Tom and Lia review the 2024 Scott Ransom
We may not have hoverboards or flying cars readily available in 2024. What we do have, however, is Scott’s all-new Ransom. This futuristic machine is full of the latest tech, forward-thinking engineering, and an aesthetic to match. Watch out, Elon Musk—Scott is coming for you!
From Thredbo to Stromlo, Tom and Lia had the Ransom 910 in for testing ($11,299 AUD). Yes, it’s a hefty price tag, but the value for money is there to justify it. We’ll get into that in more depth soon.
Following the previous generation, it still packs 170mm of front and rear travel. In 2024, it will be the bike of choice for enduro racers representing the Swiss brand. We saw the prototype version floating around the race circuit last year. With that, Scott has been able to crunch the numbers against the clock and the strain of top-level enduro racing.
To get the most out of this rig, the engineers pride themselves on a new suspension layout. Scott’s new 6-Link system is a 6-bar design based around a custom Float X Nude rear shock. In 2024, this shock will be on all spec models throughout the Ransom range.
The striking difference to the previous version is its new look, which includes an internally mounted shock. The Ransom now has aesthetics similar to those of other bikes in the range, like the Genius and Voltage.
Don’t let the fancy, modern looks fool you! When it’s time to get your hands dirty, the Ransom can charge hard and soak up some of the roughest terrain.
Watch our video review on the Scott Ransom:
An overview of the Scott Ransom
Unlike other bikes in the Scott range, the Ransom has a unique suspension layout. When we spoke to the engineers at Scott, they shared that they decided to move to this system because it gave them greater control over the kinematics. With this system, they claim to be able to better isolate anti-squat and anti-rise characteristics, in addition to the overall progression of the suspension. The rear suspension was definitely a highlight for us, particularly with how it performed in rough terrain under heavy braking.
With the new look its internally mounted shock brings, the Ransom not only has futuristic swag, but it bestows improved functional benefits, too. That being to keep dirt and grime away from the suspension, an area often abused by the elements and constant movement.
The new frame design has also enabled the engineers to squeeze in hidden storage in the downtube. The space isn’t as roomy or versatile as some other brands, but it works well, particularly with the tailored Syncros Matchbox Kit, which is included with the bike. This kit is shaped perfectly within the cavity and has everything you need for a trailside repair. The fit is secure, which meant we didn’t notice any rattling, even on rough terrain.
The team at Flow are also excited to see the option to run both 29er and MX wheeled setups. This is done through a flip chip, and it is pleasing to hear that you’ll get the same kinematics when running both options. We appreciate versatility in a bike like this; the smaller rear wheel is a nice way to get away from the ‘racer’ feel if you don’t always desire that.
Scott Ransom price & specs
Two Scott Ransom models are available in Australia for 2024, starting at $8,399 AUD for the Ransom 920. Our first-look article provides a detailed look at the specs, geometry, and all the details behind the bikes.
Here, we’ll be jumping into our experience of testing the top-spec model, the Scott Ransom 910.
2024 Scott Ransom 910
- Frame | Ransom Carbon HMF Mainframe with Alloy 6061 Swingarm, Integrated Suspension Technology, 6 Link kinematic / Adjustable head angle, Syncros Cable Integration System, BB92 / UDH Interface / 12x148mm with 55mm Chainline / MX Ready
- Fork | FOX 38 Float Performance Elite Grip 2 Air, HSC – LSC – HSR- LSR adjustable / Kabolt 15x110mm axle, 44mm offset / tapered steerer, 170mm travel
- Shock | FOX FLOAT X NUDE EVOL 3 modes: Climb-Ramp Control- Descend, Custom large Air volume / Comp & Reb. Adj., Travel 170-130-Climb / T205X65mm / Bearing Hardware
- Wheels | Syncros Revelstoke 2.0 6 Bolt, F: 15x110mm, R: 12x148mm Boost, 30mm Tubeless ready rim 28H / XD Driver, Syncros Axle w/Removable Lever with Tool
- Tyres | Maxxis Assegai / 2.5” / 60TPI Foldable / EXO+ / TR / 3C Maxx Gripp Front. Maxxis Dissector / 2.4” / 120TPI Foldable / DD/ TR / 3C Maxx Terra Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 12 Speed, Wireless Electronic Shift System
- Brakes | SRAM Code RSC Stealth 4 Piston Disc, SRAM HS2 Rotors F&R 200mm
- Bar | Syncros Hixon iC Carbon, Size S & M 15mm rise / Size L & XL 25mm rise, back sweep 8° / 780mm / 40mm, Syncros Endurance lock-on grips
- Seatpost | Syncros Duncan Dropper Post 1.5S / Travel Adjust / 31.6mm, S size 140mm / M size 180mm / L & XL size 210mm
- RRP | $11,299.99 AUD
Scott Ransom sizing and geometry
If you think the Ransom might be the bike for you, you’ll have four sizes to choose from (S, M, L & XL). We tested the size medium, which has a 458mm reach, 440mm chainstays, a 63.8° head angle and a 77.2° seat angle. We had two Flow testers swing a leg over this bike. At 180cm Tom was between a medium and a large, whereas Lia, 175 cm tall, fitted neatly into the suggested range for a size medium.
For Tom, he felt that if he were going to race this bike, he’d prefer a large one. However, he enjoyed the maneuverability of a slightly smaller bike compared to what he was used to riding. This would be something to consider if you fall between sizes. As for Lia, fit-wise, she found the bike to be spot-on but would like to change some of the stock contact points to dial-in setup. In particular the bar and stem.
With the new Ransom, we’re also seeing adjustable headset cups included. These are really easy to use. By spinning them 180°, you can choose between a 65 or 63.8° head angle. Again, having some options with a dedicated race bike to adjust to varying conditions and terrain is nice.
Climbing
The Ransom climbs exceptionally well against its other long-travel peers when comparing apples to apples. This is primarily due to its 3-position rear shock (in particular, the middle and closed settings) that can be easily adjusted via the handlebar remote. Having a lockout system has obvious benefits when riding on a fire road or commuting to the trails. The middle setting, which has more of a ramp-up characteristic, allows you to still gain traction but not sink too deep into the travel. This is great, as we found it provides a platform to push against, meaning minimal power is lost whilst still allowing the shock to work in your favour.
We know some people may be raising their eyebrows at the necessity of suspension like this (particularly with an added remote on the handlebars). Some of us here at Flow would side with that opinion at times. However, we’ve found that the benefits are evident if you use the system as intended. If you’re someone who has no interest in using it, well, then, of course, it is useless. As this is a race bike and the intended use is to be efficient, we believe this is an excellent addition for those trying to find the marginal gains to save time and energy.
Other characteristics that contribute to the overall comfort of this bike’s climbing are the steep seat angle (77.2°) and the ability to steepen the head angle. Adjusting the head angle isn’t something you’d probably do trailside. However, if you know you’re in for a big day, it could be worth changing, as we did notice a significant improvement in climbing performance in this setting (65° in the steep setting).
Descending
The first thing we noticed with this bike was how well it worked on rough terrain. Under heavy braking, there was never a point when it felt as if the shock was packing up. We rode this bike at Thredbo, Australia’s mightiest bike park. Like all parks, it is not uncommon to be carrying a lot of speed into braking bumps. In these circumstances, the Ransom could maintain traction, which meant we could brake harder and later than usual.
Tom, finding the medium slightly small for his personal preference, would have liked a slightly longer reach and wheelbase for faster sections of the trail. However, when things got a little slower and tighter, the agility of the more petite frame was pleasing. Lia, who fit the medium perfectly, also noticed the ease of moving this burly bike, a characteristic often missing from big enduro bikes.
The 440mm chainstays suit this bike well. They are long enough to provide stability but not too long, meaning that they still have a snappy feel when turning the bike sharply. Pair this with the smaller rear wheel; we found this to be one of the better cornering bikes we’ve been trialling.
On steeper terrain, both Lia and Tom commented on their desire to swap out the relatively flat 15mm rise bar for something closer to 30mm. Both our testers believe this would greatly improve the feel of the bike, particularly on steeper terrain. Due to the fit of the bike on Tom, this swap would be more of an immediate non-negotiable for him. It must be said that this customisation may not be as easy as other brands, as the Ransom has an integrated one-piece bar and stem and internally routed cables. This means you need to buy a new bar, a stem, and a top cap for the headset.
We were thrilled with how the bike performed in the fully open position. The descending performance in the middle setting on the shock was an added bonus. This ramp-up setting provides the sensation of instantly adding volume-reducing tokens. In this mode, the shock works mostly in the first 130mm of travel. We found that the bike performs well configured in the middle setting when riding flatter/ flowy terrain. These are the kinds of trails where you need to pump and push against the terrain to create speed, yet they allow you to do so without sinking too far into the travel. With the convenience of the handlebar remote, we can see racers switching to this mid-stage for flatter sections of trail. Something like this can win you back a few seconds in a race. It might not sound like a lot, but for racers, it’ll be a helpful tool.
Component Highs & Lows
For $11,299 AUD, you’ll expect a high-end specification, and with the Ransom 910, that is what you’ll get. Not only is the specification high-quality, but it is also appropriate for the terrain this bike will be drawn towards.
