Scott Ransom 2024

Happiness is … primarily, of course, when everything is right with and within the family. When everything at home is running smoothly, I can also immerse myself in other projects from time to time, which make me happy.
Or possibly unhappy? Because honestly: When I was invited in late autumn 2023 to travel to Catalonia as a representative for Bikeboard, to report on Scott's product launch of the new Ransom coming to market in February 2024, new Ransom, I was not so sure about my suitability as a test rider.
In the Enduro sector, as experienced eyes might also recognize from the helmet model I wear, I do not necessarily see my greatest strengths in mountain biking. But one tries. And learns. And develops.
So, I booked the flight to Barcelona and back. Thanks at this point to NoPain, who gently nudged me in the right direction. And after all: I deliberately left my one-piece at home ...

The invitation was to Santa Coloma de Farners near Girona. There, local trail fans have largely on their own initiative set up a large bike park that is really worth a visit. The routes are so close together or intersect so frequently that it is also helpful for locals to check on their phones every now and then where they are wandering around, so as not to accidentally take a wrong turn.
Additionally, I was lucky to escape from rainy Vienna with around 6 degrees Celsius maximum temperature to a truly late-summer Catalonia despite November. All in all, perfect conditions for the launch.

A modernized Ransom was presented, featuring revised geometry and new kinematics.
We remember: A bike by this name first saw the light of day in 2006. It made a huge impact with its lightweight 160 mm of travel, the voluminous Equalizer shock, and its potent downhill performance despite good pedaling efficiency.
In 2019, the Ransom made its comeback, this time as a robust 170 mm travel enduro with the TwinLoc suspension system and variable wheel size.

Just like its predecessors, the 2024 Ransom is clearly designed as an enduro bike. And in its new guise, I am assured, even more downhill-oriented than the older models.
Here, Scott remains true to its philosophy of equipping new models with more downhill qualities, without forgetting that every downhill starts at the top of the mountain - and this "top" wants to be reached without constantly relying on lifts or other means of ascent.

Speaking of philosophy: With the new Ransom, it is also proven that even shocks for 170 mm of travel can be hidden within the frame.
So, joining the Spark and Genius, a third full-suspension bike now belongs to the long-travel faction, with the shock inside the frame. Scott calls this design "All Integrated.

Geometry

The modern geometry with a steep seat angle of 77.4° (size L) and a flatter steering angle of 63.8° ensures safety during downhill and the necessary central seating position during uphill.
In conversation with the Scott designers, I learn that they did not blindly follow the common longer-slacker-steeper credo, but paid special attention to a balanced equilibrium of factors.

For the individualists among us: The head angle can be varied by those with some technical skills using angled or (included in the delivery) neutral headset cups independently between 63.8/64.4/65 degrees. This allows for the personal preferences of the riders and the varying requirements of the trails to be accommodated.
Those who like riding with a 27.5 inch rear wheel can do so with the Ransom as well. A flip chip on the chainstay makes it possible. Simply flip the metal plate in the oblong hole, mount the smaller wheel, and off you go. I haven't tried it out, but I even trust myself to flip the flip chip without help.

Since Enduro riders often swear by "their" shocks, the Ransom is compatible with various shock absorbers. Thus, according to the table, brands from Fox, RockShox, Ohlins, and Marzocchi can be retrofitted.

Suspension Options

The Fox Float X Nude shock, which is installed on the test bike, the 900RC, in the exclusive Factory version unlike all other equipment variants, can be operated from the handlebars via the TracLoc lever and allows three settings: Open, using the full range of the shock. In the middle position, the shock gets a bit more progression. This can be helpful in the bike park during fast downhill rides. The third option further tightens the response and is intended for uphill.

On the frame, there are two removable flaps that provide generous access to the shock absorber and the internally routed Bowden cables.
Of course, having the shock absorber inside does not make working with the cables easier, but if you are reasonably skilled and never forget to connect new parts with the old ones before pulling them out, changing should not present a big problem.

