This is a guest post by Mark of www.bikes.org.uk, about the bike that will be making waves in the cycling world in 2011…

Available in early 2011, the new Scott Scale 899 mountain bike is likely to be on a lot of people’s wish list. However, priced at over £7,000 it may just remain there, unless of course you take your mountain biking seriously.

Although its cost will be out of reach of many people, the Scale 899 will undoubtedly be popular with those looking for a top of the range bike. The Scale 899′s key selling point is that it is made from one of the lightest carbon frames ever produced for a mountain bike, weighing just 899 grams. Even with the frame fully loaded, the weight of the Scale 899 totals just 7.48 Kg. However, don’t be fooled into thinking this new Scott bike is a lightweight. This Scott comes with a redesigned IMP3 frame with a HMX NET tapered head tube, the Scale 899 can absorb truly considerable forces while protecting the rider though its integrated Seatclamp Shock Damping System (SDS).

The Scott Scale 899 offers 20 gears, which use the top of the range SRAM XX Trigger shifter and XX BB30 chainset. There is no doubt in my mind that Scott have built the Scale 899 for high performance biking on mountains that lead to racing at high speeds. Which is why they come with front and rear 26″ Schwalbe Furious Fred EVO tyres, which in many people’s opinion are seen to be some of the fastest mountain bike compounds available. The Scott Scale 899 is a mountain bike that will fly under the radar of most casual bikers. For hardcore enthusiasts, however, the Scale 899 is the perfect tool for crossing difficult terrains at tremendous speeds.

Scott Scale 899 2011 Mountain Bike Full Specifications

• Frame: Scale Carbon / IMP3 technology / HMX NET Tapered HeaDTube / PM 160 Disc Carbon dropout / PFBB30 Replaceable hanger Integrated Seatclamp SDS shock damping system
• Fork: DT Swiss XCR 100 Race / Air spring / Carbon lowers and steerer / Twin shot remote lockout / 100mm travel
• Front Derailleur: SRAM XX / High Mount / 38.2mm clamp
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX / Carbon long cage
• Number of Gears: 20
• Shifters: SRAM XX Trigger multi adjustable with carbon cap / with matchmaker clamp
• Chainset: SRAM XX BB30 / Carbon crankarm / QF 156
• Chainrings: 42A x 28A T
• Cassette: SRAM XX / 11-36 T
• Chain: SRAM PC 1091
• Pedals: not included
• Front Brake: SRAM Avid XX World Cup Carbon with 160mm Rotor
• Rear Brake: SRAM Avid XX World Cup Carbon with 160mm Rotor
• Brake Levers: SRAM Avid XX World cup carbon
• Handlebars: Scott Pilot SL Handlebar combo 600mm / Scott light grips
• Stem: Scott Pilot SL Handlebar combo 1 1/8″ / 5 degree angle
• Headset: Ritchey WCS Carbon Tapered 1.5″ – 1 1/8″ semi integrated 50/61mm for 1 1/8″ Fork
• Grips: Scott light grips
• Rims: DT Swiss XR-SL Carbon 24H / Carbon rim
• Front Hub: DT Swiss XR – SL / RWS QR
• Rear Hub: DT Swiss XR – SL / RWS QR
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite
• Front Tyre: Schwalbe Furious Fred EVO 26 x 2.0 127 EPI Kevlar Bead / Pace star compound
• Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Furious Fred EVO 26 x 2.0 127 EPI Kevlar Bead / Pace star compound
• Saddle: Selle Italy SLR / Carbon rails
• Seatpost: Ritchey Superlogic Carbon / 34.9mm Scott custom SDS carbon layup
• Weight: 7.48 kg / 16.48 lbs approx

The British Bike Association provide news & information on a wide range of bikes. Visit their website at www.bikes.org.uk for more information.