Test / E-MTB: The Scor 4060 Z LT is the first E-MTB from the still young Swiss brand and knew how to shine in the test with great performance.
Last year, Scor, a new name, entered the (e-)mountain bike stage - and was right at the start with two or four new bikes. Unusual for such a young brand, but there is a reason for that, because there are no newcomers behind Scor. Rather, the Scor compatriots from BMC are at the helm here. A few years ago, one of the BMC frame developers started working on an MTB frame in his free time and the project gradually grew out of his “leisure shoes”. After discussions with BMC it was clear that this bike had great potential but would not fit into the performance DNA of the Swiss. So the bike, which was designed as a fun device, got its new home with Scor and is now called 4060.
The 4060 platform now uses four different bikes to start with, two with and two without a motor, each in a variant with 140 mm and one with 160 mm of travel at the rear (hence the name - 4060). The frame, which is made of carbon in all variants, remains the same in the ST (=Short Travel, 140mm) and LT (Long Travel, 160mm) versions. By flipping a flip chip, a different damper stroke, suspension fork and offset headset, the enduro becomes a trail bike - or vice versa. In this respect, the conversion after the purchase is possible, but involves some effort. The E-MTBs have the suffix "Z" and rely on a combination of Shimano EP8 and a self-developed 720 Wh battery.
Nice frame, light weight
In the test we had the Scor 4060 Z LT XT - that is, the E-MTB with 160 mm of travel in the "XT" configuration. The first thing that catches the eye on the visually extremely successful bike is the rear end, which Scor gave the somewhat unwieldy name "Lower Link Activated Virtual Pivot". This places the damper very low in the frame, which should ensure a low center of gravity, good balance and a full ride. The battery integrated in the down tube is also located very close to the Shimano EP8 motor on the bottom bracket. The removal of the energy storage is solved really well. Its lock can be released with a size 4 Allen key, after which it can be easily removed from below. Despite its large capacity of 720 Wh, it only weighs just under four kilograms. In any case, the weight is a big advantage of the Scor 4060 Z LT: Our test bike in size L weighs just 22,6 kg without pedals!
We probably don't have to say too many words about the drive itself. The Shimano EP8 has meanwhile – rightly so – developed into one of the most popular and widespread E-MTB motors of all. The compact and light (2,6 kg!) power pack scores in particular with its dynamics and good controllability. The controls with a compact remote and the successful display are also among the best you can get on a sporty E-MTB. The fact that it can't quite keep up with a Bosch CX in terms of power and that it gets a little louder at high power should be bearable for most drivers given its qualities.
Top equipment at a fair price
Our test bike corresponds to the top version, which costs 8.299 euros. A lot of money, no question, but to be clear: Compared to the competition, you get a lot for the money with the Scor 4060 Z LT XT. And if you can't or don't want to spend quite that much, you should take a closer look at the more than solidly equipped variant for 6.299 euros.
When it comes to the chassis, you get the best that the market currently has with the Fox duo of 38 with 170mm at the front and the Float X at the rear – both in the factory version. The Grip2 cartridge of the fork offers a lot of adjustment options for suspension tinkerers and the damper harmonises well with the rear triangle even without countless adjustment rides. In terms of gears and brakes, the bike lives up to its name, because you get the complete Shimano XT package from A to Z. From the rear derailleur to the chain, crank, shifter to the brakes and brake discs. The latter are sufficiently dimensioned at 203 mm at the front and rear and, in conjunction with the 4-piston brake calipers, promise more than sufficient reserves even during longer descents.
We also really like the fact that the DT Swiss Spline H1900 is a durable and robust wheelset and that you don't have to worry about rough terrain in this area. The choice of tires also contributes to this, because the Maxxis combination of the non-slip Assegai at the front and the Dissector at the rear harmonizes perfectly on almost any terrain and the particularly robust DoubleDown carcass on the rear wheel protects the rim at low air pressure.
The successful equipment is rounded off by a high-quality cockpit made of Burgtec components and the in-house carbon handlebar. In addition, with the BikeYoke Divine you can look forward to one of the best dropper posts on the market, in size XL even with 185 mm stroke.
The Scor 4060 Z LT XT on the trail
On the trail, the Scor 4060 Z LT only partially delivers what its creators promise. As a reminder: It should be a fun bike, not geared too much towards performance, not a race bike. But: But the 4060 Z LT is damn fast. The excellent directional stability in connection with the low center of gravity and the very plush chassis definitely give you that race feeling - but without losing sight of the fun. The Swiss E-MTB isn't really that playful, which somehow wouldn't fit into the concept given the ample suspension travel, but it's surprisingly lively, especially when cornering. The very short chainstays may also be responsible for this. If the surface becomes a little more moderate and the gradient a little weaker, the bike also cuts a fine figure, but is no longer quite as in its element.
The Scor is probably one of the few test bikes where we have absolutely nothing to complain about in terms of equipment. Everything works as one would hope and expect from an E-MTB in this price segment. The Shimano EP8 does its job reliably as usual and fits the bike very well with its dynamics, even if the 4060 LT Z is not a climbing ace. It climbs steep (forest) roads with stoic composure, but on extreme ramps or steps you have to shift your center of gravity quite far forward to get enough traction.
