DIRT ISSUE 131 – JANUARY 2013
Words by Seth Barrett. Photo by Steve Jones
One day, as I was being collected from school, I happened to gaze up at something on the back of the car. First a wheel caught my eye, I threw my bag into the car and ran to the back, and there it was…it was love at first sight! A Scott Voltage FR 10.
It looked a bit tatty and had taken a few knocks, but it was still geared with the Sram X9 kit, Fox air shock, e*thirteen chain device, Scott seat post and bars, DT Swiss front wheel and Superstar rear wheel (a slightly od combo). The frame is very clever – the adjustable shock mounts on the bike have been designed so that you can change from an air shock to coil shock via the A and B travel settings (A travel is 140mm and B travel is 150mm). It means that the bike can be multi purpose, and that you can dial it in to whatever riding you are doing.
As soon as I got home the Scott was off the rack, helmet on and away we went. On track it handled like a beauty, so smooth and ideal for a first proper downhill bike. When Dirt asked about the ride, I just couldn’t put into words how amazing the bike was.
For the first few months, and after getting to know the bike, I replaced the bushings, repaired the headset, Avid brake levers, bottom bracket and got the Fox 36 forks a full service including new uppers (the bike had already been used quite a bit). More recently it has had new bearings in the rear wheel, I’ve replaced the bolt in the rear axle, new jockey wheel for the e*thirteen chain device and a new freewheel for the hub.
Then having the forks serviced and getting the bike set up correctly for my weight (Pedalabikeaway) made a massive difference. The bike instantly felt more comfortable, responded better and reduced arm pump.
I’ve upgraded the stem and seat as well (Funn ones), and I’ve also got a pair of Schwalbe Dirty Dan tyres to improve grip in the harsh, wet and muddy winter weather. I also got a new pair of SPD’s, which has improved pedalling power.
Despite breaking the top off my fibia (at the start of the season) and subsequent gap of 10 weeks off riding, I have been amazed at how this bike has improved my riding. It is a bike that always puts a smile on my face and to me the key to riding is having fun and going fast. Along the way this bike has given me a couple spectacular whips, boosted my confidence more than anyone can imagine and given me the feeling that I never want to stop.
Full respect to the one and only Scott Voltage FR 10!
Price: £3499 (for 2013 model spec)
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