Scott Aspect 940 Review
- Price: $999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″ x 2.4″
- Gear: 2 x 9
What We Like:
- Full internal cable routing for a clean and easy-to-maintain design.
- A good choice for riders who prefer a comfortable ride.
- The new paint color options are appealing.
What We Don’t Like:
- The 450mm chainstay length may not be ideal for riders who want to showcase their skills on narrow trails.
Rating: (4.72/5)
It’s a hardtail mountain bike more suited for uphill climbs. It’s a cost-effective choice for riders venturing into off-road biking for the first time. Additionally, the Scott Aspect 940 comes equipped with a 100mm Suntour XCR32/X1-LO-R front fork paired with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, which provide precise and comfortable control over rough terrain. However, it’s important to note that when tackling challenging off-road terrain, some hesitation might be needed.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Scott Aspect 940. Towards the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, please stay tuned.
Riding Experience
For this Scott Aspect 940 riding test, I didn’t choose a location that was too far away. I believe this bike has more potential than just mild off-road climbs, and there’s more to explore.
Since I was in Bend, Oregon, where there are plenty of bike shops, I managed to pick up the Scott Aspect 940 from my friend’s shop. What attracted me even more than its orange color was this shade of blue (I’d call it navy blue), subtle yet impossible to ignore.
Off-Road Climbing
After packing up the Scott Aspect 940, I headed to a nearby hill with not too high an elevation, and I started my ascent on one of the trails. As I climbed uphill, the Kenda Booster tires on the Scott Aspect 940 required more traction. With the assistance of the front fork’s suspension, the Kenda Booster tires gripped the ground better, providing improved traction. It was easier than I initially thought.
Another noteworthy feature is the Scott Aspect 940’s Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 drivetrain. With its 2×9 gear options, I could finely tune the most suitable gear ratios. Moreover, during my ride over bumpy terrain, there was hardly any chain slap noise, which was quite satisfying to me.
Although I didn’t spend much time seated on the saddle during the uphill journey, I was pleasantly surprised by the support offered by the Syncros 3.0 saddle with high-density foam. It allowed me to relax my lower back as soon as I sat down. This was a welcomed relief for me during extended periods of pedaling uphill.
In summary, during this uphill climb, the Scott Aspect 940 impressed me at its price point.
Commuting
If it were only for off-road biking, I don’t think I would spend the money to choose it. So, I took the Scott Aspect 940 for a spin on the town roads. Thanks to the Suntour XCR32/X1-LO-R suspension fork equipped on the 940, I could comfortably navigate through bumpy sections. Moreover, its lockout feature allowed me to lock it out for improved pedal efficiency when I wanted to accelerate. The Kenda Booster tires, sized at 29″×2.4″, rolled fast and exhibited good durability.
Additionally, the Aspect 940’s Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes were responsive and smooth to operate. When I needed to stop on a downhill slope, it didn’t require much effort to apply the brakes, and the stopping was precise. It’s worth applauding, truly Shimano quality.
Furthermore, the ergonomic geometry allowed me to maintain an upright riding posture during extended rides, providing relief to my lower back.
In practical riding scenarios, the Scott Aspect 940 also serves as a reliable commuting companion. So, if you enjoy an upright riding position and want to explore some light off-roading, the Scott Aspect 940 is a viable choice.
Specifications
The Scott Aspect 940 offers a new color option besides the orange, which is a shade of blue that I’d describe as navy blue. It has an all-aluminum frame, which may not be as lightweight as carbon fiber but is relatively easier to maintain. The full internal cable routing design gives it a clean and tidy appearance. Additionally, it features an abundance of mounting nuts for adding rear racks, camping gear, and enjoying a pleasant bike trip.
Another noteworthy aspect is its Syncros 3.0 handlebar, which provides a comfortable grip and smoother handling. Moreover, with a 7° stem angle, you can slightly incline your riding posture. This posture helps improve aerodynamics and allows you to accelerate even on relatively flat roads.
Other Versions of the Scott Aspect
After spending ample time riding in various terrains, we gained an intuitive understanding of the Scott Aspect 940’s drivetrain, wheelset, and more. It truly is a cost-effective hardtail mountain bike.
Furthermore, at just XX dollars, I believe it’s an appealing choice for many users. However, the Scott Aspect 940 is not the only option, and we conducted further research.
Scott Aspect 910
The Scott Aspect 910 is priced slightly higher, but undoubtedly, its performance is superior. In terms of weight, the Scott Aspect 910 is lighter, and with its 1× SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, shifting gears is simpler and more intuitive, making it easier for beginners to master.
Additionally, the Scott Aspect 910 comes with a RockShox Judy Silver front fork, which is more popular overall. Its Solo Air spring system offers better adjustability for tackling more complex routes.
However, the Suntour XCR32/X1-LO-R front fork equipped on the Scott Aspect 940 is also good, featuring rebound adjustment. So, your choice mainly depends on your personal preferences.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Sturdy aluminum frame.
- Versatile Kenda Booster tires.
- Abundant and smooth 2×9 Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 drivetrain.
- Powerful and reliable Shimano MT200 hydraulic braking system.
- Excellent Suntour XCR32 front fork suspension.
What don’t we like about it?
- Relatively heavy weight.
FAQ
- Which Scott Aspect is best?
While my focus in this review is on the Scott Aspect 940, I must say this bike is among the top performers.
- How many gears does Scott Aspect 940 have?
This bike has 18 gear options.
- How many size options are there for this bike?
