![scott genius scott genius](https://cdn.shoplightspeed.com/shops/619643/files/25278258/image.jpg)
Scott has put together a proper mountain bike for a superb price. The suspension needs to be just right it is well worth spending time on though to find what works best for the way you ride. The Genius 950 is a good all-rounder of a bike that had us rolling through the countryside for mile after mile just enjoying ourselves. Great value and clever kit spec, at no point did any of the components draw attention to themselves they all worked and did the job required. Geometry figures are shown with the U Mono link set in the high BB position. Controls wise the medium sized frame came with a 70mm stem and 720mm wide flat bar. Syncros take care of the finishing kit too a 31.6 seatpost means the Genius will take a dropper no problem. The wheels are a mixture of Formula, Shimano and Syncros rims. Brakes are Shimano M396 hydraulics with 180mm rotors. Drivetrain wise it is over to Shimano, with Deore shifters and front derailleur, a M622 triple chainset and a SLX rear derailleur as a highlight. Suspension duties are taken care of by Rock Shox with a Sector TK solo air up front and a Monarch RL Air HV out back. Out back there is a DT 135 x 5 axle system and a 180mm disc post mount. Scott use hydroformed, butted 6061 alloy tubing to craft the Genius 950 frame.įeatures include a U Mono link that adjusts the geometry but not the travel, knocking around half a degree off the angles and taking 5 mm off the bottom bracket height. It’s fun on the twisty singletrack, fast on the steeper stuff and keeps the momentum and speed high putting a smile on your face. Run it down a DH track and you’ll discover it’s limitations soon enough, but as we said if you are looking at this bike then you won’t be looking at DH tracks.įor the money you’ll spend to get this bike in your garage you will go away a very happy camper, whilst it does need to be correctly set up to get the most out of it, the Genius 950 performs far better than the price point suggests. It can handle the descents well and remains composed up to a point.
![scott genius scott genius](https://en4jif3w7zq.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/03182853/Scott-Genius-920-05571-1.jpg)
The Genius 950 definitely has a comfort zone, and the type of rider who will buy this bike is very unlikely to ever take it out of that. Typical trail centre reds that cut across the hillside are great fun and the Genius will gain speed easily, smoothing out the trail and staying stable.
![scott genius scott genius](http://twentynineinches-de.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/0-Genius-riding-300x276.jpg)
Head downhill on the Scott and things remain composed. Pedalling through root beds and rough sections produces little kick back with the suspension remaining active. Hit the twisty woodland singletrack and flow is your friend, the Genius 950 will hold speed well, it carries pace through corners and rides rough ground with ease. Once out on the trails all you have to do is spin the Genius up to speed and you’ll discover a bike that will flow over the ground beautifully, eating up miles on bridleway and field edge with ease. Put a little more air in the shock and set it at 22% sag and small bump compliance was lessened and mid stroke performance was compromised however the flip side of this was that the Genius pedalled far better in the middle chainring giving good drive on power climbs. Set at 27% sag we found that the Scott would swallow trail chatter and offer huge amounts of traction on technical climbs, but would give up pedalling efficiency and mid to end stroke support, making it a fun bike to ride over predominantly flat and downward facing trails. That makes for finding the best balance between pedalling efficiency and small bump and big hit compliance.
![scott genius scott genius](https://d2yn9m4p3q9iyv.cloudfront.net/scott/2021/geometry/genius-960/thumbs/1000/7f997.jpeg)
We played around with various settings to get the most out of it, the Monarch RL lacks the “pedal” mode of its bigger brother, so you get open and lock-out as options here. The Genius 950 is a fun bike to ride, and at its price point it is a bargain too, however to really get the most out of this bike the set up is crucial, especially with the rear shock.