Scott Aspect 970 Review
- Price: $729
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″ Aluminum
- Gears: 3 × 7
What we like about it: At an appropriate price point, it features a sturdy and durable frame with reliable components, making it a great choice for beginners.
What we didn’t like about it: Limited frame color options, offering a narrow range of choices.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Scott Aspect 970 is a hardtail mountain bike known for its lightweight, efficient design at a reasonable price. It comes equipped with disc brakes and Syncros components, making it a perfect choice for newcomers to mountain biking, especially those on a budget.
Next, we’ll delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Scott Aspect 970. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other bicycles. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Scott Aspect 970 boasts a robust frame and reliable components. I believe this hardtail mountain bike can handle off-road terrains with ease.
To put this to the test, I took the Scott Aspect 970 to the forest trails in a nearby park. These trails are predominantly for off-road biking and feature extended uphill climbs and descents. Thankfully, with relatively flat platforms and no substantial drops, this bike should navigate them with ease.
Climbing
When climbing uphill with the Scott Aspect 970, its rigid aluminum alloy frame allows for smooth pedaling without the sensation of dragging. Moreover, the excellent frame geometry helps maintain a stable center of gravity. Weight distribution between the front and rear of the bike, combined with the exceptional grip provided by the Kenda Booster 2.4-inch large-grain tires, enhances pedaling efficiency while reducing the risk of slippage.
Furthermore, the Shimano drivetrain is equipped with a 3×7-speed setup. When facing challenging uphill climbs, having a variety of speeds at your disposal allows for efficient pedaling and reduced fatigue. In summary, the Scott Aspect 970 performs remarkably well during uphill climbs, offering a choice of speeds to conquer every ascent.
Descending
On downhill rides, the Scott Aspect 970 handles bumpy terrains with ease, thanks to the Suntour XCE28 front fork, which provides 100mm of suspension travel. This front fork efficiently absorbs road vibrations, ensuring a stable and comfortable descent.
Additionally, on forest trails, the 29-inch wheelset may not be as agile as the 27.5-inch counterparts. However, the large-grain tires still offer reliable traction and allow you to maintain higher speeds by lowering your center of gravity through turns.
When the need arises to decelerate, the Tektro SCM-02 Mech mechanical disc brakes deliver robust braking performance. The brake levers respond quickly when pressed, reducing speed promptly and ensuring safety during downhill descents. Nonetheless, while mechanical disc brakes are reliable, I prefer hydraulic disc brakes for consistent braking performance, even after prolonged use.
Specifications
The Scott Aspect 970 is available in six different sizes of aluminum alloy frames, offering a wide range of options suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5’2″ to 6’5″. This extensive size range accommodates almost all riders.
With its 29-inch wheels and 2.4-inch tires, the bike provides excellent traction and outstanding stability, allowing for faster riding and enhanced stability during descents.
The Shimano drivetrain features a 3×7-speed setup, ensuring precise, rapid, and reliable gear changes. Additionally, the Tektro SCM-02 mechanical disc brakes offer ample stopping power, making them suitable for beginners.
The Suntour XCE28 suspension fork with 100mm of travel absorbs all road vibrations, ensuring a stable and comfortable riding experience.
Video
Other Versions
The Scott Aspect 970 boasts a robust aluminum frame and reliable components, all at an affordable price, making it a perfect choice for entry-level mountain bikers. However, this bike is also available in other versions with component upgrades, providing an even better riding experience for a slightly higher budget.
Scott Aspect 910
The Scott Aspect 910 features the same durable aluminum alloy frame but is equipped with higher-end components for improved off-road performance.
In terms of suspension, it utilizes a RockShox Judy Silver TK 100mm front fork, offering excellent initial sensitivity and enhanced vibration damping for a more stable ride.
The drivetrain features SRAM SX 1×12-speed components, ensuring crisp and responsive gear shifts and high transmission efficiency. The 1x drivetrain design helps riders stay focused during their rides.
Finally, the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes offer light and responsive braking, requiring minimal effort to provide ample stopping power. These brakes maintain high efficiency even after extended use.
What do we like about it?
- External cable routing for easy maintenance, ideal for beginners.
- 29-inch wheels provide excellent traction and improved stability.
- Shimano drivetrain for precise, responsive, and reliable gear changes.
- Kenda Booster 2.4″ large-knob tires for strong traction and reduced puncture risk.
- Mechanical disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power, suitable for beginners.
- Suntour XCE28 100mm suspension fork for added comfort on all terrains.
What don’t we like about it?
- Limited frame color options, with a relatively small range to choose from.
FAQ
- How good are Scott bikes?
Scott bikes are well-regarded for their high quality. They offer a range of comfortable and powerful road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes. Scott bikes are made from durable materials and are designed to handle various terrains, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Where should I book a hotel when cycling out of town?