Moreover, the larger flap located at the bottom of the frame also offers some protection for the frame. Twice I have loudly bottomed out there on larger steps. A check did not even reveal a scratch on the flap.
Also accessible by removing the cover is a puncture repair kit hidden in the downtube, the Synchros Matchbox Kit. It includes at least a tube, a tire lever, and a multitool including a chain tool.

At the front, the 900 RC uses the highly adjustable Fox 38 Float Factory fork. I didn't really have time to play around with the setup; but the fork was obviously perfectly tuned for me by the Scott mechanics. I can't fault it, neither uphill nor downhill.
My attempts at jumping never put the Fox in a tight spot, just as fast rough sections were easily manageable. Uphill, it integrated nicely into the overall picture: I had traction on the front wheel in tight, sandy curves, and there was also very little bobbing.

Tech Specs Ransom 900 RC

Another very, very important piece of the puzzle are the wheels and tires. What good is the best frame, if I were to install a road wheelset? I know, it's a bit far-fetched, it's just meant as a thought experiment.
For the test bike, the rims came from Race Face, specifically the robust Turbine R30 made of 6069 aluminum with a 30 mm internal width. The rubbers were provided by Maxxis, the Assegai in front with a 2.5 inch width, and the Dissector in the rear, 2.4 inches wide, of course, tubeless. For me, this combination was the perfect carefree option. No matter how hard I turned, no matter how I landed after a jump, no matter how steep it was: I always had grip and never felt that the wheels could fail in their service.

The Ransom 900 RC is consistently rounded off by top-notch components: It shifts with the Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission and brakes with the Sram Code Ultimate 4-piston brake.
The saddle with titanium rails, the retractable seat post (consistently: Duncan 1.5S), and the grips are, as usual for Scott, supplied by their own brand Syncros.
Last but not least, the handlebar-stem unit, also from Syncros, should be mentioned. It is not only very, very beautiful but also offers a lot of safety because there are only the mounting screws on the steerer tube. In my understanding, additional screws between the handlebar and stem are just potential break points, which do not exist with the Hixon iC cockpit.

Initially, four equipment packages will come to market with non-binding recommended retail prices ranging from €5,199 to €9,999, with a women's variant of the 910, identical in equipment except for the saddle and with a different paint job, also being offered with a reduced size range (S, M, L instead of S-XL).

The spearhead is the already extensively reviewed Ransom 900 RC at a just four-digit price. The Ransom 910 or Contessa Ransom 910 costs €7,999 and comes with a Fox 38 Float Performance Elite fork, electronic Sram GX Eagle gearing, Sram Code RSC 4-piston brakes, Syncros Revelstoke 2.0 wheelset, and weighs 15.7 kg.
For exactly €2,000 less, there's the Ransom 920, which relies on a RockShox Zeb Select+ for suspension, shifts with a Sram NX with SX-Trigger, and slows down with Sram DB8 4-piston brakes, rolling on Syncros Revelstoke 2.5 wheels. Starting from this price range, one has to forego the beautiful, one-piece Hixon Carbon cockpit in favor of a two-piece aluminum version – resulting in a weight of 16.4 kg according to the manufacturer.
And the entry into enduro fun starts with the Ransom 930 at €5,199 and 16.7 kg. Here, RockShox's Domain R fork, Shimano's Deore group including 4-piston brakes, and a combination of Formula CL hubs plus Syncros X-30S rims are intended to provide refined off-road enjoyment.

Positively, I would highlight the relative ease with which you can reach the top end of the trails despite 170 mm of suspension travel on the new Ransom. Then, heading in the opposite direction, I know my limits quite well. I was pleased with how far I could push these limits into the previously unimaginable in Catalonia.
This was made possible by the interplay of the puzzle pieces described above: Integrated damping, sophisticated kinematics, perfectly balanced geometry, and harmonious equipment.

Since I am not the most talented when it comes to service and maintenance, I would consult a professional in a timely manner before I break something, especially regarding fine-tuning. However, I am sure that changes to the setup - keyword geometry, suspension settings - or various repair or renewal tasks such as cable routing can also be done on one's own.

And have I actually become a gravity fan now? I would like to answer that based on the words of a friend: "Without the support of an enduro bike, many things are still possible. But it's more dangerous and much less fun."