The Circle City Bicycles blog contains info on bicycles, cycling events, pro racing, bicycle touring, and just about anything else cycling related. Since our bike shop is located in Indianapolis, we focus on biking in the Midwest, but cycling fans anywhere in the world should find this blog interesting. We try to post daily Monday through Friday, but we occasionally miss a day. Each Friday we try to have an interesting bicycle related photo.
The 2015 Scott Genius 900 Tuned Bible of Bike Tests Review
Light, Full Carbon, XTR Race Brakes, Sram XX1, Reverb Dropper Post, and a Great Fit Too.
The New SCOTT Genius 900 Tuned Series’ HMX Carbon Fiber Frame is one of the lightest full suspension frames on the market. The Tuned version comes fully equipped with a Custom FOX Nude Boost Valve shock, a Kashima Coated FOX 32 Float fork and our Patented TwinLoc technology, in combination with Traction Control, allowing for three travel/geometry settings to always optimize your ride. This is THE ultimate Trail bike.
This new shock is a completely new development with the most advanced air spring and damping system. It features positive air volume micro-adjust with replaceable volume reducers custom tuned for each model and size. Both travel modes have separate damper settings relative to their travel length and effective forces.
The Spark, Genius and Genius LT employ an adjuThe Spark, Genius and Genius LT employ an adjustable geometry by way of a shock mount chip in the linkage. By changing the shock mount chip--simply removing it and flipping it in either mounting position--you affect the bottom bracket height by 7mm, which also affects the head tube angle by 0.5 degrees.
Interchangeable and lightweight, the IDS-SL dropout system works with 142x12mm, 135x12mm and 135x5mm QR rear axle standards. Shred the turns more aggressively and with enhanced control, thanks to a laterally stiff rear end.
The SCOTT Solace 10 was designed to provide you with a perfect balance of comfort and performance on the roads. Its HMF Carbon Fiber frame was designed with two zones, a Power Zone and a Comfort Zone, in order to result in a stiff and responsive bike that will also keep you comfortable all day long- regardless of frame size.
The Solace is defined by a slightly shorter cockpit, and taller head tube to allow a more upright (and for a growing segment of riders = more comfortable) riding position without needing a stack of spacers. What’s not different is its geometry which is virtually the same as Scott’s Addict. The Solace’s chain stays are about 1mm longer, and the whole design is built to be snappy and responsive with a more comfortable ride than Scott’s FOIL and Addicts.
The frame is made from a blend of Scott’s HMF & HMX carbon fibers. Both are versions of high modulous carbon, known for its high tensile strength and thinner fibers that allow for less carbon use – and therefore weight savings, throughout the frame. HMX is even more high modulous than HMF, and is used in specific areas like the bottom bracket and head tube junctions, to add strength by adding more material, but helping to keep overall weight down.
The front fork has two roles in fact: control and comfort. The in-molded carbon dropouts connect the front wheel to that section of the lower fork blades that moves a tad bit more fore & aft to absorb (and smooth) the bumps before they reach you up there in the cockpit. The fork flexes to absorb energy and the larger / fatter portion of the fork blades is designed to limit that flex to the lower part of the fork and do a better job of keeping the front wheel in line (the further up the fork the flexing happens, the more the front wheel can come off line). The blades widen noticeably towards the top, eliminating flex and trading comfort for control and adding precision to the handling.
Like the Scott racers that came before the Solace, this one wants to go fast – and it wants you to make it go fast. Standing for climbing or sprinting yields as much acceleration as you are willing and able to give. The stability and predictable steering make for some inspired descents – again pretty much limited only by pilot skill.
It comes in five versions – the Solace 10, 20, 30, and the new for 2015 disk-braked 15 & 40 models, each with a different level of spec.
2015 Bikemag Bible of Bike Tests — Scott Contessa Spark 700 RC
This bike is a racehorse for ladies who eat carbon for breakfast,
regularly rock spandex and love going fast–uphill and down. While
perhaps not the most versatile bike of the bunch, it is very good at
what it does: Devour trail at an impressive rate.
The Spark comes equipped with a custom FOX Nude shock, and our Patented
TwinLoc technology, in combination with Traction Control, allowing for
three travel/geometry settings to always optimize your ride.
In the video, women were interviewed after a day of riding on the Scott Spark. They all seemed to agree that the bike performed very well with little to no adjustment necessary.
