Scott Scale Elite 29er
Scott's sub 949g carbon framed RC 29er might be the headline grabber, but the lively Elite proves Scott has invested just as much time in its alloy framed big wheelers too.
The facts
While it's not a full tapered set-up the 44mm inset head tube can be made compatible with the right headset and there's plenty of overlap in the smooth welded, oversized frame tubes. Steep top tube sloping increases standover clearance despite the big wheels. There's a slight curve in the forward offset seat tube to shorten the chainstays as much as possible too. Big chainstays control power while hollow backed drop-cuts shave weight out of the light frame. A seat QR makes for easy adjustment while under the top tube, inside stay cable routing is direct but discreet. There's limited tyre space and it's an IS (International Standard) brake mount not a post mount out back.
The Scott is the first time we've seen Avid's new Elixir 3 brakes, but there's no trace of budget in the performance. A 30-speed Shimano mix supplies the full range gearing and rear hub, while DT rims are colcur-matched to the bike. Hard Performance compound Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres roll fast for a knobbly, but slip in the wet and mud room is tight too.
"This is an enjoyable ride that never backed down on the basis of budget"
The full alloy Recon fork acquitted itself well in damping terms, but it's QR rather than screw-thru at the tips. The Scott bar is also narrow for a riser, leaving the short stem to maintain steering speed. An inline double bolt post pushes the firm Scott race saddle forward too.
The feel
Frame dimensions aren't unusually compact for a medium, but the short stem and inline post make the Scott feel small even with the saddle back on its rails. Having tried the large, that's the option for more race-minded riders or those closer to six foot.
Get the size right and this is a really enjoyable ride that never backed down on the bas s of budget. The steep head angle and short stem, combined with reduced leverage from the short bar cive it a very quick steering character. There's flex at the fork tips too, but the frame has enough muscle to keep it fun and it weaves through trees with both quick wits and hands. The compact rider position makes it easy to get the best from the occasionally sketchy tyres.
Low weight and stiff rear end means it comes out of the far side of slow sections or tackles climbs with real enthusiasm. Despite a saddle that most found uncomfortable it's noi too harsh overall either.
Summary
Accurate sizing is crucial on the small feeling Scale, but Soott's done a great job of producing a naturally lively ride on a big-wheeled platform without sacrificing the na:ural smoothness advantage in the rough.
"Correct fit is crucial but the Elite 29er is light, agile and a lot of fun for the money"
29er smorgasbord
Scott has comm tted to 29ers in a big way this year with no less than three different frames. Comp, Team and Elite get the hydro'ormed and butted alloy frame here. The £2099 Pro gets an IMP3 HMF-net carbon fibre frame to droD complete bike weigh: below 241b, while the race winning World Cup gets a stunning sub 950g HMX-net fibre frame for a 211b complete bike weight.
Clever design ^fl
The longer the chainstays of a bike, ^ the more they act like a kite tail. Great for stability, but not so good for tight turning circles or all-round agility. Here. -Scott has moved the seat tube forward ' and then curved it back to tuck the wheel in as close as possible while still leaving room for a 2.25in tyre.
RockShox nomenclature
RockShox has totally changed the way it labels fork sub levels now, switching from numbers to precious metal and letter suffixes. Here a Gold label Recon means a lighter weight alloy slider and steerer rather than the steel pierps of the Silver series Recon.
a HIGHS Light frame and overall weight means it has an agile and involving leel despite lowest budget here.
▼ LOWS OR fork isn't rhe tightest or lightest and correct sians is crucial.
BUY IF... You're on a limited budget, but Wdlll d Ubtfullf upgradable, agile 29er right now.
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