Vélo SCOTT Gambler 20

Our downhill bikes have always pushed the boundaries of adjustability. Both a rider and a bike need to be able to adapt to tracks, weather conditions and choice of shock (air or coil.) The new Gambler allows you to switch between wheelsizes without changing any other components on the bike.

Chain stay length can also be adjusted, independent of wheelsize choice. Short with 29", sure thing. Long with 27.5? Yep, that too. The Gambler also comes with spare angled headset cups, so that you can adjust head angle relative to wheelsize, fork choice etc.

We also have a 4-way chip to allow not only bottom bracket height adjustment relative to wheelsize, but more importantly for geometry/kinematic tweaks depending on tracks, shocks or rider preference. We want the bike to be optimizable for each shock and rider given the track.

All this adjustment allows us to focus on balance. And by balance, we mean on the perfect combinations to find traction. Geometry and shock curve options help get a rider's center of mass in the perfect spot between the wheels for optimum levels of balance and traction. However, as race tracks change, this balance point changes, and not all bikes can change with it – we wanted to be able to do so.

For instance, a bike with geometry for a steep track will roll slowly and push wide in turns on a flatter track, whereas a bike set up for flatter tracks will make it difficult for a rider to keep their center of gravity far enough back for steep tracks. 

It seems like it shouldn't make a huge difference on the bike, but it turns out it does. We even joke saying that it dictated the design of the entire bike. Why make this a proprietary piece? Chain devices are normally made to work with many different bikes and are therefore compromised. We only need to make it work for this one frame and a specific range of chainring sizes, so it can be easier to setup, better performing, lighter and allows us to gain some advantages on the frame construction, further reducing weight and increasing reliability/durability.

Historically, designing around a chain guide / bash guard was akin to designing around a front mech – not ideal. They require a heavy, in molded alloy mount in the frame that can bend under impact, and leaves threads in the frame that can be damaged. These would restrict the frames main pivot width and chain stay shape. In addition, the chain guide and bash guard were connected by a backplate, further increasing weight.

With our design, we no longer have in-molded alloy mount, nor do we have threads in the frame. More importantly, we're able to design a wider main pivot, making for a stiffer connection and better bearing life. We've been able to optimize our chain stay shape, helping us to better maintain stiffness and strength. It is easier to set up and adjust and lighter.

We use built in rubber shock absorbers with the bashguard, reducing further the potential for frame damage. Finally, as the bashguard and chain guide are separate pieces, should either get damaged, you don't need to replace the entire system, just the piece itself.