2016 Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned Bike

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After several months of riding on the 2016 Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned, I do have to say it holds a special and unique place in the massive field of “endure.” This is more of a Frame/Fork review than the entire stock bike review, but enough with all of this. Here are my impressions:

Out of The Box:

The Genius LT 700 Tuned frame is hands down one of the brightest and flashy frames on the market. The florescent green paint looks like it came straight from a radioactive chemical spill. Throwing in some classic matte black and grey digi camo gives it the perfect balance.

As neat of the paint job is, it didn’t take too much to chip off. This wasn’t the frame I’ve owned with fragile paint and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Picking up some M3 protective helicopter tape from places like ebay will keep the paint on much better than even the toughest paint out there.

The frame (size large) and shock comes in an impressive 6.37 lbs with the Twinlock remote included! With 170mm of travel, I would be surprised if there was as endure frame that was any lighter than the Genius LT 700 Tuned.

On The Trail Handling:

Comparing the geometry of the Scott Genius LT to other endure frames out there, there are a few quick difference you will see. Steeper headtube angles and slightly longer chainstays.

The steep headtube angle (66.38°) makes the front end unbelievably nimble and allows you to blaze through the tightest of corners. When rolling down ultra steep terrain however, I do notice the front wheel sliding a little more than a rig that has a 65° angle. If looking at picking up a Genius LT, you must decide which is more important, effortless maneuverability or complete plowing-powder.

With slightly longer chainstays (17.6 inches) than most enduro frames out there, the Genius LT hits warp speed with ease. At first I was nervous about the longer chainstay length but upon riding my first right corner berm, all my fears were left behind in the massive roost I left. This thing is blistering fast, even in the corners.

Climbing:

Having ridden many endure bikes, the Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned is at the top of the list of best climbers. The climbing performance of the frame is so good that even in the fully open (descending) mode, it keeps up with most 150mm travel bikes. This frame has a secret weapon, however, and it’s call the Twinlock. This switch enables you to use the CTD (Climb, Trail, Descend) adjustments of the suspension while never even leaving your handlebar grips.

When approaching steeper terrain, push the Twinlock lever all the way in. The front and rear suspension instantly adjust to Climb and this 170mm beast starts pedaling as if it was a 100mm locked out XC race bike. The front isn’t as pronounced as the rear when in full climb mode which I grew to prefer because I’m not a rider who experiences much pedal-bob on the front fork when climbing. The rear shock is out of this world in the full climb mode, even stiffer than the typical CTD shock.

Descending:

It’s true that what comes up, must come down. When the Genius LT 700 Tuned get to the top of the trail, there is absolutely nothing more it wants to do than go down…and fast! Throw the Twinlock into the fully open position and let the rowdiness begin.

As for the suspension, I was quite surprised on how well the custom Fox Nude shock handled the chunder of some of the roughest enduro and DH trails Utah has to offer. At 185 lbs, I never felt a complete bottom-out smash that I have felt on other bikes like the Trek Scratch. In short, the inner guts of the Nude shock performs just as well as the Fox Float X. This was a very pleasant surprise.

Bottom Line:

The Scott Genius LT 700 Tuned is already a great pedaler but the Twinlock remote puts it at the top of the list of best climbing endure bikes. The frame is surprising nimble while gains and keeps speed like a bat out of Hell. For all you shuttle junkies, don’t be worried about it not having the Float X2 shock. The Fox Nude shock does surprising well in the knar and chunder you could possibly throw at it. For most riders, including myself, your conscious will tell you to whimp out before this bike will.