Size Chart:
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’1″ – 6’5″ | XXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Aspect 900-700 series / Alloy 6061 Custom Butted Tubing BSA73 / Internal Cable Routing / replaceable hangerBB Standard: BSA, Threaded |
| Fork | Suntour XCR32/X1-LO-R Hyd. Lockout / Reb. Adj. 100mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-MT500 Hollowtech II / threaded |
| Headset | Syncros OE Press Fit / 1 1/8″ OD 50mm / ID 44mm |
| Stem | Syncros 3.0 / 7° / Black |
| Handlebar | Syncros 3.0 / 720mm black / 31.8mm / 12mm rise / 9° BS Syncros Pro Grip |
| Saddle | Syncros 3.0 |
| Seatpost | Syncros 3.0 31.6mm / 350mm / Black |
| Pedals | VP VP-536 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 18 Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-M3120 Side Swing / 31.8mm |
| Crank | Shimano FC-MT2102 2-piece Design / 36X22 |
| Shifters | Shimano SL-M3100 R-fire plus / 2 way release w/gear indicator |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG200-9 / 11-36T |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 / Hydr. Disc Brakes |
Wheels
| Rims | Syncros X-20 Disc 32H / black |
| Spokes | 14 G / stainless / black |
| Front Hub | Shimano HB TX505 |
| Rear Hub | Shimano FH-TX5058 |
| Tires | Kenda Booster 2.4″ / 30TPI |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT10 CL rotor / F&R 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Travel | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 | Click View | 27.5×2.20” | 100mm | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney TY300 |
| Specialized Rockhopper 29 | Click View | 29×2.35″ | 100mm | 2×8 | Aluminum | Microshift Mezzo |
| Giant XTC SLR 29 2 | Click View | 29×2.25″ | 100mm | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 | Click View | 29×2.25″ | 100mm | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 vs. Scott Aspect 940
The Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 has an attractive price point, although it is slightly heavier and uses Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes. Compared to the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes equipped on the Scott Aspect 940, the braking performance is weaker. Of course, it’s worth noting that in terms of maintenance costs down the road, mechanical disc brakes tend to be more cost-effective.
Additionally, the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 features a Shimano Tourney TY300 3×7 drivetrain system. While it offers more speed options, I find it somewhat excessive for my needs, and it adds some extra weight. Although the Scott Aspect 940 has a 2× drivetrain, its chain stability is good, and it doesn’t easily drop the chain during gear shifts.
Overall, both of these bikes are reasonably priced, but the choice primarily depends on your specific requirements. I lean towards the Scott Aspect 940.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
Specialized Rockhopper 29 vs. Scott Aspect 940
Both of these bikes feature aluminum frames. However, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 uses mechanical disc brakes, while the Scott Aspect 940 utilizes Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. I can only speak from my own experience, and in terms of braking performance, the Scott Aspect 940 provides me with more precise and rapid feedback.
Furthermore, when it comes to gearing, I prefer the Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 derailleur on the Scott Aspect 940. A 2× setup is simpler than a 3× setup, and it offers a broader range of gears.
In terms of geometry, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 has a slightly longer wheelbase (1152mm), making it more stable to handle, but it lacks the agility of the Scott Aspect 940.
Apart from these differences, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 has narrower 2.35″ tires, while the Scott Aspect 940 comes with 2.4″ tires. The difference is minimal, and I haven’t noticed any significant impact.
So, if you prefer hydraulic brakes, you might want to give the Scott Aspect 940 a try. If you’re concerned about maintenance costs down the road, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 could be a good option.
Giant XTC SLR 29 2 vs. Scott Aspect 940
While the Giant XTC SLR 29 is a bit more expensive, it must be said that it comes with better components and a superior front fork. It features a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, which provides faster and more precise shifting. Compared to a 2× setup, the Scott Aspect 940 reduces the complexity of the gearing system, making it easier for beginners to operate.
However, both of these bikes use the same brakes, offering reliable and stable braking performance suitable for daily commuting and light off-road riding.
If you ride on rough and bumpy terrain, the Scott Aspect 940 with Kenda Booster 2.4″ tires will have an advantage. But if you’re after speed and quicker rides, the Giant XTC SLR 29 with Maxxis Recon Race 29×2.25″ tires would be more suitable.
In the end, your choice should depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Learn More: Is Giant XTC Advanced 29 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant XTC Advanced 29 3 Review]
Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 vs. Scott Aspect 940
The Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 uses the same SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain as the Giant XTC SLR 29 mentioned earlier. So, in terms of shifting, the Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 offers a better riding experience. Additionally, you can see that the Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 comes with a RockShox Judy Silver TK front fork for suspension. While both have a 100mm travel distance, it’s evident that the front fork equipped on the Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 is slightly better in terms of performance and brand. However, I must also mention that both of these suspension forks are suitable for light off-road and casual riding.
In terms of tires, the Diamondback Overdrive 29 3 is equipped with VEE Rubber Mission tires, which are slightly narrower, making them faster in terms of speed. It also has a steeper head tube angle (71°) compared to the Scott Aspect 940’s head tube angle (68.5°), making its steering more responsive. Of course, the Scott Aspect 940 offers a more stable operation.
If you prefer stable handling, you can give the Scott Aspect 940 a try. If you like agile steering, you can certainly consider the Diamondback Overdrive 29 3.
Summary
This is our review of the Scott Aspect 940. This a great hardtail mountain bike. Considering all factors, we’ve given it a high score of 4.72. If you’re looking for more bicycle information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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