Scott Scale 740

Scott can rightfully say that they were at least a little bit ahead of the curve, as almost all the big brands jump onto the 27.5 bandwagon for 2014. Product year 2013 was Scott’s first foray into the middle wheel size with their 150mm travel Genius trail bikes. At the same time Nino Schurter, Scott’s XC star, was winning World Cups with Tomac-esque flair (old-school types will remember Johnny T!) on a prototype 27.5 Scott Scale hardtail.

A few years prior, when the Scott team did comparative testing with 26 and 29-inch wheels, Nino was forced to use a radically sloped stem and down swept bars to get cockpit low enough on the 29-inch Scale. Nino’s low, race-focused position and 1.72m height meant that he was never really comfortable on big wheels. At the time he chose to stick with the 26-inch Scale, but that was before the current push into 27.5 wheels. The argument that 27.5 bikes offer a better fit for shorter riders seems to hold some truth, at least in his case.

Scott has now jumped fearlessly into the 27.5 melee, and for 2014 they’ve reproduced their successful Scale and Spark cross-country bikes with 27.5-inch wheels. The 29-inch options will remain, so it’ll be up to the consumer to choose their preferred size. Our Scale 740 runs the same parts spec and the frame is almost identical to the 29-inch Scale 940—even the graphics are the same. With the smaller wheels you get chainstays that are 11mm shorter while the top tube is 5mm longer, and the wheelbases are within 10mm of each other. It’s a gigantic effort on the part of Scott to mass-produce parallel lines of bikes that are so similar on paper. Either they think that both sizes are fantastic or they’re hedging their bets to ensure that they’re not left empty handed if the market turns hard toward one size or the other.

All of Scott’s Scale 27.5 bikes share the same geometry as Nino’s superlight carbon 700 SL model. This puts the 740 into the race bike category while the upmarket Shimano XT/SLX parts spec should appeal to the privateer or up-and-coming Nino-wannabe. It’s worth noting that the Aussie market won’t see the entire Scott line-up for 2014. At $2,599, the 740 will be the base model in the 27.5 Scale range—this is reasonably upmarket for an alloy hardtail (other countries will have up to three cheaper spec options available using the same frame).

Up from the 740 you go to the Scale 735; it sells for $2,899 with a carbon frame but the spec isn’t as good as the 740—alloy frame construction definitely provides better bang-for-buck in the running gear. While carbon may garner most of the attention, alloy frames have come a long way in recent years. The alloy Scale frame is clean, simple and respectably light; our large frame came in at 1,700g—that’s roughly 200-600g heavier than most carbon hardtail frames.

Upmarket Alloy

Straight and relatively round tubes are used throughout the main triangle while the rear triangle is more elaborate—at least to the naked eye. Both chainstays and seat stays are bridgeless, which means that the Scale has load of mud clearance (or room for larger tyres). This clearance is something that Scott are known for, as their earlier Scale and Spark bikes were very popular with riders looking for a 26-inch frame that would fit a 27.5 wheel before the recent influx of dedicated 27.5 offerings.

The stays are welded to rather long drop-outs, and these have been forged for strength and weight reduction. Forging has allowed them to create some interesting shapes, integrating the brake mount into the drop-out and providing plenty of clearance for fast and easy wheel removal. The seat stays are flattish, something that we see commonly with carbon frames—this profiling aims to allow some upwards flex while minimising sideways movement.

The rest of the frame exemplifies a ‘keep it simple’ design approach. All cables run a full-length outer that zip-ties to guides on the outside of the frame, so servicing is very easy and cable longevity should be good. The bottom bracket and headset both use press-fit systems to simplify the manufacture.

Scott has chosen the parts wisely to keep the weight down and the 740 came in at 11.4kg including the supplied alloy flat pedals. Sure, it’s no sub-9kg World Cup winner, but it’s not shabby for a mid-range bike. The 740 is covered with Syncros brand components. Scott purchased Syncros from Ritchey about 18 months ago, and now it’s found right throughout their bike range at every price-point, both road and MTB.

The bar, stem and post still show the Ritchey design influence, which is a good thing. Although the cockpit is unlikely to ignite a fire of desire, it’s certainly a solid and functional set up. The saddle and grips are both modesty padded, which helps enhance the lithe feel of the 740, although white grips and saddles don’t really belong on mountain bikes if you ask me. Lock-on grips would have been a better choice, as the stock ones did tend to twist and squirm a little.

As mentioned earlier, the components are pretty solid for a $2,599 bike. The cranks and rear derailleur come from Shimano’s second-from-the-top XT group. That said, the rear derailleur is of the older Shadow variety and doesn’t have a clutch to reduce chain slap—we’d prefer to see an SLX unit if the down-spec allowed Scott to offer the clutch equipped Shadow Plus version. The rest of the drivetrain is SLX while the brakes are a non-series Deore-level hydraulic disc. As you’d expect from Shimano, it all worked tirelessly and without a grumble.

Suspension duties were handled by an ‘Evolution Series’ Fox Float, offering 100mm of travel and it was fitted with Scott’s ‘RideLoc’ push-button handlebar remote. While the Fork has a tapered steerer, it only runs a 9mm quick-release (not the more desirable QR15 option).

On higher end models the Syncros wheels are made in conjunction with DT Swiss but not so on the 740. The stock wheels use a Deore rear hub and rebranded Formula front hub laced to an anonymous Syncros rim, although they are laced with DT spokes. Structurally the wheels held together just fine, but their narrow 18mm internal width did negatively affect the overall ride quality.

