Scott Bicycles Ransom 9000 Tuned AXS L 2022
Reviews / Enduro Bikes
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At a glance
SCOTT’s answer to ‘How to ride it all, fast’. The brand new Ransom is kitted with 170mm of travel front and rear and comes with 29’’ wheels but a flip chip allows you to switch to 27,5’’ in a blink. It’s available in 5 different build kits with either a carbon or alloy frame.
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The product
Ever since its launch in 2006 the Ransom has been improved, tuned and updated and when launched in 2022 it is right up there with the top frame tech out there. From the designers based in Switzerland you can always expect a lightweight and strong design with a lot of smart features. For example their lower pivot area is wider compared to the Genius to have more stiffness in the bb area.
When looking at the frame, you can notice the clean lines and well placed protective rubber to prevent chain slap and rocks chipping into the carbon. The Ransom comes with SCOTTS own TwinLoc remote lockout system that lets you control both the forks and the rear shocks from the handlebar, optimising climbing geometry and dampening. It’s not just a simple lockout, but it also alters the bb height with 20mm and steepens the angles by 1.5 degrees. It does make the left side of the handlebars look a bit busy, but once you get used to it, it works like a charm. You can read all about it right here.
Speaking of Geometry, the Ransom is what I call ‘Reserved Modern’. Longish in the top tube but nothing extreme (466mm reach on L) and a 64.5 degree head angle make up a decent and stable base for a do-it-all enduro rig. Interesting is the short chainstays (438mm) and relatively long 470mm seat tube. It’s good to see that they thought of rear wheel clearance too for those muddy rides or the people that want to put a 2.6’’ tire in the rear.
Spec wise there is little to argue with top of the bill Sram AXS. Lightening quick shifts are the trademark and the Shimano XT 4 piston brakes are the standard for high alpine stopping power. As Syncros is also owned by SCOTT, you see a lot of their products back on their bikes. The one piece stem/handlebar combo is definitely something to get used to when hopping on the bike, but just like a Lefty you’re fine if you just focus on the trail.
Out on the trail
Making your way to the top is a joy with the Ransom. The TwinLoc system really works and improves your position on those longer climbs. With the shortish rear end you do need to stay on the ball when riding steep techy terrain up but it really acts like a goat. The ridiculous low weight of just about 14kg plays a part in this too of course.
Pointing the Ransom down, it suddenly clicks on how Vinny T rides this machine. This bike wants to play. Wheelies and manuals are a piece of cake and when jumping the bike is nice and stable. Point, shoot and liftoff! When stuff gets tight, slow and techy you feel balanced and capable. It’s easy to manoeuvre the bike through tight single tracks and nose-turns.
In the rough stuff, I do wish for a little more plushness on the suspension side. It feels firm and racy, which is great if you’re a racer. But not so if you’re looking for comfort. Also when your speed picks up the playfulness turns into nervousness and you automatically hold back a little. It’s the complete opposite of a Transition Spire for example, which is more a rocketship that screams “Go Faster” at you all the time, but refuses to wheelie.
Verdict
The Ransom is a great ride with a characteristic personality. If you’re looking for a big travel rig that climbs like a goat and descends amazing on steep and playful terrain, this SCOTT should be on your shortlist. Depending on your credit card limit, you might want to check out some of the other build options though.
This review was in Issue 73 of IMB.
For more information visit Scott BicyclesRelated
By Jarno Hoogland
Jarno's life has revolved around two wheels ever since he swung a leg over his first BMX at age 4. After a BMX and DH racing career, he moved on to work for bike shops, distributors and brands before ending up in the editors seat at IMB. Based in the ultimate testing ground in the Swiss mountains, he runs his guiding operation and makes sure every IMB issue is filled with top notch content.
