The new SCOR 4060 Z rolls into the upcoming season as a powerful eMTB. Nonetheless, above all the new eMTB of the Swiss newcomer brand was designed to be playful and smooth on the trail. With their latest creation, SCOR claim to have created a trail-party animal and taken bike customisation to the next level. In our first ride review we will tell you how much truth there is behind these bold claims.

SCOR 4060 Z ST XT | Shimano-Motor EP8/720 Wh | 150/140 mm (f/r)
€ 8,299 | 22.6 kg in size L | Manufacturer’s website

All bike models of the new Swiss brand share the same name: 4060. Hold on… four numbers and a mountain bike? Rings a bell, right? If you recognise a pattern and have associated the four-number leitmotiv with the legendary British trail party crew 50:01, the people behind SCOR probably wouldn’t mind. Like the Brits, SCOR promise to offer a bunch of playful bikes, a great party atmosphere and tons of fun on the trail. Needless to say, this has nothing to do with shaving seconds off your lap times and is all about endorphins, massive smiles, high fives and having a blast with your riding buddies. However, it’s hard to overlook that the 4060 Z ST is also a full-fledged eMTB with a powerful Shimano motor. On top of that, SCOR are taking a very exciting approach with all bikes based on their modular 4060 frame platform, enabling a new level of creative self-expression through a wide range of customisable frame protectors. That’s quite a spectacular debut for a newcomer brand! But can the SCOR 4060 Z ST also deliver on the trail?

High-fiving your riding buddies instead of shaving seconds off your laps

The SCOR 4060 Z ST in detail

With the 4060 Z, SCOR have created a flexible 29” platform that allows them to cover a wide range of applications simply by adapting the spec of each model to its respective area of use, from flowing trail sessions to rowdy expeditions on rough terrain. The 4060 name all SCOR models share reveals that the frame generates either 140 mm (Short Travel, ST) or 160 mm (Long Travel, LT) travel at the rear, depending on how hard you want to party on the trail. Needless to say, more rear travel calls for more travel up front: on our ST test bike, there’s a 150 mm fork taking care of the rough stuff. The LT model, on the other hand, relies on 170 mm travel at the front. The position of the flip chip determines the amount of travel the rear suspension generates, converting the frame from the ST to the LT version. However, unlike other bikes it’s not meant to be used to fine-tune the geometry or handling of the bike. It’s no coincidence that SCOR rely on the same modular frame system for their analogue bike models, the SCOR 4060 ST and LT, which our sister magazine ENDURO has already put through the wringer. In this review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the 4060 Z ST XT model.

The ST version of the SCOR 4060 Z combines 150 mm travel at the front and 140 mm at the rear. The LT version has exactly 20 mm more travel.
There’s enough room to accommodate a big water bottle in the triangle of the SCOR 4060 Z, while the top tube features a mount for a tool strap.

The powerful Shimano EP8 motor and the big 720 Wh battery of the SCOR 4060 Z

According to SCOR, the 4060 Z ST is a playful trail muncher with lively handling and a predisposition towards partying. But first and foremost, this thing is a thoroughbred eMTB that churns out shed-loads of power with its 85 Nm Shimano EP8 motor and huge 720 Wh Darfon battery. Given the 22.6 kg system weight, SCOR’s engineers must have dug deep into their bag of tricks to give the 4060 Z its vivacious party-animal character – but what exactly have they done? We’re curious to see how lively the 4060 Z is on the trail!

The Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor packs a punch and draws its power from a 720 Wh battery integrated into the down tube.
The display is safely tucked away between the stem and handlebars, where it’s protected against impacts.

The spec of the SCOR 4060 Z ST XT – Shimano XT all round!

