However, it still offers sufficient traction for technical climbs. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is, Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. The paddles themselves have a nice and light action, though it does take a few rides to get used to their position so that youre not accidentally hitting the dropper post lever, or vice versa. While it provides a terrifically stable platform for sprinting uphill, I have found that the Traction Control mode can be a little harsh on really rough and technical climbs. - Tight rear tyre clearance The suspension stays active enough to allow the tyres to drive for grip, but because it also increases compression damping on both the shock and fork, theres noticeably more feedback on square-edge hits. No redistribution layer is used. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $8,500 USD, comes in a range of sizes, including SM I know a lot of bikes say you're able to run the chip how ever you want with either wheel size but scott really only mentions running it in the high position if you're switching to 27.5. I found it to be a mostly comfortable ride, though Mick did experience more feedback on the Genius ST 900 Tuned, which is likely due to the carbon wheels and the full carbon chassis. Ive had no issues with the plastic headset cups either, and admittedly the whole system is really well designed and put together. For the full story, check out our Scott Spark review. The shock is shielded away from the elements like dust, water, mud and bike cleaners, so in theory itll require less frequent servicing. Thankfully we found the stock position to work well and had no complaints from the sweep profile of the one-piece Syncros Hixon iC cockpit. What Is a Flip Chip Its very effective and has been the Sparks party trick ever since it was launched back in 2007. WebThe SCOTT Genius frame is incredibly versatile with the option to change your wheel size from 29" to 27.5" and 27.5" plus with minimal effort, to do this the following tire sizes must be observed: - 27.5 plus / 2.8" (71 mm) tire - 29 / 2.6" (66 mm) tire Another key difference between the Scott Spark RC and the regular Spark can be found up at the cockpit. Mated with a 160mm travel fork it is ideal for the kind of riding adventures many aggressive trail riders want to tackle most. A large 1.5in headtube gobbles up all the cables and the rear brake hose, which route internally through the upper headset bearing. The rating includes the fork and the rear suspension., This aspect mainly comes down to the suspension. Thats no wonder given that the bike was considered one of the most progressive models on the market when it was launched in June 2017. Stem Syncros FL2.0 50 mm With its stout frame and compact suspension linkage, the Scott Genius cuts a stunning, low-slung silhouette. Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTBs. With this in mind, instead of getting in a whole new test bike, we decided to take our existing Spark 910 and turn it into a Spark RC. If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. The frame will handle a 160mm travel fork, and the Fuel EX is also mullet-compatible. If the bike does bob in the Open mode, you can put an end to that by shifting the suspension into Traction mode. A 2022 Scott Genius 900 Tuned AXS is typically priced around $8,500 USD when new. Uphill-downhill ratio: 50:50, Even more extreme and challenging compared to Trail riding, riddled with every kind of obstacle: jumps, gaps, nasty rock gardens, ruts and roots. Ergonomics aside, its the TwinLoc concept itself that will be the main downside of the Scott Spark RC for certain riders. Explore, search and compare thousands of the worlds best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database. That is a very big change about twice as much as what youd expect from a traditional flip chip, whilst maintaining the rest of the bikes geometry. I still cant help but wish the cables didnt go through the headset though. The custom Acros headset features additional bearing shields to minimise water and dirt ingress. All Spark models are specd with lock-on grips, though foam grips will save a few more grams while offering a little more squishiness to help fight long-distance fatigue. Stability is a combination of balanced geometry, good suspension and the right spec., This is all about how balanced the bike is and particularly about how well it corners. While the frame feels generally stiff, when entering steeper corners, the Genius can get unsettled. Read the new issue of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine now. The hybrid frame on the Genius 910 is mostly responsible for the difference, with the alloy back end adding 500g over the full carbon HMX frame. Theres a brand new piggyback shock and Scott will also be rolling out a new Genius ST model that many of you are going to be very interested in. At that point there are sections of trail where Id rather the suspension to be open and as comfortable as possible, rather than worrying about efficiency. The main interface will display the device description, processing speed, ID data and the device serial number. As with the previous generation Scott Spark, the latest model is offered in two distinct versions; the Spark and the Spark RC. WebNorth Bergen Map. Thankfully all the cables were well managed on our test bikes. Package Substrate Easy access port for cables or a Shimano Di2 battery doubles as a bash guard. Flip Chip More importantly though, its claimed to alter the spring rate and change the suspension performance more on that in a bit. Following the launch, we