Scott Voltage eRIDE 2024

I'll admit it: During the last report from the presentation of the Scott Ransom, I told a little lie.
It was true that I was invited to Catalonia in November 2023. It was also true that the brand new Ransom 2024 was presented in quite a feudal setting. Moreover, it was true that I was quite thrilled with the bike, and also a bit proud of myself for being able to somewhat tame an Enduro.
I lied about the number of new models that were tested in Santa Coloma de Farners: There were actually two. On the one hand, the Ransom, and on the other, a complete newcomer named Voltage.

This product designation was reserved for dirt bikes at Scott in the past. Therefore, I was quite worried before the launch about whether I would survive the trip to the south unscathed.
To my relief: From 2024, a light-motor-assisted All Mountain at Scott's can be called that. The exact name is Scott Voltage eRIDE.

As a brief characterization, one could write that it is a suspension-wise upgraded Lumen - or rather, in my eyes more fittingly due to the characteristics of the bike, the further development or electrification of the Scott Genius. If anyone would like to interject that there has been something like this in the form of the Genius eRIDE for years: Yes, indeed. But I am referring to the current, fully integrated Genius.
The geometry and shock of the Voltage essentially correspond to the modernized 150-mm fully for 2023, with quite interesting innovations and expanded by a so-called lightweight motor (instead of the Bosch Performance CX operating in the Genius eRIDE).

Of course, in the Voltage eRIDE, the shock and battery are installed within the frame. Also, the drive, a TQ motor, is discreetly connected to the crank and is not really noticeable at first glance. Moreover, this little powerhouse is so quiet that you can no longer hear it in operation, as soon as the gravel crunches a bit... I can already imagine the indignant reactions to the Voltage eRIDE: "If I use an e-bike, I want to be recognized and heard as an e-biker!"
If you look closely, you can see the subtle differences between a Genius and the Voltage eRIDE. The latter has a bit more suspension travel: 160 mm at the front (with the exception of the two entry-level models, which only have 150 forks), 155 at the rear. The lower cover is naturally larger and "dual-doored". In addition, the geometry has been slightly modified, as the motor also had to find a place somewhere. The weight of the Twentyniner, depending on the equipment package, is around 19 kg.

A transparent show frame reveals the hiding spots for the shock, motor, and battery. The battery is firmly screwed into the downtube. The light and compact motor design, consisting of only a few individual parts, is built around the bottom bracket, making the motor virtually invisible.
The shock, finally, is positioned similarly to the Genius: upside down, just in front of the motor or crank. Everything has its place, and clever routing ensures that it stays that way. The shock is surrounded by a plastic cover to prevent any cable from getting pinched. The cable of the dropper post is laid in plastic guides, securing its position.

The electronic Sram transmission, if included in the equipment package, is powered by the large battery. This eliminates the need to charge the small battery directly at the transmission or even the need for the mini battery itself. On the other hand, this requires an additional cable in the frame: the connection large battery - derailleur.
Everything is, as already mentioned, perfectly constructed. However, I am concerned about how accessible the parts are for repairs, or how easily they can be replaced if necessary. The experts assure me that this is indeed feasible.

Back to the motor! Most of the time I choose the Eco mode. Only for steep steps do I switch up. The Mid mode helps me over almost everything, the High mode surprises me with its performance. For me, that's already too much support. Of course, my previously described experience with eBikes plays a significant role here.
It is extremely positive to note that there is no pushing forward with the TQ motor. It recognizes the pedal position, is also a watt meter, and responds to the cadence, up to 140 revolutions per minute. From this information, the motor derives the appropriate support, up to the predetermined limit. I observe this on the display. There, you have the possibility to read your own watts and the support from the motor. The whole thing works very intuitively and reliably.

I find it very reassuring and nice that not every driving error is corrected by the motor. The right choice of line, even uphill, helps decisively. So, at the key section, I chose the wrong line and, despite the support of the TQ and my years of experience on the bike, can do nothing more than just manage to avoid an embarrassing fall to the side. Unlike most of my colleagues, I did not ride through the test course.

