First Look: Scott Genius 720 150mm and Genius LT with 170mm Travel
Last year, Scott was first to come up with a full carbon 27.5 bike and they were rewarded as they fully committed to the new wheel size with a full range of Genius 700 Series bikes. Scott offered aluminum and carbon bikes with 150mm of travel in the new wheel size.
This bike caused quite a stir with its very effective TwinLoc lever. This well placed trigger put the front and rear suspension in platform or lockout mode simultaneously. Riders often commented that the trigger worked about as smooth as a front shifter even though it was half the size.
Last year’s Genius 730 saw a lot of action on Mtbr rides. We upgraded the stock wheels to Crank Brothers Iodines with big tubeless Continental tires and noticed a big improvement
The other trick up the Genius’ sleeve was adjustable geometry. By adjusting the shock location with a ‘chip’ mount, BB height, head and seat angles could be optimized for the rider.
But there were a few areas of improvement such as:
- DT Swiss rear shock was stiff, harsh in the platform mode and not the most reliable.
- The Fox Talas was not plush, specially compared to the Fox Float models.
- All drivetrains were 3x instead of the more appropriate 2x front chainring systems.
- The 150 mm of travel was not quite as rowdy as some Enduro race descents demanded.
We are happy to report on this first look that all four areas have been addressed. The rear shock is now a Fox Nude CTD shock that is quite a bit more compliant than the DT. On platform mode, the shock is responsive to bumps as well while minimizing pedal induced bob.
Front fork duties are now handled by the familiar 150mm Fox Float. For 2014, the Fox Talas is much improved but it looks like Scott took no chances. The TwinLoc technology of Scott is so good anyway that changing the travel and geometry with a Talas fork is not as necessary on the Genius as it is on other bikes.
The front chainring duties are handled by either 1x or 2x systems. These systems are not only lighter but they are also more useable.
And finally, to address the Enduro Racing or bike park duties, Scott introduced the Genius LT which ups the travel to 170mm. So there is no hesitation anymore for the buyer who is not quite sure if the Genius is burly enough.
There’s a lot of great touches too like wider bars, lighter wheels and a matte black finish. The bike weighs in at 27.6 lbs with tubes. So expect it to drop to 27 lbs when converted to tubeless.
If the trust fund is healthy, one can go for the Scott Genius Premium which tips the scales at 25.75 lbs with tubes.
Product Highlights:
Super light HMF Carbon Fiber frame. The series comes fully equipped with a custom FOX Nude shock, a FOX 32 Float fork TwinLoc technology which controls the front and rear shocks simultaneously with one lever.
- Frame: SCOTT Genius 700 Series 27.5” HMX Carbon
- Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory CTD, 150mm
- Shock: FOX Nude / SCOTT Custom/ 3 modes Climb – Traction Control – Descend
- Group set: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT Disc
- Parts: Syncros FL1.5/TR1.5
- Wheels: Syncros TR2.0 27.5″
Photo: Holger is riding a modified Genius LT (late 2013) with aftermarket wheels, fork and shock. Holger had the biggest smile of all during our visit to the Laguna Beach trails.
Scott Genius LT
If the 170mm Genius LT is more your style. There’s three models led by the Genius LT 700 Tuned bike at 27.75 lbs.
The SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned is the ultimate Enduro machine. The Tuned version boasts a super light HMX Carbon Fiber Frame. With a custom FOX Nude shock with Boost Valve, a custom 170mm FOX 34 fork, TwinLoc technology, in combination with traction control, allowing for three travel/geometry settings and SRAM XO1.
Photo: 2014 Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned Bike
- Frame: SCOTT Genius LT 700 Series 27.5″ HMX Carbon
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory CTD, 170mm
- FOX Nude / SCOTT Custom/ 3 modes Climb – Traction Control – Descend
- Group set: SRAM XO1/ E13 XCX
- Brakes: Shimano XTR Disc
- Parts: Syncros
- Wheels: Syncros AM1.5 27.5″
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