SCOTT Genius 950 in review
The SCOTT Genius 950 is unstoppable on the climbs compared with the other bikes in the test field. Thanks to its TwinLoc system it sprints up hills like an XC bike! In terms of downhill performance, the bike has some tuning potential – we’ll tell you where.
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
While you don’t get Nino Schurter’s power with the SCOTT Genius 950, what you do get is one of the most efficient trail bikes in its class. The magic word is TwinLoc: the levers on the handlebar let you simultaneously adjust the shock and the fork between Open, Traction and Lockout mode, making for an enormously efficient bike. While the system does add two additional cables to the cockpit, SCOTT have cleverly bundled them together with spiral bands. The componentry of the € 2,999 bike is low-end but functional, bringing the total weight to 14.50 kg. Although all you’re getting is a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and low-end Shimano brakes, both of these components perform well enough without any obvious weak points. The FOX suspension and the Syncros dropper post performed just as well during our tests. However, one criticism we do have, is the narrow 760 mm bar and the shallow tread of the 2.6″ MAXXIS Rekon tires. They offer too little grip in wet conditions and on soft ground and don’t leave enough clearance in the rear triangle – we recommend fitting more aggressively treaded, but narrower tires instead.
The Genius mercilessly converts the rider’s input into propulsion – whether you’re pedalling or pumping!
The SCOTT Genius 950 in detail
Fork FOX 34 Performance 150 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT EVOL Performance 150 mm
Brakes Shimano MT500 180/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM NX Eagle
Seatpost Syncros Dropper 2.0 150 mm
Stem Syncros FL2.0 50 mm
Handlebar Syncros FL2.0 760 mm
Wheels Syncros X-30S 29″
Tires MAXXIS Rekon 2.6″
Too many cables often clutter the cockpit and cause rattling. SCOTT have cleverly bundled them together.
DThe extra levers of the TwinLoc system are ergonomically positioned, but it takes a while to make a habit of actually using them.
Those who like to play with the compression settings on their fork can’t do so on the Genius. Here you can only adjust the air pressure, use tokens to adjust the progression and adjust the rebound.
The rear suspension of the SCOTT Genius 950 is very progressive. This gives the bike a lot of pop and propulsion, but it noticeably stiffens up on repeated big impacts.
The aluminium frame of the Genius features high-quality workmanship and very clean lines. At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish from its carbon counterpart.
| 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 | 65,0° | 65,0° | 65,0° | 65,0° |
| Seat angle | 74,7° | 74,7° | 74,8° | 74,8° |
| Chainstays | 438 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 27,4 mm | 27,5 mm | 27,6 mm | 27,8 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,166 mm | 1,199 mm | 1,232 mm | 1,271 mm |
| Reach | 406 mm | 439 mm | 466 mm | 499 mm |
| Stack | 600 mm | 600 mm | 614 mm | 628 mm |
The SCOTT Genius 950 in test
The seated riding position on the SCOTT Genius 950 is compact and upright, yet very comfortable. If the bike does bob in the Open mode, you can put an end to that by shifting the suspension into Traction mode. By closing off a part of the air chamber, the suspension hardens noticeably and sags less. This also makes the seat tube angle significantly steeper. The Genius is a fleet-footed and willing climber, efficiently transferring the power from your legs to the rear wheel – excellent! We recommend using Lockout mode only on very smooth, paved roads. We found Traction mode to be ideal for technical climbs, seeing as it’s capable of generating sufficient traction on loose ground.
The Genius is quick out of the gate and generates a lot of speed if you pump it, thanks to the progressive suspension. On flowing trails, the bike goes like a rocket, with the compact frame and the agile handling making it a lot of fun to ride. Jumping, the bike has a lot of pop and it easily soaks up hard landings too. The low bottom bracket ensures that the rider feels very integrated with the bike. Cornering, the SCOTT is balanced and direct, ducking and weaving through tight trails with ease. However, when the trails become rougher and steeper, the Genius lacks the necessary composure due to the compact dimensions of the frame and the firm suspension. The suspension can’t keep up in demanding terrain, transferring fast, hard hits to the rider. Besides, the MAXXIS Rekon tires don’t hold their line well enough – they are definitely worth an upgrade.
Efficiency has its price. In the case of the tires, it reads: lacking grip.
Conclusion
The SCOTT Genius 950 is a good all-rounder, showing its strengths particularly on the climbs and on fast, flowing trails. The firm suspension combined with the TwinLoc system makes for an extremely efficient and fun bike. On more demanding terrain, the bike lacks the necessary composure.
Tops
- efficient climber
- unstoppable on flowing trails
- agile and good-natured handling
Flops
- iout of its depth on rough terrain
- tires limit the bike
- crowded cockpit requires getting used to
For more info head to: scott-sports.com
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | ROSE PIKES PEAK AM1 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base