We're currently in Sun Valley, Idaho, riding Scott’s 2010 range which sees improvements to their CR1 road bike, a new colour scheme for the flagship Addict road frame and tweaks to the Spark and Genius full suspension mountain bikes.
The company’s Scale hardtail range also adds a 29” bike to the stable, and there are new freeride models in the Voltage line-up too. See below for the full run-down.
A new role for CR1
The Scott CR1 ushered in the ultralight carbon road bike wars just a few years ago but with Addict now running the show it has been retasked for 2010 to cater to a more relaxed audience.
First and foremost is a softened ride quality - in contrast to the original's occasionally harsh personality - courtesy of 'Scott Dampering System' seat stays and chain stays.
According to Scott, the flattened sections in the stays allow much more wheel movement over road irregularities than before – up to 2mm depending on the weight of the rider and how hard the bump is hit.
Though softer-riding and more relaxed in position, the new CR1 is still a high-tech machine complete with carbon housing stops.
Though not suspension in the strict sense, Scott still expects that SDS's added cush will appeal to older or more casual riders wanting a racy-looking machine that's still comfortable over the long haul.
Further along that theme, head tube lengths have grown about 10mm across the size range and top tubes maintain their current lengths (still slightly shorter than the Addict) for a more upright riding position.
The 2010 CR1 won't be all about comfort, though: carbon dropouts replace the current aluminium ones, there's a new one-piece IMP (Integrated Molding Process) top tube-head tube-down tube assembly, and even optional press-fit bottom bracket cups on the top-end model.
Even with the additional tech features, frame weight will actually increase a bit relative to the existing CR1. Claimed weight for a large frame is now 860g for the top-end version with an HMX carbon fibre blend while HMF versions will be around 930g.
Final specifications are still being determined but Scott plans to offer models ranging from approximately US$1,699 to US$6,299. Production models are slated for delivery around the end of 2009.
New colour scheme for Addict
In other road news, the flagship Addict road frame is unchanged for 2010 save for new colour schemes and the innovative Plasma 3 time trial/triathlon frame will remain a team-only item for now as development is still in progress.
Revamped Addict CX
Scott will, however, add a revamped aluminium Addict CX 'cross frame for 2010 with a flattened top tube for more comfortable shouldering. Both that and the carbon fibre version are expected to be available around late July or August.
New integrated controls for Spark and Genius
Both the Spark cross-country and Genius all-mountain full-suspension platforms will be essentially carried over for 2010 save for one key addition: a new Twinloc handlebar remote that now controls both the proprietary rear shocks and select forks from Fox Racing Shox and DT Swiss.
The new Twinloc remote will now control both the rear shock as well as select forks from Fox Racing Shox and DT Swiss.
Twinloc will replace the current Tracloc remote and will feature three settings: position #1 will leave both ends in the fully active, full-travel configuration; position #2 will stiffen and shorten rear wheel travel in a 'traction mode' but still leave the fork in the full-open setting; and position #3 will lock out both ends.
Scott says riders will have quicker and more complete control over both suspension settings with a single lever to better suit the terrain at a given moment.
Presumably the new Twinloc should also be retrofittable to current Spark and Genius models as long as the appropriate forks or compression assemblies are installed as well.
In addition, the Scale hardtail line will gain a 29"-wheeled variant in the aluminium Scale 50. Though 29" devotees will likely lament the omission of a full-blown carbon version, Scott feels the US$1,599 target retail price will be better suited to those new to the segment while still offering a high-performance aluminium chassis.
Voltage freeride line-up introduced
At the other end of the spectrum, a new Voltage FR line will cater specifically to the park/slopestyle crowd with a burly aluminium frame and 135-180mm of travel plus an intentionally short and low geometry for maximum manoeuvrability. Three models will be offered from US$1,699 to US$3,499.
Two singlespeed Voltage SS hardtails will be on tap as well from US$849 to US$1,349, both with unique 'no-slip' horizontal dropouts that use additional aluminium inserts to prevent unwanted wheel movement.
Gambler will remain in the lineup for 2010 but with the advent of Voltage FR, will now be more singularly dedicated to downhill.
Finally – Scott soft goods for the US market
Scott has always had a remarkably comprehensive line of footwear and apparel in Europe but those offerings will now finally head to the US as well. Though helmets still won't be included for the American market, a full range of road, cross-country and gravity clothing will be brought in for 2010 along with a completely revamped collection of footwear.
Based on our previous experiences with Scott soft goods, American buyers should have quite a bit to look forward to.