arranged to test out a Genius 910, which Ive been riding for well over a month. Of course you can slacken out the head angle, and you could also beef up the build if you were simply riding for fun versus competition. The remote isnt perfect though, and certain riders will be turned off by having to use it all the time to get the most out of the bike. In comparison, the Genius is a bike that is decidedly more of an all-rounder. At least theres heaps of space in the front triangle for a tube strap, and you can easily fit a full-size bottle. The lightweight 900 frame is full-carbon (even the rocker) and uses a Horst link rear end and trunnion-mount shock the latter orientated upside down and cradled in a huge junction at the base of the seat tube. The lighter build and lower front end does mean it loses some of the planted descending performance of the regular Spark. The township was incorporated in 1843. Scott has missed a trick with the lack of mullet compatibility, and the omission of any in-frame storage seems odd given how much the theme of integration has dictated the overall frame design. It works though solder bumps on the top of the chip pads. Copyright 2023 ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine. The low bottom bracket ensures that the rider feels very integrated with the bike. We love the ability to control the character of the Scott Genius via its TwinLoc remote, though wed love it even more if the system was wireless. Maestro Flip Chip Whether youre looking at the regular Spark or the Spark RC, youve got options for tuning this bike to your needs. Can it absorb hard impacts and does it soak up repeated hits? The TwinLoc system is hardly a new thing, having been a key part of the Genius since its inception back in 2003. Flip Chip Dropout | Giant Bicycles We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. The integrated system consists of eccentric, offset hardware that can be easily loosened, removed and flipped to the long or short setting using common tools. Theres a beefy splined axle to increase stiffness through the rocker link, while a locking collet head is used to secure the main pivot. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient those who want to speed along flowy singletrack and gravel roads need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. These are quite fast-rolling tyres, though they provide usable traction thanks to their supple casings and generous width. Fork travel has grown slightly to 160mm, though it still features 150mm of rear wheel travel and a four-bar suspension design. The firm suspension combined with the TwinLoc system makes for an extremely efficient and fun bike. As mentioned above, a lighter dropper post would help shed more weight. Three years have gone by since. We found Traction mode to be ideal for technical climbs, seeing as its capable of generating sufficient traction on loose ground. It is totally reliant on the remote, and you need to make regular use of it to get the full performance out of the bike. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Click here to learn more. Ive been on some pretty wet rides lately and its yet to be an issue, though I can see this bridge getting gunked up in muddier conditions. While you dont get Nino Schurters power with the SCOTT Genius 950, what you do get is one of the most efficient trail bikes in its class. Bottom-out control is superb thanks to the progressive suspension design, and even with the Nude 5T shock on the regular Genius, I never hit full travel. To get the full race bike experience, Scott sent us the Fox Nude 5 shock that comes on the Spark RC. Riders with a flip chip - have you flipped it? : r/MTB - Reddit Despite identical amounts of travel, the SCOTT Genius and YT Jeffsy are worlds apart. As well as tinkering in bike development, hes ridden, raced and documented mountain biking non-stop for two decades, and is one of only a handful of bike testers experienced enough to have hundreds of reviews in print and on the web. Youll still find a remote up at the handlebar, but its called the TracLoc and it only links up to the shock. While the TwinLoc system itself remains just as versatile, my approach to it has changed along with the bike. As such, you really need to be utilising the Traction Control mode to boost pedalling response along undulating terrain. Its three remote-adjustable suspension modes are a little different too. It eventually ends up at the headset, where the polystyrene foam causes an annoying squeak on every hard compression. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related. While we wont be going into a lot of detail on the spec on our Scott Genius 910 and Genius ST 900 Tuned test bikes, there are a few components shared across a number of models that are worth touching on. This means you get a tighter feel and a taller ride height, but traction is actually better compared to the regular Genius. While the bike wallows noticeably with the suspension in the open position, activating traction mode on the TwinLoc remote not only reduces the sag but also suppresses any hint of bobbing. I know a lot of bikes It possesses great natural efficiency thanks to its high main pivot, which increases anti-squat. There will be seven Scott Genius models coming into Australia for 2023. Riding the 920 made me not miss my endurobike. We interpret XC more like the Americans do: big back-country rides instead of a marathon or XC World Cup with the ultimate in lightweight construction! With its brand new frame and suspension design, the Scott Genius has also received some big updates to its geometry. Riders with