LAURA’S SCOTT CONTESSA RANSOM 910

MONTH 10: Laura’s Ransom’s getting the mullet treatment

Last month, I said that I was going to try to get the shock from the unisex Ransom to see if it better suited my weight and riding style. Turns out, the shock tune on the Contessa Ransom is identical to the regular version. And in a way that makes complete sense, because when the guys at mbr tested the Ransom they also struggled to find a good balance between the fork and shock.

So what makes my bike women-specific other than the colour? Nothing more than the grips and saddle... both of which I’ve changed. Don’t get me wrong, I am still really enjoying the Ransom and it’s proved 100 per cent reliable, which is what you want from a long-term test bike, right? In fact, the only niggle I can offer is the design of the lower pivot and cradle for the rear shock. These concave designs act as an exceptional loam shelf, and as summer dust turns to autumn muck, I’m bringing home ever-increasing amounts of dirt.

Also, the Contessa now faces stiff competition, as I’ve bought myself an e-bike and it’s lure is hard to resist, especially when I’m feeling pushed for time. So I noted with interest that Scott has just released the eride Ransom, 180mm of travel paired with the Bosch motor and 625Wh battery. My own e-bike is a mullet, and I’m enjoying the feel of the smaller rear wheel when cornering, so I am going to try it out on the Ransom too, which handily has a flip-chip that lets you quickly play with the bike’s geometry and go back-and-forth between wheel sizes.