SCOTT Genius 950 2020 on test – Long travel, confidence-inspiring, and a lot of potential

The SCOTT Genius 950 is a trail bike that won us over for its versatility. We would almost prefer this bike over the € 5,000 more expensive flagship model. Check out our review to find out why and what this bike is capable of.

Click here for an overview of the the best trail bike under € 3,200 € in review

The SCOTT Genius has remained almost unchanged on the market for a few years now but isn’t outdated yet. It certainly still looks the part with its clean silhouette. Typical of SCOTT, it features their proprietary TwinLoc system. Unlike the more expensive models, travel isn’t reduced by reducing the air volume in the shock, with increased compression damping firming up the shock instead. This means sag hardly changes in Traction mode compared to the models featuring FOX’s special Nude shock. In Lock mode, the suspension gets completely locked out, ideal for asphalt climbs.

Overall, the componentry of the € 2,999 bike is basic but suited to the task at hand. For the suspension, SCOTT rely on a FOX 34 Performance fork and a FLOAT Performance shock, both controlling 150 mm travel. The drivetrain consists of a mix of inexpensive NX and SX components. The two-finger brake levers are out of place on this bike, which are less powerful for improved modulation when paired with the four-piston callipers. On the trail, this combination can’t keep up with the other brakes in the test field. The remaining components such as the seat post, wheels, stem and handlebar are from SCOTT’s in-house brand Syncros and don’t provide any room for criticism in terms of quality or ergonomics. Speaking of criticism: SCOTT have replaced the MAXXIS Rekon tire up front, which we’ve complained about in the past, with the more aggressively profiled Dissector. The tires are still both 2.6” wide which makes clearance on the rear of the Genius very tight.

The geometry of the SCOTT Genius 950

When the SCOTT Genius was introduced, it stood out for its progressive geometry. It remains up to date to this day. The Genius has a slack 65° head angle and a bottom bracket drop of 28 mm. The seat tube angle is neither steep nor particularly slack at 74.8° and the 466 mm reach in size L is well chosen. Due to the short head tube, the stack is rather low at 614 mm. Unfortunately, as with many bikes in the test, the 480 mm seat tube is super long, which limits the travel of the dropper post.

If you push in the TwinLoc remote all the way, the bike becomes completely rigid and super efficient to pedal!

Once aboard the Genius, you’ll feel right at home. The riding position is great, offering a good compromise between aggressiveness and comfort. Nevertheless, you first have to get used to the position of all the levers with the additional TwinLoc remote confusing things slightly. Instead of the typical underbar dropper post lever, that position is for controlling the suspension. The lever for the dropper post is above that, on top of the handlebar. Since the TwinLoc lever is so easy to reach, it makes sense to use it often. In the Open mode, the rear suspension wallows noticeably and tends to bob when you pedal. However, once you stiffen up the rear, the Genius marches forward willingly. Compared to the more expensive models, the difference between Open and Trail mode is less noticeable as it doesn’t reduce the sag as much. When it comes to technical climbs, the Genius provides a good amount of traction but it requires the rider to work actively to keep the front wheel planted.

Comfort and composure – these are the two major strengths the Genius 950 brings to this test

On the descents, you feel securely integrated between the high-volume tires. Thanks to the riser bar, it feels less like you’re being pulled over the front compared to the super expensive € 8,000 flagship model. That way you feel more confident. The Genius is the longest travel bike on test and there’s no denying it on the trail. The suspension is super comfortable and does an excellent job of absorbing bumps. However, the shock absorbs a little too much of your input when you try to pump the bike. Active riders will want more mid-stroke support. The wide tires weren’t well-received by our experienced test riders either. They make the handling feel less direct and precise and we recommend changing them for 2.4” models. The Genius is super balanced through the corners and when things get steep, the bike stays on track. However, you’ll be wishing you had more powerful brakes, which you have to pull hard due to the two-finger levers.

How does the SCOTT Genius compare to the competition?

The SCOTT Genius and the Trek Fuel EX are very similar in many ways. Going uphill, both bikes feel very efficient. While it’s mandatory to lock out the shock of the SCOTT, the Trek will happily spring along with the shock open. On the descents, the SCOTT offers a little more comfort while the Trek, is more supportive, which makes it easier to pump. Both bikes perform well in demanding terrain, although the Trek is slightly more capable.

Tuning tips: fit narrower tires | upgrade to one-finger brake levers before leaving the shop

Conclusion

The SCOTT Genius 950 is an excellent all-rounder. With TwinLoc engaged, it climbs efficiently and light-footed and it cuts a fine figure on the descents of every type of trail. It manages to combine efficiency with comfort and composure. The positive overall impression is only clouded by the vague feeling tires and the weak brakes.

Tops

• riding position instils you with confidence
• efficient climber
• very comfortable

Flops

• wide tires make handling feel vague
• minimal tire clearance in the rear triangle
• TwinLoc has to be used as otherwise the bike will bob as you pedal

You can find out more about at scott-sports.com

The test field

Click here for an overview of the the best trail bike under € 3,200 € in review

All bikes in test: Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 (Click for review) | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE (Click for review) | GIANT Trance 29 1 (Click for review) | MERIDA ONE-TWENTY 9.700 (Click for review) | ROSE GROUND CONTROL 3 (Click for review) | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper ST COMP (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EX 8 XT (Click for review) | YT IZZO COMP (Click for review)