We test the SCOTT Ransom 2024: much more than a hidden shock

Last November we were invited to the launch of the SCOTT Ramson 2024. A true enduro bike without limitations, which is updated following the brand's trends in terms of integration and aesthetics, but with its own kinematics and attributes that will position it as one of the references in the segment. We have tested it and we tell you its secrets.

Scott Ransom 2024: much more than a hidden shock

In recent years, Enduro has evolved spectacularly. Bikes have capabilities close to downhill bikes, but the real challenge is to get a bike that eliminates the limits when going downhill, but remains versatile and efficient.

That is the goal sought in the new Scott Ransom.

Perhaps the first thing that stands out at first glance is the hidden shock absorber, and it was also expected, in view of the evolution of the rest of the range. But the Scott Ransom has features that set it apart from the rest.

Taking advantage of this shock absorber configuration, they have given a twist to the kinematics to achieve a higher level of performance, improving the previous Ransom which, as the engineers told us, is an excellent starting point.

The system we find in the Scott Ransom is a 6-Bar, with which they seek to fine-tune the behavior without sacrificing any parameter.

In this suspension design the shock absorber, unlike the Spark and Genius models, is in a horizontal position. Lowering the center of gravity even more and providing the space with enough width to accommodate larger shock absorbers.

The new Scott Ransom 2024 continues to offer 170mm of travel on both axles and the shock absorber, as usual in Scott, is a NUDE model, in this case a Fox Float X NUDE.

These shock absorbers, specific to Scott, are controlled by a remote with three positions. But the great particularity is that, in the intermediate position, the positive air chamber is reduced, giving the shock absorber greater firmness and progressivity.

Advanced geometry and customization

The Ransom 2024 comes with both 29” wheels, but it can be converted into a mullet. To do this, you just have to flip a flip chip, which is located in the chainstays, and we can mount a 27.5” rear wheel

We can also vary the fork offset, as is already usual in Scott's new models. Simply rotate the headset cups 180° and we will vary by +6° or -6° from the neutral position that we obtain by mounting the neutral cups that are also supplied.

Our test bike was configured with the cups in their most offset position, so we have a 63.8° head angle. In the seat tube, the effective angle is 77.2° and the reach, in our size M is 458mm.

Our first contact with the Scott Ransom 2024

We were invited to the international press presentation in Santa Coloma de Farners (Girona), where several test sessions awaited us on the ground on trails that have everything to test, both the capabilities of the Ransom, and ours.

The bike we got to test was the top of the range, Scott Ransom 900 RC. A truly spectacular bike that, in addition to being built with the brand's premium carbon, the HMX, has a very top assembly.

Starting with the suspensions, inside the frame we find the Fox Float X NUDE shock absorber in its Factory version, and this is combined at the front with the Fox 38 Float Factory fork with Grip2 cartridge.

In the transmission we find the Sram XO AXS Eagle transmission group, with the particularity of mounting the shifter of the previous version in its Rocker version.

The braking is still entrusted to Sram with the Code Ultimate Stealth, spectacular looking brakes with a combination of black with polished aluminum in its lever and also polished calipers. In addition, the levers have that shape that guides the hose exit parallel to the handlebar and fits perfectly with the design of the guide under the stem of this Ransom.

Syncros components could not be missing, standing out above all the integrated handlebar-stem set Syncros Hixon IC Carbon. The set comes with a stem length of 40mm for all sizes and a rise of 15mm in sizes S and M and 25mm in larger sizes.

The Syncros Duncan seatpost is another component that stands out, in addition to its good performance, for offering an adjustment of the total travel, being able to limit it up to 25mm thanks to the +RAD adjustment system. In this way, a 180mm travel seatpost can be mounted in size M without fear of it being too long.

For the wheels, we move away from Syncros in this model to look for the robustness and reliability of the Race Face Turbine R30. On these, Maxxis Assegai 2.5” tires with EXO+ casing are mounted on the front and Maxxis Dissector 2.4” with Double Down casing on the rear.

When we approached the bike to make the basic adjustments we were surprised by its relative lightness and the perception of not being as big as its measurements indicate. The truth is that at Scott they always focus on weight, even if it is an enduro bike, where it can be secondary. This model announces 15.2kg, and although we did not check it on our scale, it should not be far off, and this weight, considering the characteristics of the Ransom, seems excellent to us.

Despite the 170mm of travel on both axles, which gives the bike more height at rest, the Ransom has a really low standover that makes it very manageable and will give us a lot of freedom of movement on the go.

We made the necessary position adjustments and regulated the suspensions, for which we had the help of the indicator next to the bottom bracket that makes the operation very simple.

Once these basic adjustments were completed, we went out to test it.

