RELEASE AND FIRST RIDE

THE NEW SCOTT RANSOM

Words by Robert Johnston  |  Photos by Daniel Geiger

When Scott first showed up to the Enduro World Cups with a prototype of the new Ransom, it received a big reaction, in our office at least. Complete with playful “doodles” scribbled on the frame that only served to produce more questions than answers, and a pair of visible tie-rods that suggested there was more going on than their typical Horst Link suspension design, we were excited to see exactly what they were bringing to the table for the new generation of their enduro machine. Thankfully, we got the opportunity to join them out in Spain for the launch of their new bike at the tail end of last year, and it really didn’t disappoint. Let’s take a look at the details of Scott’s latest enduro mountain bike, before we talk about how it performed.

ABOUT THE NEW SCOTT RANSOM

For the new Ransom, Scott wanted to update its design to fit in with their current lineup’s identity and appearance, of which the Integrated Suspension Technology featuring a shock that’s nestled within the mainframe of the bike is the most notable feature. But rather than simply giving their Genius All Mountain bike some extra travel, Scott set about optimizing the new Ransom around the longer travel platform as well as they could, resulting in a completely different suspension platform.

FRAME AND FEATURES | The new Scott Ransom continues to provide 170mm of travel on both ends. There’s a pair of 29” wheels fitted as standard, and Scott offers the option to change out the rear wheel to a 27.5” with the use of a flip chip in the lower link, which preserves the geometry aside from a shorter chainstay length to accompany the smaller rear wheel. The carbon fiber front triangle houses the shock inside with a system Scott calls Integrated Suspension Technology, with an access hatch on the bottom of the downtube to allow shock settings to be adjusted. Scott makes use of this port in the underside of the downtube to neatly integrate a spare tube, tire levers, a chain tool and a multitool, keeping you covered for basic trailside repairs.

The layout of the suspension design – with the shock sitting very low and close to the bottom bracket – has a number of claimed benefits. Firstly, it allows for good dropper post insertion depth, allowing for size medium frames to fit 180mm travel dropper posts without issue. There’s a lower Center of Gravity for improved descending performance; and the frame is more structurally efficient with better support around the shock, yielding a stiffer and better aligned frame with less weight needing to be added for reinforcement.

Scott has covered the details on the Ransom frame well, with an integrated sag indicator outside of the frame around the bottom bracket; a headset routed cable system that combines with an angle adjustable headset to let the geometry be tailored to rider preference, and some dialed frame protection on the downtube and chainstays to keep rock strike and chain slap damage and noise to a minimum. Thanks to the design of the frame, there’s plenty of room inside the front triangle for a large water bottle.

SUSPENSION | The Ransom uses a modified version of Scott’s Integrated Suspension Technology, with a 6-bar design used to obtain a number of benefits and solve some issues that may have otherwise been encountered with a standard Horst Link layout as seen on their Genius. The same benefits of their integrated shock are retained, with a low Center of Gravity and good structural efficiency; but the 6-bar design (with a set of tie rods connecting upper and lower suspension links) offered Scott some further possibilities.

First of all, the 6-bar design ensured there was space for everything inside the frame – especially a deep dropper insertion – as well as letting them forego the shock extender as found in their other designs, and fit a bearing to the rear shock mount to improve suspension sensitivity. Another benefit to the suspension performance was the higher degree of tunability Scott obtained, letting them obtain the exact kinematics they desired.

The Leverage Ratio obtained is said to yield great initial sensitivity and solid mid stroke support, with roughly 28% progression over the stroke making it equally suitable for coil or air shocks. Pedaling support gets progressively higher as you move down the cassette, with Anti Squat sitting at roughly 100% at sag in the climbing gears and growing to 140% in the hardest gears. Anti Rise – the influence when braking – sits at a low 60-70% across the travel range, allowing the rear end to move relatively unhindered when braking.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Scott mountain bike without the inclusion of a form of remote suspension control, and so the Ransom is equipped with their Tracloc bar-mounted rear shock adjustment system, which adds two extra levers to the dropper post remote. The custom Fox Float X NUDE Factory EVOL rear shock fitted to all Ransom models offers three modes: Climb, Ramp Control and Descend. Ramp Control closes off part of the shock’s main air chamber to increase shock progression; and Climb adds a high degree of compression damping to this reduced air volume shock state to increase pedaling efficiency further. Descend mode can be tuned with its own compression and rebound adjustments, as you would find on a regular Fox Float X; and the shock shares most of the same architecture and small parts to allow it to be serviced by any Fox service center. If the user does not want to use the Tracloc system, the Ransom is compatible with a wide range of air and coil shocks from a number of brands.

