Scott Gambler Review
For downhill racing the Scott Gambler range is a good choice. Variable geometry settings, tons of travel and tough components will keep you composed on the most hair-raising of descents.
Scott Gambler 30
The Gambler 30 uses an alloy frame that features an adjustable bottom bracket, a RockShox Boxxer RC fork with a whopping 203mm of travel and a Fox VAN R shock at the back-end for ultimate compliance.
SRAM X4 and X5 drivetrain components and Avid Elixir 1 disc brakes with big 200mm rotors are also included, along with Syncros FR32 rims, Schwalbe Downhill Evolution Magic Mary tyres and DT Swiss Industry spokes on the wheelset. The Gambler 30 is the entry-level model but it’s all powerful and shouldn’t be dismissed.
Scott Gambler 20
The Gambler 20 is also based around a hydroformed, custom butted alloy frame, with a Fox 40 O/V Performance fork and VAN RC shock combo allowing for adjustable levels of compression and utilising Scott’s own tuning.
The Gambler range are one of the very few bikes we’ve seen this year that utilise Shimano Zee gearing. The 20 also uses a Deore BR-M615 brakeset keep the weight of the components low and this bike utilises Syncros DH1.5 handlebars, an FL2.0 seatpost and a DH2.5 saddle on steel rails.
| Scott Gambler 20 Specifications 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Derailleur: | N/A | Front Fork: | Fox 40 O/V Performance 203mm |
| Rear Derailleur: | Shimano Zee | Rear Shock: | Fox VAN RC Coil |
| Shifters: | Shimano Zee | Brakes: | Shimano Deore Disc |
| Gears: | 10 speed | Rims: | Syncros FR32 Disc |
| Chainring: | 36T | Tyres: | Schwalbe Downhill Evolution Line |
| Cassette: | 11-25 | Weight: | 18.1kg |
Scott Gambler 10
The alloy frame of the Gambler 10 gets a suspension boost thanks to the Kashima coated Fox 40 RC2 FIT Factory fork and DHX RC4 Coil rear shock setup. Shimano Zee disc brakes and Saint drivetrain components are part of the package, with enough resilience between them to keep up with the rest of the bike.
DT Swiss FR600 rims and Competition spokes are paired with Magic Mary tyres from Schwalbe at the front and rear, with the Syncros DH2.0 saddle mounted on Cr-Mo rails minimising the weight and increasing rider comfort.
This bike is modelled after competition-winning cycles and is created with serious downhill racing in mind, so it is not for the faint hearted or those who are a little more casual about their riding.
