The new Genius Plus looks like it can bowl over anything that’s in its way, and it kinda did. The bike really impressed me and changed what I thought my take was on plus bikes.
Details: 2016 Scott Genius 700 Tuned Plus – $7999 XX1/XO1, Syncros (DT Swiss) Carbon wheels, FOX DPS EVOL rear/34 Float Factory fork
My first thought that comes to mind with this Genius is how much fun it was. The traction with the 2.8″ tires at 15 psi is pretty awesome. I could brake harder and go into conners hotter without the tire flex that I thought I would feel from the plus sized 2.8″ tires.
I did notice a slight bouncy feel from the lower tire pressures when compressing the suspension to unweight for roots/ rocks. This wan’t enough to bother me at all, since I could adjust with shock and fork rebound dampening. I actually enjoyed this feeling since it seemed to help my ability to jump over those rocky, rooty sections.
Scott made a fantastic decision to spec the new FOX DPS EVOL rear shock and 34 Factory Float fork. Last year’s Fox CTD shock on the Genius tended to blow through its travel and felt like it wallowed around when the shock was setup to use full travel. The new DPS gives the Genius a more controlled and bottomless feel throughout its range. Read more about this shock here: FOX DPS EVOL Review .
Likes: The Scott is light, FUN, has a well thought out build, and with the Twinlock remote, has efficient and plush suspension.
Dislikes: Scott’s Twinlock system works great at minimizing any unwanted suspension movement, but the added complexity and rats nest of the added two cables is something I would rater do without.
Bottom line: The smooth rolling added traction from the the plus sized 2.8 tires offers greatly improved traction on wet roots and rocks as well as increased comfort in the rough terrain. The Genius 700 Plus is simply a blast to ride.