The girls typically used the middle setting of their three setting front fork suspension... suggesting that while they were amazed at the rigidity the lockout provided, that it was never actually needed.
One of the three girls said she rode the bike "full squish" the whole time, and claimed that it was still nice and responsive.
"Definitely just motors right up the hills"
"I'm not someone who cares about grips but I was like 'These are nice!' (...) I noticed them. Which I never do."
Scott did not apply a women's specific geometry to the Spark frame. For the taller girls that rode the bike, it wasn't an issue. The shortest of the girls felt a bit stretched out on the frame and that the bike felt a bit too big — but she still greatly enjoyed riding it.
The Contessa models get a shorter stem, narrower bar, wider saddle,
smaller-diameter grips. But it’s also worth noting, however, that the
shock tune on the Contesssa is adjusted for lighter-weight riders.
Other Tech:
Direct Post Mount
We've saved even more weight by eliminating bulky brake hardware for
mounting the rear caliper and integrated a direct post mount to the
chain stay. This mounting position also decreases the load the brakes
apply to the swingarm parts.
Twin Loc
Our patented Twin Loc technology now offers simultaneous control of rear
shock travel and fork lockout. The open position allows full travel,
front and rear. One click switches the rear shock to Traction mode,
while the fork remains fully active. Click again and rear shock and fork
lock at the same time. No other bike in the world offers this user
friendly system. Found on the Spark & Genius and Genius LT
models. Only available for Nude2 shocks on 2013 or previous year models.
Adjustable BB Height
The Spark, Genius and Genius LT employ an adjuThe Spark, Genius and
Genius LT employ an adjustable geometry by way of a shock mount chip in
the linkage. By changing the shock mount chip--simply removing it and
flipping it in either mounting position--you affect the bottom bracket
height by 7mm, which also affects the head tube angle by 0.5 degrees.
There is so much more to this bike. Come in today to see our entire selection of Scott Bikes as well as bikes from Fuji and Haro. We would love to help you find the bike of your dreams.
New 2015 Scott Addict SL - Lighter, Better Performance + Price Drop!
While the full package remains nearly
identical to the 2014 model, there are some minor changes, headlined by a
Syncros saddle, mid-compact gearing and updated paint.
2015 Scott Addict SL Features:
HMX-SL carbon layup for the ultimate in lightweight performance
Full SRAM Red 22 kit
Ritchey cockpit
Syncros RL1.0 carbon clincher wheels
Weight: Sub- 1kg frame/fork and 12.96 lbs (54cm complete)
2015 Scott Addict SL Technologies:
Oversized Bottom Bracket
In order to best manage power transfer our engineers developed a down tube and bottom bracket intersection that is the widest of any road bike currently on the
market. The wide cross section and smooth transitions better manage
loads and yield a laterally robust structure which increases pedaling
efficiency by effectively delivering power to the drivetrain rather than
losing it to unwanted frame flex.
Tapered Headtube
The Addict employs a tapered 1 1/4 - 1 1/8 tapered head tube and co-developed fork, adding structural integrity to the frameset without overdoing it.
HMX SL Carbon Fiber
HMX-SL utilizes Nano-technology, which incorporates a Carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy resin as well as T1000G Carbon Fiber. The Carbon nanotubes offer an improved strength perpendicular and at off-axis to fiber direction, which allows for a better inter-laminar shear strength. The cohesion between the fibers is improved compared to our industry leading HMX Carbon blend offering an unprecedented resistance. T1000G is the world's highest tensile strength fiber. This fiber is traditionally used for aerospace or defense applications. Strategic use of this new material results in a frame that is lightweight without compromise in power transfer.
Race Geometry
The geometry of the Addict and the
Foil is Competition Road, validated by out ORICA GreenEDGE and IAM
Cycling teams and enjoyed by the most discerning customers. The handling
and fit you’ve come to expect from SCOTT will be familiarly aggressive.
F01 Aero Technology
F01 Technology is based on the theory
that a partial airfoil shape without the trailing edge can produce the
same aerodynamic advantage as a traditional foil shape. Modern foil
shapes are largely based on models and ratios created for airplanes by
the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), but because
bicycles attain speeds far less than those of airplanes, these ratios do
not necessarily apply to bikes. SCOTT Aero Science engineers have thus
developed F01 Technology to create unique, bicycle specific tube shapes
which maximize aerodynamic efficiency at lower air speeds.
