The new custom butted 6061 aluminum Scale 29 Team is a lightweight and durable 29” hardtail. With Shimano brakes and drivetrain, and the same celebrated geometry as its carbon siblings, it gives you a great value in a big wheeled bike.
Strengths: Light frame, spot on XC race geometry, beautiful colors.
Weaknesses: Stock fork is garbage, bottom bracket sits very low.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! This is my first 29er bike. I bought it new this year and so far it has exceeded my expectations. The geometry is perfect for everything like climbing, downhill, and good handling. The frame is very lightweight, the stock rims are a little on the heavy side but they are tough as tanks. The color scheme on this model really turns heads.
The only 2 things I disliked about this bike. The first was the stock garbage Suntour fork. Seriously upgrade the fork as soon as you buy one of these bikes. The stock fork is not adjustable and is very stiff, the lockout on it does work very good though.
The second thing I disliked about it was the fact that the bottom bracket sits extremely low. If you go over a log or a boulder the chainwheel will hit it and get damaged. Also the cranks will occasionally hit rocks on the trail since they go pretty low as well.
Strengths: at bike for the price. I got it on sale at rei. it was the only 29er i could find in my size xl in stock in my price range, you get what you pay for. I've enjoyed riding this bike more then any I've had. feel more confident every time i ride it. I'm 60yrs old and i feel like a kid riding this thing.
Weaknesses: the fork is adequate depending on the terrain. but again in the price range you get value for what you pay for
Bottom Line:
the frame is the key to this bike. it's excellent. I switched my tires to tubeless and it was like I got a new wheelset.the bike is worth putting upgrades on. if you do some serious trail riding an upgrade in the fork deptartment will be worth it. however at the price i paid for it and the fun it has delivered has been well worth it. I don't feel like i overpaid which i think many bikes depending on rider skill level you can overpay for. definelely worth it for the budget minded rider. you'll get a great ride and be happy you did.
Similar Products Used: rented cialized stumpjumper comp 29er to get the feel of the 29er thing. very good bike but twice the price for what I got.
Bike Setup: stock except for i repaced the 11-32 rear cog set with 11-34 it helps on the climbs. and did the tubeless conversion which has worked excellent.
Strengths: Had the bike for 2 months. The big tires are eating up the tree roots and erosion dongas. Could`t ask for a better bike.
Weaknesses: To do the nature of the roads that I must ride there are a lot of thorns. I must have already replaced 2 tubes that were `stabbed to death`. So the weakness for me is the tire and tube are two thin. Seat are hard.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike, great value must have to people with a budget. If the seat and if it can be done change it do tubeless tires.
Strengths: The frame and its geometry. STX rear derailleur. Hydraulic brakes. Schwalbe tires.
Weaknesses: Though I don't find the Suntour fork bad on the trail at all, after reading all the negative comments you may feel envious whenever a bike rides by with RockShox or a Fox fork.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a light 29er with an excellent geometry for my 5'8" height. Though not as nimble as my old 26er I find this bike fun to ride no matter where I go. Although the ride is not as snappy I feel like can ride over anything with greater confidence. Keep in mind I ride in Massachusetts so I'm in wooded doubletrack with windy singletrack. Mostly hardpack with roots and rock. So no mountainous terrain, but plenty of hills. This bike climbs great and the descents are solid and confident. The schwalbe tires provide excellent traction and the Draco brakes are solid and quiet.
Besides the great frame this bike came with the best rear derailleur in its price range. The STX has been reliable even during times of stress like switching gears on a steep incline. The Alivio front has also done well, but I certainly don't use it as much as my rear derailleur.
The seat is hard, but aren't they all? Unless you buy a 5lbs gel saddle your ass will have to get used to it. I've sat on worse saddles.
Then there is the XCT fork. I think It works really pretty well. Maybe it's because I'm on a 29er, but it soaks up the bumps and the hits. I've never bottomed it out and seems to get the job done. Keep in mind I ride trails where my wheels stay on the ground most of the time. I'm not flying down a mountain with 5-10 ft drops. Will I upgrade? Yeah, probably. Mostly because I have fork envy. Nevertheless, I wouldn't avoid the Scale Comp because of the fork.
Overall, the bike is light and fit me great. Climbs excellent and descends jut as well. Tire traction is great and the rear derailleur does the job. Brakes are solid and quiet. The saddle is hard like every other one and the fork does a good job. I've had no mechanical issues or noises that make me question the build quality. I highly recommend any Scott Scale bike.
Similar Products Used: Tested Specialized Rockhopper 29er Comp, Kona Big Kahuna, Trek Cobia.
Bike Setup: Stock.
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Submitted by
riverrock0203
a All Mountain Rider
from Dalton
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2012
Strengths: I like the shocks, firm, but with give all in the right places.
Weaknesses: The Seat and factory pedals. The peddles have worn out after about 300 miles. ? lol is this to much? But yes buy it you won't go wrong, awsome ride, awsome!
Bottom Line:
This bike handles well on the street as well as the mountain tops of Georgia. I think if you have to go all out in price and get a bike that costs 2,3,or 4 thousand dollars, I would bet that you should not be riding in the first place. If you are going to be a bad azz then prove it! ride the 29er Scott hard tail and really experience the mountain the god made for us!! Have a blast and invite me for a ride. riverrock0203@gmail.com
Similar Products Used: Specialized. Scott is a way better bike
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Submitted by
Troy.peterson
a All Mountain Rider
from Kennesaw, Ga
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2012
Strengths: Superb component group and very light at 25.9 lbs for the price. The bike's geometry is very comfortable. Most all of my riding is done on tight trails over rocks and roots, and the bike is very nimble and light with solid traction. Great Looks Graphics/paint job are awesome, gets lots of looks in the parking lot!
Weaknesses: Saddle is not very comfortable. Possible upgrade or maybe I just need beeter bike shorts. Handlebars are extremely wide, so when I first hit the trails I was also hitting the Trees. I remedied this by removing 1.5" from each side, an easy fix. I'm sure the engineers had a good reason for giving the bike the extra wide handlebars but they obviously don't ride in the woods in Georgia.
Bottom Line:
Rock solid bike for the price. If your into tight trails with lots of rock and roots this is a great hardtail for under a thousand. I have been very happy with it and have ridden more in the past three months, than I had in the past couple of years because the bike performs so well I just can't stay off of it. I'm giving the value a top rating, I think it was the absolute best value for the money. Overall is a 4 because of the saddle and handlebars.
Bike Setup: Standard Set-up minus 1.5" of handlebar on both left and right sides.
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Submitted by
Beecken87
a All Mountain Rider
from Franklinville
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2012
Strengths: JuSt bought bike about 3 hours ago and not sure about what's good or bad but it's a really nice bike
Weaknesses: Seat is kinda hard
Bottom Line:
I was in the market for a new bike for about a year and did a lot of research. For the money you really do get a lot of bang for your buck. I have not ridden in almost 6 years and this was a big purchase for me, well worth it. I believe it s a little better than just an entry level bike and will last me many years to come. If anyone is local to franklinville nj hit me up so we can go riding
Submitted by
noserider1
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Grove, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2011
Strengths: Some pretty good components adding value to a under 30 lbs bike. There is nothing crucial that you must switch out immediately for the bike to be better.
Weaknesses: Seat is rough, the coils shocks of the suntour XC is under whelming (However has a TRUE no play lockout).
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this: For under a grand, you are getting a pretty sweet platform to start off with. It is much cheaper than going a frame build up! With this you can budget build what you want without breaking the bank.
if you are you are novice to intermediate moving into a 29er, this is a great bike for you!
This is fast rolling, 29er with a pretty agile and responsive ride.
Bike Setup: Reba Dual Air XX front fork, Fizik Aliante Gamma XL seat, ODI Rogue lock on grips, Shimano PD-M424 clipless pedals, Cane Creek 10 series headset
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Submitted by
heckmanlloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Boonville, MO
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2011
Strengths: Some decent components for a fair price
Weaknesses: The front fork could use an upgrade
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I couldn't find a great fit from it's competitors. I was skeptical about the Scott because there has not been a lot posted about the company compared to Trek or Specialized. This bike has been an outstanding performer for under 1k. The handlebars are a little wider than I am used to. After a couple of miles, the problem solved itself. This bike feels faster than my previous bike. The Rocket Ron Tires are a great compliment to the fast feeling, but they don't seem to climb to well. My only complaint is the the fork. After about 20 miles, it started to make a funky squeak. The noise is annoyingly indescribable.
