Scott Contessa Scale RC Womens Mountain Bike 2012 - Hardtail Race MTB

The Carbon Experts at SCOTT have done it again. The redesigned Scale, at under 899 grams, and all new carbon Scale 29er, at under 949 grams, are the lightest bikes in their classes

Using IMP carbon technology enables us to eliminate excess material needed in earlier tube-to-tube construction, saving considerab¬le weight throughout the frame

For example, The IMP3 front triangle saves 35 grams by constructing the top, head and down tubes as a single piece

Our engineers have developed IMP3, the newest technology applied to carbon production. The toptube, headtube and down tube are produced in a single step using a top-secret process

Our proprietary process allows for lighter construction by removing 11% of the material from the headtube intersection while increasing strength by utilizing high modulus stressed fibers for more precise fiber placement in critical areas. To compliment the IMP process, our frames benefit from our Naked External Tubeset which eliminates the cosmetic carbon layer to shave precious grams

The new Scale dispels the myth that a light bike cannot be stiff. Due to a targeted layup structure in high stress areas, the use of the PFBB30/PFBB92 standards, and the incorporation of a tapered head tube, SCOTT has achieved results in proportion to weight that have not previoulsy been attained

By implementing PFBB30 standards, bonded alloy pieces are no longer utilized to install threaded bottom brackets, saving 30 grams of frame weight and increase stiffness

One carbon piece tubular seatstay, chainstay & dropout combined with Direct Postmount 160 to shed an additional 25 grams

SCDS uses a carbon fiber dropout with a replaceable alloy hanger. A lightweight, precise and durable alloy disc brake mount improves heat distribution while braking. Carbon chain stays with integrated carbon dropout shave additional grams from the complete bike. Found on the Spark, Scale, Genius, full Addict road range

While we already use the proven HMF composite fiber on all our composite high-end bike models, we have improved upon conventional HMF material. This new fiber, which is produced exclusively for Scott, offers 20% more stiffness and is employed on all the areas that need additional rigidity. This new material also allows us to reduce weight and improve riding characteristics. NET stands for Naked External Tubeset, where the frame sheds its exterior cosmetic layer, which saves even more weight

What is a Hard Tail Mountain Bike?
Thick, knobbly tyres and lots of gears are the overriding features of these machines. Strong frames are built to take the rough with the smooth and can often be accompanied by a front suspension fork for added comfort and control. Theyre designed mainly for off road use but these solid, comfortable bikes often meet more general needs. For further information on mountain bikes see our Mountain Bike Buying Guide.