2015 Scott Scale 900 RC - Impressive Stiffness, Handling and Remote Suspension Creates a Top Value Superbike.
Ride and handling: click, click, boom
"One click forward on the neat grip-mounted RideLoc remote lever cuts shock volume and travel (to 85mm), creates a more progressive spring rate and makes pedal nod negligible. Two clicks let you totally lock out both fork and shock for smooth surface situations, and the more time you spend on a Spark the more you’ll get used to toggling the suspension through its modes almost as much as you change gear. SRAM’s XX1/X01 single ring drivetrain means there’s nothing else for your left-hand thumb to do anyway as well as saving a big slab of weight and adding rough terrain chain retention over a twin ring system.
The finishing kit is all race focused,
with a SRAM XX1 drivetrain
Another weight saving component selection that surprised us with how well it worked was the Ritchey WCS Streem Evo saddle. We’ve raced on SDG’s I-Beam system for years because it’s absolutely bombproof in terms of saddle stability and really light, but we’ve always had to accept a brutally firm ride from the solid base single rail saddle. Ritchey’s saddle uses a similar single beam design, but with a long cutout between saddle and rail that allows almost as much flex as a conventional saddle. The Schwalbe Rocket Rons are a generous enough volume to add float to the ride and reduce vibration fatigue over long marathon sessions too.
Having ridden the Spark family through various generations we know that the unique twin chamber shocks needed for the multi-mode remote control suspension have always come at a cost in terms of ultimate suspension control compared with conventional dampers. What surprised us in the desert was how sorted the Scott felt on the terrain it’s designed for.
Yes, you can get the shock to clatter and choke slightly if you really batter it into staccato rock sections or sequential step-downs. Over random rough trails, braking bumps and even off single drops it was much more composed, keeping the bike taut and driving hard in Traction mode or sucking up hits and maintaining descending momentum well in full open mode. Front and rear shocks work well in tandem, so once you’re dialled into the XC-style handling it’s a bike that lets you get away with far more than you expect at first – and one you soon come to rely on to push the pace properly hard on technical trails.
The only obvious issue we had once we started dropping our shoulders and taking liberties with lines is that it could wander off the narrow desert singletrack easily, then struggle to cut back quick enough to avoid a spill. Swapping wheels with a Niner we were also testing proved it was twangy wheels that were the culprits, not a fork or chassis issue. Given the impressive level of spec and super-light performance of the frame, it’s still very good value for riders after a seriously high velocity yet surprisingly fun and versatile machine."
Stiff, Featherweight Carbon Frame - Yet Designed For Comfort!
Photos from RoadCyclingUK.com
The SCOTT CR1 20's IMP Carbon frame offers the perfect balance of
performance and comfort at a more affordable price point. Designed to
save the rider from shock and vibration, the CR1 is the ideal choice for
the enthusiast who wants to enjoy long rides but doesn't want to feel
beat up at the end of the day.
Like the Solace’s it has a geometry which
focuses on ‘all-day comfort’, so it’s shorter in the toptube and taller
in the headtube than the race-orientated Foil or Addict, to provide a
more relaxed, upright riding position.
Lightweight carbon rails and a carbon injected nylon base. It's
comfortable super light foam provides just the right amount of padding
to keep you comfortable for long rides without any extra bulk. Equipped
with a water and dirt repellent micro fabric cover.
S-bend Construction
Each tube profile is designed to absorb both abrupt and high frequency vertical input with no compromise in lateral stiffness. We’ve created an original tube shape that allows controlled deformation in the rear triangle called an S-bend. The SDS rear stays enable this S-bend deformation via unique tube structure, thickness, and shape in specific sections of the chain stays, seat stays and fork.
