The € 8,999 SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned is a high-end gravel bike featuring maximum integration. Is it a thoroughbred gravel race machine or more of a Swiss army knife with good all-round capabilities? Read on to find out whether it can outride the 18 best gravel bikes of the 2022 season.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test
Thanks to its aerodynamic features, minimal weight, optimal power transmission and direct handling, the new Addict Gravel Tuned promises to be super fast. It also looks the part thanks to maximum integration and a premium paint job. Like the SCOTT Addict eRide Premium (review here), all cables have been masterfully integrated into the frame and cockpit.
The Tuned version is the flagship model of the Addict Gravel range. Instead of conventional HMF carbon fibres, the frame of this model is made of optimized carbon fibres called HMX, promising over 20% more stiffness compared to other carbon grades of a similar weight. Our test bike came equipped with the high-performance SRAM RED eTap AXS wireless groupset. The 2x drivetrain consists of a 46–33 t chainset up front paired with a 10–36 t cassette on the rear, providing smooth shifting in small increments. You can keep on pedalling at high speeds, yet the range is big enough to master steep climbs with relative ease. To measure your output on the bike, the crankset features an integrated power metre as standard, which suits the bike’s high-performance character excellently. What does it cost? You can call the SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned yours for € 8,999.
The one-piece Syncros Creston iC SL X carbon cockpit doesn’t just set the standard in terms of integration, but also offers good ergonomics and damping properties.
The wireless SRAM RED eTap AXS 2x drivetrain provides small gear jumps with enough range to master steep climbs while allowing you to keep pedalling at high speeds.
The mounting points on the top tube can accommodate a bag with sufficient storage space for snacks or mini-tools.
SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned
€ 8,999
Specifications
Seatpost Syncros Duncan
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap AXS XPLR 2x12
Stem Syncros Creston iC SL X 103 mm
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC SL X 420 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss GRC1400 SPLINE
Tires Schwalbe G-One R 700 x 45C
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Weight 8.12 kg
Specific Features
full integration at the highest level
one-piece aero cockpit
compatible with mudguards
dual-sided power meter as standard
The easily accessible seat post clamp secures the seat post reliably and allows for quick adjustment if necessary.
The SCOTT can accommodate up to 45 mm tires, so there is enough clearance for fat meats.
The saddlebag gets bolted directly to the bottom of the Syncros Tofino Regular 1.0 Cutout saddle, underlining the bike’s clean look.
Integration World Champion – all cables on the SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned have been masterfully integrated and hidden from view.
SCOTT’s 420 mm wide, one-piece Syncros Creston iC SL X carbon cockpit takes integration to the next level for gravel bikes. Thanks to the comfort offered by its vibration damping and the excellent ergonomics, staying in control is easy too.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 477 mm | 507 mm | 528 mm | 546 mm | 566 mm |
| Top tube | 518 mm | 535 mm | 555 mm | 579 mm | 593 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 122 mm | 140 mm | 166 mm | 187 mm |
| Head angle | 70.0° | 70.0° | 71.0° | 71.0° | 71.0° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 74.0° | 73.5° | 73.0° | 73.0° |
| Chainstays | 425 mm | 425 mm | 425 mm | 425 mm | 425 mm |
| BB Drop | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,009 mm | 1,023 mm | 1,029 mm | 1,049 mm | 1,064 mm |
| Reach | 374 mm | 378 mm | 387 mm | 398 mm | 406 mm |
| Stack | 519 mm | 544 mm | 565 mm | 590 mm | 610 mm |
Jacket Werder Bremen Fan Vest Second Hand | Pants POC Rove Cargo VPDS
Shoes Five Ten Freerider Pro | Socks POC Lure MTB Socks Long
The Swiss brand are known for their high-performance bikes, so it’s no surprise that the SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned is a quick sprinter. When you put the power down, the light 8.12 kg SCOTT (size 56) accelerates with ease, offering a lively and direct response in every situation. Once up to speed, it does a good job of staying there, marching on with a high degree of efficiency. The relatively knobby tires don’t hold it back either. On the contrary: the 700 x 45 C Schwalbe G-One R models are a good choice for fast gravel rides. The evenly distributed knobs offer plenty of grip – including when you’re pulling away – performing well on loose, fine gravel and are predictable when reaching their limit. The bike’s aggressive and stiff character suits the forward-leaning riding position as well as the narrow and sporty handlebar. That said, you’ll still feel pleasantly centred on the bike. Generally, the main source of comfort comes from the components. We were particularly impressed with the ergonomics and vibration damping of the cockpit. The Schwalbe tires also proved to be effective in absorbing high-frequency bumps. Unfortunately, the overall comfort isn’t enough to make the SCOTT a good candidate for rough gravel roads or very long rides.
