Sighting: Scott Gambler DH 6-Bar Prototype Undergoes Radical Redesign, New SCOTT Gambler 2026 rumors features price weight news, new SCOTT Gambler 2026 rumors, new SCOTT Gambler 2026 news, new SCOTT Gambler 2026 price, SCOTT Gambler 2026 weight
Sighting: Scott Gambler DH 6-Bar Prototype Undergoes Radical Redesign
A prototype Scott Gambler downhill bike has been recently sighted, featuring a significantly revised design that includes the internal integration of the rear shock. This revision marks the completion of the integrated redesign process for Scott's full-suspension mountain bikes, following updates to models such as the XC Spark, trail Genius, and enduro Ransom.
Prototype Details and Integrated Design Conformity
The new carbon Scott Gambler, spotted during the DH World Cup in Bielsko-Biała with the Scott Downhill Factory team, appears to be in an advanced stage of development, suggesting an upcoming market introduction. Despite some minor tweaks still undergoing testing, the overall design aligns with Scott's recent integrated aesthetic, which completely conceals the shock within the frame.
Observations indicate a close resemblance to Scott's latest Ransom model, suggesting that the new Gambler will share the same 6-bar suspension linkage. This architecture has been previously described by Scott as capable of offering performance comparable to a DH bike while retaining characteristics suitable for uphill pedaling.
Distinctive Features of the Gambler Prototype
Although the exact travel configuration of the new Gambler has not been officially confirmed, it is anticipated to be around 200 mm of travel both front (with 200 mm dual-crown forks) and rear. Several features distinguish this prototype from the Ransom and previous iterations of the Gambler:
Longer Rocker Linkage: The prototype ridden by Benoit Coulanges featured a notably longer raw aluminum rocker link compared to previous versions and the Ransom. This component includes three additional bolt holes, allowing for the connection of the left and right rocker arms with a bridging piece for increased stiffness.
Shock Curve Adjustment: A diamond-shaped bolt cover was observed positioned just in front of the rider's ankle. This element functions as a flip-chip for the forward shock mount, offering the possibility to adjust the shock's compression curve.
External Cable Routing: Unlike other integrated models, the Gambler prototype features external cable routing on the sides of the headtube. This choice is presumably to facilitate geometry adjustment via an Angleset headset and includes bumpers for the upper tubes of the dual-crown forks.
Innovative Chainstay Length Adjustment: The chainstay length adjustment has been moved to the rear dropout, a change from the front position on the Ransom model. This modification could simplify adjustments for race teams based on varying track conditions.
UDH Dropout and Flip-chip Combination: The prototype features a removable/replaceable black aluminum dropout only on the drive side, bolted into the otherwise carbon right-side seatstay. On the non-drive side, the stay is fully carbon and simply features a flip-chip insert at the dropout. The derailleur hanger bolt is labeled UDH, suggesting a unique solution. The UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard does not typically allow enough movement for an axle flip-chip while maintaining a direct Full Mount connection for T-type derailleurs. Scott has likely created two separate UDH-compatible drive-side dropouts—one for the short and one for the long chainstay position.
It is hypothesized that this chainstay length adjustment allows for the use of either 27.5″ or 29″ rear wheels, although only "mullet" setups (29″ front wheel and 27.5″ rear wheel) were observed in racing.
The 6-Bar Suspension Linkage
The overall suspension layout remains the same 6-bar linkage as the Ransom. This includes a short lower link that rotates around the bottom bracket and actuates the shock hidden inside the frame, a chainstay pivot positioned just in front of the rear axle, and the same main upper rocker link, connected to the lower link via a series of vertical dogbone control links.
The carbon front triangle closely resembles that of the Ransom, with the shock hidden internally. Scott retains the quick-release, removable lower cover, which allows easy access to the shock while providing protection from mud, dust, and impacts.
Scott engineers have previously stated that the 6-bar linkage offers more precise control over performance changes, such as shock rate, axle path, chain growth, and braking influence throughout the bike's travel. On the Ransom, this translates to supple early travel with a more rearward axle path, less chain growth in the mid to end of travel, and a flatter anti-rise curve for a more consistent feel at the pedals through rough sections, in addition to limited pedal kickback on large impacts. These characteristics would also be advantageous for a downhill bike.
Upcoming Developments and Potential Launch
The Scott Downhill Factory team is currently racing prototype bikes, refining the aluminum rocker links. A prototype spotted in the pits with a slightly shorter white rocker link appeared almost production-ready.
With nine more DH World Cup races on the UCY MTB World Series schedule until October, Scott has ample opportunities to refine the new bike. The DH World Championships will be decided in Champéry, Switzerland, in the first week of September, approximately an hour's drive from Scott's own Swiss HQ. This event could present an ideal moment for the official debut of the new downhill bike.
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