Mountain Bike Action tested Gambler
This year Scott scrapped its distinct DH and FR lines in favor of one frame for all gravity needs. Choose based on your riding genre: the DH 10 and the DH 20, or the FR 10 and FR 20.
To get that much range out of one bike, Scott focused on adjustability. The Gambler's rear travel can be set to 190mm, 210mm or 230mm; the head angle is adjustable between 64 and 66 degrees. And SCOTT's Interchangeable Dropout System (IDS) offers the rider FR dropouts with a chainstay length of 430mm, or DH dropouts with a 440mm chainstay. The third option is an FR length dropout for SRAM's Maxle quick-release system. Make any of these adjustments and you'll dramatically change how the Gambler rides.
The Gambler is available in two sizes: Short and long. Both have geometry with the same measurements and angles, except for the top tubes. On the short, it's 22.2 inches; on the long, it's 23.6. I'm 5-foot-10 and felt the short-sized cockpit was a tad tight for my height, but with its shorter wheelbase, the FR20 was a snap to rotate on park stunts. A nice bonus is that the FR20 is ultra stable when blasting downhill. SCOTT's Adrian Montgomery says the bike feels bomber because its hydroformed frame receives as few welds as possible on curved tubesets; straight welds, according to Montgomery, are more consistent over a production cycle than welds on curves. The end result is a stiffer frame. When you consider the frame's basic integrity and versatility, the Gambler is a bargain, the perfect rig for the newbie, hucker or aspiring racer.
HIT: Adjustable versatility
MISS: Heavy: even for the breed
PRICE: $3,150
SIZES: Short (tested), long
WEIGHT: 46.0 lb. (short)
FRAME: 7005 aluminum; adjustable head tube for 1-1/8, or 1.5-in. steerer; FOX VAN R coil shock w/ ProPedal and rebound adjust: 190-230mm travel
FORK: Marzocchi 66 RCV w/ 180mm travel
COMPONENT HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM X.5 :rigger shifter, X.7 rear derailleur; Truvativ Ruktion BG 1.0 34t ring w/ bash guarc
For a video review of the SCOTT Gambler please go to: www.MOUNTAINBIKE.com/scottgambler20