The direct and stiff yet well-damped overall concept of the SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned makes for a composed and confidence-instilling ride. Paired with 160 mm rotors front and rear, the SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD brakes offer sufficient reliability and stopping power, bringing the bike safely to a halt. The aggressive tires, which are fitted to carbon DT Swiss GRC1400 Spline wheels, provide plenty of grip, ensuring an added level of safety.
Tuning tip: core training sessions to counteract the bike’s stiff and sporty character
The Addict Gravel Tuned offers excellent straight-line stability, allowing you to blast along fast straights and carve through long, open corners with ease. Simultaneously, the bike’s handling always remains precise despite the wide tires. The handling is agile and nicely balanced between the front and rear, though it’s not overly direct and it never feels overwhelming. SCOTT have struck an excellent balance between composure and agility here. The tires “defuse” the bike’s high-performance character to a certain extent, making it suitable for the masses. On rough terrain and surfaces, the SCOTT’s stiff nature can give you a hard time, in which case you must know precisely what you’re doing.
Riding Characteristics
4Agility
- cumbersome
- playful
Stability
- nervous
- confident
Handling
- demanding
- balanced
Fun factor
- boring
- lively
Comfort
- firm
- comfortable
Value for money
- terrible
- very good
Our conclusion on the SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned
The SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned impressed us with its direct acceleration, high efficiency and balanced handling, making it a lot of fun to ride on smooth gravel roads with long, open corners. When it comes to integration, the SCOTT undoubtedly sets the bar. On the other hand, the bike offers a limited amount of comfort, which means it isn’t an ideal choice for rough gravel and long distances. It’s this that limits the SCOTT’s all-round capabilities and ultimately costs it the win.
Tops
- very balanced handling on hardpack and asphalt
- highly efficient on compact surfaces
- top-notch integration
- the 2x drivetrain suits the bike’s sporty character
Flops
- limited long-distance comfort
- demanding on rough gravel
You can find out more about at scott-sports.com
The testfield
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best gravel bike 2022 – 19 models on test
All bikes on review: 3T Exploro Ultra (Click for review) | BMC URS LT ONE (Click for review) | Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE (Click for review) | Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap Suspension (Click for review) | Cervélo Áspero GRX Di2 (Click for review) | CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLT (Click for review) | Curve Kevin of Steel III (Click for review) | Falkenjagd Aristos R (Click for review) | Felt Breed 20 (Click for review) | FOCUS ATLAS 6.8 (Click for review) | GIANT Revolt Advanced 0 (Click for review) | OPEN WI.DE. (Click for review) | Ridley Kanzo Fast (Click for review) | ROSE BACKROAD EKAR LTD (Click for review) | SCOTT Addict Gravel Tuned | Specialized S-Works Crux (Click for review) | Stelbel Nina XCr (Click for review) | Storck GRIX.2 Platinum (Click for review) | Wilier Rave SLR (Click for review)
No, it’s not about perfect race tracks, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along high-speed passages need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret “Smooth tarmac” bikes as follows: Hard efforts at high speeds with a maximum efficient bike on a consistently well-paved road. Effort-joy ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!)↩
… also known as bike riding. Broken-up roads in the hinterland, deadlocked gravel roads, loose surfaces – sometimes muddy, sometimes bone-dry. For this, it takes bikes with super all-round, handling and wearing qualities uphill and downhill. Effort-joy ratio: 50:50↩
If you want to use your bike almost every day, you usually do not need an extremely tuned racing machine. Solid components, which are able to cope with the rigours of continuous usage in any kind of weather, are part of the basic equipment. At the same time, the bike should have practicable details: integrated fenders/assembly options, luggage racks/attachment points and a light system or at least the option of installing bike lights. The position on the bike should be rather relaxed, the overall comfort high, so that the Afterwork Ride becomes a cure and not a curse. Effort-joy ratio: 30:70↩
You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Benjamin Topf, Peter Walker
