Scott
A HISTORY OF INNOVATION - CHARLEY FRENCH
Charley French, a tireless innovator with countless contributions for SCOTT and the entire sports sector. Animated by his own passion for the mountains, French never ceased to evolve and improve what he had created and used. With a history of innovation, he explains the origins of some ofCOTT's most iconic products.
1958
SKI POLES REVOLUTION: THE BIRTH OF SKI POLES: THE BIRTH OF SKI POLES
The sport of skiing has been revolutionized by technical innovation from Ed SCOTT, a talented engineer and skier from Sun Valley, Idaho. Ed SCOTT's invention of the first aluminum conical ski pole immediately replaced the use of bamboo and steel.
That revolutionary invention launched a new brand, SCOTT, and effectively positioned SCOTT as the leader in technical products in the ski market. Ed SCOTT's initial vision of technical innovation became the company's core philosophy as the brand matured and expanded into new markets.
ENTERING THE MOTOCROSS MARKET
In 1970, SCOTT entered the motocross market creating the first specific mask for this discipline and later introducing boots, grips and motocross accessories.
THE LIGHTEST SKI BOOTS AND THE FIRST GOGGLE WITH FOAM RUBBER VENTILATION
In 1971, the company produced the lightest ski boots in the world and introduced one of the first ski goggles using foam rubber ventilation.
HEADQUARTERS IN EUROPE
In 1978, the company opened its headquarters in Givisiez, near Freiburg, Switzerland.
THE FACTORY OF THE MOST SOPHISTICATED SKI POLES AND THE FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKES
In 1986, the company opened the world's most sophisticated ski pole factory in Italy and became the global leader in the production of ski poles. During the same year, it also introduced its first mountain bike.
1989
THE FIRST AERODYNAMIC HANDLEBAR
In 1989, SCOTT introduced one of the most significant product innovations in cycling history: the aerodynamic handlebar. This handlebar, shaped by Charley French, was used strategically by American Greg Lemond during his victory in the Tour de France in 1989.
In 1991, the company began producing shock-absorbing mountain bikes using Unishock.
THE FIRST FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKES
In 1992, SCOTT made its first full suspension mountain bikes and later introduced bicycle shoes and helmets.
FINANCING OF THE EXPANSION THROUGH AN EXTERNAL INVESTOR
To finance its acquisition strategy, the Company sold 55 % of its shares to the Zell Chillmark Investment Fund in Chicago.
GLOVES
In 1994, a line of winter sports gloves was introduced.
1995
ENDORPHIN, THE FIRST CARBON MTB
SCOTT has introduced its first carbon mountain bike. Thanks to many victories in the World Cup and the Olympic Games, as well as great media coverage, the bike and its name, Endorphin, became a true legend.
CLOTHING AND SKIING
In 1997, the Company introduced a line of technical wintersport clothing. A year later, it produced skis.
G-ZERO: THE LIGHTEST FULL SUSPENSION BIKE IN THE WORLD
SCOTT presents the lightest full suspension mountain bike in the world. The name "G-Zero" became a milestone in the development of the cycling industry.
MANAGERIAL REDEMPTION
Beat Zaugg, Tom Stendhal (Chairman of the Group) and the management of KSMM bought the Group back from Zell through a managerial redemption. At the same time, the holding company was transferred to Switzerland.
INNOVATIONS IN SKI ACCESSORIES
The Group has made a global launch of patented innovations in masks: the RAM Air ventilation system and the revolutionary Amplifier lens. It also presented another innovation in ski poles: the LeverLock adjustable strap system.
NEW RECORDS IN LIGHTNESS
In 2001, SCOTT presented the Team Issue road bike with the lightest frame in the world (weighing less than 1 kg), and raised the bar in 2003 with the CR1, the lightest frame on the market (895 g).
SECOND MANAGERIAL REDEMPTION
In 2002, the ownership of the Company changed again. In a second managerial redemption, Beat Zaugg increased his shareholding to 51.5 %. Tom Stendahl and other shareholders retained a substantial share of the Company.
2003
ARRIVAL OF THE GENIUS: A REVOLUTIONARY MOUNTAIN BIKE
During the same year, SCOTT presented the Genius, a new full-suspension bike concept with an adjustable shock absorber with three modes (lock-out, all-travel and traction). Soon the magazines were full of tests of the new Genius. The success of the Genius was highlighted by Thomas Frischknecht's victory in the World Championship marathon.
SCOTT WON THE EUROPEAN SKI AWARD WITH THE BIOMEX® HELMET
Created in cooperation with Biomex® Protection, this helmet has been a great step forward for head safety in winter sports. The Biomex had a Dual Band Roll Cage (rectangular shape), which reduced the oscillating movement and made it more comfortable to wear.
YOKO AND REIMA TAKE-OVER
These purchases have opened new doors in the clothing market for road and snowmobile motorcycles
THE LIGHTEST TRIATHLON BIKE ON THE MARKET
Using its exclusive CR1 technology, the company developed a state-of-the-art triathlon frame; the PLASMA, which weighed only 980 grams. By adding an integrated 300g aerodynamic seatpost, the result was the world's lightest aerodynamic carbon frame with specific triathlon geometry.