I typically book hotels using IHG when cycling out of town, as it’s convenient and efficient.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here. However, it’s essential to remember that you don’t necessarily have to follow this standard. To find the best fit, the most reliable method is to test ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | L |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’1″ – 6’5″ | XXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Aspect 900-700 series / Alloy 6061 Custom Tubing BSA73 / Internal Cable Routing / replaceable hangerBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
| Fork | Suntour XCE28 100mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | Feimin FP.B902 BB73 / square taper |
| Headset | Syncros OE Press Fit / 1 1/8″ OD 50mm / ID 44mm |
| Stem | TDS-C301-8FOV / 10° / 31.8 / Black |
| Handlebar | HL MTB-AL-312BT / 720mm / black / 12mm rise Syncros Pro Grip |
| Saddle | Syncros 3.0 |
| Seatpost | HL SP C207 31.6mm / 350mm / Black |
| Pedals | Feimin FP-803 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 21 Speed |
| Front Derailleur | MicroShift FD-M20 / 31.8mm |
| Crank | Prowheel TA-CQ01 42x34x24 w/CG |
| Shifters | Shimano ST-EF-41-L / 7R EZ-fire plus w/gear indicator |
| Cassette | Sunrace CSM40 7AV / 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC Z-7 |
| Brakes | Tektro SCM-02 Mech. Disc Brakes |
Wheels
| Rims | Syncros X-20 Disc 32H / black |
| Spokes | 14 G / stainless / black |
| Front Hub | Formula DC-19 FQR Disc |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-27A 7s RQR Disc |
| Tires | Kenda Booster 2.4″ / 30TPI |
| Disk Rotors | Tektro / 6 bolt / F&R 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Trek Marlin 4 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Tektro MD-M280 | 3 × 7 |
| Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | SRAM Level | 1 × 12 |
| 2022 Giant Talon 4 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | TKB-172 | 1 × 8 |
| Specialized Chisel | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | SRAM Level T | 1 × 12 |
Scott Aspect 970 vs. Trek Marlin 4
They both feature aluminum alloy frames, but the latter’s internal cable routing design enhances its aesthetic appeal, whereas the former’s external cable routing design makes maintenance more convenient.
On the suspension front, both these bikes use Suntour XCE28 suspension forks with 100mm of travel, ensuring stability and absorbing all bumps during rides.
In terms of drivetrain and braking components, these two bikes share nearly identical components. They both feature Shimano 3×7-speed drivetrains and mechanical disc brakes.
In summary, the Scott Aspect 970 and the Trek Marlin 4 are two nearly identical hardtail mountain bikes with comparable performance. The choice between them can be based on personal preferences.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
Scott Aspect 970 vs. Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5
Both of them have aluminum alloy frames and feature 100mm of suspension travel. However, the latter has better suspension performance, capable of absorbing vibrations more effectively.
In terms of drivetrain components, the latter is equipped with SRAM components, providing smoother and crisper shifting. The 1x drivetrain design also helps maintain focus during rides.
When it comes to braking components, the latter also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, which are more reliable than the mechanical disc brakes on the former. They maintain strong braking performance even after extended use.
Regarding wheel specifications, the former has 29-inch wheels, offering better stability and performance for downhill riding. The latter, with its 27.5-inch wheels, provides more agile handling.
In conclusion, the latter offers better performance but comes at a higher price. Your choice can depend on your budget and preferences.
Scott Aspect 970 vs. 2022 Giant Talon 4
Both of them feature sturdy aluminum alloy frames and the same Suntour XCE28 suspension fork. However, the former has a longer suspension travel, making it better suited for rougher rides.
When it comes to drivetrain components, the former is equipped with Shimano components, offering a wider range of speeds and smoother shifting compared to the microSHIFT components on the latter. Importantly, Shimano’s drivetrain components tend to be more reliable.
As for the braking components, both of these bicycles use mechanical disc brakes, providing reliable braking performance.
In conclusion, when considering two bikes at a similar price point, I prefer the Scott Aspect 970 due to its better components and increased reliability.
Learn More: Is Giant Talon 4 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Talon 4 Review]
Scott Aspect 970 vs. Specialized Chisel
While both of them have aluminum alloy frames, the latter’s internal cable routing design gives it a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In terms of suspension forks, the latter comes equipped with a RockShox Judy fork, which offers more active and responsive damping, effectively absorbing more vibrations. This enhances the stability and comfort of the ride.
On the drivetrain side, the latter features SRAM SX’s 1×12-speed components, providing smoother and more precise gear changes. Additionally, gear adjustments are more straightforward. In the braking department, the Specialized Chisel uses SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes, which offer superior braking performance compared to the Tektro SCM-02 mechanical disc brakes on the former.
Overall, the Specialized Chisel outperforms the Scott Aspect 970 in various aspects. If your budget allows, it’s a worthwhile choice.
Learn More: Is the Specialized Chisel Comp worth buying? [Specialized Chisel Comp Reviews]
Summary
The above is my review of the Scott Aspect 970. In our opinion, this bicycle offers reliable basic performance and is highly suitable for mountain biking beginners and novices. This is why we have given it a rating of 4.7.
Of course, if you want to explore other hardtail mountain bikes, we also review a variety of bikes in different price ranges, and we find them quite interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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