SCOTT SCALE 980 BLACK
The Scott Scale 980 Black is engineered for riders who want to experience the speed and efficiency of a world-class cross-country race bike without the carbon price tag. At the core of the 980 is a custom-butted 6061 aluminium frame, featuring the same aggressive, performance-oriented geometry found on its carbon siblings. This ensures a responsive ride that climbs efficiently and descends with predictable confidence.
For 2024/25, the Scale 980 is equipped with a modern Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, providing a massive gear range to tackle steep inclines and fast flats with ease. Up front, the Suntour X1 32 RL-R Air fork offers 100mm of travel and features a remote lockout lever, allowing you to stiffen the suspension instantly for sprints or road sections. The build is rounded out with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions and fast-rolling Maxxis Rekon Race tyres, making it a formidable weapon for local trail loops or your first XC race.
Key Features
Scale Alloy 6061 Frame: Lightweight, custom-butted tubing with internal cable routing for a clean look and protection against the elements.
Suntour X1 Air Fork: Features 100mm of travel and an air spring that can be precisely tuned to the rider's weight for maximum comfort and control.
Remote Lockout: The handlebar-mounted remote allows you to toggle suspension modes without taking your hands off the grips.
Shimano Deore 12-Speed: A dependable 1x12 drivetrain that eliminates the front derailleur for simpler, more reliable shifting and less weight.
Maxxis Rekon Race Tyres: Low-profile tread design offers incredibly low rolling resistance while maintaining enough bite for dry to intermediate trails.
Specifications
Feature Details Frame Scale Alloy 6061 Custom Butted Tubing, Boost QR 5x141mm Fork Suntour X1 32 RL-R / Coil Spring, Tapered Steerer, Remote Lockout, 100mm Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore RD-M6100 SGS, Shadow Plus / 12 Speed Shifters Shimano Deore SL-M6100-R / Rapidfire Plus Crankset Shimano FC-MT511-1, 32T Cassette Shimano Deore CS-M6100-12 / 10-51T Brakes Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Front / 160mm Rear SM-RT10 Rotors Rims Syncros / 32H Tyres Maxxis Rekon Race / 2.25" / 60TPI ✅ Why This IS For You
The Aspiring Racer: You want a bike with professional geometry that can handle local XC races and fast-paced group rides.
Efficiency Obsessed: You value a hardtail for its direct power transfer and lightweight feel when climbing.
Simplicity Lover: The 1x12 drivetrain setup provides all the gears you need with significantly less maintenance than older 2x or 3x systems.
The Weekend Warrior: You need a reliable, high-quality mountain bike from a top-tier brand that will last for years of trail riding.
❌ Why This May NOT Be For You
Technical Trail Specialists: If your local trails consist of big drops, jumps, and heavy rock gardens, you may prefer a full-suspension bike like the Scott Spark.
Weight Purists: While light for an alloy bike, those seeking the absolute lowest weight for elite competition may want to look at the Scale RC Carbon models.
Comfort Seekers: As a hardtail, the rear end provides no suspension; riders with back issues might find the rigid rear end less forgiving than a dual-suspension bike.
BFC PRO TIP
Because the Scale 980 uses an air-sprung fork, it is essential to have your "SAG" set correctly. Ask us to help you set the air pressure specifically for your body weight before your first ride. Running the correct pressure ensures the fork doesn't "dive" under braking and stays active over small bumps, giving you a much smoother and faster ride. Also, the Maxxis tyres are great, but if you're riding in very muddy conditions, consider swapping the front tyre for something with slightly deeper knobs, like a Maxxis Forekaster!
