new school trail machine
Scor 2030 Review
Scor is the bold endeavor to position a new brand in an already crowded market. Does the Scor 2030 employ a special trick, and what qualities does it rely on? We find out in this review.
The mountain bike market has morphed into a shark tank over the past couple of years. As the scene, and thus the demand for new bikes has been consistently growing since the 90s, it was relatively easy during this time to establish new brands. Often, simply placing sleek bikes at the right dealers was enough to get the business rolling.
But the conditions in the MTB market have drastically changed. Our deals page, with discounts of 40% and more, clearly shows: Currently, the supply of mountain bikes far exceeds the demand. If you don’t offer products that stand out in terms of price, image, or functionality, you will simply be devoured by the established brands in such an environment. Does the 2030 have what it takes to help the Scott brand through this challenging phase?
Quick Facts on the Scor 2030
- Models: 3 pieces starting at €3999
- Price: $6499 (GX build)
- Weight: 13.72 kilograms (GX build)
- Frame weight: 2885 grams
- Travel Front: 140 mm
- Rear Travel: 120 mm (optionally available with 130 mm using a different shock)
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Feature: Downtube storage compartment, VPP linkage, bike park approval (ASTM 4)
- Bottom Bracket: Pressfit
End of False Promises: Cleared for Actual Trail Use
Scor positions itself as a young, stylish brand for gravity-focused riders. Accordingly, the 2030 enters the fray with just 120 mm of rear travel but claims the ASTM Category 4 rating. This classification is usually seen on bikes with more suspension travel, as it officially allows for jumps up to 1.22 meters in height.
For comparison, Canyon’s Neuron also comes with 140 mm of travel upfront, but only carries an ASTM Category 3 rating. Here, officially, jumps are capped at a height of 0.66 meters. The Rockrider Feel 900 S in review, which we have also tested, is officially described on the website as “not suitable for downhill”.
Scor is dropping the hammer with aggressive imagery in their marketing, but they back it up with a product that delivers. The Swiss brand officially clears the Scor 2030 for bike park use, ensuring that their marketing visuals are no bluff to the riders.
Frame Details
The rear suspension on the Scor features a VPP system, similar to what you’d find on Santa Cruz bikes. It comes stock with a shock that has a 47.5 mm stroke, but it’s also possible to install a shock with a 52.5 mm stroke to bump up the rear travel to 130 mm. The shock is positioned low, and the closed rear triangle ensures plenty of stiffness on the trail. The trendy storage compartment in the downtube has room for a spare tube and a mini tool.
Cable routing for the brakes, dropper post, and drivetrain runs along this side of the head tube. Thanks to continuous internal routing within the frame, even novice mechanics will find cable replacement a breeze. The Pressfit bottom bracket is less maintenance-friendly. When it comes time to swap it out, you might need to resort to some brute force.
Although the rear pivot bearings were equipped with extra seals to protect against dust and grime, our test bike emitted annoying creaking noises while riding. The test bike was not brand-new when it reached us, but it was in good technical condition. Simply tightening the rear suspension pivots and attempting a WD40 fix to troubleshoot did not eliminate the noise issue.
Riding the Scor 2030 on Tour and Trail
Though the Scor can hold its own with a 13.72 kilograms without pedals on the scales against the significantly pricier Santa Cruz 5010, the acceleration is somewhat sluggish. The DT Swiss wheels are heavier at 4470 grams compared to other test bikes with 140 mm of travel.
The Scor in direct comparison with similar manufacturers
| MODEL | TRAVEL | WEIGHT | PRICE |
| Liteville H-3 (Hardtail) | 140 mm / - | 11,84 | 4999 € |
| Cube One44 | 140 mm / 140 mm | 12,71 | 3999 € |
| Santa Cruz 5010 | 140 mm / 130 mm | 13,59 | 9999 € |
| Scor 2030 | 140 mm / 120 mm | 13,72 | 6499 € |
| Orbea Laufey (Hardtail) | 140 mm / - | 13,75 | 2399 € |
| Rockrider Feel 900 s | 140 mm / 130 mm | 13,97 | 3970 € |
| Crossworx Lite 290 | 140 mm / 140 mm | 14,47 | 5615 € |
| Vitus Mythique | 140 mm / 130 mm | 15,8 | 2500 € |
| Raaw Jibb | 150 mm / 135 mm | 14,67 | ca. 8000 € |
| YT Jeffsy | 150 mm / 145 mm | 15,52 | 4999 € |
| Canyon Spectral | 150 mm / 140 mm | 15,8 | 3999 € |
Thanks to the aggressive riding position, the fast-rolling rear tire, and the pedal-neutral rear suspension, you get up climbs and along flats more efficiently than you might expect. The Scor 2030 handles itself exceptionally well on long rides and isn’t phased by an alpine crossing.
Descending, the bike acts less like a luxury barge and more as a taut athlete. The slender 120mm of rear travel is firmly tuned. The result: you can push through corners perfectly with the bike and pop it into a bunny hop with delightful ease.
The combination of low weight and firm suspension counteracts the stable geometry. Hence, with a little body language, the bike can be persuaded to execute rapid direction changes despite a slack 64-degree head angle and long wheelbase. Yet, bikes like the Santa Cruz 5010 remain more agile on the trail. And with 120mm of travel in the back, be ready for a significant amount of feedback from the rear on rough trail sections.
Conclusion on the Scor 2030
Scor manages to occupy a niche in the market with a downhill-oriented ride that still delivers solid propulsion. The Scor 2030 isn’t a marvel of comfort, but it knows how to handle the tough stuff. The price, given the specs, is high. On the flip side, the weight at 13.72 kilograms is pleasantly low.
The wide range of applications, from alpine crossings to occasional bike park sessions, is a compelling argument that the Scor 2030 brings to the table. However, we must be honest: the word ‘occasional’ in front of bike park usage must be emphasized. Because on the descents, the enduro rigs with more suspension travel have more potential.
The Scor 2030 Lineup and the Complete Market Overview
The Scor 2030 navigates a fiercely competitive market segment. While Canyon scores with a solid rear suspension on its Neuron, Cube shines through its low weight. Radon offers a cost-efficient contender with the Slide Trail AL under 3000 €. Crossworx plays the “Made in Germany” card. And Santa Cruz injects more fun into its 5010 than any other manufacturer.
This list underscores just how contested the current MTB market is. To prevent you from losing track of all these options, we’ve put together a complete market overview with all available models in the All Mountain sector for you. Additionally, here’s a comprehensive rundown of all Scor 2030 models:
