SCOTT PATRON eRIDE 900 REVIEW

THE DIRT

SETUP | With all of the integration in place in the Patron, it would be easy to assume the setup would be more tricky than normal, however Scott does a good job at covering the details to make it no more difficult. The neatly integrated sag measuring marks help offset any trickiness produced by the hidden, internal shock, and popping the cover to reveal the shock is simple with good access to attach a shock pump or turn the dials. We found the shock setup to be very important on the Patron eRide. On our first ride out we were quite underwhelmed with how harsh and stiff the bike felt with 30% sag. We increased air pressure until we got about 25% sag and it was as if the light switch was turned on. Instantly the bike came alive and our speeds increased massively on our downhill test tracks.

ELECTRONICS & INTEGRATION | As futuristic as the Patron eRide looks, it still sports the Bosch Kiox 300 and LED Remote, which are a bit larger and less integrated than the bike deserves. The Patron was designed before Bosch’s neatly integrated Smart System controllers and integrated top tube displays so we understand why it’s so, but we can dream can’t we? The Kiox and LED Remote worked flawlessly however, and we had no real qualms in regards to performance. The integrated headset cable routing is fairly effective and proved to be trouble free, but there’s no denying that it can make cable or headset bearing replacement more tricky. The extra cables of the wired LED remote, Kiox 300 display, and TwinLoc system are managed fairly well considering the amount of them, but it’s still not the cleanest cockpit on test. Discerning audiophiles may notice that while the motor placement offers some benefits, the ventilation holes direct noise upwards, making it a bit louder to the person in the saddle.

CLIMBING | As a more trail-focused eMTB, it may not come as a surprise that the Scott Patron eRide is an excellent climber. The longer travel for its category makes for a comfortable platform for pedaling up through rougher terrain, and the TwinLoc system can quickly tailor the suspension platform to offer more support and efficiency, though we found ourselves rarely using the system. The geometry keeps substantial weight on the front wheel, letting you navigate steep portions of climb without issue, and the relatively steep head tube angle makes steep switchbacks and tight and twisty climbs easier to navigate. With the big battery and option to dial in a little more efficiency or maximize comfort, the Patron is undeniably one of the better bikes on test for crunching out big miles in the saddle, making it perfect for the long distance touring eMountain Bike crowd.

DESCENDING | With 160mm of travel front and rear, the Scott Patron eRide 900 would typically sit in the Enduro category, but we found a couple of key ingredients put this bike in the “Trail or All-mountain” kitchen as Scott intended. The two most notable factors to us are the lack of a reservoir-equipped shock and the 65-degree head tube angle. While these two factors will likely keep the bike out of contention on the gnarliest downhill tracks, or when trying to keep up with its big brother – the Ransom eRide – there are a ton of people who will be much better suited to this bike because of it. If high speeds and rough trails are your thing, don’t turn away just yet, because this bike will still get down!

Our test riders are firm believers in diversity in frame geometries as mountain bikers have entirely different preferences, terrain and skill sets. The lively and fast-handling head tube angle of the Patron combined with the long chainstays and comfortable reach and seat tube angle mean this bike is a blast on high speed trails with mellow gradients.

It was only on the steepest portions of trail or excessively chunky descents where we noticed the Scott Patron eRide fall behind. The rear shock would overheat and damping performance, especially in the rebound circuit would suffer. If you’re the type of rider who’s rarely in a full-face helmet but want to have a bike with longer travel to give you some added comfort and confidence, the Patron could be the bike for you. If you’re looking to self-shuttle yourself, we’d still whole-heartedly suggest the Ransom eRide as it’s got a bit more bounce to the ounce.

FINISH AND VALUE | The Scott Patron eRide is well put together, with a clean finish and some neat details. The spec package is well considered, giving us little to complain about aside from the questionable need for the TwinLoc system for our typical riding and preferences. We’d prefer to see the more adjustable Grip 2 damper in the fork, and a reservoir-equipped rear shock to handle aggressive descending a little better with minimal detriment to the climbing. For riders like ourselves, who favor descending capability over ultimate climbing efficiency, Scott offers an “ST” (Super Trail) version of the Patron eRide – the $6,999 St 910 – which uses an alloy frame, has a 170mm fork with Grip 2 damper, and beefier tires. If we were to buy a Patron for our typical riding, this is likely the route we would go down. Our Patron eRide 900 is now retailing for $8,499, which puts it in the “reasonable value” zone with its quality carbon frame and solid build kit, but falls short of some of the other bikes on test.

The Wolf’s Last Word

We sent the Patron plenty hard and deep on some big drops, double-black diamond downhill trails and felt it was more than capable and survived the beat down, it just wasn’t the place this bike wants to live day in and day out. The motor noise is a bit loud in the saddle due to the direction of sound from the drive unit vent holes, but to some it may not be a deal breaker. Similarly, we’d love to see the next gen Patron include some of Bosch’s sleeker displays and controls, but the integrated lights, Bosch drive unit, big battery and all around impressive performance still keep this bike on our list of recommended rides for a lot of riders.

WHO’S IT FOR?

For the vast majority of trails, and riders, we think the Scott Patron eRide 900 is a great option. We think it’s ideal for riders who want extra travel and safety without having the sluggish geometry of a more aggressive enduro eMTB. Whether you’re a newer rider, older rider who wants added confidence of big travel and nimble geo or a skilled trail shredder who doesn’t need a 64-degree head tube angle or reservoir shock for shorter descents or fast but smoother terrain, the Patron eRide is a pretty solid option. 

Price: $8,499
Weight: 55.3lbs
Website: Scott-sports.com

SCOTT PATRON eRIDE 900 SPECS

CHASSIS
Frame: Carbon Main Frame / Alloy SST-CST-Link | 160mm
Fork: FOX FLOAT 38 Performance Elite eMTB+ | FIT4 | 160mm
Shock: FOX NUDE T eRIDE EVOL

ELECTRONICS
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery: Bosch Powertube | 750Wh
Display: Bosch Kiox 300 / LED Remote

COCKPIT
Brakes: Shimano XT M8120 4-Piston | 203F/R
Handlebar: Syncros Hixon 1.5 Alloy 7050 | 12mm rise | 780mm wide
Stem: Syncros AM1.5 7050 Alloy | 31.8 diameter | S/M: 50mm, L/XL: 60mm
Seatpost: FOX Transfer Dropper | S:125mm | M/L:150mm | XL:175mm
Saddle: Syncros Tofino 1.5

WHEELS
Wheels: Syncros MD30 / Formula Hubs
Front Tire: Maxxis Dissector 29×2.6″ EXO+ | MaxxTerra
Rear Tire: Maxxis Dissector 29×2.6″ EXO+ | MaxxTerra

DRIVETRAIN
Cassette: Shimano XT M8100 | 10-51t | 12spd
Cranks: FSA CK-745 | 34t | 165mm
Shifter: Shimano XT M8100 | 12spd
Derailleur: Shimano XT | 12spd