GEOMETRY | Scott has given the Ransom a purposeful and modern Enduro geometry package, with no outlying figures. The Small to XL size range features Reach numbers from 428mm to 508mm with 25-30mm gaps between sizes; which are paired with 615mm to 642mm Stack heights. Consistent across the size range are a 440mm Chainstay length in the 29” wheel setting; 63.8° Head Tube Angle; and 25mm static Bottom Bracket Drop giving a 350mm BB height. Effective Seat Tube Angles steepen slightly from 77° to 77.6° as you move up the size range.

The size Large tested has a 483mm Reach and 633mm Stack; with the Wheelbase totaling 1270mm.

BUILD SPECS | Scott is offering the Ransom in a choice of two different frame materials: a full carbon fiber frame with their top-tier HMX carbon fiber as featured on their 900 RC spec; or the HMF carbon fiber front triangle with 6061 aluminum swingarm that is featured on all other builds, which saves some money at the expense of some gained weight.

Build specs range from the entry level 930 (EU only) at €5,199/£4,499, through to the 900 RC I was fortunate to test at $9,999/€9,999/£8,599. For North America, builds start from the $5,999/€5,999/£5,199 920 Spec. Scott also offers a women’s-specific model in the Ransom Contessa 910.

The 900 RC is equipped with a desirable build spec, but with considerations made to keep it sensible and ready to hit the race circuit. Suspension duties are handled by Fox, with their Factory level 38 170mm fork and the same Float X NUDE Factory shock that’s shared across the range. The groupset is the full SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, except Scott opted to equip the AXS Rocker shifter opposed to the standard AXS POD. The brakes are SRAM’s Code Stealth Ultimate, with their thicker HS2 rotors to maximize stopping power and heat resistance. The RaceFace Turbine R 30 wheelset is wrapped in a Maxxis Assegai EXO+ MaxxGrip and Dissector DD MaxxTerra combo.

Rounding out the spec is a selection of parts from Scott’s in-house component sister brand, Syncros. The cockpit is an integrated combo with their Hixon iC Carbon bar and stem; and the seatpost is their Duncan dropper with generous lengths across the size range, which is topped with their Tofino 1.5 saddle. Syncros and Acros partnered to produce the Angle adjust and cable routing headset system, offering ±0.6° head tube angle adjustment. Total bike weight tipped the scales at a reasonable 15.6kg/34.4lbs for the size large tested.

THE DIRT

The time spent with Scott at their press camp in Santa Coloma De Farners (near Barcelona in Spain) last November involved some intense riding and some good time spent with Scott’s staff. Keen to showcase the small details they’d worked on to deliver the best product they could at the end of the day, it really helped to understand why the prices are as high as they are – Scott’s bikes are about as premium quality as it gets. Every question about the choices made during the development of their new enduro bike was justified with a multitude of different reasons, which left me without a doubt of the time and energy put into its design. But it was the riding that would provide the proof that their hard work was worth their while.

The result? The new Scott Ransom is a very impressive performer, both up and down the hill. Though I only had one and a half days riding unfamiliar terrain on the new bike, it took just seconds on the first descent to know they had created something excellent. I rode some great bikes in 2023, but the Ransom sticks its head out above the crowd, with similar levels of descending confidence, comfort and predictability as the excellent RAAW Madonna V2.2; but with a lower weight and more responsive pedaling platform.

