There was huge expectation heaped on the SCOTT E-Genius after it swept the floor of last year’s group test. For 2017, the Tuned version of the bike now sports an even more swish spec, but is it enough to once again claim victory against the increasingly tough competition?
Tuned denotes SCOTT’s top-of-the-range model in each product line. Thus, it’s fair to say that the E-Genius 700 Plus Tuned has not only seen SCOTT weasel out every possible ounce of performance, but they’ve also got its aesthetic dialled. The Bosch Performance CX motor obviously hasn’t had any tuning, and it still comes with its 250 W capacity and a 500 Wh battery. Its power is efficiently transferred to the ground with traction-touting 2.8″ MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF at the front and a Rekon+ at the rear. The FOX suspension can be controlled via two lock-out settings from the TwinLoc technology lever on the bars. In our eyes, this is a feature that isn’t crucial on an E-MTB; smoothness, responsiveness and good damping are more important. Fortunately, the E-Genius ticks all of these boxes, and boasts the E-MTB-specific SRAM EX1 shifters and super stopping power from the SRAM Guide RE brakes. Our 180 cm test rider went for a size medium E-Genius, giving a compact but really comfortable riding position.
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Once you start pedalling, it’s easy to pick up speed, making you want to tear around trails from the get-go. As the gradients reach double figures, the front wheel keeps ground contact, and thanks to the EX1’s 48-tooth cog and the masses of grip from the tires, the E-Genius grinds its way up any climb. The geometry on the SCOTT is far from extreme, but that’s exactly why it’s so great: it’s a bike that embodies a Swiss Army knife, capable of taking on and mastering any trail riding situation. This winning overall package is rounded off with the super-responsive FOX Factory suspension. Whether it’s a mass of roots, a rock garden, drops, or jumps, the E-Genius gobbles up hits confidently and relays the perfect dose of feedback to the rider.
The SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned in detail
Forks FOX 34 FLOAT Factory E-Bike 140 mm
Rear shock FOX NUDE 130 / 90 / 0 mm
Motor / battery Bosch Performance CX 500 Wh
Brakes SRAM Guide RE
Drivetrain SRAM EX1
Seatpost FOX Transfer
Stem Syncros TR 1.5 50 mm
Bars Syncros FL 1.0 Carbon 760 mm
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF / Rekon+ 2,8″
Wheels Syncros E-TR 1.5
The FOX 34 FLOAT Factory fork brings impeccable responsiveness and optimal damping to the Genius. No other model on test could smooth out the trails like this fork!
Your left thumb is not only in charge of the level of pedal-assist on the SCOTT E-Genius, but also locking out the suspension.
The marriage vows between the Bosch Performance CX motor and SRAM EX1 drivetrain will see you (in sickness and in health) up the steepest climbs.
The MAXXIS Minion DHF front tire with a 2.8″ width serves up masses of grip, great braking traction, and brilliant stability.
Conclusion
Just like last year, this SCOTT rig has waltzed into the group test with the most consistent and versatile frame, build spec, and ride. Whatever sort of rider you are, the E-Genius 700 Plus Tuned will come up trumps, speeding along singletrack and plummeting down hills.
Strengths:
– Very balanced handling
– top suspension
– cohesive and well-chosen components
Weaknesses:
– zero
For more information head to scott-sports.com!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What are the most exciting E-MTBs of 2017? 10 bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Bulls Six50 E FS3 | Cannondale Moterra 1 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPA 27.5 SLT | MERIDA eONE-TWENTY 900 E | Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9 | ROTWILD R.X+ FS EVO | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 | Stevens E-Whaka+ ES | Trek Powerfly 9 FS Plus
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