Similar Products Used: Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Marlin 26"
Bike Setup: All original with Crank Brothers Candy 3 pedals
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Submitted by
shellshocked
a Cross Country Rider
from Roswell, Ga
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2011
Strengths: First MTB but ride almost everyday and so far no problems at all.
Weaknesses: Stock seat is poor.
Bottom Line:
This is my first MTB. I bought it to ride to stay in shape for motorcycle riding. Love the bike and I ride it almost everyday. So far it has been rock solid and handles my 200lbs no problem. The stock seat might fit somebody but not me. I had to replace it with a slightly wider seat.
Similar Products Used: Tried similarly priced Cannondale and Kona. Scott fit me better and components seemed better.
Bike Setup: Stock except for different seat. Running Time ATAC pedals.
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Submitted by
chaynes
a Weekend Warrior
from Holmen, Wi, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2011
Strengths: I love to bike ride but I always had to borrow a friend's bike or rent one. I finally got enough money to buy a bike and I wanted to make sure that it suited me and my price range. I saw this bike in the store while riding a few other models. When the salesmen took this bike down and told me to take it out for a test ride I was in love- This is an awesome bike. I went out on a trail with my husband and it was awesome! It tool the hills like a pro and the breaks were so awesome. I am still a beginner in regards to mountain bike riding (total road biker) but I am loving it!
Weaknesses: If I had to say something then I would say the seat- ouch but I am getting used to ir.
Bottom Line:
LOVIN' IT! I was not sure that I was going to able to find something that I really liked but I did. I shopped around at 3 or 2 different stores. When you get on the bike you are going to love the breaks and the way that it handles. I am a little lady (5'2') but I was rolling on this bike so women do not be afraid of it. I think that it is a great investment you will not be disappointed!
Bike Setup: Stock- I just changed out the handlebars
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Submitted by
cjizzle4shizzle
a Cross Country Rider
from littleton,co,us
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2011
Strengths: Fast!!! Climbs well, and handles superbly going downhill.
Weaknesses: could use air shock, have to tune and tinker after every single ride.
Bottom Line:
Chad at bicycle village could tell that I was passionate about mountain biking and could also tell that I was a poor college student, so after hooking me up with a fatty discount, he explained everything that I would love about it... I had never ridden a nice or quality mountain bike on single track before, and this scott scale comp was more than I could hope for. The fork is about my only complaint on this bike... I know its still cheap, but at this price it should atleast have air shock. I have been riding 4 days a week since i bought the bike. Enough with the rambling, bottom line is this bike is awesome, fast, and a good deal. Pick one up or check it out
Submitted by
JTrider48
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2011
Strengths: Scott Scale 29er Comp: Very light at price point (medium under 30lb's), very maneuverable for a 29er, quick steering, shock locks out, plush fork, great tires
Weaknesses: Uncomfy seat, heavier than more expensive team and elite models from Scott, no remote lockout, slower shifting than Team and Elite. Does not come with pedals but what bike does under $1500?
Bottom Line:
My friend was looking for a 29er in the $800-$1100 range this weekend. We went shopping at a couple bike stores and it came down to a showdown between two bikes: Cannondale SL2 Trail 29er vs. Scott Scale 29er Comp.
While the Cannondale had better wheels and better tires (kenda small block 8's), it was still the same weight or even a tad heavier than the scott. While it felt slightly smoother on the road vs the hill, the steering was a long sweep bar on the canni vs. the short dip bar on the Scott which provided quicker steering. The Suntour felt every bit as plush as the RST on the cannondale and had the same lockout mechanism (on the shock fork, not remote). The brakes felt pretty similar. Maybe the tektro's were just a tad slower to stop than the shimano's on the cannondale, but it wasn't a drastic difference.
While everything was pretty similar on the cannondale and the Scale, what wasn't similar was the near $200 price difference with the Scale 29er Comp at $849 vs. the Cannondale 29er Sl2 at $1029.00. So ultimately I told my buddy to choose the Scott and even a store employee admitted he would prob pick the scott due to similar components and weight at a way cheaper price.
We took the bikes to Chattahoochie National Forest the next day for a 2hr trail ride. We switched back and forth between my Scale 2010 29er (more similar to 2011 Elite model) and the Comp 29er.
