Second-hand Scott Scale: price and what to check

If you're looking for a second-hand Scott Scale, here's what it costs, which generation suits you and what to check before you pay. The Scale is Scott's marathon and XC hardtail: light, with front suspension only and designed to climb fast. That's why there are so many around, from aluminium builds for beginners to carbon race frames.

A used hardtail is a great way into mountain biking: it has fewer parts to maintain than a full-suspension bike and, if you choose well, it'll last you years. The key is knowing which Scale you're looking at and what condition it's in.

Which Scale you're looking at: families and generations

Not all Scales are the same. Before comparing prices, identify the family and year: the serial number and the invoice tell you, and the official Scott shop can confirm it.

Scale RC: the carbon race bike

It's the race version. Scott uses different grades of carbon depending on the build: the highest grade on the top versions and a more affordable one on mid-range builds. They look similar at first glance, so check the exact model on the invoice.

In 2017 the Scale RC was updated with 29-inch wheels, thru-axles and Boost spacing, the standard that spare parts still use today. If you buy one from that generation onwards, you'll find wheels and hubs without any trouble.

For the 2023 season, presented in 2022, Scott redesigned the Scale RC again: new frame, more modern geometry and, on the top builds, cables hidden inside through the headset. It looks very clean, but changing a cable or the headset bearings takes more workshop time.

Aluminium Scale and entry-level builds

These are the Scales with an aluminium frame and simpler components. They're heavier and the fork is more basic, but they're honest bikes for getting started in the mountains or riding on tracks. Second-hand, they usually go for less than the mountain bike median.

Junior versions

Scott has also made the Scale with smaller wheels for kids. If you're looking for one for your daughter or son, check the size with them on it before you pay.

How much people ask for a used mountain bike on bicis.net

We don't yet have enough Scale listings to give its own median, so the reference is the mountain bike category. These are the prices sellers ask, not the final price.

bicis.net data as of 4 November 2026 (n = 222 listings in total). You'll find it up to date in Ciclismo en cifras.

How to read it: an aluminium Scale that's a few years old usually sits in the lower part of the table; a carbon Scale RC from the latest generations, with a good fork, goes above the median. If you want a figure for your case, run it through the bike valuation tool, and if you're interested in what the brand's other families go for, see how much a used Scott is worth.

What to check before buying a used Scott Scale

The frame

Look at it in good light and take your time. On carbon, look for impacts and cracks on the down tube (the one that takes the stones), the chainstays and around the bottom bracket. Run your finger over it: a fine crack can be felt before it can be seen. Also check the area where the seatpost goes in, because overtightening damages it. On aluminium, look at the welds and for dents.

The fork

It's the only suspension it has, so it works hard. Compress it firmly and let go: it should go down and come back up smoothly, without knocks or noises. Look at the stanchions: scratches or oil on the seals are a sign of overdue maintenance. Ask when it was last serviced and whether they have the receipt. If it has a handlebar lockout, check that it closes and opens properly.

The headset

Hold the front brake and push the bike back and forth: there should be no play. Turn the handlebar from side to side with the wheel in the air: it should move smoothly, without catching. On Scale RCs with cables through the headset, this test matters even more.

Drivetrain and brakes

A stretched chain, shark-fin chainring teeth and worn sprockets add money to the purchase. Try every gear going up and down. On disc brakes, check that the levers don't pull to the bar and that the rotors don't rub or look blued.

Wheels and paperwork

Spin the wheels: no wobbles or loose spokes. If they're tubeless, ask when the sealant was last changed. Ask for the invoice or, at least, check that the frame's serial number hasn't been filed off. If you want a full run-through, follow our guide to buying a second-hand mountain bike.

Known Scale faults

We're not aware of any official recall or fault acknowledged by Scott that affects the Scale in general. What does happen with any XC hardtail is normal wear: an unserviced fork, headset and bottom bracket bearings, and a tired drivetrain. If you have doubts about a specific frame, take it to an official Scott shop with the serial number: they'll tell you the year, the model and whether there's any outstanding campaign.

Scale or full suspension?

If you mostly ride on tracks and trails, climb a lot and want a bike that's simple to maintain, the Scale is a great choice. If you're into rocky trails and technical descents, a full-suspension bike like the Spark, the Scale's sister, will give you more control and comfort, in exchange for more maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a second-hand Scott Scale worth?

It depends on the frame, the build and the condition. As a reference, a used mountain bike has a median asking price of €850 on bicis.net, and half the listings are between €450 and €1,400 (101 listings, data as of 4 November 2026).

What's the difference between the Scale and the Scale RC?

The Scale RC is the race version, with a carbon frame and lighter builds. Scales without «RC» are usually aluminium or simpler builds, designed for getting started or riding on tracks.

Which used Scale suits me best?

To get started, an aluminium Scale in good condition. If you're going to race or want a faster bike, a Scale RC from 2017 onwards, with thru-axle and Boost, because of spare parts. The ones from 2023 onwards are the most modern, but with cables through the headset.

How do I know what year a Scott Scale is?

With the frame's serial number and the invoice. An official Scott shop can look it up and tell you the exact model.