It was 2008 I tried a Ransom for the first time. For its time it was a revolutionary vehicle, with shock absorbers on the handlebars, 160 mm of travel, a nice open geometry and unexpected climbing skills.
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As the years pass, almost everything in the world of MTB has changed, from the dimensions of the bikes to the geometries; but the philosophy of that time remains unchanged, for a medium that continues to have a soul that pushes you to seek adventure.
The bike on test is the DO NOT rc, with top of the range equipment. For this reason many of you will think that precisely because it is mounted to the maximum possible, everything will be perfect. In reality, assembly only partially influences the judgments, since the main objective is always to check how the bike behaves; the riding position, the handling and all those sensations that a high-level fork alone cannot give. Therefore the focus will be oriented above all on the imprint that the designers wanted to give to the frame as a whole.
The bike
Let's analyze the frame of the Scott Ransom in detail, a vehicle that represents a perfect synthesis of design and advanced technology.
The frame
The Scott Ransom adopts a carbon frame with the shock hidden inside, a distinctive feature that contributes greatly to its overall rigidity and robustness. The choice makes the bike cleaner, but the solution adopted is not just aesthetic: this type of construction in fact allows for an increase in structural rigidity in a strategic area such as that of the bottom bracket
Six-link kinematics
A key element of the chassis is the six-link kinematics, a solution that Scott developed to optimize the versatility and performance of the suspension. This complex system allows for precise control of the movement of the rear suspension, improving both traction and shock absorption. This kinematics is designed to adapt to different terrain conditions, making the Ransom extremely versatile.
Shock and Fox Float X Nude
The rear shock is a crucial component to the Ransom's performance. Scott collaborated with Fox to develop the Fox Float X Nude. An advanced technology that allows you to adjust the suspension response according to the cyclist's needs. This collaboration has led to a shock absorber that offers a wide variety of adjustments, allowing you to optimize comfort and performance on any type of terrain.
The setting-up
A bike designed to give the best even when it comes to the set-up. The choice of components transforms this Ransom into a dream bike, where every detail is designed to excite the biker.
Group XO Eagle with complete electronic gearbox as regards the transmission, brakes Code Ultimate stealth 4-piston, of which we will carry out a detailed test in the coming weeks, something we will also do for the wheels Race Face Turbine. Fork Fox Float 38 grip 2 kashima and mono also from Fox and, as already mentioned, developed in collaboration with Scott technicians to adapt it to the needs of the wagon. This is the heart of this vehicle, which also shows other high-profile details, such as the integrated Syncros handlebar, the telescopic seat post and the saddle from the same brand with titanium slide. All to maximize performance.
The geometries
Head angle of 63,8° and reach slightly shorter than current standards, these two values which, together with the seat angle and the rear stay, give the character of this Ransom.
The test
The bike must be taken to its habitat, that is, the most extreme off road; trying to guide it, to understand it and consequently to be able to give impressions that are based on hours in the saddle. It's a bike that needs some outings to understand its potential, to adapt to its layout and why not, to also verify its weak points.
Uphill
170 mm of rear travel are no joke, so the judgment on his climbing skills must take this aspect into account. In this case, the choice of components suits us: in fact, the lightness of the rotating parts and the surprising smoothness of the wheels, which we will talk about in more detail in a dedicated test, guarantee an optimal feeling.
The chassis, in the firm position, is very stable, maintaining that small part of sinking necessary to copy the bumps, while still maintaining optimal general stability. It is clear that, given the travel, the Ransom sits a little and this translates into a slightly less dynamic ride, but, as mentioned above, we start from the concept that at the rear we have 170 mm, travel from a mountain bike free ride, so taking this element into account it remains a vehicle that allows you to climb well.
Furthermore, the collected position allows you to stabilize your trunk well and maintain excellent control of the vehicle, an important aspect especially on slower and more technical ascents.
Downhill
The Ransom was born as a gravity oriented bike, so it is on this playing field that it must be measured in depth. The fork-chainstay balance is excellent, with synchronous work that allows you to better absorb the biggest bumps. The rigidity of the wheels, combined with the smoothness we have already talked about, means that on smooth stretches you have the sensation that the vehicle continues to accelerate. This feeling is maintained even when the terrain becomes rougher, thanks to the excellent work of the chassis.
This quality forced me to review some braking and cornering times, simply because I arrived faster. The choice of brakes allowed me to overcome this situation with powerful grips that gave me confidence even during brutal braking. The Ransom must be driven with energy: you throw it into the curves and it stays there. The rigidity of the chassis, especially in the bottom bracket area, guarantees precision in driving with the feet and in control from the first part of the curve, which help to keep the travel speed high.
It's not a bike that handles and is playful in the narrow; in those situations he seems like a caged lion who can't wait to unleash himself. But as soon as the trail gets wider, its gravity nature comes out. The wagon absorbs well, but its philosophy is a bit dry, so it absorbs everything even without giving the sensation of infinite excursion. This makes the Ransom a physical vehicle in which the biker has an active role in driving. This feature is completed with a collected position, which comes to the aid of the less trained biker who is used to moving little in the saddle. Stable on jumps and precise in setting curves thanks to the compact head tube which gives quick movements, balancing the stone-crushing dynamics of the cart.
Conclusions
A versatile bike, ideal for those who want to own just one vehicle with a focus on Gravity. It is capable of climbing well, even managing significant differences in height, although in these cases it shows some limits. The collected position is of great help for less dynamic bikers, while the geometry guarantees stability. The shock-absorbing compartment works very well, making the bike stable and fast on the roughest sections. The chassis responds excellently even in the most brutal corners.
