A Self-Shuttler
31.08.2018
"Much like the original Ransom, the new version successfully pairs together a load of suspension travel with a classy and lightweight carbon frame. With the TwinLoc system offering fingertip-control of that suspension, the Ransom has genuine uphill performance that extends its versatility well beyond what I expected of such a big travel bike.
So, who is this bike made for? Well, the Ransom is no doubt a superb enduro bike. It may be heavier than the Genius, but it’s a better descender, and that will be appealing to serious racers. For competition stages that feature a good amount of pedalling, the TwinLoc system is also a very handy tool for boosting efficiency.
Though it is a confident descender, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a hooligan bike. It isn’t only made for smashing downhill laps at a bikepark, and it doesn’t require a World Cup downhill track to come alive. No, this is a proper all-rounder. A bike that relishes in being pedalled up long mountain climbs to access rough, natural, alpine singletrack. The Ransom is a self-shuttler that laughs at mechanical assistance.
Given its alpine credentials, is it too much bike for UK riding? I don’t actually think so. If you frequent technical trails like those in the Lake District, the Tweed Valley and around Snowdon, then the Ransom is ideal for that sort of big mountain riding. And when it climbs so well and is still fun to ride on ‘normal’ trails, why not have that extra travel to enjoy on the way down?"