Scott Genius 740 (2013)

Scott's 150mm 650b trail bike

Pros

- 27.5" wheels offer best of both worlds
- Fox 34 fork
- A lot of technology for the price

Cons

- As with all 650b's, finding tires could be a challenge at the moment

Review

Scott is one of the many bike brands fully embracing the new 27.5" wheel phenomenon. Sporting 150mm travel, the Genius 740 is their entry level, alloy frame trail/all mountain bike. The new wheel size apparently offers a middle ground between the smaller 26" and larger 29" sizes, although as far as I can see, most reviewers affirm that there isn't a lot of difference swapping from 26 to 27.5".

Be that as it may, nearly every manufacturer are building bikes specifically for the new size....what happens from here is anyone's guess.

The 740 features 150mm travel and being a Scott you know it's going to climb well. This is enhanced by the TwinLoc system which gives you total control of the fork and shock, from fully to partially open, and then to locked out. Furthermore the Genius is also equipped with an adjustable linkage which raises/lowers the BB height. This allows the 740 to be adapted to XC or marathon style riding with a low BB, or alternatively raise it up for heavier duty trails.

It seems like a lot of technology for the price and makes the Genius 740 a very versatile machine. This alloy model weighs 13.5kg which does limit climbing somewhat, but imagine the performance of the carbon versions; if you have a wallet that needs emptying that is.

Add to all this a dependable Shimano drivetrain and a beefy Fox 34 front fork and you have all the ingredients for fun on nearly any trail imaginable.

The Genius 740 looks to be a great mountain bike for riding virtually any trail. It is well priced, specced with reliable components and packed full of technology. If you only want one dual suspension bike this could be it.