SCOTT Addict Gravel RC in Review – 2025 Gravel Race Bike Comparison Test

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel aims to impress with a modern design, top-tier spec, and, above all, pure riding fun. But is a 2021 model still relevant in a modern gravel race bike comparison test? The striking paint finish certainly catches the eye – but is that enough to take on the competition?

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel has already clocked a few years on the road. Originally launched in mid-2021, it might not be the newest contender in this test, but on paper, it still holds its own against modern race gravel bikes. With its wide tires, generous clearance, a fully integrated cockpit, and a UDH derailleur hanger, it remains up to date even four years after its debut. Add to that its sleek, fast-looking design, and the Addict RC Gravel is a serious contender for the gravel race bike crown. But with a test field packed with strong competition, can it still hold its ground?

SCOTT Addict Gravel RC – Contemporary art for a gravel racer?

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel may have been around for a few years, but it’s far from outdated. From the very first moment you see the frame with its striking paint job, , it’s clear that SCOTT aren’t just about top-tier performance; they also know how to make a bike look great. With a crisp white base coat and geometric patterns on the fork and around the seat tube, the Addict RC Gravel stands out with a unique aesthetic, which makes it look like a contemporary art object and , in our opinion, the best-looking bike in the entire test field. The only downside? Finding an outfit that matches this colourful design might be a challenge.

But it’s not just the paintwork– every detail of this bike has been designed to look as good as it rides. The wheels, groupset, and other components blend seamlessly into the overall design and are bang up to date.

SCOTT also made a huge commitment to integration. Both the cockpit and seat clamp are neatly integrated into the frame, ensuring a clean look and hassle-free handling. Versatility is another key focus, with plenty of mounting points to choose from: two bottle cages inside the frame, a third under the downtube, and a top tube mount for a feed bag – all standard spec for a gravel bike. But SCOTT go a step further, adding mounts for mudguards and luggage on the fork. This means that the Addict RC Gravel isn’t just built for high-speed racing but is also ready for bikepacking and ultra-distance adventures.

All of this comes at a price of €8,999, which is just below the test average of €9,522. And considering the impressively-low syetem weight of 7.86 kg, the Addict RC Gravel already looks like a winner on paper.

SCOTT Addict Gravel RC – High-end performance meets modern art

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel isn’t just about looks– it’s also packed with top-tier components, and it absolutely delivers. Take the Fulcrum Sharq carbon wheels, for example. Their wavy profile not only complements the bike’s aesthetic but also enhances aerodynamics. The deep rims, varying between 42 and 48 mm, add to the bike’s fast, race-ready appearance, reinforcing its artistic design. The rim geometry is just as impressive, with a wide internal width that’s modern and built for speed. That said, we can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment– SCOTT’s in-house brand Syncros has impressed us in previous tests, and a set of Syncros Capital SL wheels would have been a great match here. No complaints when it comes to the tires, though. The 45 mm Schwalbe G-One RS Pro strikes the perfect balance between efficiency, grip, and comfort. In fact, the SCOTT rolls on the second-widest tires in this test, only beaten by the 3T with its massive 50 mm rubber.

The cockpit setup is another highlight. The Syncros Creston IC SL X handlebars measure 42 cm at the tops and flare out to 49 cm in the drops, delivering both in terms of style and comfort. It performed brilliantly in our test, offering excellent ergonomics. However, from an aero perspective, it’s on the wider side and falls behind the fastest setups from Parapera and Falkenjagd. Another neat detail is hidden in the seatpost. The version introduced with the SCOTT Addict RC 2025 promises improved compliance and even allows for the integration of a rear light.

Finally, the SCOTT Addict RC Gravel comes equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR drivetrain, which is currently the best gravel-specific model available on the market, and found on seven out of the twelve bikes in this test. A particularly clever detail is the chainguide mounted on the front derailleur bracket, which prevents the chain from falling off even in rough trail sections.

