Scott Genius 950

The TwinLoc lever on your handlebar allows you to toggle between three distinct suspension modes—Lockout, Traction Control, and Descend—without taking your hands off the grips. It simultaneously adjusts both the front fork and rear shock, letting you stiffen the bike for efficient climbing or open it up fully for technical descents.

While the alloy frame is naturally heavier than its carbon counterparts, Scott uses a high-quality 6011 aluminum alloy that keeps the weight manageable without sacrificing durability. You trade a bit of weight for a more robust frame that handles rock strikes and trail abuse better than lightweight carbon.

With 150mm of travel in both the front and rear, this bike is built for aggressive trail riding. It provides enough cushion to soak up big hits and technical features, making it ideal for everything from flowy singletrack to rough, rocky mountain descents.

The Genius 950 features tubeless-ready rims and tires, which is a significant advantage for reducing flats and running lower tire pressures for better grip. However, you will likely need to add tubeless sealant and ensure the valves are properly seated to complete the conversion.

The bike features a flip-chip in the suspension linkage that allows you to alter the bottom bracket height and head tube angle. This lets you fine-tune the bike's handling characteristics to better suit your local trails or personal riding preference.

The 12-speed drivetrain provides a wide gear range, including a very large climbing cog that makes steep ascents significantly easier. While it is an entry-to-mid-level group, it is known for consistent, reliable shifting performance across varied trail conditions.