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Scott E-Genius 720 Plus

A lot of bike for the money


Words and photos: Steve Jones


Shape and Purpose

Four hundred pounds is the difference between the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus motorised bike versus the non-motorised version. In terms of geometry they’ve made it slightly shorter in reach and wheelbase, and higher on the bottom bracket than the equivalent travel Genius Plus 700 bike. However this doesn’t take into account the increased stability offered by a bike with a motor fitted which adds 20lb to the bike.

The Scott is one of the shortest travel e-mtb’s that we have tested and its also one of the lightest. More than anything it highlights how crucial the geometry is to any bicycle and how the geometry translates to the type of riding that you’ll be doing. Scott say the Genius is an “any trail, anytime” bike.

We’d agree and disagree on this because this bike has been taken into and has succeeded in far more challenging terrain than its non-motorised stablemate which also carries a similar tagline. For us the Genius is all about adventure and exploring although it’s certain many will be aiming for the trail centres on this one.

Suspension/Chassis/Detail

The 720 comes with a huge amount of detail including Scott’s travel adjust system which can limit or lock out the travel entirely. Clearly the lock out option would be something purely for road and fire road use but we looked forward to using the shorter travel setting, steeper head angle setting on some steeper climbs especially as this bike is paired with the impressive three inch Nobby Nic rubber.

A Miranda Delta Boost crankset with 17T chainwheel upfront is matched with a 11-36 cassette is an interesting combination, the rear being higher geared than some and the front lower geared.

The bar appeared a touch short at 740mm and the stem a bit long relative to some bikes but this being new territory, we are open minded. This 720 gets 180/180 rotors whilst the 710 gets 200/180, we’d prefer the latter, and also the addition of an adjustable seatpost would be welcome.

 

Feeling

Super quick is the feeling most people get when riding the Scott. A mix of lightweight and big fast tyres means the bike simply takes off. On the hill the longish stem tips the rider weight forward which is slightly off-putting for less experienced riders but the Schwalbe tyres mean there is grip in abundance. It’s a quiet bike, the rear suspension gives a good amount of support whilst still offering that lock-out option for fire road climbs.

Limitations

Lacking an adjustable seatpost is an issue but a very easy one to remedy. It’s a messy cockpit of cables and displays, could do with the Purion system. The display as on other similar Bosch motors can be very easy to damage, the stem needs shortening, the head angle slackening a touch, the gears lowering a fraction and the front cog can get clogged very easily in super muddy conditions which we found on the Trek Powerfly also.

Verdict

For the money it’s a lot of bike, and of the many, many people that have ridden it nobody has failed to smile. The Scott has the right mix of travel for many riders, the big performance motor never misses a beat and it comes with some attractive design work.

Motor – Bosch Performance CX250Wh
Battery – Bosch 500Wh
Travel – Front 140mm/Rear 130-90-Lock
Weight – 49lb
Price – £3599


SIZE                            S                      M                     L                      XL
Wheelbase                 1186               1211               1234               1263
Reach                          394                 419                 441                 446
Head Angle                67.5
Seat Angle                  73.9
Chain Stay                  490
BB Height                   343


https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/sports/bike

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