Issue #037, Review - February 22, 2019

SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned 2019 review

Everything about the SCOTT Ransom hints at a love for speed – 29 “wheels, 170 mm travel, and a 64.5° head angle. Surprisingly, on the trail the bike turns out to be one of the most versatile of the competition. Our test reveals why that is.

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

**Scott** Ransom 900 Tuned | 170/170 mm (f/r) | 13.53 kg | € 7,599

In the past, this bike was a classic in SCOTT’s portfolio, but over the last few years, things have been very quiet around the SCOTT Ransom. Now it’s back, but apart from the name, this reincarnation has little in common with its predecessor. The pull-shock has given way to a FOX Nude with TwinLoc technology. The progression of the shock can also be adjusted via a small lever without the need for tools. At the front, you’ve got a FOX 36 Factory Performance fork, which can also be locked out via the TwinLoc remote. As has become typical for SCOTT, our top-of-the-range € 7,599 model features their futuristic Syncros Hixon iC Rise cockpit. The componentry is rounded off with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, a 150 mm FOX Transfer dropper seat post and Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 wheels. Most noticeable are the big 29 x 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Minion DHF tires. Thanks to a flip-chip in the rocker link, the Ransom is available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. Weighing in at 13.53 kg, it was also one of the lightest bikes in the group test.

The SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 170 mm
Shock FOX NUDE TR EVOL Trunnion 170 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost FOX Transfer 150 mm
Handlebar & Stem Syncros Hixon iC Rise 780 mm
Wheels Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 29″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.6″
Weight 13.53 kg
Price € 7,599

**Suboptimal**
SCOTT has managed to neatly integrate all the levers. Unfortunately, the dropper post lever we used most often is difficult to reach.

**Silent**
The chainstay guard effectively quietens the chain, making the bike ride very quietly!

**Too wide?**
The 2.6″ wide MAXXIS Minion DHF lacks puncture protection. We would rather resort to the slightly narrower 2.5 WT variant. For really gnarly riding, we’d go for a tire with the Double-Down casing.

**Ramp it up!**
The progression on the Ransom’s shock can be adjusted via a small lever. We liked the more progressive setup most. It offers more support and ensures a balanced weight distribution.

**Very pretty**
The Syncros Hixon iC Rise Cockpit looks futuristic and if the dimensions suit your preferences, it’s awesome. Some of our testers prefer less backsweep and would replace the handlebar and stem.

The geometry of the SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	420 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Top tube	571 mm	604 mm	635 mm	671 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	115 mm	130 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	75°	75°	75°	75°
Chainstays	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
BB Drop	22 mm	22 mm	22 mm	22 mm
Wheelbase	1183 mm	1216 mm	1249 mm	1289 mm
Reach	406 mm	440 mm	467 mm	500 mm
Stack	614 mm	614 mm	628 mm	641 mm

**Helmet** Fox Rampage | **Goggle** 100% Accuri | **Jersey** ION Tee LS Traze Amp | **Shorts** ION Bikeshorts Traze Amp | **Knee pads** ION K-Pact

The SCOTT Ransom 900 Tuned on the trail

You can immediately feel the bike’s weight, or lack thereof, as you get on to it. The Ransom accelerates extremely quickly, willingly sprinting forward. The sitting position is perfect and with the TwinLoc system in traction control mode, the Ransom climbs more efficiently than many trail bikes. We would prefer it if only the shock got locked out and the fork remained fully open. A little bit of extra comfort would have been especially helpful on very steep and technical climbs, as would the steeper seat tube angle you would get with slightly more sag in the fork. Once you open the suspension from the bar remote, the rear end is very sensitive and plush on the trail.

From trans-alpine adventures to days in the bike park – the Ransom is ready for everything!

We preferred the setting with more progression on the shock. The rear suspension stays higher in its travel that way, providing more support when dropping off ledges and better overall balance on the bike. The SCOTT changes direction with speed and precision. Unfortunately, in corners and in demanding terrain you feel like you are perched on top of the bike rather than being integrated with it. This could be due to the relatively high bottom bracket, which means the Ransom lacks some composure and makes it harder for the rider to get enough grip in open corners. With heavier and sturdier tires you could improve the stability by adding more rotating mass, and you would also significantly reduce the likelihood of punctures – the thin-walled 2.6″ tires really can’t handle much. However, with heavier tires, the bike loses its climbing prowess.

**Tuning tip**: Deactivate the TwinLoc on the fork | Heavier, tougher tires | If necessary, adjust the cockpit to your preferences

Conclusion

The SCOTT Ransom is one of the most versatile bikes in this group test thanks to its TwinLoc system and low weight. However, climbing performance comes at the cost of downhill capability. If you really want to ride the Ransom hard, we recommend investing in the added weight of sturdier tires.

Tops

Very versatile
Efficient climber
Intuitive and calm on the descents

Flops

Lacking composure
Light + wide tires = punctures

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

For more info head to: scottsports.com