SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

In last year’s eMTB group test, the Ransom eRIDE 910 secured the coveted Best Buy tip, offering excellent all-round qualities at a very fair price. The 2022 Ransom eRIDE has remained pretty much unchanged. Was the Ransom eRIDE 910 able to reclaim the Best Buy in our 2022 eMTB group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

For the second year running, SCOTT enter our eMTB group test with the Ransom eRIDE 910. The intentions of the Swiss manufacturer are clear: reclaiming the Best Buy with a harmonious and fairly-priced overall package. For 2022, the € 7,199 Ransom eRIDE 910 2022 remains practically unchanged, relying on the same 2021 Bosch motor system and 625 Wh battery as its predecessor. Unlike the Trek Rail 9.9, the 2022 Ransom eRide renounces the new Bosch Smart System with its bigger 750 Wh battery, sticking with the older Bosch motor. The robust battery cover, which extends all the way to the base of the battery and merges seamlessly into the skid plate, already gives away the rowdy nature of the Ransom eRIDE 910. Unfortunately, SCOTT didn’t take on board our criticisms from last year’s group test and continue to use the standard Bosch charge port cover and old Bosch Purion display.

Still the same, still not perfect: The spec of the Ransom eRIDE 910

For the spec of the Ransom eRIDE 910, SCOTT have invested money in performance-relevant components, saving in other areas instead. Among the priorities is the suspension, which consists of a FOX 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 fork and FOX X2 Performance shock, both controlling 180 mm travel. The latter doesn’t have externally-adjustable high-speed rebound and compression settings, but the factory tune harmonises incredibly well with the rear end of the SCOTT. Although the bling X01 Eagle rear derailleur hints at a high-end drivetrain, the 12-speed drivetrain is a wild mix of NX, GX and X01 components. SCOTT should have spent the money for the bling derailleur on more robust tires instead. Unfortunately, the stock 2.6” MAXXIS ASSEGAI and DISSECTOR tires comes in the fragile EXO+ casing, which doesn’t do justice to the rowdy character of the Ransom eRIDE, both in terms of traction and puncture resistance. The boisterous character of the SCOTT calls for tires with a more aggressive tread as well as a more robust DoubleDown casing and grippier 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front.

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The geometry and long-distance suitability of the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910

With a long 470 mm seat tube, the second highest front (649 mm stack in L) and longest chainstays (465 mm) in the entire test field, the geometry of the SCOTT is on the extreme side and clearly influences its character. Riding in the saddle, the Ransom eRIDE positions you very centrally and, partly due to the high front end, doesn’t put as much pressure on the hands as the Specialized Levo which has a similarly steep seat tube angle. Although the Ransom is anything but a touring eMTB, the relaxed pedalling position and comfortable suspension make it perfectly suited to long rides.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	568 mm	596 mm	629 mm	661 mm
Seat tube	420 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Head tube	120 mm	120 mm	125 mm	125 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	76.5°	76.3°	76.1°	75.9°
Chainstays	465 mm	465 mm	465 mm	465 mm
BB Drop	22 mm	22 mm	22 mm	22 mm
Wheelbase	1,230 mm	1,255 mm	1,286 mm	1,318 mm
Reach	415 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Stack	644 mm	644 mm	649 mm	649 mm

On the trail – This is how the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 rides

Going uphill, the pedalling position is spot on. Thanks to the steep seat tube angle and long chainstays, the front wheel stays planted and implements steering input willingly. The SCOTT winds its way up flowing trails in relaxed style, is secure and remains easy to manoeuvre even with a passive riding style. However, it’s less fun than the SCOR. On steep climbs, the rider is well integrated between the wheels and the rear end always sits high in its travel despite the massive 180 mm travel. Front wheel wanting to lift? Never. The rear suspension generates good traction, allowing you to negotiate technical sections without too much effort – provided you’re riding in dry conditions! On wet terrain, the low-profiled DISSECTOR rear tire limits the climbing capabilities of the SCOTT.

The faster, the better. The SCOTT only comes to life when the going gets tough.

The SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 downhill

Going downhill, the SCOTT inspires huge amounts of confidence. The even weight distribution, high front and excellent suspension ensure balanced and predictable handling, regardless of your riding skills. While the Ransom is easy to ride on flowing trails, it’s not as fun as the Orbea Rise. Unfortunately, the SCOTT is just too sluggish, offers little support and requires too much physical effort to pop off ledges and pump through waves. On technical descents, the suspension is excellent and generates plenty of traction, making it easy to negotiate tricky trail sections and, together with the high front, instilling huge amounts of confidence, no matter how steep the trail is! Ultimately, the Ransom thrives on speed, getting your endorphins flowing when the going gets rough. On fast descents, the Ransom inspires confidence with huge reserves and great composure, encouraging you to open the throttle on man-made bike park tracks! Once again, it’s the fragile tires that put an end to the fun, limiting the potential of the Ransom enormously.

Tuning tip: Tires with grippier rubber (e.g. MAXXIS 3C MaxxGrip) at the front and more robust casing front and rear (e.g. MAXXIS Doubledown)

Conclusion

With its huge reserves and confidence-inspiring handling, the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 remains a strong all-rounder, suited for both beginners and advanced riders, as well as a comfortable companion for long rides. Moreover, the excellent suspension delivers tremendous performance in all sorts of riding situations. At € 7,199, the Ransom is good value for money and also the cheapest bike on test. Unfortunately, in our 2022 eMTB group test, it wasn’t able to keep up with the best eMTBs of the year, which offer better all-round characteristics and more refined details.

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You can find out more about at scott-sports.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Robin Schmitt, Julian Lemme