Product Review: Scott Genius Tuned Plus 700

I first rode the Scott Genius Tuned Plus bike at the annual Scott Week this past summer. Instantly enamored, I logged over a dozen hours on it, testing it’s abilities at elevation and in varied terrain. And, was actually surprised by the extent to which the bike exceeded my wildest expectations. What makes this 27.5 bike so deserving of the hype it has received? First and foremost, the 2.8 inch tires ride like butter with pressures between 15 and 18 psi (or even lower). At 40 mm wide, the rims support the tire and tubelessset-up beautifully, and allow for very little lateral movement of the tire. There is also a noticeable difference with the new Boost hub spacing, which essentially widens the flanges on the hubs to significantly stiffen the structure of the wheel. Collectively, these features translate into a very stiff wheel that is agile and equipped to climb just as well, or even better than a XC bike. I have ridden many other long travel bikes that have a characteristic bob and inefficient climbing ability. This bike is SO efficient that it feels nothing like a travel bike until you point it down hill. It is here that the Genius Plus transforms almost everyone into a better rider. The new high volume can for the rear shock is magical. Tricky rocky sections can be taken on at new speeds. Unrideable deep mud terrain is brought back into the realm of rideable. It takes even us mediocre mountain bikers to a new level, and creates the true kid in a candy store feel. After testing the bike in Deer Valley, I knew that I had to have it. With the help of the guys at Scott, I was able to score a size large Genius 700 Tuned Plus bike, which is the top of the line at $7,999.00. This bike has not yet shipped to any dealers and the availability is going to be scarce by the time these machines start shipping out in January. I am very excited to have this bike and a few of the 720 level bikes on hand to be demo ridden. Never before have we had a bike that has received such universally positive feedback. My son, Noah Drummond, put together a little video to showcase some of the capabilities of this bike. As you can see, its attributes are ideal for the rock gardens and roots that are so characteristic of this area. We hope that you will take a look, and come by the shop and take one of these magical bikes for a ride. We’d love to hear from you. Give us a call or shoot us an email to set something up.   Specs of the bike: here Dick Drummond Drummond Custom Cycles