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Unveiling SCOTT’s Patron ST eRide 900 Tuned – SCOTT’s ultimate eMTB?

29.07.2022
by Rudolf Fischer

Super, superb, Supertrail! With the new Patron ST eRide 900 Tuned, SCOTT kick it up a notch and present yet another iteration of their popular eMTB. Read our news to find out what makes the new Patron eRide so great.

The SCOTT Patron eRide is no longer a novelty and we’ve already reviewed the SCOTT Patron eRIDE 900 Tuned when it was released last winter. In our big budget group test under € 6,500 we tested the more affordable entry-level model, the Patron eRide 920. Now SCOTT unveiled the Patron ST eRIDE 900 Tuned, a new spec variant that stands out from the other models. However, this time the ST acronym doesn’t stand for short travel but Supertrail, which is supposed to be an even more progressive eMTB that doesn’t shy away from the toughest descents.

SCOTT Patron ST eRIDE 900 Tuned | Bosch Smart System/750 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
Manufacturer’s Website

The new SCOTT Patron ST eRIDE 900 Tuned relies on the same carbon frame as all other existing Patron models and there’s also an alloy version in the pipeline. Like with the non-ST models, SCOTT tilted the Bosch Smart System motor to integrate the long battery deep into the downtube and enclosed the shock inside the top tube, giving the Patron its unique and futuristic look. Despite the many similarities, the Patron ST eRIDE 900 Tuned takes it up a notch with regards to the spec, which was tweaked purely for the sake of riding performance. Amongst other things, SCOTT increased the front travel, bumping up the fork from 160 mm to 170 mm and also followed our suggestion to upgrade the FOX 38 fork, thus swapping the FIT4 damper for its superior GRIP2 counterpart. While this means that the fork is no longer connected to the TwinLoc system – which allows you to switch between Descend, Traction Control and Lockout modes from the bar-mounted remote – the superior damper ensures more adjustment options and better small-bump sensitivity. However, the integrated FOX Nude T shock can still be locked out in three stages directly from the handlebars using SCOTT’s proprietary TracLoc system. Fortunately, SCOTT listened to our criticism regarding the front tire, replacing the undersized MAXXIS Dissector with a more aggressively profiled ASSEGAI. Unfortunately, this comes in the relatively thin EXO+ casing. We would have preferred a more robust tire with a tougher casing, like MAXXIS’ DoubleDown, which is less prone to pinch flats in tough riding conditions.

Even at second glance, the SCOTT Patron eRide Supertrail is a real eye-catcher and the tilted motor ensures a unique look.
From TwinLoc to TracLoc: the Patron ST relies on SCOTT’s proprietary suspension control system, albeit only at the rear. While the FOX 38 fork can no longer be locked out via handlebar remote, the superior GRIP2 damper offers more adjustment options and better small-bump sensitivity.
The Kiox 300 display ensures excellent readability but is too exposed for our liking, sitting right on top of the one-piece Syncros carbon cockpit where it’s extremely vulnerable in the event of a crash.
SCOTT’s developers must think that the Patron eRide Supertrail is so fast on the trail that you can only see it from behind. So they’ve provided their new eMTB with a cleverly integrated rear light.
Not quite what we had hoped for: with the Patron ST, SCOTT upgraded the front tire to a more aggressively profiled MAXXIS Assegai but unfortunately still rely on the relatively thin EXO+ casing, which is prone to pinch flats with an aggressive riding style.
SCOTT’s new superlative? After TUNED and ULTIMATE comes SUPERTRAIL. However, this isn’t a new range in SCOTT’s portfolio but rather a special spec variant specifically tailored for tough eMTBing.

When will the new Supertrail spec variant be available? SCOTT are aiming for a market launch in winter/spring 2023 but haven’t yet announced an official release date. Since SCOTT are also keeping quiet about prices, we’re strongly hoping that the bike will be the only superlative in this equation 😀

Yes! The new SCOTT Patron ST eRIDE 900 Tuned already looks promising. SCOTT have clearly taken on board our criticism and upgraded the front tire and fork damper. However, only an in-depth test will reveal how the new components affect the performance of the bike and whether they allow SCOTT to take it to the next level of riding performance.

For more information, visit scott-sports.com

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Peter Walker

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About the author

Rudolf Fischer

In his previous life Rudolf was a dab hand at promoting innovation, putting his brain behind big-ticket patent assessments that easily ran into six-or-seven-plus figures. These days, the self-confessed data nerd’s role as editor at DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE is no less exciting. Given his specialism in connectivity, Rudolf’s often placed on the front line of future mobility conversations, but he’s also big into testing new bikes–both on the daily as a committed commuter and intensively for our group tests. The business economist graduate is as versatile as a Swiss penknife, and that’s no hyperbole. Away from two wheels, his background in parkour means he’s a master of front, side and backflips, plus he speaks German, English, French, Russian and a touch of Esperanto. Japanese remains woefully unmastered, despite his best home-learning attempts. Good to know: Rudolf’s sharp tongue has made him a figure of fear in the office, where he’s got a reputation for flexing a dry wittiness à la Ricky Gervais... interestingly, he's usually the one laughing hardest.