Scott Strike eRide Review
The Strike eRide is a fantastic full suspension electric mountain bike, it’s packed with technology and features that are designed to make this bike one of the very best ways of travelling across varied off-road terrain, from gravel tracks and fire roads to challenging singletrack. In this post, we look at the range in greater detail, examining everything from the bike’s power supply, to its suspension and handling in the real world.
Firstly, the bike is incredibly well balanced, not only in the sense of geometry and performance - but also in what this bike aims to achieve. The Strike range is different to many other electric full suspension mountain bikes, it’s been designed to be enjoyable and comfortable to ride - allowing for comfortable, full days out on the bike - whilst also retaining enough aggression and precision to be able to tackle long technical singletracks and descents. This mix of capability and comfort is achieved through ergonomic handlebar grips, a comfortable saddle and a more upright riding position which makes a big difference in all day rideability.
Strike eRide Geometry
As mentioned above, the geometry of the Strike eRide is designed to support all day riding - bridging the gap between maximum trail performance and all day comfort. The riding position is more upright than many other full suspension bikes, which in the real world means that the rider does not have to lean over so much to reach the handlebars. The capability remains, but it’s a more comfortable capability.
There are a couple of frame options available, with the top model in the range having a carbon fibre frame and an alloy back end. Whatever frame material you choose, the geometry of the bike does not change.
The battery on the bike is fitted into the downtube of the frame, and is easy enough to remove for charging. There are also plenty of mounts on this bike to make life easier, there are mounts for kickstands, as well as mounts for racks and mudguards.
Strike eRide Suspension
The Strike eRide provides 140mm of suspension travel, across the front of the bike and the rear - the suspension operates with a four bar system - which keeps the suspension working and in full range of motion when pedalling and braking. It’s a very simple system which works really well. Different models within the range are equipped with different shocks and forks, the 940, 930 and Contessa 920 are all fitted with a custom X-fusion rear shock, and the rest of the range comes as standard with the Fox Float shock. Suspension forks are supplied by Rockshox, Marzocchi or Fox and the further up the range you go, the better and more tunable the suspension becomes.
Strike eRide models have Twinloc, which is a suspension adjustment technology unique to Scott. This allows the rider to adjust both the damping and the spring curve of suspension via a lever on the bike handlebars. There are three modes to choose from, and you can also lock out the suspension for flat surfaces, for more efficient pedalling - and also open the suspension right up when hitting trails.
Strike eRide Motor
Bosch are the main players in the electric mountain bike motor game, so it’s no surprise to learn that the motor fitted to the Strike eRide is from Bosch. The motor is the fourth generation of the Performance CX motor. This motor and battery system has always been a strong performer, but this version is quieter as well as lighter than previous generations. It’s been tweaked to deliver power in a more usable way, and assist varies from 60% in eco mode, to a massive 340% in turbo mode - smashing ascents and tricky trails.
This assistance is also automatic, with eMTB mode providing the most powerful assist and support when you pedal harder, and less when you pedal lighter. This intelligent power delivery not only increases riding enjoyment, but also preserves battery life. For those wanting more battery range, a range extender is available. Without the range extender, the bike can travel 80km in eco mode.
Strike eRide Groupset
All of the bikes within the Strike range have a SRAM Eagle 12 speed drivetrain. The Eagle is a proven system, it’s easy to use, easy to live with and gives you a massive range of gears to tackle any terrain. Stopping power is provided by incredibly powerful Shimano Four Piston Disc Brakes which have massive disc rotors, providing all of the stopping power that a big electric full suspension bike needs. All bikes have a dropper post, which performs really well.
Strike eRide Wheels
The Strike eRide only comes with 29 inch wheels, and for this application - 29’s are ideal. They roll over all kinds of terrain, really easily - confirming this mountain bike as a go anywhere cruiser. Syncros wheels which are fitted, can accommodate 30mm rims so the rider can choose wider tyres, and the setup is also tubeless ready. As standard, the Strike comes with really good tyres - Maxxis Recon tyres which provide fast rolling performance, without sacrificing grip levels.