The aluminium Ransom eRide uses a vertically-mounted Fox Float X2 Performance shock to deliver a massive 180mm of rear-wheel travel. Unusually, Scott have orientated the shock so that its trunnion mount attaches to the frame rather than the rocker link. This means the bearings that decrease friction and improve longevity aren’t used to full advantage.

Uphill, the Ransom eRide puts you in a comfortably neutral position, thanks to its fairly steep 76.1-degree seat tube angle (‘low’ setting) and long top tube. Weight is evenly distributed between the wheels, with the lengthy 465mm chainstays accentuating this feeling of sitting in the middle of the bike. When seated, the BB feels like it’s under your hips, improving comfort and pedalling efficiency.

The Scott’s supple long-travel suspension keeps the back wheel in contact with the ground over the choppiest terrain, and remains impressively active when pedalling. But the back tyre –a speed-focused, 3C MaxxGrip-compound Maxxis Dissector – is easy to wheelspin on soft terrain, where its tread pattern doesn’t dig in. Its high-volume (2.6in) EXO+ casing doesn’t damp impacts well, either, further decreasing grip over rough ground. The extra air pressure required to avoid punctures and help the tyres retain their shape and support in high-load corners or compressions contributes to a rawfeeling ride, where impacts with rocks and roots reverberate through the chassis. You have to rely heavily on the front tyre for braking, too, due to the lack of rear traction, which upsets the bike’s balance,

Despite this, the Ransom eRide has an impressively poppy and lively ride, with changes of direction being both easy and intuitive. This agility defies its headline travel figure, making it feel like a lighter-weight trail bike, not a long-travel monster. The hand-to-feet relationship is easy to get along with, so reasonable pace comes effortlessly.

The Bosch Performance Line CX motor is massively powerful, especially in its ‘eMTB’ and ‘Turbo’ modes, but we struggled to hit 1,200m of ascending on a single charge of its 625Wh battery. Also, the positioning of the motor and battery makes the Ransom a tall bike, with a 790mm standover height and 470mm seat tube. This won’t be a problem for people with longer legs, but shorter riders wanting a longer reach are unlikely to fit on the next size up.

Fun and intuitive to ride, but not quite as calm or controlled-feeling as its travel and spec would have you believe