After clinching the victory in our most recent group test, we were stoked to see how the SCOTT E-Genius Tuned 700 would fare against the current, much broader 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 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 with two lock-out settings from the TwinLoc technology lever on the bars – in our eyes, a feature that isn’t crucial on an E-MTB, as smoothness, responsiveness, and good damping are more important. Fortunately, the E-Genius ticks all of these boxes, while also boasting the E-MTB-specific SRAM EX1 drivetrain 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. Once you start pedalling, it picks up speed easily, and you’ll want to tear around trails from the get-go. As the gradients reach double digits, 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 tangles of roots, rock gardens, drops, or jumps, the E-Genius gobbles up hits confidently and relays the perfect dose of feedback to the rider.
The SCOTT E-Genius Tuned 700 Plus in Detail
Fork FOX 34 FLOAT Factory 140 mm
Rear shock FOX NUDE 130 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 Continental Der Baron Projekt 2.4″
Wheels DT Swiss E1900 Spline
No two plus-size tire models are the same, but if you’re after the ultimate grip, stability, and puncture resistance, then MAXXIS are currently producing the absolute best on the market.
SCOTT’s patented TwinLoc technology that controls the suspension is an asset on conventional mountain bikes, but it’s fairly superfluous when faced with the strength of an E-MTB, and just contributes to cramming the cockpit.
The FOX 34 FLOAT Factory fork brought the most buttery smooth sensitivity and damn-fine damping to this group test, showing that it’s by far the current top fork for smoothing the trails.
The SRAM Guide RE brakes are able to deliver consistent, reliable braking that’s easy to modulate while totally controlling heat management. Could we ask for more?
Conclusion
An undeniably great bike that scores high across the board, this SCOTT model deservedly took home the gold in our previous group test. However, the increasingly hot competition has now inched ahead of the E-Genius when we pitted them head-to-head this time around.
Strenghts
– Very balanced handling
– top suspension
– cohesive and well-chosen components
Weaknesses
– abrupt motor
For more information head to scott-sports.com!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What is the Best E-MTB of 2017? – 14 Models in Test
All bikes in test: BULLS E-Core Di2 FS 27,5+ | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team | FLYER Uproc7 8.70 | FOCUS JAM2 FACTORY | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 | Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E | NOX EDF 6.7 Hybrid | ROTWILD R.E+ FS PRO | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie | STEVENS E-Sledge+ ES | Thömus Lightrider E1
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