First Look | 2024 Scott Ransom With a New 6-Link, Integrated Suspension design

Nothing gets a team of engineers fizzing more than the release of a new bike. Those clever heads over at Scott have been tinkering away on the brand-new Ransom for 2024. We were lucky enough to catch up with them to get a full rundown of their latest creation, and we were privy to some mighty interesting changes to the Ransom for this year. We’ll have one very soon to put through its paces, but, for now, feast your eyes on this futuristic machine and the oodles of new tech that comes with it.

2024 Scott Ransom 900 RC being ridden through a loamy turn
We can’t wait to get our hands on this hard-charging enduro machine. Some loamy trails would be nice, too!

The New Scott Ransom, lets go!

For 2024, the Ransom will continue to be packaged with 170mm of front and rear travel. However, the rear suspension is based on a completely new 6-Link system. Calling all bike nerds of the world: unite in frothy anticipation! The new Ransom comes as a full 29er but has the ability to also be run with mixed wheels.

We also see the addition of internal storage and adjustable headset cups. All useful features that we’re almost beginning to expect. We’re pretty spoilt these days; the standard is very high, and it seems Scott has taken on this challenge to keep up. 

New Frame and Suspension Design

Like the Scott Genius and Spark we have tested, the Ransom now has a similar space-age look. The rear shock is concealed inside the frame, providing a sleek finish, as well as conveniently keeping the shock out of the elements. Whilst it has the same external aesthetics as the other bikes in the range, when you look under the hood, things are very different.

2024 Scott Ransom Frame
The rear shock is now tucked away inside the frame. With this, it has a similar aesthetic to other bikes in the Scott family, the Scott Spark and Scott Genius.

 

One of the most intriguing changes is the implementation of their brand new 6-Link suspension design. We asked the engineers at Scott why they decided to move away from the tried and tested Horst Link platform they’ve been using previously. One of their main justifications was the tunability of the kinematics with the new 6-Link system; they’re confident that with this platform, you are able to gain more control and better isolate anti-squat and anti-rise characteristics. As well as the overall progression of the suspension.

The engineers were particularly pleased with how the suspension works under heavy braking, a scenario a bike like this is going to be exposed to regularly whilst riding steep and rough race tracks. We’re excited to test this out and see if it lives up to the hype. 

Close up shot of the suspension design on a 2024 Scott Ransom
From a distance, it might look similar to the Scott Genius. That’s far from the case when you take a closer look.

 

Breakdown of 2024 Scott Ransom's 6 bar Suspension Design
The engineers claim that the 6-Link design allows them to better isolate and tune specific suspension characteristics.

Scott suggest that changing the shock and adjusting settings is simple. There is a large cover that pops off, allowing for easy access and ample space for tools and/or hands. It is definitely reassuring to hear that they’ve thought hard about this. All is well and good to keep the shock away from dirt, but we need to access it! It sounds like this won’t be an issue.

Image showing access to the rear shock on a 2024 Scott Ransom
It seems that making adjustments won’t be difficult, even with the shock mounted inside the frame.

Fox Float X Nude Shock

On all versions of the Ransom, you’ll find Fox’s Float X Nude Shock inside the futuristic frame, a pretty cool bit of custom kit. Interestingly, this shock has bearings pressed inside the lower eyelet, which is intended to provide greater small bump compliance whilst satisfying the internal space limitations.

Diagram of a Fox Float X Nude rear shock bearings
Bearings inside the lower shock eye, very interesting!

The shock is also equipped with three positions actuated by a lever on the handlebar. Those modes are climb, ramp-control and descend. Climb is a lockout position that we’re all pretty familiar with.

The ramp-control setting is an interesting one as it effectively gives the feel of instantly adding volume spacers. It doesn’t technically reduce the travel but ramps the shock up significantly to work mostly within the first 130mm of travel (full travel is 170mm). This doesn’t only sound useful for climbing, but it could also come in handy on flatter/flowier sections of a trail. We’re intrigued to see how the shock performs in this setting. It sounds good on paper, but is it practical and user-friendly? We’ll get those answers to you soon.

Then there’s ‘descend mode’ which is pretty self explanatory. Here the shock works without any air volume reduction. Designed for all-out charging, which we’re planning a plenty.

Close up image of the a Fox Float X Nude rear shock on a 2024 Scott Ransom
Fox’s Float X Nude shock is neatly tucked away inside the frame.

If you don’t want to run the Fox shock that comes on the bike, don’t worry. The team at Scott have designed the frame to fit the most popular brands and models. Including a selection of coil options.

2024 Scott Ransom Shock Options
You aren’t limited to the stock shock. There are quite a few options that will fit inside the new Ransom frame.

Internal Storage, New to the 2024 Ransom

Scott has incorporated internal storage into the new Ransom. Packaged in (what looks like) a pretty neat toolkit keeping it all together. This is the first time we’re going to see this on a Ransom, so our questions will be: how much can you fit in there? Is it noisy? And how practical are the ergonomics when gaining access? We’re stoked to see this inclusion, as internal storage is something we’ve come to really appreciate on modern mountain bikes.

Close up image of the internal storage on a 2024 Scott Ransom
This custom Syncross toolkit slots into the frame just above the shock.

Full 29er or Mixed Wheels

Some of us here at Flow are big fans of mixed-wheeled setups, particularly on longer travel bikes. One issue we’ve come across previously is some frames have the ability to use MX wheels; however, the kinematics have obviously been designed to favour one setting more than the other. We’re pleased to hear that the engineers at Scott are claiming to not only have kept identical geometry, but also the same kinematics with both wheel sizes. We’ll be testing the bike with both 29er and mixed wheels as we think this is a feature that is often under-utilised.

Image showing the ability to run 29er or mixed wheels on 2024 Scott Ransom
The lower flip chip allows for full 29er or mixed-wheeled setups. This maintains the geo as well as the suspension kinematics for both options.

Geometry and Sizing

With the new Ransom, there will be four frame sizes (S, M, L & XL). The reach measurements range from 428mm (small) to 508mm (XL). All frames will have 440mm chainstays, but the seat angle will change. The small will have a 77° seat angle, and the extra large a 77.6° seat angle. Below is the full geometry chart as well as possible seat post-insertion lengths.

2024 Scott Ransom geometry chart
All pretty sensible and modern numbers. You’ll see all four frame sizes have 440mm chainstays. The seat angle changes slightly between sizes.

Chart showing 2024 Scott Ransom Dropper Post Insertion Lengths
With the shock mounted horizontally – while the Spark and Genius are vertically – it means longer dropper posts can fit comfortably.

Models and Pricing

Here in Australia, we’ll have two spec options to choose from. The Ransom 910 ($11,299.99) and the Ransom 920 ($8,399.99). Below is a breakdown of what your hard earned will get you.

Scott Ransom 910

side profile of a 2024 Scott Ransom 910
Ransom 910, $11,299.99 AUD

Scott Ransom 920

side profile of a 2024 Scott Ransom 920
Ransom 920, $8,399.99 AUD

Our Final Thoughts…For Now, More to Come Soon!

The Ransom has always been a bike that Scott has used to push the limits of engineering and technology. Flow’s Director, Mick, rode one of the first Ransoms in the early 2000s with an ahead-of-its-time equalizer shock. The latest Ransom has carried on with this trend with some pretty unique features.

Ring Ring “Mr Scott Ransom here, nice to meet you. What year is it again?”

Our test bike has just arrived; watch this space; we’ll have a written and video review out soon!

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