The Ransom’s climbing performance maintains Scott’s high standards – they definitely know a thing or two about how to make a bike go uphill well. And though it is by no means a bike fit for Nino on the XC circuit, a combination of well-centered climbing geometry; a good pedaling platform, and a reasonable overall weight of 15.6kg for its class in this “properly spec’d” 900RC guise, gave zero complaints on the way up. The climbing performance was great with the shock fully open – especially for the enduro category – and with this sentiment the need for Scott’s Tracloc system on this bike was lost on me. I found myself using it simply because it was there, but if it were my bike I’d opt to go without it. Thankfully though, the new Ransom will fit just about every shock on the market (aside from the latest RockShox Vivid), and the Float X Nude shock should function the same as a standard Fox Float X in the descending mode. So, it’s not as if the performance is compromised to have the Tracloc system on this bike, but its slight weight penalty and the increased clutter are undeniable and the benefits are not sufficient in my eyes.

The Ramp Control setting of the Tracloc system offers the ability to increase the progression of the rear end to produce a “wall” of sorts and increase shock support. This could have been useful for some flowier or flatter sections of trail if it acted on both ends of the bike, but the shock-only change created an imbalance in the suspension. I was left with a more forward-pitched bias which didn’t feel too beneficial, and it led me to question its usefulness. I’d suggest the only riders who are going to find real benefit from the Tracloc system on the Ransom are those typically finding themselves on very extended and smooth climbs; those climbing the absolute chunkiest terrain very regularly and so demanding more pedal clearance; or for mid-race sprint efforts. Otherwise, my preference would be to simplify the bike.

Don’t let Tracloc’s limited usefulness for my riding style cloud the overall impression of the bike though. It f**king rips! The rear end delivers a great blend of traction, support and bottom out resistance. It gives only a touch more feedback than the most plush out there, and retains excellent control with the ability to generate speed through popping and pumping down trail. It took all of half a lap before I was yanking for blind natural trail gaps and leaving the brakes open until as late as I dared. The Ransom inspired aggressive riding from the outset and never once left me feeling unnerved or disappointed by its capabilities. There’s still enough agility retained thanks to its light weight and middling geometry to avoid it being a plow-only straight line fiend.

Looking at the pricing, there’s no denying that the 900 RC build I tested at $10k is a serious chunk of cash. Frame quality and the attention to detail throughout is just about as good as it gets, but taking a look at the build spec lineup that Scott is offering, I’d likely opt to spec down one or two levels as I don’t believe the performance is going to diminish spectacularly as a result. Looking at the 910 build, with its Performance Elite 38 fork and still solid Code RSC brakes and GX Eagle drivetrain, you’ll perhaps begin to notice the increase in weight overall when climbing or on mellow terrain, but you’re unlikely to have a penalty in the descending performance at all, so that $2k saving would make a lot of sense to me. That said, to obtain the maximum overall performance package, that 900 RC build is unlikely to leave most riders with anything at all to complain about.

The Wolf’s First Impression

The Scott Ransom 900 RC is a certified ripper, there’s no question about it. With descending confidence that rivals the best of them, combined with a relatively low overall weight and efficient pedaling platform; the performance level was truly stellar for its first couple of rides. The Tracloc system feels to be unnecessary for my preferences, but extended time on the bike will confirm that. When I say I’m looking forward to conducting a long-term review on this bike, I mean it more than ever. This could be the enduro bike to rule them all, but for now all I can say with certainty is that it’s very, very good.

Price: $9,999/£8,599
Website: Scott-sports.com

PRESS RELEASE

THE 2024 SCOTT RANSOM

Our latest version of ransom has been uncompromisingly engineered for maximum downhill performance and an all-time confidence inspiring ride. Killer geometry paired with a supernatural suspension kinematic result in a bike that doesn’t take “no” for an answer. Don’t hold yourself hostage, ride Ransom.

INTEGRATED SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY | 6-BAR LINKAGE

Suspension characteristics were the key driver in the development of the all-new Ransom as we looked to maximize the bike’s potential. At the core of the all-new Ransom sits a 6-bar linkage paired to our integrated suspension system, which provides us with the freedom to further refi ne suspension characteristics. With the Ransom’s suspension layout, you get a great pedaling platform, incredible grip when braking and fantastic support when giving it the beans.