The Geometry of the SCOTT Addict Gravel RC

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel is designed for riders who refuse to compromise. The short 425 mm chainstays promise explosive acceleration and agile handling, while the slack head angle (70–71°) ensures stability at high speeds. With a sporty stack-to-reach ratio of 1.48, the SCOTT puts you in an aggressive riding position that keeps the front wheel planted to the ground – perfect for those who prefer a dynamic, attacking style.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat Tube	495 mm	515 mm	540 mm	565 mm	585 mm
Top Tube	518 mm	534 mm	554 mm	578 mm	592 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°
Chainstay	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm
BB Drop	-71 mm	-71 mm	-71 mm	-71 mm	-71 mm
Wheelbase	1009 mm	1022 mm	1029 mm	1048 mm	1063 mm
Reach	374 mm	378 mm	387 mm	390 mm	402 mm
Stack	519 mm	544 mm	565 mm	589 mm	609 mm

SCOTT Addict Gravel RC – Pure riding fun on a gravel race bike

Can the SCOTT Addict RC Gravel live up to the promises it makes with its geometry and high-end spec? Within the first few pedal strokes, it becomes clear– this bike is both agile and playful. Despite the 45 mm Schwalbe G-One RS Pro tyres, it carves through corners with ease. In fact, the SCOTT is the most responsive bike in this test, which makes it an absolute joy to ride, especially on tight, twisty sections where quick direction changes give it a real edge.

Pure riding fun! – This one will keep you smiling for miles.

The tizres further enhance the bike’s stable, speed-focused handling. Paired with the wide cockpit, this results in an intuitive and precise ride. However, its lively nature demands an active, experienced rider– especially on rough descents. But if you’ve got the skills, the SCOTT delivers next-level fun, whether you’re gliding over smooth gravel or charging down technical trails. When it comes to sheer riding enjoyment, the Addict RC Gravel takes the top spot in our race gravel bike test.

It’s no slouch when it comes to acceleration either. The stiff frame, responsive wheelset, and fast-rolling tIres make it easy to get up to speed and hold momentum. That said, it falls just short of the lightning-quick ROSE BACKROAD FF when it comes to outright explosiveness. Where the SCOTT really surprises is in its compliance. The comfort-focused seatpost and ergonomic cockpit do a great job of soaking up vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride in the process. However, despite these features, this is still a gravel race bike– so comfort sits firmly in the mid-range compared to the competition.

All in all, the SCOTT Addict RC Gravel is a real winner. As a versatile race gravel bike, it’s not just incredibly agile and confidence-inspiring – it also delivers an explosive ride and the most fun you can have on two wheels.

Tuning tip: A narrower cockpit for improved aerodynamics and a more modern race position.

What kind of race is the SCOTT Addict Gravel RC built for?

With the Addict RC Gravel, SCOTT enter our gravel race bike test with a promising all-rounder that is built for speed. The high-end spec is geared towards pure performance, making it a race-ready machine. But thanks to the playful handling, decent compliance, and a wealth of mounting points, it’s also one of the most versatile bikes in this test. Whether you’re tackling high-speed UCI gravel races, taking on ultra-distance adventures, or just pushing the pace on a weekend ride, the SCOTT Addict RC Gravel is built for maximum fun.

Conclusions about the SCOTT Addict Gravel RC

The SCOTT Addict RC Gravel has everything a gravel rider could wish for– wide tires, plenty of mounting points, and an agile, incredibly fun ride. Add to that its sleek, modern design, and you’ve got one of the best bikes in the test. The only minor drawback is the cockpit, which is a bit too wide for optimal aerodynamics in modern racing. But beyond that, the SCOTT Addict RC Gravel is an outstanding bike that comes highly recommended.

More info at scott-sports.com.

The test field

This bike was tested as part of the 2025 Race Gravel Bike comparison test – you can find an overview of this group test and all other tested race gravel bikes here:

All bikes in review: 3T Extrema Italia | Cannondale SuperX 2 | Canyon Grail CFR XPLR | Falkenjagd Aristos SL | Merida Silex 8000 | Parapera Anemos² | Rose Backroad FF RED XPLR AXS | Scott Addict Gravel RC | Superior XR 9.7 GF | Specialized S-Works Crux | Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS | Wilier Rave SLR

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter