WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE SCOTT RANSOM 900 RC
The Ransom is Scott’s enduro mountain bike, targeted at offering capability for challenging downhill trails with efficiency for the climbs thanks to its TracLoc remote suspension switch. With 170mm on both ends and the ability to convert between dual-29” or MX wheels, the Ransom promises maximum downhill performance for rowdy enduro trails.
FRAME AND FEATURES | The Scott Ransom is feature packed with intricate engineering throughout. Most notable is the Integrated Suspension Technology, which conceals the rear shock inside the front triangle to obtain a range of benefits to functionality and aesthetics. Depending on the model selected, there’s a HMX full Carbon Fiber frame, or a lower HMF Carbon grade front triangle with alloy rear triangle frame on offer.
With the low shock placement, the center of gravity of the bike is dropped for improved handling. There are benefits to structural efficiency due to the support surrounding the shock, minimizing the reinforcement required and improving the alignment of the suspension under load. The shock is protected from the elements for longer service life, yet adjustments are no more difficult thanks to the large removable shock cover which gives direct access to the valve and dials and can accommodate a wide range of rear shock options.
Scott worked to ensure good seatpost insertion depth, maximizing the dropper post travel with clearance for a 180mm post on a size medium. Cables are routed neatly around the shock with custom internal guides, and protection is well executed throughout to keep the frame running quietly and safe from damage. Within the front triangle there’s space for a large water bottle; and provisions are made to store a spare tube and tools neatly inside the frame.
Adjustable on the Ransom frame is the head tube angle thanks to the angle-adjustable headset cups (with angle settings from 65 to 63.8 degrees), and the rear wheel size thanks to a 2-position flip chip (between 29” and 27.5”).
SUSPENSION | For this generation of Ransom, Scott moved to their Integrated Suspension Technology system, but with a 6-Link configuration to control the kinematic parameters instead of the four-bar setup found on models like the Genius. With this 6-Link setup, there’s more complexity visually, but it allowed Scott to obtain the suspension characteristics they desired.
Leverage ratio progression comes in at 28%, making it equally happy to run an air or coil sprung shock. Pedaling support is high, sitting around 100% at sag in the largest cassette cogs and increasing progressively to 140% in the sprinting gears. Anti Rise is fairly low, rising from 60 to 70% through the Ransom’s travel to deliver ample geometry preservation but plentiful suspension sensitivity when braking.
Scott equips the Ransom with their TracLoc system to control the custom Fox Float X NUDE rear shock. With the three-position bar-mounted TracLoc lever, the NUDE shock can be set to Open/Descend, Ramp Control or Climb modes. Ramp Control reduces the shock air volume to produce a more progressive shock that offers support earlier in the travel, giving more reward to pumping efforts. Climb mode introduces a pedaling platform through increased suspension damping to increase efficiency when climbing on smoother terrain.
With the custom Fox Float X NUDE Factory EVOL shock, low speed compression and rebound adjustments are retained to fine tune the handling characteristics. These are easily accessed by removing the downtube cover, letting you get the Ransom dialed in quickly. The shock shares most of the same architecture and parts as a typical Fox Float X, ensuring easy servicing. And for riders with their own suspension brand or model preference, a wide range of shocks will fit the Ransom and it is not necessary to run the TracLoc system.
GEOMETRY | Scott offers the Ransom in sizes Small to XL, with Reach figures from 428mm to 508mm. All are equipped with a pair of 29” wheels as standard, but can all be configured as a mullet setup with a replacement rear wheel thanks to the wheel size flip chip. This chip maintains the geometry aside from the chainstay length, which reduces to 432mm.
The majority of geometry figures are well selected for an aggressive enduro bike, but the chainstay length is one point of contention. With a consistent 440mm across the size range, some taller riders seeking a more centered weight bias may feel as if the rear end is slightly shorter than desired. On the size large, this chainstay delivered a fine blend of agility and stability to keep me happy. That said, I’d love to have the option to extend it for certain tracks or when running a mixed wheel setup (which I believe should have a longer rear end, not shorter).
BUILD SPECS | Scott recently updated the build kits available on the Ransom in the UK and Europe, but these aren’t currently showing in North America. The new 2025 builds offer improved components for reduced RRP’s in general – the new Ransom 900 RC is a true flagship model featuring Fox Podium fork; SRAM Maven SLV brakes and Schwalbe Radial tires, yet retails for nearly €2,500 less than the existing 900 RC we tested. Build kits in the UK and Europe range from the new 920 at £4,599 / €3,899 to the Fox Podium-equipped MY26 900 RC for £8,849 / €7,599. In the USA, the models released in 2024 retail from the $5,999 920 to $9,999 for the 900 RC we tested.
