Scott Bikes recently revealed its 2015 range at a launch in Australia, and BikeRadar was there see the highlights of the latest lineup.
While much of the brand’s range remains mostly unchanged from 2014, key additions include a new disc-brake version of the Solace road bike, 650b (27.5in) wheels for the Gambler downhill, some small but significant changes to the Genius LT and an extravagant Spark with Di2 gears and suspension.
Not all models were ready in time for the Australian launch, but we've brought you all the details and photos of everything that was on display.
Check out more of our Scott 2015 coverage.
Road bikes
With the recent success of Simon Gerrans and team Orica-GreenEdge on the Scott Foil, we had anticipated an updated version of this model, which launched in 2011. Sadly, it seems we’ll need to wait another year, as the proven design continues, although it has updated components and paint.
The Addict SL continues unchanged from last year. With a frame and fork combo of under 1kg it isn't crying for an update
The same goes for the Addict SL, with the sub-kilo frame and fork receiving no structural frame changes for 2015. Certain models in the both the Foil and Addict ranges receive replica team-issue Orica-GreenEdge and IAM Cycling paintjobs.
Disc brakes and thru-axle on road bikes – Scott joins the party
Introduced in 2014, the sportive and gran fondo focused Solace is now joined by a disc-specific option. The Solace Disc frame has the same geometry and ride quality as the standard Solace, but features thru-axles front (15mm) and rear to handle the disc brake loads. The recreation-friendly ride quality is further enhanced with 28mm width tyres and compact gearing.
The long-standing Metrix flat-bar range has been discontinued; the flat bar models are now offered within the Speedster and Solace road ranges.
Mountain bikes
The biggest change in the mountain bike lineup is the new Gambler downhill bike. The Gambler is now compatible with 27.5in wheels, but can be used with 26in wheels too. Scott’s Floating Link suspension system continues, but a longer length shock and adjusted suspension kinematics means the pivot hardware rotation is reduced from 36 degrees to 9 degrees at one end and 12 degrees to 4 degrees at the other.
This adjustment should mean better small bump compliance and far greater bearing durability for the 210mm travel frame.
New Gambler – 27.5in wheels, 210mm of travel and lots of adjustable geometry
The Gambler frame is big on adjustability; bottom bracket height, chainstay length and head angle can all be tweaked to suit personal preference, or to match to particular courses. With the included Syncros angle adjust headset, the head angle can be adjusted from a super slack 61 degrees up to 65.
The Scott Genius 740 with 150mm of travel gets fresh paint for 2015
Launched in 2013, the trail orientated Genius range continues into 2015. The carbon 910 and 710 models receive a slightly updated frame which drops 70g and offers a super light top chain guide to suit 1 x 11 drivetrains. The rear dropouts also receive an update, moving to a new ‘ISD SL’ version, which offers cross-compatibility between 142 x 12, 135 x 12, 135 x 5 (QR) and the use of Shimano’s direct mount derailleur hanger.
The enduro-focused Genius LT 720 offers 170mm of travel and has a full aluminium frame
To meet the booming enduro market, Scott will offer the Genius LT range in three models, all with 27.5in wheels and 170mm of travel. The top-end 700 Tuned features a full-carbon frame, the 710 features a carbon front and aluminium rear, and the base model 720 features an all-aluminium frame.
The biggest change to all models is a custom Fox 36 fork with three compression modes linked to the same TwinLoc remote as the rear shock. Additionally, the new models include an angle-adjust headset and a 1X11 specific top mount chainguide – although the two cheaper models still feature 2x10 gearing.
27.5 vs. 29in? The choice is entirely yours with the Scott Scale, Spark and Genius ranges
Scott continues with its 29in and 27.5in Spark and Scale range for fast-paced cross-country. New colours is the most obvious change, but the Spark 700 Ultimate Di2 is also very interesting. The recently announced Shimano XTR Di2 shares a battery with the Fox Float Factory front fork’s lock-out and the Fox eNude rear shocks three compression modes. Sadly there wasn’t a sample on hand, but Scott claims a slightly less impressive weight of 10.1kg (22.27lb) for this bike.
Otherwise the 700 series frames receive an update to allow for easier water bottle fitting and also a change to the new ISD SL dropout, and most Genius, Genius LT and Spark models receive an updated rear suspension TwinLoc lever with integrated clamp.
Urban and family bikes
If your child isn't a Julien Absalon fanatic, this Nino Schurter Scale 24in may just be perfect
Something that was attracting plenty of attention was the Scale 24in kids bike with Nino Shurter graphics – perfect for aspiring racers! Joining this model is the Voltage Jr 24 Disc, a burly-looking kids bike with mechanical disc brakes – sadly it weighs nearly 13kg and still features mediocre suspension.
Scott’s e-bike range continues, featuring 250W Bosch motors combined with the handling characteristics of non-motorised models.
The Sub is now the Sub Speed range with a new frame and matched fenders
And lastly, Scott’s urban Sub range is now the Sub Speed range. It features a new Speed frame with internal cable routing, stealthy graphics and matching fenders. The top-end Sub Speed 10 looks the part in solid-green, with a Gates Belt drive, eight-speed Shimano Alfine geared hub, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Syncros components.