On the move

Although we did most of the first climb with a lift, we had to start climbing really steep ramps. Here we already made use of the traclock remote, which in the lock position minimizes almost completely the oscillation, and we found that the Ransom climbs much better than expected. In this, the very vertical seat tube angle, which positions us above the bottom bracket on climbs, allowing us to take advantage of our strength 100%, has a lot to do. Also the relatively contained weight and the general rigidity make this type of steep climbs we manage to solve with ease. We also have to say that the new Sram Eagle Transmission group suits it perfectly, as in these agonizing climbs we can change without loosening anything at all and the precision is absolute.

The time came to go down the first trail and from the beginning we felt comfortable. The adaptation to the Ransom seems very easy to us. Its geometry makes it very docile and stable and the operation of both suspensions makes things much easier.

We have already tested the Fox 38 Float Factory with the Grip2 cartridge on several occasions, and it always surprises us for the better. It is amazing how a fork as rigid and robust as this one, with its 38 bars, can be so tremendously smooth in its operation. The slightest friction is not perceived when it is activated with minimal impacts and, at the same time, it has the capacity to absorb the biggest impacts. In addition, with its multiple regulations we can adjust it 100% to our preferences.

After a first descent in which we already perceive that the adaptation will not be a problem and we will have a lot of fun riding the Ransom, we wanted to make some adjustments to the shock absorber. We could see how easy it is to access the inside, removing the cover by pressing a button we can make any adjustment in the middle of the route.

During the rest of the first session with the Ransom we did several different descents.

On pure riding trails we were surprised how well the new Ransom can move. Despite its overall length we have a light weight bike and, most importantly and most noticeably, that weight is very low, giving the Scott Ransom an outstanding combination of stability and maneuverability.

We made several descents with banked corners and that low center of gravity gave us great confidence in the line, allowing us to release the brakes and pass them at high speed.

As we have already mentioned, on the Scott Ransom, we have the Traclock remote control, to control the three positions of the Fox NUDE shock. In this control we also have the lever to operate the dropper post. This requires some adaptation to automate gestures and not confuse the lever of the seatpost with the lock, especially when we are in the intermediate position of the shock, where they are closer.

In general, the Scott Ransom gave us a lot of confidence in all situations, allowing us to descend quite fast on trails unknown to us where we had to improvise constantly.

In the second session we were faced with more technical trails, where the Scott Ransom showed off all its capabilities.

We faced some very steep areas, and here another of the great advantages of the Ransom's design became apparent. We are referring to that low standover and its long travel dropper post that offers us a great freedom of movement and gives us security in those situations in which we do not have them all with us.

In the rougher areas the suspension works its magic and we feel like we are riding on much smoother terrain, allowing us to maintain speed and control. The sensitivity of the rear suspension is also sublime. Small irregularities directly disappear and shows a remarkable ability to absorb large impacts without exhausting the 170mm of travel. The progressivity increases from the middle zone and we have the last part of the shock absorber stroke for very strong impacts or receptions.

We also tackled the jumps that came our way with great confidence, feeling the Ransom always very stable and poised, once again thanks, among other things, to its low center of gravity.

We also found the tires to be a great choice, with extraordinary grip that gave us confidence in the worst situations, and the EXO casing of the front Maxxis Assegai is a perfect compromise between strength and low weight, while the Double Down casing of the Maxxis Disector is a guarantee of reliability so as not to cut us in any compromising situation.

Conclusions

Although it has not been a long test, we have been able to enjoy several intense sessions in our days in the presentation of the new range.

The truth is that the new Scott Ransom leaves a very good taste in our mouths. It was clear to us that a long-travel enduro like the Ransom would have few limitations when it came to descending the most complicated terrain, and it has more than proved that, but what has surprised us the most is the ease of handling that we have noticed and its relative agility. In addition, on climbs, its geometry and light weight help us in that task of going for a new trail.

The new Scott Ransom offers greater capabilities with more versatility than ever before.

We think it's a great candidate for both Enduro competitions, where it has plenty of downhill capability and won't do too badly on the links, and for the rider who wants to enjoy every trail with a bike that allows them to get to every summit without excessive effort.

Scott Ransom 900 RC. Specifications and weight

• Frame: Ransom Carbon HMX
• Fork: Fox 30 Float Factory Kashima / Grip2
• Shock: Fox Float X NUDE Factory EVOL Kashima
• Rear derailleur: Sram XO Eagle AXS Transmission
• Shifter: Sram AXS Rocker
• Crankset: Sram XO Eagle Transmission / 32T
• Chain: Sram XO Eagle Transmission
• Cassette: Sram XO Eagle Transmission XS1295 10-52
• Brakes: Sram Code Ultimate Stealth
• Handlebar; Syncros Hixon IC Carbon
• Seatpost: Syncros Duncan 31,6mm travel adjust
• Saddle: Syncros Tofino 1.5 Titanium Rails
• Wheelset: Race Face Turbine R30
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai 2,5” EXO+
• Rear tire: Maxxis Dissector 2,4” DD
• Weight aprox: 15.2kg