R. Cunningham
Scott France, a well-known European mountain bike brand, has been almost absent from the US for nearly ten years. But not for too long. Scott was armed with a new carbon fibre technology called CR1 and announced its plans to return the US at a San Moritz, Switzerland press conference. The CR1 process creates tubes out of carbon fiber material. This is done by applying tension to the product. This, according to some reports, can have a dramatic impact on the final product’s strength and stiffness. Hot Chili was the mastermind behind this new technology. Peter Denk, the designer, and his carefully selected team of engineers. Scott Montgomery, who helped Cannondale to be recognized as an international brand and assembled its winning World Cup effort, will lead Scott USA’s return to North America.
THUMBNAIL TESTING: SCOTT France Genius RC
Genius RC Limited Edition weighs slightly more than 10kg ready to rock. The 4-inch-travel chassis shares the same carbon-composite front section and shock as the longer-travel MC. However, the rear section is lighter and the linkage ratio is different. Genius RC’s heart is its air/oil?pull-shock. A cable-operated handlebar lever switches the damper’s action to?lockout? ?full travel,? Or a stable-platform?traction? mode.
The RCs rear suspension uses an active four-bar system with four bars that tracks the terrain in all modes: acceleration, braking, and everything in between. Scotts XC racer uses a Fox F-100 inertia-valve tok up front. This makes it possible for Scotts XC to make explosive, out-of-the-saddle attempts without sacrificing energy or allowing for a more stable suspension travel.
Scott France didn’t stray far from the accepted cross-country frame geometry. However, its bottom bracket is slightly lower than most US designs. This is a great thing because you won’t have to snag pedals five times per lap on the RC. There are three price points for the Genius RC in Europe: the RC-20 and RC-10, as well as the RC Limited. The sizes are small, medium, and large. Prices are still being set for the US market. For more information and updates on availability, as well as a detailed description of the product line for 2004/2005, visit www.scottusa.com.
HOW THE GENIUS RC RIDES
You can change the shock control to « traction ». The Scott RC is able to feel confident on the track thanks to its shock control being switched to?traction? The Scott RC’s precise steering combined with its rigid chassis and plenty of suspension travel transform leg power into a forest carnival ride. Scott RC is faster than a racing hardtail and can climb, descend, and cover distances better than a hardtail. However, it retains the hardtail’s energetic, fresh feel under power.
?Comfortable? This is a relative description about the RCs ride. Because it will be competing at the World Cup, its suspension has been tuned to give a firm ride. Although the ride of the RCs is smoother than a racing hardtail, it’s still a little too harsh for most marathon runners and hardcore trail riders.
The RC corners and steers like a well-tuned cross-country platform. The RC can navigate through rock gardens easily without much effort from its pilot, and it makes quick work of tight switchbacks. The RC’s light weight makes it easy to jump over rocks and gaps without ripping its racing tires. The Scott RC is like all dual-suspension bikes in that it handles well from the middle of its cockpit. To negotiate difficult terrain, there is seldom a reason to shift your weight far behind the saddle.
HOW GOOD IS SCOTT USA’S GENIUS?RC?
The Genius RC can win cross-country races in stock mode, there is no doubt about that. It is hard to find a better racing bike, custom or otherwise, from any manufacturer. As Scott finalizes pricing and makes it available, we’ll keep you updated.
