[Review] Scott Ransom 2024

The Scott Ransom was the Swiss brand’s latest full suspended mountan bike that was not given the all-integrated look we saw for the Spark and Genius (with the exception of the Gambler). As you can see from the photos and video, the Scott engineers have managed to hide a 170mm travel shock inside the frame and at the same time have radically changed the character of this bike: it is no longer a trail bike with an oversized travel, like the old model, but a thoroughbred enduro. It accommodate a 27.5″ or 29″ wheel at the rear, and it has a headset that can change the head angle from 63.8° to 65°.

Geometry

The Scott Ransom comes with a headset to change the head angle, and it has a flip chip so you can mount a 29 or 27.5″ wheel on the rear. I tested it in the 29/29 configuration in size L (I am 179cm tall).

The field test

Besides during the official presentation around Girona, Spain, I was able to test the new Ransom 900 RC on our hometrails. The weight measured in size L, without pedals and without tools and tube, is 15.5kg, not bad considering the tires, a 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector DD on the rear and a 2.6″ Maxxis Assegai Exo on the front, and the 170mm Fox 38. It certainly isn’t a rocket on climbs, and it no longer lets you take it as easily on long rides as the previous model, which weihgted around 14kg. Fortunately, with the Twin Lock remote control you can close the Fox Nude completely and, for the technical parts, you can reduce the travel from 170 to 130mm, bringing the rider into an even more efficient position than that offered by the 77.2° saddle angle. The fork cannot be locked.

On the descent you are repaid for the effort made on the ascent: forget the old Ransom, this is a real ripper with a suspension that works soft, sustained and progressive to the right point. The suspension system remains a Horst link, but with 6 linkages that allowed everything to be calibrated to perfection. The more observant will recognize the pivot around the bottom bracket, taken from the Bold that Scott purchased a few years ago. The sag measurement system changes too, relying on an indicator attached to the frame rather than the Bold’s magnet.

The fairly short rear triangle gives the Ransom a lot of agility, and it is easy to lift it over obstacles, despite the long travel. Perhaps this is the feature I liked best, because usually enduros are tanks that eat away at everything, but turn out to be less playful. In contrast, the Ransom has suspension that is yes very sensitive, but also reacts very well to the impulses coming from the rider.

I had the opportunity to ask Scott engineers whether on an enduro bike it is not limiting to keep the shock absorber closed inside the frame, because it overheats and struggles to cool. They replied that it depends on the optimal operating temperature, and therefore also on the oil that is used. In the case of the Fox Nude, I could not detect a different behavior at the beginning or end of the descent, despite the fact that the Ransom’s frame does not have holes to let air through as the early Bolds had. On the other hand, I appreciated the fact that the ammo is completely protected from water and mud, despite its very low position. Reaching it for setup is very easy, thanks to the one-finger-openable magnetic locking lid (watch the video).

Scott Ransom details

The design with integrated shock absorber and cable routing in the headset will cause debate, but there is no question that the lines of the new Scott Ransom are clean and very pleasing to the eye. Elegant and aggressive at the same time. As mentioned earlier, it is easy to reach the shock thanks to the plastic cover with magnetic closure, once the bike is upside down. Air and spring shocks can be mounted; a list of compatible ones can be found on the Scott website.

The Syncros multitool is attached in the lid, and the Syncros MatchBox with inner tube and tire chaser is housed in the down tube.

The Syncros handlebar with integrated stem perfectly matches the concept of the Ransom, as does the cable routing in the headset, which I personally do not like because while pedaling I see all the time the plastic part of it given by shims and cover, not to mention the more complicated maintenance.

In this context, however, the new SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes match really well because the cables and hoses are barely visible. Paired with HS2 discs (and new pads) they work well, though not as powerful as Shimano’s.

The dropper seatpost has 180mm of travel, which is made possible by the long, straight seat tube, since the shock is located low in the frame.

The Twin Lock is Scott’s trademark, with its three levers: two to control the suspension (in the case of the Ransom it controls only the shock) and one the seatpost. It needs some time to get used to it, but then you appreciate it especially in Traction mode, that is, when the Fox Nude reduces its travel to 130mm, helping the rider a lot in technical uphill parts.

As mentioned in the video, the Scott Ransom is very quiet on descents, thanks to both the chainstay and the well-designed cable routing.

The SRAM AXS X0 T-type drivetrain tensions the chain firmly, limiting its slapping on the chainstay. Not only that, its shifting under stress is flawless, and on an enduro bike it is definitely an advantage to have such a robust rear derailleur.

Scott preferred the “old” AXS remote control, i.e., the one that resembles the mechanical shifter, instead of the two buttons. I personally much prefer the latter solution, but it’s a matter of taste.

Those expecting Syncros wheels will instead find Race Face Turbine R30 aluminum wheels with oversize hubs. The Maxxis DD and Exo casing tires fit the scope of use well.