Scott Scale 720.

Drivetrain.

Originally a “mix” of SLX and XT, the bike actually only sported an XT rear derailleur with the rest being SLX.

In a rare Shimano failure a couple of years in, the right-hand shifter dismantled itself, an internal screw escaping its locking mechanism and the unit gradually coming apart at every shift. This was disappointing, but seemed like a fair opportunity to match the RD with its rightful partner, the XT M8000 I-Spec II.

The SLX left-hand shifter and front derailleur seem to be doing ok for now.

Wheels.

The bike was originally supplied with Syncros XR2.5 wheels and while they did nothing in particular to offend me, I spotted a Mavic Crossmax Pro wheelset at a significant discount and, what can I say, I’m a sucker for a bladed spoke so I snapped them up.

They came with Mavic’s own Pulse Pro tubeless tyres, which were fine enough for a while. Then there was that incident on the canal path - it was very wet, deep mud and I was fortunate to end up in the ditch/bushes than the actual canal. Shortly after, and with the imminent arrival of a gravel bike to take up the lighter off-road duties, the Pulses made way for Conti’s more mud-friendly Mountain Kings.

Finishing Kit.

I originally put flat pedals on because I’m not brilliant at mountain biking and wanted the confidence of not having to unclip in the event of an off. After trying a few options, I settled on Shimano XT M8040 pedals which, with the (included) more aggressive studs fitted, functioned brilliantly until the time arrived to put SPDs on.

In May 2020, the flats were swapped for Shimano XT M8120, an SPD with a bit of an outer rail so they’re useable, if not brilliant, with regular trainers.

I’m sure XT is probably overkill for my use, but it’s very well made, functions perfectly and looks good on the bike.