The New Scott Genius 900 And Genius ST
The brand new Scott Genius has launched in two new variants; the Genius 900 and the Genius ST (short for Super Trail). For nearly two full decades the Scott Genius has been the trail bike of choice for many, bringing innovation to the mountain bike world and taking numerous accolades in the process. This latest iteration is no different.
It is the mountain bike industry's worst kept secret that Scott acquired Bold Cycles in 2019 and since the take-over the Bold technology has been evident in the Scott Spark range. It's then no surprise that the Genius has followed suit, concealing the rear shock away from the elements.
Both the Genius and the Genius ST are aimed at being trail bikes rather than enduro bikes. Below we take a look at some of the features that both models include.
Genius Features
Concealed Rear Shock
The thing that sets the Genius apart from most other full suspension mountain bikes is that the rear shock is hidden inside the frame. Not only does this make the bike look great, but it also helps to keep the shock clean so it works at optimum performance even in the worst weather conditions.
The shock can be remotely adjusted over 3 modes to increase pedalling efficiency or improve descending performance depending on the terrain.
Sag Indicator
As the shock on the new Genius range is concealed, checking and setting the sag on the rear suspension the traditional way is more difficult. On the Scott Spark bikes, the addition of a small window to check where the o-ring is, allows the rider to check and set sag.
For the Genius, Scott have introduced this clever little sag setter built into the suspension linkage to make getting the perfect setup as easy as possible.
Shock Access
So when you do need to access the shock, perhaps to adjust the air pressure with a shock pump, or keep the movement slick with some Silicon Shine, how do you do it?
Scott have built a downtube door into the frame that is accessed by the push of a button. The hatch opening is large enough to easily work on the shock or cable routing for components such as a dropper post. The rear shock can also be removed from here as well.
Scott Genius Geometry
Both the Genius 900 and Genius ST platforms use the same frame and are both based around 29" wheels front and rear; no mullets here! As you would expect, the geometry is ultra-modern and matched perfectly to trail riding. The head angle is between 64° and 65°, adjustable with the included angle adjust headset. Carbon versions will also come with a 64.5° headset option.
Suspension up front equates to 160mm of travel, provided mainly by a Fox 36 suspension fork, with a couple of models using a Marzocchi Z2 and a Rockshox Lyrik. In the back, the frame allows 150mm travel coming from Scott's NUDE shock.
The seat tube angle sits between 76.8° and 77.4° depending on the size of frame, although this will change depending on what head angle you choose to ride.
Genius 900 Vs Genius ST
So what are the differences between the Genius 900 and the Genius ST? As mentioned previously, the Genius is more of a trail bike than an enduro bike, something that is reinforced by the "Super Trail" name.
The ST version of the bike will ship with the headset defaulted to the slacker 64° head angle, whereas the Genius 900 will default to 65°. This can be changed by turning the headset around on both models.
The main difference comes from the shock at the heart of the frame. The Genius 900 models will use a NUDE 5T EVOL shock, paired to a Twinloc 2 remote lockout lever, which actuates the forks and shock at the same time. The Genius ST models are fitted with the new Float X NUDE EVOL shock from Fox, which can be tweaked on the fly via a TracLoc lever. The Float X NUDE features a piggy back to allow the rear suspension to work optimally over longer descents.
Construction
Like all Carbon Fibre mountain bikes, the construction of the frame is more complicated than an Aluminium framed mountain bike. Scott separate the Genius frame into two separate zones with different characteristics; one focussing on stiffness and the other ensuring the frame is lightweight.
Areas that are subjected to more stress such as the headtube, bottom bracket area and shock mount areas are stiffened up to improve ride characteristics and longevity.
The remaining areas are then lightened to ensure the overall weight is kept low.
The new Scott Genius chainline is 55mm which means that there is plenty of tyre clearance. The rear triangle is either constructed from 6061 Alloy or Carbon Fibre to keep strength high and weight low.
All of the models, whether they're Genius 900 or Genius ST, have the same integrated suspension design; this is also true regardless of the frame being full Carbon Fibre, Full Alloy or a Carbon/Alloy hybrid.
An integrated chainguide keeps the chain on the chainring no matter how rough it gets.
Range Highlights
Contessa Genius 920
This women's specific version of the Genius 900 has a HMF carbon fibre main frame and an alloy rear triangle, with a Fox 36 fork and a Shimano groupset and disc brakes.
Genius ST 910
Genius 940
One of only two fully Alloy framed bikes in the Genius lineup, the 940 is the entry point to the new genius range. A Marzocchi Z2 fork, X-Fusion shock and Sram groupset feature on this bike.
Contessa Genius ST 910
Genius 900 Ultimate
Genius ST 900 Tuned
The pinnacle of trail riding. Carbon all over the place, wireless electronic shifting, Fox Factory suspension, Shimano XTR disc brakes and a piggy back shock.
How Do I Get One?
The Genius 900 and Genius ST bikes are due to be in stock in 2023. At the moment, the best way to find out availability is to contact us and we'll advise you on the most up-to-date information we have.