As far as spec options go, the SCOR 4060 Z ST is available in a Shimano XT build as well as a more affordable SLX build, retailing at € 8,299 and € 6,299 respectively. As the name suggests, the XT model in our test comes equipped with a proven 12-speed XT drivetrain and matching XT 4-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors. The suspension consists of a FOX Factory 38 fork with GRIP2 damper and FLOAT X Factory shock. For the wheels, SCOR team up with fellow Swiss and (almost) neighbours DT Swiss, choosing the robust H 1900 SPLINE alloy wheelset over a lighter carbon version and pairing the wheels with MAXXIS tires – thankfully with the robust DoubleDown casing on the rear wheel! At the front, a MAXXIS ASSEGAI generates plenty of traction but doesn’t offer enough puncture protection with its flimsy EXO+ construction. And since wild trail parties can quickly escalate into an ugly wheel carnage, the robust alloy rims are a perfect match for the area of application of the 4060 Z. A damaged alloy rim can sometimes be bent back into shape and is a lot cheaper (and less painful) to replace than an expensive carbon rim.

Excellent performance with a touch of gold: the FOX Factory 38 fork and FLOAT X shock ensure a plush ride and offer plenty of support for spontaneous trail-party tricks.

SCOR 4060 Z ST XT

€ 8,299

Specifications

Motor Shimano Steps EP8 85 Nm
Battery Darfon Akku 720 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork Fox Float 38 Factory 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 140 mm
Seatpost Bikeyoke Divine 125 – 185 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 203/203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12
Stem Burgtec Enduro MK3 35 mm
Handlebar SCOR 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H 1900 SPLINE 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI / MAXXIS Dissector 2.5"/2.4"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 22.6 kg
Perm. total weight -
Max. payload (rider/equipment) -
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

SCOR 4060 Z X Slicy MySublimistick Frame Protector


Shimano supply the 12-speed XT drivetrain…
… as well as the powerful XT four-piston brakes.
Can take a beating: the robust DT Swiss alloy wheelset and sturdy MAXXIS DoubleDown casing (at least at the rear) – essential party animal kit!

The geometry of the SCOR 4060

While SCOR stick to the traditional S/M/L/XL sizing system, they also add a note on the elegant size-badge with the geometry value they deem to be the most crucial when choosing your frame size: the reach, aka the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the top of the head tube. We tested the 4060 ST in size L with a 485 mm reach. At 65.5°, the head angle is rather steep and is reflected in the agile and direct handling of the bike. However, by turning the angle-adjusting headset upside down, you can slacken the head angle to 63.8°, which impinges on the agile character but improves high-speed stability and conveys more confidence on steep descents. The LT version comes with the angleset in the slacker position as standard.

While all SCOR Z models share the same swingarm, it’s the size of the main triangle that dictates the frame size. Chainstays are 436 mm across all sizes, which is rather short, especially on the bigger L and XL frame sizes. On paper, this should ensure lively and agile handling and thus allow the 4060 to change direction quickly and willingly. Stack height is 625 mm in size L, which, together with 20 mm rise bar, makes for a relatively low front. The seat tube is consistently short across all sizes and allows you to insert the dropper post all the way into the frame, ensuring excellent freedom of movement on descents. If you want to swap the standard dropper with a post with more travel, just make sure this can be inserted all the way into the frame.

All of the above suggests that the SCOR 4060 ST is an agile and lively eMTB that encourages its rider to play with the trail features, provided you’re using the angleset in the right position, but at the same time ensures a smooth ride on steep and fast descents.

Size S M L XL
Top tube 561 mm 590 mm 621 mm 655 mm
Seat tube 400 mm 425 mm 440 mm 470 mm
Head tube 87 mm 99 mm 115 mm 127 mm
Head angle 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5°
Seat angle 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° 76.5°
Chainstay 436 mm 436 mm 436 mm 436 mm
BB Drop 27 mm 27 mm 27 mm 27 mm
Wheelbase 1,185 mm 1,210 mm 1,235 mm 1,265 mm
Reach 436 mm 461 mm 485 mm 516 mm
Stack 599 mm 611 mm 625 mm 636 mm
By turning the angleset upside down, you can slacken the head angle of the 4060 Z ST from 65.5° to 63.8 °.