shorter thumbs may struggle to reach the suspension paddles without having to move their hand along the grip. Those are the six major differences between the Scott Spark RC and the regular Spark, though there are some further areas for tweaking if youre searching out the raciest possible setup. Speaking of performance, the SRAM X01 AXS derailleur delivers impressively crisp and direct shifting, but the more affordable and heavier SRAM GX cassette doesnt fit the weight-optimised picture. In comparison, the regular Genius is the faster and more efficient option for all-round riding. In terms of downhill performance, the bike has some tuning potential well tell you where. These use a softer compound and a zoned tread pattern that gives them decent traction without being bulky. The suspension continues to be remote-controlled via the updated TwinLoc handlebar remote. The suspension kinematic features a mostly straight-progressive leverage rate, which is a little less curvy than the old bike. Expensive bikes with a lower-end spec can offer very good value for money provided they excel where it matters. Syncros Pro lock-on, left side integrated with TwinLoc levers, 29" Syncros TR2.5 SL, 30mm inside-width, aluminum, Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.6" x 29", EVO - Addix Speedgrip, FOX Transfer Dropper Remote 31.6mm / S size 100mm / M 125mm / L & XL 150mm. This is what separates the Spark from the Live Valve-equipped Giant Anthem and the Specialized Epic. Totally redesigned and reimagined for 2022, the 4th generation Scott Spark has made headlines with its striking frame design, hidden shock, dual bottle capability and adjustable head angle. For example, the top-end Genius ST model comes with a GRIP2 damper instead of the FIT4 damper. To put the Genius rear suspension performance in context, it isnt as gooey as the Stumpjumper EVO but its plusher than the Fuel EX and Spectral. More on that in a bit. The tight tyre clearance is also a little odd given the attention to detail elsewhere. Damping is also increased, providing further support to improve pedalling response. Each model since has been purpose-built around a multi-mode suspension system, and to get the most out of the bike, you really need to embrace it. There are two lighter carbon frames that are featured on the higher-end models; the HMX and the HMX-SL. Thanks! Scott hits the mark with the Genius 920. The answer to that question simply boils down to how much racing youre doing, and how seriously youre taking it. The chip name and part number are the main useful details it will output. scott genius flip chip position The Scott Spark RC is, obviously, the race bike. Firstly, the new Syncros lock-on grips are fantastic. It looks mean too. Flip chip question. : MTB - Reddit Though its been around for 15 years, it still manages to impress us today with its clever engineering. We are more concerned with how a bike performs on the trail and how the bike benefits the rider. Point the Genius uphill and its almost ridiculous how adept it is at climbing. Scott also claims the internal shock lowers the bikes overall centre of mass, and that the frame is stiffer thanks to the enormous junction between the seat tube, downtube and 92mm wide press-fit bottom bracket. Tires MAXXIS Rekon 2.6. In addition to altering the Sparks riding position, the Syncros Fraser iC SL XC is literally half the weight of the alloy bar and stem that came off the bike (271g vs 553g). For more information, please see our And the design of the integrated stem and headset means that if you do lower the bar height, youll need to chop the fork steerer down to achieve a flush fit. For more information head to scott-sports.com, All bikes in review: Cannondale Habit Carbon 1 (Click for review) | Canyon Spectral CFR 9.0 SL (Click for review) | Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29 (Click for review) | Ibis Ripmo AXS (Click for review) | Nukeproof Reactor 290 (Click for review) | Norco Optic C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Occam M-LTD (Click for review) | Radon Slide Trail 10 (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X01 Reserve (Click for review) | Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper SRAM AXS 29 (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EX 9.9 X01 AXS Project ONE (Click for review) | Yeti SB130 TLR (Click for review) | YT JEFFSY CF PRO (Click for review), This scale indicates how efficiently the bike climbs. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes., How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Thedynamic seat angle feels even steeper when you select the Traction Control mode, putting your hips further over the BB when youre heading uphill. Theres also a notch on the lower headset cup, and (perhaps confusingly) this has to be set opposite to the upper cup. The I/O contact layout can be either matrix shape or set in periphery. Thats weight that sits high up on the bike too. Indeed its all very muscly and oversized down there. While I quite like the supple feel of the EXO casing combined with the CushCore insert, harder riders may want to consider upgrading to a burlier EXO+ or DoubleDown tyre on the rear, and a slightly narrower 2.4-2.5in width would be a good idea given the lack of clearance. WebThe product is a high-integration package substrate that is used to connect a high-integration semiconductor chip to a main board. On foot or with a shuttle, please! If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. Well also point out that the Fuel EX is available in seven sizes, compared to just four for the Genius. On the contrary, in the case of flip chip bonding, which is a more advanced method, small bumps called solder balls are attached to the pad of the chip. We dont see the need for a lockout mechanism on the fork and would have preferred the added performance of a GRIP2 damper instead. Flip Chip Attachment There are some weak points in the spec that also cloud the overall impression. CONTACT US. The new 2023 SCOTT Solace (Gravel) eRIDE A gravel ebike with soul. While it is impressively engineered, the Scott Genius isnt the quietest bike. The virtual stem length is the same, but it features a hefty 12-degree drop, and the overall bar width is narrower at 740mm. Compared to the bike we started with, the personality of our Scott Spark RC project bike has evolved significantly. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes., How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Thats a relatively inexpensive option for existing Spark owners, who might not want to shell out for a whole new fork. Become a supporter now! The saving grace is that the rear axle lever has both a T25 and a 6mm key built into it, though because it rattles, I ended up removing it entirely. Trek has designed the latest Fuel EX to be efficient and supportive, with no need for a remote lockout or regular toggling of compression levers. As subtle as it might sound, the cockpit switch-up has resulted in a noticeably more aggressive riding position that feels particularly powerful on the climbs. - Headset cable routing ), also known as mountain biking. Just like the Spark, it doesnt pedal amazingly well in the Descend position. The faster-engaging freehub is a welcome upgrade over the stock Syncros wheelset too. Not bad for a bike with 120mm of travel at both ends. Certainly for those who can handle a remote and are after a contemporary race bike that absolutely rips on the descents, the Scott Spark RC is without doubt the most capable XC bike weve tested. Really though, whether the Genius is right for you will largely boil down to how you feel about its remote-adjustable suspension. Its lighter, offers a more aggressive riding position, and comes with faster-rolling tyres. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. The Fox suspension is smooth, with a calm, almost floaty, feel over the kind of bumps youd expect to find on trails, rather than enduro tracks. This uses a new push-button release system, which is a notable improvement over the twist-lock design used on the Spark, which tends to stiffen up when it gets packed with dirt. WebThe slacker setting is the one that moves the attachment point towards the back of the bike, then. - The plush, split personality suspension 2023 Specialized Epic World Cup Review | A super-light XC bike with character-bending tuneability, Top 8 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed, 2023 Canyon Lux World Cup Review | A scorchingly fast XC bike thats built for racing, 2023 Scott Genius Review | The all-new Genius has split in two, and its all the better for it, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. As with the latest Spark, the Genius adopts modular headset cups that allow you to adjust the head angle independently. WebAccording to Syncros is mimics identically the handlebar position of the FL1.5 mini-riser and equivalent stem, with a 6 upsweep, 9 backsweep and 12mm rise. While the TwinLoc remote is about as well designed as a three-lever system can be, itd be nice if the suspension levers were able to sit a little further outboard, as its currently a bit more of a reach than Id like. - Stealthy frame design hides shock from the elements Besides, the MAXXIS Rekon tires dont hold their line well enough they are definitely worth an upgrade. It is more adaptable overall though thanks to its Mino Link and the lower shock flip chip. Required fields are marked *. Did you enjoy this article? There is less leverage and stability though, and the lower bar position puts more of your weight over the front wheel too. The stiff carbon frame and progressive geometry deliver superb handling, and the 120mm suspension package offers maximum grip and comfort for riding the most hectic of race courses. If youre hunting for podiums across XCO and XCM race formats, the Spark RC is the pick, as its totally race-ready out of the box. Flip Chip Technology Market Using the 2.4in Wide Trail casing, these are a perfect match for 30mm wide rims, providing a nice high volume profile with fantastic damping qualities and noticeably more grip than the skinnier versions. The Minion DHF on the front of the Genius ST improves cornering stability further, offering more grip for technical trail riding. And because it doesnt add any compression damping, this setting is designed to be used on flowy singletrack and high-speed jump trails to provide a poppier and more progressive feel to the rear suspension. Sitting in between the Spark and Ransom, the Scott Genius is the Swiss brands long travel trail bike. Or perhaps you've spotted an error? I set the rebound lever halfway through its stroke with 7/15 clicks. The lockout mode is truly as it sounds. Considering its got the joint-most rear travel on test, the Genius is super-effective when pedalling with the shock left fully open. On top of that, Trek gives you in-frame storage, guided internal cable routing and a threaded BB. Your email address will not be published. It seems the dealer is implying that the bike sags less in traction control and lockout modes causing the head tube angle to be The pivot system is nicely engineered with sealed bearings throughout, external bearing shields, and clever colour-coded spacers.