Scott Gambler DH 20 (2009-2010)

I first demo'd this bike on Wedensday as a favour to the Owner who's a good friend of mine as he needed reviews on it also. Well, I was the one in for a favour. This bike is just... Bliss.

I'll start with the disadvantages, however:

- Its weight. At a hefty 44lbs odd, its not light.

The advantages now:

- You don't feel the weight unless you're pushing it up a hill, and even then, its not to bad.
- With a grand total of 430mm of suspension, it will take everything you throw at it. I hit black trails and it was as if the bike was telling me that I hadn't even scratched the surface of its limits yet.
- It corners as if its on rails. I hit berms and tight corners and it would take them with such a force that it would make it appear as if there was no corner at all. Its so balanced and so grounded (only on the ground though, as you'll find out later), that you just fly around them.
- Jumping - Again, I was doing 8ft drop ins (about the highest on the course), and hitting good sized tabletops and the air time is terrific! It doesn't drag you down to earth, but it doesn't feel as if its going to snap when you land, either. Its perfect for those who like to do tricks.
- The stock components are perfect! If you want to reduce weight, then maybe a swap could be considered. I however, just wouldn't. Sealed up and compact as hell, its parts wont let you down for a good while and with good maintanence.
- Its up-hill, suprisingly, is very good. The seat doesn't get up any higher then in the pic above, but you don't really need to. I'm 6'4 and it takes my height sitting down. I was climbing the fells as if I was on a XC bike.
- Clip-ins are a good and bad thing, depending on who you are. I personally like to do the odd trick in the air, and it enables you to power up-hill even more, and retain control on the DH. If you want to change them, then do, but think hard about it.

I could go on all day about its advantages. It is the most amazing bike I've ever ridden. I went straight back and bought the one I'd demo'd. You can hit any biking terrain on this bike. From DH tracks (black and orange it'll do laughing), to uphill roads and rough terrain.

I can't recommend this bike enough. I honestly can't. If you've got a list of potential bikes, scratch every other one out. This is the only thing you need. I can safely say one of the best bikes in the world.