Frame protection meets individualisation

Before we hit the trail onboard the 4060 Z ST, we’ll take a closer look at what is perhaps one of the most exciting features of all SCOR models: the customisable frame protection. While the Swiss brand offers each model in a predetermined paint finish – our 4060 Z ST XT comes in a refreshing mint green – they let customers have the last word on the final design! Here SCOR offer a nice little surprise… To make your new 4060 really yours, you can choose your favourite Slicy frame protector-design from a wide range of templates. Not only does the protective film protect your frame against scratches, scuffs and impacts, it also ensures a unique look. The SCOR lettering on the downtube is also part of the pre-cut custom frame protector.

Fancy a sleek, discreet see-through protector with a colourless pattern? There you go! Do you prefer coffee beans or a bunch of bright-yellow bananas, just because you can? Knock yourself out! With each bike purchase, SCOR throws in the first protector for free. When your first protector film is knackered or you’re done with the banana look, you can customise and order more frame protectors directly from SCOR’s webpage – as many as you want! If you’re in a creative mood, SCOR also let you design your very own frame protector. Does this make the bike any better? Maybe not, but it makes it unique!

Protective film instead of sensitive paint: what is a problem with other bikes, is part of the solution.
Not your style? Fair enough! You can choose your favourite design or create your own using the Slicy configurator – as many times as you wish!
The only set feature of SCOR’s design concept: all models share the same, slightly raised, head tube badge. Whether you’re into coffee or bananas, you can tell the entire world with your SCOR!

Since we’re talking about clever details, special mention should go to the elaborate chainstay protector, which is meant to replicate the company’s local jump line. Moreover, the main triangle accommodates a big water bottle while the top tube features a mount point for a tool strap. With such beautiful details, the SCOR puts a massive smile on our faces.

Attention to detail: what you’re looking at is not just a ribbed chainstay protector, but also the profile of SCOR’s local jump line!

The SCOR 4060 Z ST on the trail

Before you can hit the trails with the SCOR, you’ll have to set up the suspension. However, the shock is integrated deep into the frame and tightly enclosed between the main frame, swingarm and mud-flap, making it hard to read the sag and set up. Nonetheless, once you’ve gone through this delicate operation, it’s hard not to smile aboard the 4060. The corners of your mouth start twitching from the get go, when you press the beautiful aluminium power button above the bottom bracket to fire up the motor. On your way to the trailhead, the SCOR does exactly what you want it to do. When climbing on fire roads and easy singletrack, it’s suitably agile and easy to ride, even when negotiating slightly steeper sections. Thanks to the steep 78° seat tube angle, only steep ramps require you to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. On moderate climbs and flowing uphill trails, the compact pedalling position and agile character of the SCOR work their magic, ensuring a lively character and fun ride. However, the SCOR really comes to life when you point its nose downhill.

Measuring sag on the enclosed shock can be a little frustrating…
However, once you’re done the rear suspension rewards you with plenty of support. Point its nose downhill, and the SCOR Z cranks up the party to eleven, encouraging you to play with the trail features.

Whether you’re shredding your way down into the valley on rough, natural trails or sessioning on man-made berms and jumps, the balanced and intuitive handling makes it easy to play with the trail features and at the same time instills huge amounts of confidence. You’re positioned centrally on the bike and integrated between the wheels. If you get rowdy and start throwing the bike around corners and obstacles, the SCOR approves and shows its gratitude rewarding you with tons of pop and support. This eMTB loves airtime and pulling off ledges! At some point, you’ll even forget that you’re partying on just 140 mm travel. The SCOR isn’t fazed by much and handles rough trail sections and an aggressive riding style without breaking a sweat. However, that’s exactly where the Shimano motor makes itself noticed with a loud rattling noise. If you aren’t into rowdy shredding sessions and enjoy flowing trails, the 4060 Z ST is a loyal, predictable and, above all, fun companion.

With the brand new SCOR 4060 Z ST XT, the Swiss newcomer brand jumps on the electric band wagon with a playful eMTB that delivers tons of fun despite its big battery and still conveys huge amounts of confidence. SCOR’s new electric trail bruiser features a modular frame platform, a sensible, robust spec and offers plenty of clever details such as the tool-strap/bottle cage mounts and innovative custom frame protection. Thanks to its balanced handling, it’s great fun for both wild trail parties and flowing trails.

For more information visit scor-mtb.com.


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Words: Moritz Geisreiter Photos: Peter Walker