All suspension design is a game of balances. Traditionally there are trade-off s to be made between Leverage Ratio, Anti Squat and Anti Rise and how these affect the frame structure and frame layout itself. The 6-bar allows us to choose exactly how the suspension performs, providing us greater control to tune each parameter independently from each other resulting in fewer compromises and a better control of the balance. By looking at the bike as a system, this flexibility allows us to engineer this sweet spot between suspension performance, efficient load transfer and an optimized frame layout.

Looking at the 2024 Ransom lineup, the platform features our NUDE Suspension technology with the Float-X NUDE shock from FOX custom tuned for the Ransom’s kinematic and paired with bearing hardware. When you pedal up to have the most fun on the way down, you want a shock that gives you full factory performance when things point downwards, but also a shock that won’t slow you down when you need to ride back up. This is where the Float-X NUDE shines.

Furthermore, the new Ransom is fully compatible with a wide range of coil and air shocks which are aligned inside the downtube giving a super low center of gravity, particularly important for the enduro segment where larger, heavier shocks are common.

COMPATIBLE SHOCK OPTIONS

• FOX | FLOAT X, FLOAT X2, DHX, DHX2
• ROCKSHOX | SUPERDELUXE AIR
• OHLINS | TTX22 COIL, TTX2 AIR
• MARZOCCHI | BOMBER AIR & COIL

FRAME CONSTRUCTION

Developed as a bike for demanding gravity use, the Ransom’s frame layout features meticulously engineered structural strength. The central Bottom-Bracket area is inherently one of the stiffest areas of each frame on which the highest forces and loads act. Centering kinematic and suspension here allows us to use the area’s further reinforced structure for double duty; reacting to both pedaling loads and suspension loads. Being able to spread load transfer in each frame element evenly provides the Ransom with its natural strength, without the need to reinforce or oversize tubes.

VERSATILITY

As today’s requirements are so versatile and riding preferences diff er from rider to rider, adjustability became an essential part of a bike’s development process to ensure the ride experience can be adapted according to personal preferences or different racetrack conditions.

As is the case with many of our mountain bikes, head tube angle is adjustable. This allows for adapting to terrain and riding style. Choose between a steeper setup for increased responsiveness at lower speeds and maneuverability through slower, tighter, and more technical terrain, and a slacker angle for stability descending at higher speeds and confidence in steep terrain. The bike comes with headset cups that allow you to choose between a 65.0- or 63.8-degree head angle. All models are also shipped with additional neutral headset cups allowing for a 64.4-degree head tube angle.

Featuring 29” wheels as standard, the Ransom can be ridden with a 27.5” rear wheel setup. Easily customized by using a simple flip chip, the bike is ready for 27.5” wheels in the rear depending on each rider’s preference.

The horizontal shock position makes for easy shock access and allows us to spec even longer dropper posts (180mm on size medium.)

DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

But that’s not all by a long shot. The clever integration of features into the overall concept provides the decisive advantage in the performance battle for seconds on the racetrack or chasing dream laps in the bike park with your friends.

1. SETTING SAG
   Setting sag and checking travel use is easier than ever before with the new Ransom. An external indicator on the link allows the end user to
   easily set themselves. No need to take out ruler to calculate sag, just sit on the bike as you would for a normal sag test and check what the dial
   says.
2. SHOCK ACCESS
   Accessing the integrated shock is just a button away. The downtube cover that is featured on all Ransom models provides access and protection in the same way. The cover is easily removable – just push the button, pop off the cover and shock access is granted. The opening is spacious, making everything maintenance related and cable routing much easier. The same applies for removing the shock itself. A window on the main part of the frame gives direct access to the shock bolt holding the shock in its position.
3. INTERNAL STORAGE
   The easy access to the inner frame frees further possibilities: Fully integrated in the down tube is the Syncros Matchbox Kit, which contains a Spare tube, Tire levers, Chain Tool and Multitool; This very clean and functional solution is easy to pull out and stow again ensuring one always has the necessary items in case of a trail side mechanical.