The 2024/2025 Scott Ransom 900 RC we tested is still a top-tier enduro machine. It features a FOX 38 Float Factory fork – albeit with the Grip 2 damper – and a FOX Float X NUDE Factory EVOL shock. Shifting is handled by the SRAM X01 T-Type drivetrain, while SRAM Code RSC brakes with 200mm HS2 rotors slow things down.
RaceFace Turbine R 30 wheels are wrapped with Maxxis Assegai EXO+ and Dissector DD tires. The cockpit is the Syncros Hixon iC Carbon integrated handlebar and stem, which provides a futuristic look and low weight, but felt a little stiffer than desired and removed the ability to adjust bar roll and rise.
Rounding out the specs, Syncros’s travel-adjustable Duncan 1.5S dropper seatpost – 210mm on L and XL – is topped with their Tofino 1.5 saddle. On the left size of the bar, Scott’s TracLoc remote controls both dropper post actuation and the rear suspension Ramp Control and CLIMB modes with a 3-lever arrangement.
As stock, the size large Scott Ransom 900 RC MY25 weighed in at 15.72kg (34.7lbs).
THE DIRT
We took our time with this test, ensuring we logged plentiful miles to test the durability of the Ransom and rode it across a wide variety of terrain. From bikepark ripping to big pedal days, the Scott Ransom saw it all, and it took it all in its stride.
SETUP | Getting the Scott Ransom set up was no more difficult than a more conventional bike design. Removing the downtube guard with a quick button press, all the shock adjustments were exposed and easy to access. The sag guide around the bottom bracket area then gave an easy and accurate indication of sag setup. No need to get the measuring tape out!
After some experimentation, I settled on 35% sag for the Ransom’s rear end according to the sag indicator. This is closer to 30% sag on the shock shaft, which would typically be the sweet spot for an enduro mountain bike. Because there is the ability to firm up the rear end with increased air spring support in the Ramp Control setting and a stiff pedaling platform in the climb setting, I even found myself opting to go down to the 37% sag range on the most extended rough and rowdy enduro days, to obtain maximum comfort with minimal penalty. The Float X shock and 28% compression combined to offer enough support to keep harsh bottom out events to a minimum even in this heavily sagged setting.
The only setup challenge was with the Syncros Hixon IC cockpit, which didn’t provide the comfort that I desired. Though it’s light and sleek, it felt a little harsh through the hands and the geometry wasn’t quite to my preference. As such, Scott sent me a Syncros stem which I mated to some familiar Burgtec alloy RideWide Enduro bars, and instantly the cockpit comfort improved.
In the interest of thorough testing I set about converting the set up to a mixed-wheel configuration, however there was an issue with the hardware in this particular frame that prevented it from being possible. Researching the Ransom and speaking to a Scott dealer confirmed that this was a rare occurrence. That said, I think the 29” wheel configuration is going to perform better for all but the most playful riders, since the shorter chainstay combined with smaller rear wheel is going to drastically change the balance of the bike.
Speaking of balance, it’s disappointing to see a non-adjustable chainstay length that’s fixed across the size range – if the mid-length 440mm chainstay works for you, then great, but it’d be nice to see scaling rear center lengths or adjustability as found on the new Gambler.
CLIMBING | If you opted to never use the TracLoc system, the Scott Ransom would still be a solid climber in its category. With low overall build weights, well selected pedaling geometry and a good level of pedaling support that scales to match rider force input as you drop down the cassette, it’s an excellent climbing machine. Add in the easily utilized climb mode offered by the TracLoc system for smoother ascents, and you’ve got a mountain bike that’s extremely happy to cover ground.
The stock tire setup was well selected for drier conditions, but with the majority of test time spent in the often wet Tweed Valley, Scotland, they were swapped for a more aggressive Continental Argotal front and Krypototal RE rear. This decreased the rolling efficiency but ultimately delivered a good boost to the traction, both up and down the hill.
DESCENDING | A good climbing enduro bike is all fine and well, but it’s no use if it suffers on the way down the hill as a result. With the Ransom though, Scott has managed to inject their efficient pedaling notoriety without detracting from the capability on the way down. It doesn’t have the same trail-muting abilities of the most planted enduro bikes out there. But it has a liveliness and eagerness for speed, which is backed with stellar traction and support when pushing hard.
