Scott Genius 50 Review - BikeRadar

Having owned an "old style" Genius 40 - I thought the new Genius 50 would just be a revamped version, with a similar riding position, and similar handling... but actually the new bike is so much better - the frame geometry has been total redesigned, and the rear shock is a new design too (less cluttered - easier to keep clean).

For a start you can actually feel (and see) that the suspension is working, and the new dual lockout system means that you can lock both front and rear suspension when you are blasting along tarmac - I never really used "full lockout" before, but now use it a lot (maybe because the rear suspension is a bit more active??).

As before, the Genius is great on the trail, feels very nimble and light, but capable over rocks and tree roots when you start pushing it.

The riding position seems to be more of a stretch - but not uncomfortable.

Overall I'm very happy with the bike - the frame and forks are great, although time will tell if the lower spec components last. The white frame / components look great - but given the winter riding conditions in the UK - it always looks dirty! Cable routing might cause paint wear, so I've used patches to protect likely wear points.

So if you're reading this review and thinking about buying a 50 - I would definitely consider it. Take one out for a test ride and see what you think!

I have recently purchased this 2011 version after finding one of the last ones left in a (M) in the UK and also managed to get this at a "bargain of a price" in the sales at £1625 (almost £700 off stock price)

Previously I was riding a Felt Redemption 3 (2008) for 2 years which was weighing in at around 33Ib... Now that may not sound like much but try chasing 24Ib XC whippets up a hill on this bike and I assure you it's not fun & when it used to get too steep then I’d have to push the bloody thing!!

My main objective in finding a replacement was that I was looking for a bike with a few specific requirements. I wanted at least 5" Travel/Lock out Front & Rear/26-27Ib and it had to be as close to 1500/1600GBP as possible... I looked at Lapierre but the standard shock was only a Fox Float R and pro pedal is good but it's no lockout! I found Cannondale to be good but then there are the frame issues! But then I saw this baby! Almost 6" Travel/Lock out front and Rear & from 1 lever :D once I swapped over the Tyres/Titanium Skewers and the Grips it now weighs in under 27Ib... Also not forgetting the price and I could not find anything to compete with my wish list and the spec of this.

So I have been riding it for a month now and OHMYGOD this bike is so good :) it weighs in at nothing at all & all of my pre-hill climbs are just taken at break neck speed now! I think the new tyres (Conti Speed Kings) are amazing but they clog up & don’t clear that well in the slush, so I'm swapping to a Maxxis combo of Swampthing (Front) & Medusa (Rear) this is just due to the imminent snow here too. I think the set up once I've sorted out a few niggles will be perfect! The speed of this thing in full lockout is immense and I think I could take off 8-10mins time from any of my previous rides on the felt!

There are a few niggles as I said... (1) The white colour is a beauty but it does show every spec of mud and you really have to give it a bloody good clean after every ride (2) The stem length is too short and for descent’s its' awesome but climbing feels too restrictive so I've swapped to a Ritchey WCS 90mm (3) Bar length is a joke! 660/680 on an AM bike... what were you thinking Scott?? I swapped over to the new Shimano Pro Koryak Bars which are 710mm which is much more suitable (4) the shock is very good but let’s be honest it's no FOX

The niggles are things that can be changed and I think if I could of waited maybe a genius 40 could of been better spec but for speed and “all and all grin factor” this bike (for the money I paid for it) is an absolute bargain - All in all, a very well-crafted bike.