SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned review
The addition of ‘Tuned’ in the model name sets this bike apart as a top-end SCOTT, and the Genius LT 700 Tuned looks even more pimped than most cars at a Twitter-organised tuner meet. But is it style over substance, or does the tuning translate below the surface and onto the trails?
For years SCOTT have been propagating mountain biking with style thanks to their pretty bikes, and the Genius LT 700 Tuned is no exception with its poison-green paintjob and stylish pixel camouflage. The Genius LT hasn’t seen much change to its frame for the coming season.
The shock, however, is built with an EVOL air chamber that is even more sensitive than the last. Thanks to the TwinLoc technology, you can switch the damping setup of the FOX 36 FLOAT Factory fork and the travel of the rear shock between three settings. The pairing of the bike’s low weight (just 12.44 kg) and assertive riding position won’t leave room for any excuses on the climbs, so you’d be hard pressed to find another bike with the same burly 170 mm travel that can rival it on the ascents. Coming to the spec, it’s a bike that knows its kit and puts it to good use: it features a SRAM X01 drivetrain, high-quality Syncros parts, and the test bike’s MAXXIS Minion DHF tires. Unfortunately, there’s little respite from the inconsistent bite point on the Shimano XTR brakes.
SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned in spec
Fork: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm
Rear shock: FOX Nude DPS 160 mm
Brakes: Shimano XTR
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 1×11
Seat post: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Syncros XM 1.5 60 mm
Handlebar: Syncros AM 1.0 Carbon 760 mm
Wheels: Syncros AM 1.5
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF
Weight: 12.52 kg
Price: € 7,999
You’ve got to be pretty brave to flaunt the neon-green and pixel camo paintjob.
The rear shock’s TwinLoc system is brilliant, but not wholly necessary for the fork – why not get rid of it and grant your bike a cleaner look? Upgrading to an RC2 cartridge would also generate more adjustment options.
While most bikes go out of their way to make the rebound dial hard to find, the FOX Nude rear shock that has been especially designed for SCOTT is a wonderful break from convention.
You wouldn’t normally rely on a chainguide for a SRAM 1×11 drivetrain, but SCOTT have covered all bases in the name of eradicating chain drop and even mounted a lower guide. No harm done, but it does add up the pennies.
[/emaillocker]
On descents, the SCOTT rails down trails, and its balanced handling is a welcome asset from this big-hitting bike. Those who put a premium on speed might want to employ some of the headset cups to slacken the head angle more (they’re included in the delivery) and garner even more smoothness at speeds. For our purposes, the standard setting was definitely good enough. We were blissfully ignorant of the rear as it soaked up bumps with finesse, although it perhaps could be firmer in the mid-stroke. Plus, the bike’s fairly long 440 mm chainstays are still sufficiently maneuverable around corners in quick succession.
Conclusion
Generous and with a good turn of pace, the SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned is a seriously trail-worthy, efficient enduro rig that can grind its way effortlessly up climbs without having to bargain with its descending prowess. But such a package doesn’t come cheap.
Strenghths
- Outstanding on the climbs
- Incredibly balanced handling
- Very cool looks
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent braking point
- Price
For more information head to the SCOTT website!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Does it get better than this? – 9 high-end enduro bikes in comparison
All bikes in review: BMC Trailfox 01 XX1 | Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race | CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 | Giant Reign Advanced 1 | SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned | ROTWILD R.E1 FS EVO | Yeti SB 5.5C X01 | YT Capra CF Pro Race