Submitted by
jnails
a Downhiller
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2011
Strengths: Light weight for a 6.7 inch travel bike. Climbs really well with the compression adjustment on the rear shock and fork, plus the travel reduction from 160mm to 120mm on the fork. Amazing descender - I felt like I was on a full on DH bike. The bike ate up rough terrain, jumped really well with lots of pop, and railed turns. The Joplin adjustable seatpost is a great addition - just a flick of a button and your all set whether the trail is headed up or down. Bike really liked freeride style stunts - skinnies, wallrides, and would soak up drops. Adjustable geo is a nice option
Weaknesses: The only weakness I found was that it takes some time to get the rear shock dialed to my liking. You have to try a couple different settings and air pressures, but this is normal for freeride and DH bikes.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that you can ride on xc trails and get to the top to "earn" your descent then put the Scratch on your short list. Your lycra wearing buddies may beat you to the top of the hill, but they better get out of the way once you point this bike downhill. Handles the bike parks really well - loves drops thanks to the suspension and geometry and rides really well on skinnies due to the tight turning radius. Bike pedals really well - I even rode it on the road a fair bit. For a do it all bike you can't go wrong, especially if you like aggressive trail riding, bike parks, DH, and just ripping singletrack but still want to climb to the top!
Similar Products Used: Intense Uzzi, Iron horse sunday, Yeti 303, Kona coiler, Demo 8, Enduro, sx trail, Gary fisher Roscoe, trek remedy, trek session
Bike Setup: Stock set up
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Submitted by
Ben Lennon
a Weekend Warrior
from Belmont, VT
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2011
Strengths: This Bike is amazing, climbs with the best of the cross country crowd when by all means it has no right to. The bike is stable downhill and coasts endlessly. Stable and fast on the most technical downhills. The Suspension is bottomless and clears 4-5' drops with grace. The tires are also have good grip but just not stiff enough in the corners.
Weaknesses: The handle bars are ok I opted to swapp to a favorite. I swapped them and the stem out ASAP. Bearing in the chain tensioner are garbage too. One is already toast after 3 months.
Bottom Line:
Amazing!! For the Price I would have expected a lighter Crank, like the Race face Sixc.
Similar Products Used: 2010 Scott Genius 20, Rocky Mountain ETSX 70,
Bike Setup: Stock except for Thomson X4 Stem and Bar Gravity carbon DH
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Submitted by
DHmonkey123
a Weekend Warrior
from San Anselmo, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2011
Strengths: Light, fast climber, joplin is a bonus, plush smooth travel
Weaknesses: the Dropper post failed on me at the end of the demo ride so that sucked. the grips were a bit bleh
Bottom Line:
I liked it. i rode a fairly technical trail with lots of roots. i liked the Talas for its 160/120 option. that made climbing that much easier. If you like technical trails and a bit of harsh freeride but still need to climb then this is for you. but you have to have money. 3 Flamin' Chillis because i dont know if it rides worth the money because it was a demo five for Overall because it was a great pedaling descending machine.
Bike Setup: THIS bike had it loaded with Fox suspension Crankbrothers Joplin Drop post, perfectly widthed bars an light wheels
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Submitted by
DJ Eric Jerome
a Weekend Warrior
from thousand oaks, CA, US
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2011
Strengths: light, solid, downhill performance with cross country climbability.
Weaknesses: none, BUT I swapped out 160 36 Talas for a 180 36 talas front shock bike rides much more balanced with the 180mm front end.
Bottom Line:
sickest bike I've ever owned. Climbs like a cross country bike with 4" travel and descends like a DH rig with 8" of travel. Love this bike can't recommend it highly enough!!!