Tested: Scott Voltage FR 20 9

First off, I was incredibly surprised at my stupidity and the bike’s resilience to my stupidity. During the first ride, I took it on a new trail and sent a long step down kicker a good 15 feet past the intended landing. Considering the bike’s suspension hadn’t been touched whatsoever, the Rock Shox Domain R fork on the front and the Fox Racing Shox Vanilla R on the back responded well and predictably. I wasn’t bounced out of place and I continued on the trail casually. The bike undoubtedly helped save me in that scenario. I was stoked to get out of that one without my helmet full of tree bark and mud. The frame was noticeably stiff side-to-side over all trail features, including the step-down incident. The “full nelson” weld technique on the head tube area of the aluminum frame not only looks sleek, but it also provides a lot of strength to the frame, which is crucial when you’re learning to ride (or over shooting step-downs).

Prior to riding it, I found it interesting that the Coastal Crew was riding the Voltage instead of the more downhill-oriented Scott Gambler. After riding it, I understand why they would want it - the bike was so easy to pick up off of the ground that it made for a whole new airborne experience for me.  As you also saw in the video, this bike is easy to throw into berms or flick around corners. I was testing a large frame and found it incredibly easy to maneuver. Considering it was a "long" size frame and the fact that I’m 5’10’’ tall, the sizing of the bike did feel a bit small. I would have felt cramped on a "short" size. Consider this when purchasing a Voltage frame or complete bike.

Because this model is spec’d with with a 200mm fork, I did not find it necessary to adjust the rear travel from the longest 180mm setting during the time I had the bike. However, the ability to adjust the travel would be key if I ever decided to put a single crown fork on the bike, which would instantly transform it into a capable enduro rig or mid-travel park bike. 

The Interchangeable Dropout System (IDS) allows for a wide variety of rear wheels to be used, which is certainly a big bonus. Standard QR, MAXLE and 12mm thru-axle wheels are all compatible. It’s also easily replaceable if a derailleur hanger is bent beyond repair or broken. Chainstay length can be shortened or lengthened 10mm from the stock 425mm setting, which can help make the bike snappier or more stable at speed.

Scott packed a lot into the package, but to create a bike at this price level a few concessions have to be made. Top-of-the-line suspension is expensive, so Scott opted for the budget minded Rock Shox Domain R fork. While the fork was bomb-proof, predictable, and functioned consistently, it clunked at the bottom of its travel on a lot of the hard hits, and I couldn’t find a way around this. I doubt this affected my riding very much, but it was annoying. The stock Wellgo B155U pedals might be ok for strictly jumping the bike, but they were far too small for any gravity rider to be truly satisfied with. Having said that, I can tell you that the first thing that will need to be replaced due to wear-and-tear are the tires. The components are durable and reliable.

This bike was ridden mainly in the lower mainland around the North Shore of Vancouver. After riding it in that area, I’d be willing to say that it would function great on anything - from high-speed flowy trails, to dust and rocks, to sending jumps at the bike park.

Scott‘s investment in riders such as the Coastal Crew, Floraine Pugin, and Brendan Fairclough really shows their commitment to gravity and their confidence in their bikes. It also gives them status as major contributor to the gravity scene. To me, the Voltage FR 20 reflects a combination of their star gravity athletes - the bike is dynamic. It is responsive and maneuverable while freeriding, surprisingly stable while downhilling, and there are so many ways to tune the bike that it really can cover a huge range of rider and trail styles.