Stella purchased her new Trek Dual Sport 3 Women’s bike last October. After owning my Trek 6500 for 22 years, I figured it was time to upgrade my bike as well. Initially, I had a particular Trek in mind, but the availability for the particular model of interest would not be until late July or early August at best. I wanted it well before that so I could use it on our many upcoming adventures in 2021. In my research, I came across the SCOTT 940 Scale. The big draw of this particular bike is the carbon frame, and though I had continued researching other bikes, all roads kept leading back to the SCOTT Scale 940.
Interestingly, while researching bikes, I realized that a few things had changed in the biking industry over the last 22 years. First, disc brakes are basically standard now, and the crank set moved from a triple chain ring to a single, the theory being that less is more. Additionally, carbon frames are more prevalent than ever since they yield an overall lighter bike, which can impact the overall biking experience. Below, please continue reading to learn about the details of the SCOTT 940 Scale:
SIZE: It is my opinion that some of the best mountain biking can be found in the midwest, particularly in and around Marquette, Michigan. However, riding in Marquette versus the mountainous west are a bit different. When I purchased the Trek 6500, I had sized down because the trails in Marquette are tight, thus requiring a quick response. Out west, the trails are slightly wider, and up hill climbs are much longer. Thus, I wanted a larger bike since the great majority of our time is spent doing long distance bike rides. The days of ripping downhill on highly technical terrain are behind me.
The SCOTT Scale 940 is a perfect fit for my frame. I am 5’11”, so I chose the large sized frame based on SCOTT’s sizing chart.
FRAME AND FORK: The SCOTT Scale 940 has a HMF Carbon Frame, which frame is super light. This is a hardtail frame designed for distance and climbing up hills. It is paired with a RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air Fork with remote lockout for those days when you are peddling on flat, wide-open spaces. A quick click of the lever locks out the fork and a quick trigger to reengage the suspension.
The frame and fork combo work perfectly for me, as it is light and responsive. The RockShox Judy performs very well, taking the jarring bumps in stride and maintaining rider comfort. I could ride 50 plus miles easily and have the energy to ride even further.
COMPONENTS: The drivetrain consists of SRAM SX Eagle components with Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brakes with a Shimano Rotor. The build of the SCOTT Scale 940 is rounded out by Syncross providing the handlebar, headset, h’stem, seatpost, seat and rims. Scott has chosen to use Schwalbe’s Rapid Rob 29 X 2.25″ Active Line tires.
SCOTT’s combination of components work well together. The disc brakes quickly bring the bike to a stop when needed. The gear ratios are darn near perfect. However, the tires seem a bit soft and I am not certain if that is due to me not being accustomed to riding on 29 inch tires, or because I previously rode on Schwalbe Racing Ralphs. If I could change any of the components, I would consider replacing the saddle (seat). I just cannot seem to find a good spot on the saddle that feels comfortable. However, maybe it is because I simply have not biked consistently or put enough miles on the bike yet to dial that comfort level in. If I do change the saddle in the future, I will update the review.
FINAL THOUGHTS: I have had the SCOTT Scale 940 since mid-April, and have ridden well over 100 miles. The first thing I had noticed is that climbing hills are a breeze. The first experiment came shortly after picking up my bike and riding along the High Plains Trail near our home. The gear ratios are fantastic, as I did not need to drop to the lowest gear while climbing steadily uphill as I would have had with my Trek 6500.
The biggest uphill test was during our Moab Adventure along the Moab Canyon Pathway. The uphill climb begins at Lions Park Trailhead, winding past Arches National Park before plateauing and continuing onto Canyonlands National Park. Though it was a slow go, the climb did not present a significant challenge, and the downhill return a blast. Stella, however, had described that biking experience much differently.
Out on the flats, the SCOTT Scale 940 could be a bit faster. When in the top gear, I find myself wanting one to reach for one more gear to push faster. To date, this would be the only drawback that I can find at this time. As for dirt/gravel trail riding, I have only tested the bike on that type of terrain once, and it had handled the tight turns and loose terrain admirably. I will update once I have traveled down a few more single tracks.
Overall, I am thrilled with the SCOTT Scale 940, as it is light, quick and responsive. Additionally, it is priced right, particularly for a Carbon framed bike. If you are looking for a hardtail, I would highly consider looking at the SCOTT Scale 940.
Overall: Excellent Purchase
Price Paid: $1699.99 plus tax
Place Purchased: Pedal Pushers Cyclery (Golden, CO)
Link to Scott Website: Scott
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