THIRD MANAGERIAL REDEMPTION
In 2005, Beat Zaugg acquired the remaining 48.5 % of the company with another managerial redemption, thus taking over 100 % of the company's shareholding.
2006
RUNNING SHOES COLLECTION
The Company has entered into a contract with a research and development laboratory in Portland, Oregon, to create a complete line of high performance running shoes for both male and female athletes.
INTRODUCTION OF THE ADDICT FRAME
The new Addict is the lightest road chassis available, with only 790 g with integrated seatpost (165 g). Combined with the new slimmer SCOTT Carbon IMP™ fork that weighs just 330g, the new Addict weighs an incredible 5.9kg.
THE SPARK MARKS THE WORLD'S LIGHTEST FRAME/SHOCK ABSORBER COMBINATION
By applying its revolutionary new Integrated Molding Process (IMP™) to the already proven CR1 technology and the new Nude TC™ shock absorber, SCOTT produces the lightest full suspension bike available on the market.
50 YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTT
SCOTT celebrates its golden anniversary, marking 50 years of commitment to the advancement of the sport. Times have changed, and SCOTT has developed to become a true powerhouse in cycling, wintersport, motosport and running. But the vision has remained the same since the humble beginnings of 50 years ago, in Ed SCOTT's small ski regulation business: INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN.
The same year, SCOTT opened a new U.S. headquarters in Sun Valley, Idaho.
LENSES WITH SOLAR BLOCKER TECHNOLOGY
The new lens technology that will undoubtedly improve your mountain experience: the Solar Blocker. The lens blocks most of the blue light to protect your eyes, and is recommended for skiing on glaciers and sunny days.
THE SECOND GENERATION OF THE GENIUS BIKE IS BORN
Same name, new frame: with a revised geometry and new Equalizer2 shock absorber with Oil Transfer System.
2009
NEW CARBON SKIS: THE CRUSAIR
The new Crusair quickly become the reference point for the freeride ski mountaineering market. The combination of the carbon frame with a wooden sandwich construction with air channels offers maximum lightness, stability and responsiveness.
NEW TWINLOC SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY FOR BIKES
The all-new TwinLoc lever allows the rider to keep his hands on the handlebars while selecting the desired stroke settings or totally locks the suspension. You can choose between full travel, Traction mode, and now a full lock on both the fork and Equalizer 2 TC shock absorber.
HERIDE TECHNOLOGY
In response to runners' need for an efficient running platform, SCOTT features eRide, a midsole technology with a rocker shape that reduces heel impact and improves running efficiency for all styles.
NEW SCOTT SCALE SETS A NEW BENCHMARK
At less than 899g, the Scale is the lightest MTB carbon frame ever produced. World Champion Nino Schurter wins the overall MTB World Cup ranking with the new Scale 899.
THE GENIUS LT REDEFINES AGAIN THE CONCEPT OF ALL MOUNTAIN
LT means Long Travel, necessary in all All Mountain situations where descents are difficult but you want to climb to the top. There's no problem when you have the lightest All Mountain carbon frame with 185mm and 110mm of hiking available, and you can lock them with TwinLoc.
2011
SCOTT OFFERS AN E-BIKE LINE
In close collaboration with electronics giant Bosch, SCOTT is the first company to offer an e-bike system that has style and is easy to use.
SCOTT LAUNCHES THE 27.5" SIZE
SCOTT is the first brand to create a successful line with 27.5" wheels, with the Scale 700 and the Genius 700. World Champion Nino Schurter conquers the race tracks aboard his Scale 700 RC, which redefines the rules of the game.
SKI BOOTS FOR MOUNTAIN AND FREESKIING
With the launch of a collection of boots for alpine skiing and freeskiing, SCOTT Sports completes the complete line of products for skiers.
E-SPARK REVOLUTIONIZES THE TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The E-Spark, with 27.5-inch wheels, integrates a Bosch engine on one of the most modern full suspension bikes and opens up the era of trail riding with more energy.
SCOTT INTRODUCES THE FIRST ROAD FRAME KIT WEIGHING LESS THAN 1 KG
The brand new SCOTT Addict SL is the first road chassis kit to weigh less than 1 kg. The secret of its lightness is HMX-SL, the best carbon fiber on the market. It uses nanotechnology, which integrates a carbon nanotube reinforced with epoxy resin: very light, very rigid and yet comfortable.
2013
NEW VERSATILITY THANKS TO THE LCG MASK
SCOTT introduces the new Lens Change Goggle (LCG), which uses the Lens Change Slider lens replacement system. Simple and reliable, the award-winning LCG allows users to change lenses quickly without having to touch the surface.
NEW LINE SOFTGOODS ITD PROTEC
In cooperation with schoeller®, SCOTT has developed ITD ProTec technology to provide significantly higher abrasion resistance than conventional fabrics. The combination of single carbon knitted yarns with ceramic prints on the fabric provides high strength and durability even when falling on asphalt at high speed.
