SCOTT VOLTAGE ERIDE 900 TUNED
£10,099 New lightweight e-MTB with a high level of integration
The new Voltage eRIDE features a mid-power TQ motor and a hidden shock. With 155mm of rear-wheel travel, it has more bumpeating ability than Scott’s other lightweight e-bike, the Lumen eRIDE, and is aimed at trail and all-mountain riding.
THE FRAME
All six Voltage eRIDE models (including two women’s-specific Contessa bikes) use a frame made from Scott’s ‘HMF’ carbon fibre – the brand’s secondhighest-modulus lay-up. The bike rolls on 29in wheels, with no flip-chip to accommodate a 650b rear hoop. Like the Lumen eRIDE, the Voltage eRIDE uses Scott’s Integrated Suspension Technology, which conceals the rear shock within the seat tube. This is said to optimise suspension and handling, by lowering the bike’s centre of gravity and centring pedalling and suspension forces around the BB. It also keeps mud and debris away from the shock. Set-up adjustments can be made via a door in the down tube.
This Tuned model features Scott’s TracLoc technology, which lets you switch between three modes to adjust the air-spring volume, compression damping and travel of the proprietary Fox Nude shock, using a lever that doubles up as a dropper remote.
The TQ HPR50 motor produces 50Nm of torque and 300W of peak power, courtesy of a 360Wh battery in the down tube. This is controlled via a handlebar remote, and a screen in the top tube shows battery life, mode, assistance level and more. A 160Wh range extender is available, which fixes to a plate on the seat tube.
Coming in four sizes (S-XL), the Voltage eRIDE’s geometry leans toward the gnarlier end of the trail category. Key figures include a slack 63.5-degree head angle (which can be altered by 0.6 degrees using the supplied angleadjust headset), a steep 77.1-degree effective seat tube angle, long 455mm chainstays and, on the large size we tested, a lengthy 485mm reach.
THE KIT
The 900 Tuned sits towards the top of the range and boasts a drool-worthy spec, including a Factory-series Fox 36 fork and Float X Nude shock, plus wireless SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission. Matching SRAM Code
WHEN CHALLENGED WITH GNARLY ENDURO TRAILS, IT MAINTAINS A CONTROLLED FEEL, WITH THE SUSPENSION EATING UP THE BUMPS WELL
Silver Stealth brakes give a neat look when combined with the Syncros Hixon iC integrated bar and stem. Scott’s in-house brand also provide their Revelstoke 1.030 CL carbon wheels, fitted with 2.6in Maxxis tyres. A titaniumrailed Syncros saddle sits on a Duncan dropper post. We weren’t able to weigh the bike during our test, but Scott claim it’s 18.6kg, with inner tubes.
THE RIDE
In the lowest power setting, the Voltage eRIDE feels as weightless and responsive as a crosscountry bike, and has bystanders questioning whether it even has a motor. However, it’s in higher modes where it shines, with a powerful feel on climbs, akin to having a second set of legs or a really strong tailwind. The bike makes quick progress up the steepest of fireroads, with enough torque on tap to attempt technical climbs, although those used to full-fat 80-95Nm motors will notice the reduced punch.
Suspension lockouts aren’t always that useful on e-bikes, but if you flick the Scott into its 100mm-travel climb mode on longer drags, noticeably less power is sapped from both rider and motor. It also helps the bike maintain a steeper dynamic seat tube angle, keeping your weight centred over the BB.
Downhill, the suspension is supple at the start of the stroke, helping you to find grip in rough sections and corners. Even when challenged with gnarly enduro trails, the bike maintains a controlled and capable feel, with the suspension eating up the bumps well. Deeper into the travel, support from the shock makes the rear suspension feel almost infinite, and helps you maintain speed down the trail without transferring big hits through the frame. The added weight of the drive system is disguised well and adds a feeling of stability to the bike without making it wallowy.
As when climbing, the motor and battery remain quiet on descents, with no clacks or bangs when ploughing through rough terrain. While it doesn’t provide the quickest gear changes, the GX Eagle AXS Transmission’s performance under load is remarkable, while the stiff fork, great-feeling brakes and grippy, puncture-resistant tyres boost the Voltage eRIDE’s downhill capability. Nick
A great climber, with impressive handling and suspension. Hard to beat, if you like the integration