First Ride: Scott Voltage FR10 review

Versatile gravity machine

Our rating

4.5

3799.99
2899.00

Russell Burton

Published: November 25, 2009 at 8:00 am

Our review
Fun and versatility is the name of the game. What more could you want?

Scott’s new Swiss Army Knife, or the Voltage FR as it’s actually known, is a lightning bolt in the thunderstorm of the freeride world. This new freeride/slopestyle/bike park/all-round fun machine sets the standard for super-versatile bikes.

Ride & handling: Massively versatile gravity machine, and it looks ace to boot

We shredded the FR10 in 160mm (6.3in) mode on the dusty rock-ridden terrain of Boulder Canyon, Nevada and got a great feel for how it drifted through loose corners, tackled treacherous rock gardens and how much fun it is for ripping down flowing downhill tracks.

The first thing that hit us was how quickly it changed direction and how well it punched tight corners on the trail. The bike was able to pump speed out of every little compression and elevation on the track thanks to the super-short chainstay setup we ran.

The rear suspension ramps up perfectly, allowing you to unweight the bike or get airborne whenever you feel the need. The platform also means the Scott pedals well.

Jumping the Voltage FR is a treat – the bike is weighted just right for airtime. Whether it’s whipping a lip or hucking a drop, the Voltage gives you confidence to push yourself.

The Voltage impressed us with its ability to win every aspect of the ride – from tight, twisty, drifting berms to aggressive rock gardens and flowing jumps. Whether you’re a slopestyle star or a serious downhill racer, the Voltage will fulfil your needs and surprise you along the way.

The voltage fr10 looks ace with a full complement of white detailing: the voltage fr10 looks ace with a full complement of white detailing - Russell Burton

Frame: Hugely adjustable rear suspension and a super-strong front end

The frame can be adjusted from 140mm (5.5in) travel for a slopestyle slayer up to 180mm (7in) for a downhill dominator. It comes with the longest compatible shock, giving 160-180mm (6.3-7in) of adjustment.

Two other, shorter stroke, shock options can be fitted using the aftermarket shock mount kits, giving a host of travel and geometry combinations. So you can get down to a 100mm (3.9in) travel fork with 140mm (5.5in) out back and still have the ideal geometry for dirt jumps. It does mean buying extra shocks though.

The hydroformed tubing is secured at the head tube with the Full Nelson weld technique – a straight weld with a tongue-and-groove junction – creating a super-strong joint.

Further underlining this bike’s versatility is the interchangeable dropout system which can be used to increase or decrease the chainstay length by 10mm from the stock 425mm setting, and every axle configuration is available too.

Equipment: Excellent Fox shock and Avid brakes, plus plenty of other quality kit

We were lucky enough to ride the Voltage FR10, the highest model in the range. In terms of suspension, Fox cover both front and back with a 36 Van R Coil fork and the new DHX RC4 shock.

Avid’s Elixir R brakes in custom white give you supreme control, while the white Truvativ Holzfeller cranks and Husselfelt stem, e.thirteen LG-1 chainguide and DT Swiss FR600 rims complete the great colour-matched looks.

160-180mm travel comes via the new fox dhx rc4 shock: 160-180mm travel comes via the new fox dhx rc4 shock - Russell Burton
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