NEW PLASMA 5
The new Plasma 5 represents the latest development in modern Triathlon and TT bikes. It combines an aerodynamic frame design with innovative storage compartments and a wide range of adjustments - the best solution for demanding endurance athletes.
AN ENTIRE COLLECTION OF PLUS BIKES
SCOTT was the first brand in the cycling industry to introduce an entire line of Plus bikes. Thanks to their oversized tires, our 27.5" Plus bikes will make you have more fun than ever before, and at the same time they are suitable for beginners thanks to their unparalleled level of control.
THE NEW PROSPECT MASK
The new SCOTT Prospect mask starts a new chapter in the history of mask graphics. Drawing on 45 years of experience, the SCOTT Prospect pushes the boundaries of field of vision, comfort and lens retention. The mask is compatible with the WFS50 system, invented by SCOTT. The WFS50 is a larger, more refined roll-off system that once again sets the standard in this market.
2016: OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPIONS
Having won both the Olympic Gold Medal and the XCO World Championships in their categories in the same year, Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds of the SCOTT-Odlo MTB Racing team not only marked a milestone in the sport of mountain biking, but also marked the most successful year in the history of SCOTT.
THE AERODYNAMIC ROAD BIKE WITH LIGHTER DISC BRAKES
The FOIL DISC was presented: the lightest aerodynamic road bike with disc brakes on the market. It combines lightness, aerodynamics, bending and control like no other bike on sale.
RADIAL TRACTION
The design according to the athletes led to the creation of the award-winning Supertrac RC with unique sole design, so the "RADIAL TRACTION" was born. This innovation in mountain running footwear has allowed the runner to obtain 360° traction on the most technical and difficult terrain.
THE BRAND NEW GENIUS
With 2,249 g, the brand new Genius is introduced as the lightest frame in its class (including shock absorber and hardware). SCOTT continues to set the market standard for lightweight and capable trail bikes.
E-GENIUS
E-Genius sets a new benchmark in the e-bike sector. Thanks to advanced technologies, SCOTT has pushed beyond integration standards to limit the impact of the drive unit and improve design and handling.
2017
NINO SCHURTER: A PERFECT SEASON
After achieving the greatest goal of his career, winning gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Nino Schurter went even further in 2017 by winning everything an XC mountain biker can win: every World Cup race, the legendary Cape Epic stage race and the World Championships.
ANNIVERSARY OF 60 YEARS OF SCOTT
60 years ago we revolutionized the ski pole. This was the catalyst for decades of innovation, technology and design to follow. For 60 years we had a NO SHORTCUTS approach to product development, competition, climbing, downhill and everything in between. For 60 years we've put nothing but passion behind every step, pedal and curve. After 60 years we have achieved one thing: innovation, technology and design will once again take us far away.
NEW RANSOM
In 2006, the year the Ransom was launched, this bike was probably a surprise in the MTB industry. It was not common to see a bike with a front and back travel of 160 mm, with great downhill capabilities and that it pedaled so well. At the time, the Equalizer shock absorber was the market leader. Now, almost 13 years later, the Ransom is back and still hopes to conquer everyone. 170 mm travel for both wheels, up the mountains, down even faster and with extreme lightness: the Ransom is ready to impress once again.
RUTH CROFT WINS THE GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES
In 2018 New Zealander RUTH CROFT beats the best trail runners and is crowned champion of the GOLDEN TRAIL SERIES, a real milestone for both Ruth and SCOTT RUNNING.
SCOTT RETURNS TO THE DOWNHILL WORLD
In 2019, SCOTT introduced its first all-carbon downhill bike, the Gambler. Thanks to this new entry, in just one year SCOTT won three World Cup stages and several prizes in the UCI MTB world circuits. Brendan Fairclough riding the Gambler achieved a fantastic fourth place at the Redbull Rampage 2019 in Utah, USA.
PRESENTATION OF THE NEW RC ADDICT
Since its introduction in 2008, the Addict RC has been one of the most competitive road bikes on the market. Several stage victories, podiums in the classics as well as grand tour triumphs have allowed the Addict RC to make road bike history. With the introduction of the new Addict RC in 2019, SCOTT presented its flagship. Built from scratch, more than just an heir to the previous versions, it is a true benchmark when it comes to racing. Extremely lightweight, with the strongest advanced carbon structure and fully integrated cables, the Addict RC once again raises the bar.
2019
SCOTT SPORTS OPENS THE NEW HEADQUARTERS
Located in Givisiez, Switzerland, the new H.Q. is the home of KSMM's divisions (Bike, Snow, Motorcycle, Running) and serves as the organizational center of all other KSMM brands. The brand is known to be the innovation leader in the sports industry.
INNOVATION - TECHNOLOGY - DESIGN, is the mission of the company that can be found in the heart of each product and in the new head quarters. Cutting-edge technology, integration and a strong focus on the sustainable use of resources wrapped in an exceptional design that represents the heart of SCOTT's mission.