Light, excellent geometry, very responsive, great price, comfortable, and rigid.

None other than the Avid Elixir 3 brakes.

After trying out several 29ers, I chose the best feeling, most responsive bike out of the group. The Scott Scale Elite is light (26lbs.), very responsive, and rolls over everything—rocks, roots, and bumps just seem to flatten out. I took the bike (stock setup) to a local trail the day I picked it up from the shop and rode the route 10 minutes faster then my fastest time on my 26inch hardtail. I was fairly happy with the stock setup, but felt the bike could use some adjustments. I switched out the handlebars for a wider, and lighter set which made the bike even more responsive. I switched out the RockShock Recon Gold TK fork for a Manitou Tower Pro, which is lighter and more smooth overall. I also changed out the saddle—because I really like my Prologo Kappa Pas. Being a road cycle saddle, it is very comfortable for long distances. One of the biggest changes I made was switching out the Avid Elixir 3 brakes for Formula RX brakes. The Elixir 3 brakes just didn’t have the feel and stopping power I was hoping for. The Formula RX brakes are exceptional. The Scale’s geometry is excellent, it has a slack head angle (69.5) which makes it stable while steering very well. Most 29ers have a very steep head angle (71.5), and the ones that I have rode in the past seemed very twitchy when cornering. This is a great bike and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a 29er. I am riding the XL because of my 6'4" 225lb. frame and the bike fits me perfectly. I would recommend this bike over similar 29ers.

Similar Products Used:

Giant XTC 1 29er, Redline 29er, Trek “Gary Fischer” Paragon 29er

This review is for the 2011 Scale 29 Elite.
Climbs like a home sick angel with a rocket pack, Awesome traction and stability.

Nothing major, I ride an XL fame and the bike comes with a narrow saddle. Whats with bike manufactures fitting white grips and saddles on mountain bikes??????

If your a big fella or felless get yourself a 29er.
Im 6'1" and 210lbs and I've never felt quite right on a 26" bike. On this bike I just sit down and feel right at home. I have more confidence in the bike and now im pushing myself harder.
Apart from a few minor details (white bits on mountain bikes just dont do it for me, they look like junk after a couple of rides) and the fact that it comes with budget bob flat pedals this bike rocks

Similar Products Used:

First 29er....Bauer, Wheeler, Specialized