His bike was definitely heavier than mine and the fork/brake/shifting was not as plush,quick to stop, or responsive as the Scale 29er 2010 (and yes this was a noticable difference), but at half the price I still was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the performance of this bicycle.
It climbed like it was its job and still had that quick, responsive steering that I have felt in the 29er team and 2010 scale 29er.
This bike is the best bike in the $800-$1100 range that I have ridden. I do think it can handle any of the trails I have been riding on around Atlanta and North Georgia with no problems. The only reason I would spend more on the elite or team model is if I wanted a lighter, faster shifting bike, but as always, there is a price to be paid for light and fast shifting and this bike gets the job done.
Similar Products Used: 2011 Cannondale SL2 Trail 29er, 2010 Scott Scale 29er, 2011 Scott Scale Team 29er, 2010 Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe 29er, 2011 Trek Gary Fisher Collection Cobia 29er,
Bike Setup: Suntour XCR LO fork, Shimano Alivio/SLX drivetrain, Alex XC49 Rims, Same aluminum 6061 frame as Scott Scale 29er team & Elite models. Scott Team 15 handlebar, Scott Racing Saddle/Scott Comp Seatpost, Tektro Drako hydraulic Disk Brakes. Schwalbe Rocket Ron Tires.
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Submitted by
JTRider84
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: Great Climber, light vs. all bikes in price range, curved seat post makes it more manueverable than other 29ers. Great fork w/ remote lock for climbs.
Weaknesses: Had a seatpost creak when i got it, but after a couple visits store folks figured out it needed carbon paste in between post & Seat tube. Noise never heard again. Could have lighter wheels & lighter pedals, but for $1500 Bike these DTswiss 4850's are pretty light. & coming with clips at $1500 is pretty sweet too, but yest the pedals are heavier. Scott Racing Saddle isn't as nice or light as the F'zick saddle I put on there. Replaced seat post clamp with a non-quick release clamp which is lighter and won't slip.
Bottom Line:
Last year, I was set to buy a Gary Fisher Xcaliber as I have been a fisher loyalist for quite some time now (until now). The kind folks at Atlanta Cycling suggested I try the one remaining scott scale 29er they had in stock. This was Scotts first and only 29er for 2010 (now they have 5 for 2011). It was priced at $1,695, but went on sale for $1,495.00. After riding both bikes up hills around the store and around the lot, I ultimately chose the Scott for a few reasons: 1) it was lighter, 2) it had Xt/deore drivetrain - faster shifting than SRam 5/7 setup on xcaliber, 3) it had swoop bars vs the large bontrager sweep on the xcal, 4) it has a unique curved seatpost that brings the wheelbase closer together and gives more maneuverability than the xcal and other 29ers which was key for me, going from 26 to 29. so that was my decision and I could not be more pleased. THe thing climbs like it's its job and the remote lockout is awesome not having to stop and lock before climbs and not having fork bounce momentum loss. This bike comes highly recommended. While it is no longer available, they now make 5 of them, this is closest to the 2011 Scott Scale 29er Elite model. This bike is for anyone looking for a lighter 29er under 2K with decent parts. It is also strongly recommended for someone looking for a transition bike from 26 to 29. I have ridden for more than 12 years now and this is going to be my bike for many years. Scott got it right the first time indeed!
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher 96 & 97 Kaitai. Gary Fisher 1998 Tassajara, Gary Fisher 2010 Hifi Plus, 2008 Fuji Mt. Fuji Pro, 1998 Giant Iguana.
Bike Setup: The bike has A Shimano XT/Deore drivetrain, Elixer 5 hydraulic brakes with huge rotors, DT swiss 4850 wheels, Rockshox Reba 29er fork w/remote lockout 100mm, & Schwalbe Racing Ralph Tires.
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Submitted by
bronkaids
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2011
Strengths: Components and weight are fantastic for the Price. The 2010 Scale 29 was pretty much the best deal on the market.
Weaknesses: Don't care for the stock saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike performs. You can hit steep ups and downs with ease.Climbs like a monkey. Scott seems to have got it right the first time. The frame is stiff and light. Reba fork is adjustable and plush. It is definitely a bike worth upgrading. I'm going to dump the stock saddle and eventually get better wheels. I've been hammering this almost stock setup and have had no problems accept for a very needed truing.
