Scott Scale 950 (2013)

Pros

- The frameset weight and overall quality
- Equipped with the Fox 32 Float 29 CTD
- Shimano drivetrain
- Syncros components

Cons

- Tyres
- Brakes

Review

First up, this is a great looking bike! The frame is one of Scott's lightweight custom butted jobs and is the main reason this bike, costing around the $2000 mark, comes in at well under 12kg (25lbs). Not bad for a mid level 29er. I was also impressed by the Fox 32 Float 29 CTD fork, which is often found on bikes well above this price point. This fork features the Rideloc remote bar mounted system for switching the suspension between lockout, platform and active.

The drivetrain is the fairly typical collection of Shimano SLX and an XT rear derailleur. As always, the shifting with this setup is smooth and precise and Shimano reliable.

I am also very happy with the addition of Syncros cockpit components. This should come as no surprise with the purchase of Syncros by Scott Sports in 2012. Lets hope the 25 years experience Syncros has in manufacturing quality mountain bike components lives on with the new ownership.

The Scott comes equipped with Schwalbe Rocket Rons, which are a fairly minimally treaded XC tyre. I have ridden on Rocket Rons before and while I enjoyed their speed, I noticed a tendency for the front tyre to wash out when cornering in loose and also hard pack surfaces. So much, in fact, that I swapped out the front tyre and replaced with a Nobby Nic.

The only other downside (and i'm being picky here) are the Shimano brakes. I am a fan of Shimano products and I think these are fine reliable units, but this particular model is really the entry level to hydraulic systems and lacks the power and feel of more expensive brakes. Perhaps a brake upgrade in the future would be on the cards for someone who rides a little harder than most.

Performance wise, this is a typically well designed bike from Scott with the same geometry as their race winning carbon bikes. The result is great handling and power transfer for all you would-be mountain bike whippets out there. A quick glimpse and you immediately notice the chunky down tube, chainstay and bottom bracket area; perfect for power transfer and going fast! This contrasts with the ultra thin seat stays. Obviously Scott have thought about adding "compliance" into this hardtail: Firm yet comfortable, what's not to like about that?