Brakes
A prime example of this is the burly brakes. SRAM’s Code Stealth brakes are packed with plenty of power. We tested these brakes on some long descents in Thredbo, and they performed excellently under challenging conditions. It is always nice to have some adjustability built into a brake’s design. With the Codes, we found the contact adjustment great for dialing in the bite point to each tester’s personal preference.
Drivetrain
SRAM also took on the drivetrain duties on the 910 version of the Ransom. This model comes with SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 12 Speed groupset. Let’s face it: we couldn’t have a futuristic bike like the Ransom without electronic shifting. Even though the GX version is the base model, the quality of the product is right up there. It performed well throughout the duration of the test, and we had no issues. The clutch system seems to have been improved compared to the previous generation’s electronic GX derailleur. This meant shifting was smooth as well as being quiet. It is impressive how well these modern electronic systems shift under load; this was a highlight for us.
Suspension
Fox provides the suspension on the 910: a 38 for the fork and a Fox Float X Nude EVOL for the rear shock. We know the 38 forks well, so setting this up didn’t take us long.
The 910 comes with the 38 Performance Elite,, which is equipped with the GRIP2 Damper. This gives you all the adjustability of the Factory series but without the Kashima coating. It has both high- and low-speed compression and high- and low-speed rebound. With four dials, air pressure and tokens, setting up can take a while if it’s your first time.
The 38 has an extra stiff chassis, but it provides the confidence needed to charge hard on a bike like this. Some of us at Flow have recently gone back to riding slightly less burly forks like the Fox 36 and Rockshox Lyrik and have had great experiences doing so. But in this case, we believe the 38 was the right choice. We tested some proper DH tracks, and this is where the Fox 38 shone. It was not just the stiff chassis but the suppleness in the initial stroke, accompanied by a supportive ramp up that was more profound in the travel. Mainly when we went to two volume spacers. However, for most riding scenarios, we opted for just one spacer.
The Fox Float X Nude shock is an interesting bit of kit. The Nude X with TracLoc and bearings in the lower shock eye make it quite unique. The small bump sensitivity was impressive, and overall, the shock worked really well with the new suspension design. There is some added complexity with bearings and remote cables; it is reassuring to see them tucked away from the elements mounted inside the frame.
We were also pleased to see the piggy back option of this shock included on the Ransom. A hard-charging bike like this will definitely benefit from a more gravity-oriented shock.
Adjusting the shock’s settings is simple, as there is plenty of room to do so once you remove the frame cover. The only issue was that by the end of the testing period, we had difficulty getting the cover to lock into place. Grime had gotten into the mechanism, and it wouldn’t latch properly. It’s not a major issue, but it’s something to keep an eye on, as regular cleaning is needed.
It’s worth noting that if you don’t want the stock shock, Scott has designed the internal shock cavity to fit a variety of common enduro shocks.
Wheels and tyres
For an enduro bike, we’re looking for a heavy-duty casing rear tyre and a soft compound front tyre. That’s precisely what you’ll get with the Ransom 910. It comes stock with a Maxxis Dissector rear tyre in the thicker Double Down casing. On the front is a Maxxis Assegai with an EXO+ casing paired with their soft MaxxGrip compound. This is a combination that worked really well, the faster rolling rear tyre will suit racers, but for everyday riding, some might want more grip in the form of something like a DHR II.
The rear wheel suffered a major de-tension of all the spokes over the duration of a few laps of the Thredbo MTB Park. Requiring a few minutes with a spoke key in the work stand, we were able to get back to testing, but it was not ideal.
Cockpit
This is the one area of the bike we’d change straight away. In particular, the one-piece bar and stem. The quality of the product is great, but it is too niche to come as a stock option, in our opinion. The medium comes with a 15mm rise bar, which we found too low; we would have preferred something closer to 30mm. With Tom being on the upper end of a medium, he would have liked to experiment with a longer stem, too. If you do luck out and the stock bar and stem combination works, you’ll have a very tidy bit of kit on the front of your bike. It definitely adds to the stealthy overall look of the bike. Very sleek!
Flow’s Verdict
The Ransom suits someone who regularly rides DH-like terrain, perhaps someone who frequents bike parks. If you’re planning to go overseas to ride popular destinations like Canada and Europe, this bike would also be great in those scenarios. The steeper and rougher, the better with this one.
The Ransom 910 costs $11,299 AUD, which is by no means a bargain but appropriate for the product’s spec choice and quality. The frame and its finishings are right up there with some of the highest-quality bikes on the market.
A lot has been spoken about this bike as a race machine. However, for those not racing, we love that the bike is mullet compatible, and this is actually the setting we’d ride the bike in most of the time. The fact that the kinematics are the same with both wheel sizes gets a massive tick from us.
The Ransom might be your next bike if you’re looking for a burly enduro bike with DH-like descending ability. The space age looks alone might even take a few seconds off the clock!