It’s really impressive that Scott has managed to bring so much energy to a 170mm travel 29” wheeled enduro bike without a resulting feeling of vulnerability. You can get wild on the Ransom without it asking any questions, but don’t pay a price in the fun factor on mellower trails or when cruising. On these mellower trails, a quick press of the intuitive TracLoc remote can get you into the Ramp Control mode for a boost to the platform feeling, or the almost locked Climb setting for maximum speed pumping through smooth rollers or hammering the power.
The only mild concern came from the wheelset at times, with a slight “hollowness” to their feel and some notable resonance following certain impacts. This likely stemmed from the unbraced nature of the 28 spokes, allowing more flex than typical for a wheelset in this class. They held up well, but the noise and occasionally vague feeling produced some minor concerns at times.
MAINTAINING THE SCOTT RANSOM | With headset cable routing, the hidden shock and 6-bar suspension setup, and extra cabling to the rear shock, many riders are likely to be concerned about maintenance on the Scott Ransom.
Some of these concerns are justified. Headset cable routing has undeniable compromises, with water more likely to enter into the headset bearings and more complicated maintenance when certain tasks are performed. With plastic headset components often comes issues with creaking and coming loose, but these never presented during the test. Extra cables make for extra potential headaches and rattles, but these didn’t occur during testing either.
Contrary to expectation, shock access is arguably easier, and removal and refitting wasn’t problematic either. Scott has done a good job at covering all the details and making maintenance as easy as possible with the Ransom’s design, and it likely wouldn’t prevent me from considering purchasing the bike if I was in the market. The quality of everything was high, and access to get tools and hardware into the necessary spots was well considered.
FINISH AND VALUE | With the release of the MY26 specs in the UK and Europe, the Scott Ransom’s value proposition rocketed. If we look at RRP on the 900 RC MY25 build tested, it’s hard to look past the price tag. The newer build kits bring the pricing into a more reasonable space, where the premium nature of the Ransom’s HMX carbon frame and build kit begin to feel quite appealing to a prospective buyer.
Everything held up well on the Ransom, and aside from the rare issue with the 27.5” flip chip position in this particular frame (which would be fixed under warranty), there was nothing to suggest any durability or quality concerns. The Ransom ran quietly, stayed tight, and generally made for a very pleasant enduro machine to hit the trails without any concern or drama.
Looking across the size range, the fixed chainstay is going to yield a different weight distribution across the size range, with an increasingly rearward bias as you go up the sizes. The size Large was fairly well balanced, but some riders may seek a longer chainstay setting for ultimate “between the wheels” balance, especially on the XL. Shorter riders may be best served by the 27.5” setting for the small frame size, but Scott stands by 29” as the ultimate solution for the Ransom’s intentions.
COMPONENT REPORT
Race Face Turbine R 30 Wheelset | These Race Face wheels exhibited strange flex and noise characteristics, but ultimately performed solidly and stayed true and free from dents for the test duration.
SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes | Now superceded by the Maven in SRAM’s lineup, these were still a solid performing brake, albeit not quite matching the power of the Mavens.
Syncros Hixon iC Bar/Stem | I understand the appeal of the integrated cockpit for a top-tier bike, however combining the high stiffness with non-adjustable geometry left me seeking improved comfort.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE?
SCOTT RANSOM 900 RC vs RAAW MADONNA V2.2
Compared to what I would still consider the pinnacle of Enduro mountain bikes I’ve tested – the Raaw Madonna V2.2 – the Scott Ransom 900 RC offers a competitive machine, albeit with a much different character on the trail.
The quality presented by both machines is high, though the Scott would win if “sleek” and “futuristic” are your desires, whereas the RAAW takes it on no-nonsense functionality. Both are extremely capable bikes when pushed hard downhill and both have solid climbing positions. The RAAW is the easier bike to ride at your limit, though the Scott boasts improved efficiency and agility. With the RAAW, you’ll want to utilize a climb switch or electronic suspension, whereas the Scott would climb more efficiently even without the TracLoc system.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Scott Ransom is an excellent enduro mountain bike, though the 900 RC MY25 build carries a premium price tag at RRP that leaves it behind in value proposition. MY26 models have a more affordable RRP with better spec, and are likely to further elevate its performance, making it a serious contender in the enduro market if the integration and geometry suit your wants and needs. 
Price: £8,849 / €7,599 (900 RC 2025)
Weight: 15.72kg / 34.7lbs
Website: Scott-sports.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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