Frame:
CR1 Carbon / IMP Carbon technology / Road Comfort geometry / INT BB Fork: CR1 Carbon 1 1/8" Carbon Steerer Alloy Dropout Headset: Ritchey Int. Cartridge Rear Derailleur: Compact: Shimano 105 Black RD-5801-GS 22 Speed Front Derailleur: Compact: Shimano 105 Black FD-5800 Shifters: Compact: Shimano 105 Black ST-5800 Dual control 22 Speed Brakes: Shimano BR-R561 Black Super SLR Dual pivot Crankset: Compact: Shimano FC-RS500 Black Hyperdrive 34 x 50 T BB-Set: Compact: INT SM-BB7141 Handlebar: Syncros RR2.0 Anatomic 31.8mm Handlebar Stem: Syncros FL2.0 1 1/8" / four Bolt 31.8mm Seatpost: Syncros RR1.4 Carbon/AL 31.6 Seat: Syncros Road Endurance Hub: Formular Team 20 H Hub (Rear): Formular Team 24 H Chain: Compact: Shimano CN-HG600 11 Speed Cassette: Compact: Shimano 105 CS-5800 11-32 T Spokes: CN - AERO Black 2mm Rims: Syncros Race 27 Aero Profile 20 Front / 24 Rear Tires: Schwalbe Lugano 700 x 23C
The SCOTT Aspect 950 is a mountain hardtail that is designed to be light, efficient and reasonably priced.
Featuring a lockout mechanism for the fork, disc brakes and Syncros components, this is the perfect bike for the novice or budget conscious mountain biker. Available in 29" wheel size.
Frame: SCOTT Aspect 29 Alloy 6061 Double Butted
Fork: Suntour XCT-29-MLO
Headset: Ritchey Logic OE integ
Brakes: Shimano BR-M375L
Handlebar: Aspect OS
The Aspect range from Scott are designed to be lightweight, highly efficient and kind on the wallet. Scott have years upon years of manufacturing top quality mountain bikes and the Aspect series draws on this by pulling in technologies and build quality seen on their higher end models to create a stonking range of entry to mid level hardtail mountain bikes.
The Aspect frame is constructed from 6061 aluminium and is available in all three wheel flavours, 26, 27.5 (650b) and 29 inch and with each wheel size comes a specific set of geometries which makes the Aspect fit 100% of users. Scott's use of a shorter top tube and higher headtube on the Aspect creates a relaxed and comfortable ride position that lends itself to the novice and enthusiast rider perfectly. All Aspect bikes are completed with a proven set of components for a reliable and enjoyable ride.
It might be the entry level offering on Scott's Aspect 900 series but you have to admit that this is one great value bicycle for you to kindle your love for the sport on. The Aspect series doesn't disappoint.
The 2015 Solace 15 Disc will Help you Find Your Solace on All Roads and in All Weather Conditions.
The Solace Disc frame is built around
the same features of the Solace. Geometry is tweaked for comfort, with a
slightly taller (1cm) head tube and shorter top tube (again, 1cm)
relative to Scott’s race-oriented models, the Addict and Foil. Solace is
offered in seven sizes, as well as five sizes in the women’s Contessa
line.
In addition to a large selection of sizes, the Solace has
size-specific carbon layups. So a small frame offers a softer ride
relative to a large frame, presumably accounting for rider weight.
The Solace Disc uses a traditional post
disc mount on the fork and takes advantage of Shimano’s brand new Flat
Mount standard on the rear chainstay. The new mount, which we expect to
see adopted by quite a few bike brands in the next year or two, tightens
up bolt spacing for a more compact, lighter, and less visually
obtrusive package.
The Solace Disc features internal cable
routing, making for a clean finish. While the stock build comes with
mechanical Shimano Ultegra, the frame is fully compatible with
electronic shift systems.
Scott has decided to jump on a current
mountain bike axle standard, using a 15mm thru-axle up front and a 12mm
rear axle in the rear.
The SCOTT Solace 15 Disc was designed to provide you with a perfect
balance of comfort and performance on the roads. Its HMF Carbon Fiber
frame was designed with two zones, a Power Zone and a Comfort Zone, in
order to result in a stiff and responsive bike that will also keep you
comfortable all day long- regardless of frame size.
Come in today to find out more or to take a test ride!
Impressive Mix of Performance and Comfort
The front fork has two roles in fact: control and comfort. The in-molded carbon dropouts connect the front wheel to that section of the lower fork blades that moves a tad bit more fore & aft to absorb (and smooth) the bumps before they reach you up there in the cockpit. The fork flexes to absorb energy and the larger / fatter portion of the fork blades is designed to limit that flex to the lower part of the fork and do a better job of keeping the front wheel in line (the further up the fork the flexing happens, the more the front wheel can come off line). The blades widen noticeably towards the top, eliminating flex and trading comfort for control and adding precision to the handling.
F01 Aero Technology
S-bend Construction
The 2015 Solace 15 Disc will Help you Find Your Solace on All Roads and in All Weather Conditions.
