Scott's Lumen E-MTB Is All About Integration, Speed, and the Industry's Best Technology

Folks, it's not every day that I run across a bicycle that stands out from all others. After all, how many ways can you build a bike? But Scott's Lumen eRide lineup is just the sort of machine that breaks away from established industry norms. Just be warned, these babies aren't cheap, but for good reasons.

In order to understand just what's possible with this fresh and upcoming lineup, let's explore the would-be flagship, the eRide 900 SL, a $16,000 (€14,700 at current exchange rates) carbon fiber machine that boasts some of the industry's freshest tech, including a motor from renowned TQ, a brand that's been pushing Bosch out of the MTB game. Sure, most of us would never buy something like this, nor would we know what to do with it if we did, but that doesn't stop us from taking a look at what this peak machine looks, feels, and is built.

To understand what's going on here, we need to first take a look at Lumen's frame. Yes, it's a full-suspension setup, but do you see the rear shock? Of course, you don't. Why? Because Scott borrowed tech from another MTB to come before this one, the Spark and the same integrated rear shock system are present here. Integrated? Yes, right into that carbon fiber frame.

Hang on a minute; how am I supposed to tune a rear shock for my ride if it's buried deep into my bike's frame? Two ways. The first is by removing a hatch found under the BB (Bottom Bracket) and messing around with rebound, compression, shock pressure, and even replacing a faulty shock or cables.

As for tuning all that on the go, once it's set, it's set, but a TwinLoc system lets you adjust your ride setting right from the cockpit. Lock out your suspension, ready it for descents, or somewhere in the middle for optimized traction. One thing to consider about TwinLoc is that it affects both the rear shock and front fork, preparing your bike for three distinct riding styles.

A few other reasons why we're bound to see more Scott bikes with this sort of rear-shock design and why they started doing all this in the first place have to do with the ability to build a stiffer and lighter frame but also to keep this component safe. In short, integration, integration, integration, which extends to the rest of the components too.

It's one of the main reasons why you won't see anything bulging out of the frame, all but that range extender on the SL. Inside the downtube, a 360 Wh battery from TQ supplies the necessary energy for the HPR50 motor to do its bidding. This little powerhouse has been sweeping up e-MTB contracts left and right because it's lighter, stronger, and quieter than most other manufacturers already on the market, even going as far as pushing Bosch out of quite a few deals. At least, that's what I've been noticing. Oh, and because everything is housed neatly in the frame, you won't have to worry about any wires hanging out and getting snagged on nearby obstacles.

Part of the reason why this puppy also cruises in with such a price tag has a whole lot to do with the rest of the components found on the SL. Like any flagship, you can expect the best of the best gear on this bugger. With that said, a complete SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with 12 speeds will help you shift smoothly and wirelessly. However, Shimano happened to be sticking their fingers in this pie, too, with a pair of XTR 4-piston disc brakes with 180 mm (7.1 in) rotors. Throw on a dropper post, and what do you have? A two-wheeler that some are considering the world's fastest and lightest e-MTB, coming in with a weight of 15.5 kg (31.4 lbs). As for how fast, that all depends on you and your legs.

That's the sort of magic that goes into the new Lumen eRide, but what is the average Joe to do against a $16,000 price tag? Well, there are other options in the lineup that won't make you feel like you're about to drop an arm and a leg on one of these, the 910, a trinket cruising in with a starting price of just $7,000 (€6,400). Still, most folks would much rather buy a motorcycle for this sort of cash. But, there are clear tradeoffs, one of which is the loss of wireless shifting.

But, the rest of the story is true for the lower priced machines, too; they're infused with the same TQ magic and carbon fiber frame with that integrated suspension. If you've been looking for a new full-suspension e-MTB, this might be the one for you.