling. The Genius is reminiscent of an XC bike, requiring a lot of physical input. Just sit back and let go? Not possible with the Genius. The handling is razor sharp and super direct. The bike changes direction in a flash. The progressive suspension offers lots of support in corners and allows you to build up plenty of speed by pumping the bike, but it is difficult to use the full travel of the suspension. In steep terrain, the low cockpit pulls the rider forward, robbing you of confidence. The 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Rekon tires not only lack grip but also puncture protection in demanding terrain – we had to patch several flat tires.

**Tuning tip:** fit adjustable handlebars and stem | mount less stiff wheels according to preference | tires with more grip and puncture protection

Conclusion

The SCOTT Genius 900 Ultimate is a bike with its own character. It accelerates brutally and is extremely precise on the descents. However, the low front end and the futuristic Hixon iC SL cockpit aren’t for everyone. If you’re considering buying this bike, you should definitely go for a test ride before you do.

Tops

looks super fancy
tremendously efficient
XC riders will love it

Flops

very low cockpit
instils little confidence on steep descents
tires lack grip

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

More info at: scott-sports.com