Voltage 900 Tuned

The range extender, or additional battery, which we are allowed to use on the afternoon of the first day, is quite practical. Especially practical because it resembles a 500-ml drinking bottle and can be mounted with an adapter instead of the second drinking bottle. It weighs 900 grams and provides 160 Wh.
For those who haven't counted: Without the extender, two drinking bottles fit in the frame. I think that's very good!

The 900 Tuned was reviewed. At the beginning, I had some trouble properly maneuvering the 18.6 kg. Soon, however, I adjusted quite well to the bike.
Once again, I was surprised at how the bike masters difficulties if you just let it. Thanks to the hefty Maxxis Assegai 2.6 at the front and the Maxxis Dissector 2.6 at the back, lack of grip was never an issue.
Due to the constant landing after small jumps on flat terrain, my wrists hurt a little. Otherwise, the Piggy Back shock and the multi-adjustable fork smoothed out all obstacles in the way.
Thanks to the low center of gravity, the bike stuck to the ground, and I never felt like I was losing control of the bike when going down and up smaller steep steps.

The main innovations in the Voltage frame are the slightly altered dimensions and an extender in the linkage.
The geometry is more focused on downhill. The head angle of the Voltage is 63.9°, but it can be increased by 1° by rotating the angled bearing cups. Neutral cups for a final result of 64.5° are also included in the scope of delivery. The seat angle measures 77.1° across all sizes from S to XL.
Often, it's the small things that make a difference. The new linkage, as mentioned, has an extender, which ensures that the shock has space for the motor and sits lower, which in turn has a positive effect on downhill, keyword lower center of gravity and better response.

Geometry

The Voltage will be available in six variants, all based on the same Carbon HMF frame. The entry-level models Voltage eRIDE 920 and Contessa Voltage eRIDE 910, the variant for women, can be purchased for €6,599,- RRP. Both models will shift with a combination of Shimano Deore and XT and will decelerate with the Sram DB8 4-piston brake. Suspension is provided by the Marzocchi Z2 Air Rail fork with 150 mm of travel and the Fox Float Custom EVOL Performance shock.

Paying exactly €600 more will get you either the eRIDE 910 or the Contessa eRIDE 900. Here, the suspension components, and thus also the front suspension travel (160 mm), are upgraded. The Fox Float Rhythm Air suspension fork and the Fox Nude 6T EVOL Trunnion ensure that roots and rocks pose no problem for both MTBs.

For the top models, you'll need to dig a bit deeper into your pocket. The 900 SL is offered for a handsome €12,999,- but is also the only model that includes the range extender. The 900 SL is naturally equipped with the finest parts: The Fox 36 Float Factory Air Kashima FIT4 will provide damping at the front, the Fox Nude 6T Factory EVOL Trunnion will do its job at the rear. Shifting will be handled by the Sram XX Eagle AXS Transmission, and the Syncros Revelstoke 1.0S will serve as the wheelset.

The 900 Tuned, my favorite if money were no object, is offered for €10,999. It will be the only model equipped with a dual chamber shock, the Fox Float X Nude Shock. The Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission will handle the shifting, and braking on both top models will be done with the Sram Code 4 Piston. Additionally, these models share the very pretty Syncros Hixon iC Carbon handlebar/stem unit with a width of 780 mm.

In summary, I was surprised at how easy the transition to the E-bike or the transformation into an E-biker was. On the first day, we climbed 1,600 meters in altitude without significant fatigue on my part. Uphill, the Voltage takes cues from lightweight hardtails, while downhill, it behaves like a genuine all-mountain bike. With this light E-bike, you can safely navigate over roots and rocks, and even during downhill, you always have reserves for when things get tricky.

To conclude with Dan's claim that the Voltage is an eMTB for beginners, yes, if this assessment is based less on riding technique, budget, or previously accumulated pedal revolutions, but rather on the mindset regarding the need for support: The TQ motor offers support but does not replace pedaling on your own.