Scott downhill Bikes

BikeRadar verdict

Highs: Reams of tweakability, including quickfire suspension system vacation modifications, unsightly terrain lights it burning

Lows: Hefty develop indicates climbing is a bit of a chore – though it's going to winch its way up anything else if you've got the brawn

Get if: You're more about the lows compared to the ups and want a playful small brute of a bike that'll suck up what you can toss at it

Scott’s Voltage FR straddles that somewhat awkward center ground between full-on downhill rig and long-travel trail cycle. But where does it vary exactly and which kind of rider does it match?

Tweakable setup

Like its longer-travel sibling, the Gambler DH bicycle, the Voltage FR is very adjustable – Scott wished to allow it to be because functional possible. This burly little beast will accept an individual or dual-crown fork, and angled headset cups (supplied) could be used to adjust the top perspective between 62 and 66 degrees.

Back travel are extended from 170 to 190mm in only a matter of mins via a flippable surprise mount, and chainstay size can be switched through the standard 425mm to a stumpy 410mm (though this faster environment is only able to be utilized with 26in tires, not the 650b hoops the whole cycle is sold with). To keep things rigid during the back, the Voltage FR utilizes a chunky single-piece link to drive the surprise.

Scott’s IDS-X dropout system lets you adjust the length of the chainstays

The 710’s build surely leans towards some rough-and-tumble, and it’ll endure a battering – though that does indicate it’s not really light. Fox suspension system devices at both stops do a fantastic job of taming any trail you make an effort to handle, while XT brake system provide dependable, controllable power with every lever squeeze. The Super Gravity casing, VertStar ingredient Schwalbe secret Marys tend to be surefooted on every surface we’ve attempted all of them on also.

Prepared for a few hammer time

It’s clear through the outset the Voltage FR will be here to be hammered. Though we’re within the realms of full-on downhill bicycle body weight, it pedals reasonably really and certainly will – when you yourself have the power and determination – winch its way up fireroad climbs if you miss the uplift. Nonetheless it’s when you begin working together with, in the place of against, gravity your Scott makes a unique.

May possibly not be the beast of a bicycle your Gambler is, but at no point performed we feel just like we were from our depth aboard the 710. Thump it into stones, falls or root-riddled holes and you’ll emerge others side laughing.

With up to 190mm away straight back, the Voltage FR is approaching full-on DH cycle amounts of travel

The Fox 36 up front sucks within the hits with control and composure, although the progressive and foreseeable tail tracks the terrain impressively and increases confidence while the path gets uglier. Although Magic Marys are quite large we had no problems with punctures and additionally they just claw their treads into just about everything they touch.

The Voltage’s more flickable, bike-park-friendly nature compared to the Gambler and its particular sensibly low BB height (340mm when you look at the reduced vacation setting) ensure it is a lot of fun on mellower tracks also. Hit the leaps and things remain steady and simple to anticipate, and, in case you misjudge things slightly, the current won’t bashful away from blatting into a flat landing. Simply speaking then, this is outstanding mini-downhill cycle – and a somewhat less heavy create would release more of their mouthwatering potential.