Wishing for Width

When riding a hardtail, a little extra comfort can go a long way. Twenty-niners have gained massive popularity within the XC market because they provide a smoother ride and are better at rolling over bumps. Fat tyres can also enhance the ride quality but Scott hasn’t made any concessions to comfort in this regard. The skinny rims are wrapped in relatively narrow 2.1-inch Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres. This setup had us pinch-flatting continuously until we bumped up the tyre pressure considerably, and this in turn compromised both comfort and traction—at least it was better than standing by the side of the trail swearing at our mini-pump!

Running some big-bag tyres with a tubeless conversion would definitely help, but the rim width will remain a limiting factor. High-volume XC tyres can be respectably light but they typically have thin and flexible sidewalls. While this sort of conversion would undoubtedly boost comfort, the narrow rims don’t offer much support. As a result, tyre squirm can be a real issue if you really throw the bike into the corners. Tyre stability could be improved with increased tyre pressures but this will again compromise traction and comfort. As it stands the 740 will hold its own on smoother terrain but you’ll be wishing for fatter low-pressure rubber on rough trails.

In an increasingly diverse bike market, the 740 clearly serves two audiences; shorter riders, and those who want a bike that feels agile. Personally I can’t attest to the benefit or ride feel for a shorter rider—I’m 179cm and rode a large frame for this review. On paper however, the 740 is better suited to vertically challenged riders than the 940 (Scale 29er equivalent). In a small frame, the 740 offers 25mm more top tube clearance and the stack height is 40mm lower. The is a sizable difference and it means that racers shouldn’t need to use weird and wacky cockpit setups to get a low handlebar position on the 27.5 bike.

While I wasn’t going to benefit from the potentially smaller sizing, the differing ride feel was noticeable. Smaller wheels take less torque to accelerate and it really did translate into a ride feel that’s ‘zippier’ than your average 29er. The 740 is an incredibly agile bike; it’s fleet of foot, excitable, eager—a real MTB twinkle toes. These long-travel 27.5 bikes are all well and good, but the 740 brings the size to the trail with a clear and unabashed XC demeanour. Of course similar comments about agility can also be levelled at most 26-inch hardtails (if they were still being sold). New generation 27.5 hardtails like the 740 deliver the sort frenetic ride feel that has been lost with many 29ers and this could be a huge positive for some riders.

Ride Like Nino

The simple and understated frame has the heart of a thoroughbred. It’s robust enough for pumping singletrack until your shoulders and triceps ache, no matter how aggressive you are in the corners. We would have liked to see a thru-axle fork at this price-point, but in all fairness the Scale went right where it was pointed. The geometry produces some quick handling and it’s clearly a race bike more than a trail rig. It’s best ridden out of the saddle, elbows out like chicken wings and legs driving a big gear towards the next corner. Ride it flat-out and everything comes together—it’s a lot of fun albeit tiring.

There are a few sections of buff and tangled singletrack on my regular cross-country loop—the sort of thing that you find on many XC race tracks. The 740 absolutely devours these, accelerating quickly between start-stop corners while the tight rear end lets you really flick the bike around.

When it comes to climbs, expect to be out of the saddle too. With a few big heaves on the pedals you’ll be zooming along; strong climbers will love using the 740 as a platform to launch attacks when the trail goes up. Scott’s three-position handlebar mounted remote plays to this strength too; a swipe with the left thumb sees the fork firmed up or locked out in a flash. It has a very positive feel and locks into each position with a nice springy click—it’s one of the better lever designs around.

This agile nature comes through on the descents too. The Scale is ready and willing to pop and fly off ledges and roots off all kinds. The landing gear is limited by the 100mm travel fork and skinny tyres, so smooth landings are imperative. It’s the kind of bike that can dance with weightless elegance if the rider has the skills, but can be as elegant as a convulsing hippo if the pilot gets lazy. With the wheels on the ground, the 740 can get hung up and it bounces around when the trail turns really nasty—it’s a clear trade-off for the agility. Using the 740 like a plough can only end badly; it has to be ridden proactively and lines need to be chosen to match the bike’s strong suits.

So where does the 740 stake its claim in the dirt? Well to start with, shorter riders are likely find the sizing more favourable that what’s currently out there in the 29er market. If we look beyond the issue of fit, we’d have to say that the Scale 740 delivers a very specific and race-oriented flavour—there are better bikes for punting around on, that’s for sure. The 740 is more demanding of the rider than some other machines, but it also has the tools to reward attentive and skilled. In the right hands the 740 almost falls over itself to go faster on climbs and twisty trails. It’s a mid-sized pocket rocket that’s ideal for short and intense blasts where the rider is fresh and focused.

Thumbs Up

Extremely agile

Dependable, high-quality parts

Nicely made alloy frame 

Thumbs Down

Narrow rims and tyres

No thru-axle up front

Specifications

Frame: Butted Superlight 6061 Alloy

Fork: Fox Float Evolution CTD 100mm travel

Headset: Ritchey Pro Minus Tapered

Handlebars: Syncros FL2.0 700mm flat

Stem: Syncros FL1.5

Shifters: Shimano SLX

Front Derailleur: Shimano SLX

Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow

Cassette: Shimano HG81 11/36 10-speed

Chain: Shimano HG54

Cranks: Shimano XT 26/38

Bottom Bracket: Shimano

Pedals: Wellgo alloy platform

Brakes: Shimano M615

Rims: Syncros XC Alloy 32h

Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 1.8mm

Hubs: Formula (F), Shimano M615 (R)

Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.1

Saddle: Syncros XR2.0

Seatpost: Syncros FL2.5 Alloy

Weight: 11.4kg including pedals (Large frame 1,700g)

Available Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL

Price: $2,599

Distributor: Sheppard Cycles Australia 1300 883 305 / www.scott-sports.com