Scott Ransom - too big for the trails?

alanoriordan

Hi there

I am a very happy owner of a Spesh Stumpjumer Pro FSR and love the balance between climbing, trail riding and the descending abilities the 5" of travel gives you (most of my riding comprises of 2 hour stints on reasonably technical natural and man-made trails in Shropshire and Wales).

However, I am now starting to think about more travel for faster descending on more technical terrain. The Scott Ransom seems like an interesting option. Given its on-the-fly travel adjustment, I'm trying to convince myself that it will still climb well and won't penalise me too noticeably on longer trail rides, despite being 5 pounds heavier than my current bike. The magazine reviews seem to support this opinion, but I'd be interested to hear from any Ransom owners out there as to what the real life experience is like? I would most likely go for one of the models with the carbon frame, if that helps. Unfortunately, I can't find a test bike anywhere to hire for a weekend, so it would be a bit of a leap of faith to buy one, as I've only ridden it round a car park so far.

Any opinions much appreciated!

Thanks

davydesign

Hi Alan

I've had an alloy Ransom for just under a year, you might be interested in this post http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=14581691

Apart from it breaking (see above) I had been really pleased with it. I pretty much do similar riding to you by the sounds of it plus a little DH sessioning and Alps hooning. I've even ridden in a XC race, although i didnt win of course, had fun anyway.

The review in MBUK this month says most of what I would say. My instant reaction when taking it for a test ride was how much like a normal bike it felt (having only ridden hardtail before). With that in mind and the fact you have a 5" travel trail bike already, I'm not sure just how much of a difference you would notice with the ransom. it's definitely a confidence inspiring bike that makes you feel pretty invincible on the trails, and still climbs nicely.

You still interested in it?

alanoriordan

Thanks for that, very interesting. I just got back from 3 days in the Lakes on a "Mountain Skills" course, where I learnt to ride my Stumpy more aggressively over really rocky descents, so I feel the urge to upgrade a little less now, although I still like the idea of the extra travel. Interestingly, the instructor told me he had compared an Enduro and a Ransom side by side in Glentress. Ransom climbed and descended better, but was a little unstable in the air? Will be sitting on a Ransom in my frame size at the weekend, so we'll see......

On your post, BTW, exactly the same thing happened to a friend of mine on his SX Trail II. Specialized admitted to him that the replacement stock they use has stronger weld points to counter this very problem.... He's had no problems since!

davydesign

I normally find it's me thats unstable in the air not the ransom!

Interesting about the welds, hopefully it won't happen again, and if it does lets hope its in the next couple of years anyway (good old warranty)

You didnt mention what fork you're running on your bike, but maybe switching to a rockshox pike with maxle axle might give your bike more of a aggressive attitude on the tech descents? (or any other bolt thro fork actually)

alanoriordan

Hadn't really thought about changing the fork. I have the Fox Talas RLC on there at the moment, feels nice and plush. Will ask my LBS on that point, thanks for the suggestion.

I think the reality is that the Stumpy is capable of more than currently I ask of it, so I probably don't need to change, but it's always tempting when you set your sights a new toy! And the discounts being offered atthe moment are pretty impressive.

Thanks again for the advice and good luck with the new frame. I'm reliably told the carbon frame is a better ride, so hopefully you'll see the benefits of the upgrade.

Cheers.