With a weight of just 6.82 kg in size M, the SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate Disc is the lightest disc-equipped racer in our test – and its € 9,999 price tag also makes it one of the most pricey ones. But is the investment worth it? We tested the SCOTT Addict for you thoroughly.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
At first glance the SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate Disc will strike you with a classic and understated look. As you get closer, however, you notice many clever details on the Swiss racer. The all-black € 9,999 Addict comes with a SRAM RED eTap group, a DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT DB wheelset with 35 mm-deep rims, a Syncros Carbon Addict SL cockpit, a Syncros Carbon FL1.0 seatpost, and 28 mm Conti GP 4000 S II tires. Yes, that’s right! SCOTT delivers the Addict with chunky 28 mm tires which actually reach a 30mm width in combination with the 25 mm-wide rims. The bike owes its light weight not only to the superb high-end components, but also to the new frameset which – according to the Swiss brand – sets a new benchmark for weight and stiffness. Unlike most bikes from the competition, the frame of the Addict doesn’t require an additional external carbon layer, which allows them to save even more weight.
Tires with more traction and comfort, e.g. Vittoria Corsa
More comfortable, ergonomic saddle
When sprinting you really notice the additional stiffness SCOTT is so proud of. The Addict proved the stiffest and most direct frameset in our entire test field – which means not one single watt is lost. But does this automatically make it the fastest bike in our test? No! Unfortunately, the high degree of stiffness translates into a substantial lack of grip in corners and on rough tarmac. In addition, the Conti GP 4000 S II fail to match the outstanding cornering performance of the Specialized and Vittoria tires. The wheelset with the wide 28 mm tires feels only minimally lethargic, but that’s enough to affect the sprinting performance of the Addict. The wide tires offer good levels of comfort, which comes in handy with such a stiff frame. Good tire clearance is another point in favour of the Addict; despite the effective tire width of 30 mm, there is room for more! The Syncros carbon cockpit is just as stiff as the frame, but unfortunately it’s also very uncomfortable. It’s not only the sharp edge on the tops that bothers us after a while, but also the undamped vibrations that seep through the cockpit straight into our wrists.
On the other hand, the handling of the Addict RC Ultimate Disc seems to benefit from the stiff cockpit. In combination with the sprightly geometry, the bike follows each steering impulse within a fraction of a second and with clinical precision. In particular, the skilled braking specialists amongst us will love the great bite of the SRAM eTap HRD brakes with 160 mm discs. Their powerful character allows you to ride faster for longer and only brake when you really need it.
Far less exciting is the loud rattling noise caused by the brake cable slamming against the inside of the frame. Considering the price range of the Addict we’d expect a much quieter solution, especially considering that it features a wireless RED eTap groupset. This also means that the entry port of the gear cable is left unused – unfortunately it’s only covered with a rudimentary rubber plug and we’d like to see a little more love for detail here. None of our test riders were too enthusiastic about the shape or comfort of the relatively hard Syncros saddle. If you’re considering the Scott as one of your purchase options, you should check out the saddle beforehand or ask your trusted bike dealer to help you find the right saddle. In contrast, the Syncros RR1.0 computer mount is one of many nice accessories SCOTT offers with the Addict.
The Addict proved the stiffest and most direct frameset in our entire test field – which means not one single watt is lost.
The Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc in detail
Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap
Wheelset DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT
Brakes SRAM RED Disc
Tires Continental GP 4000 SII
Weight 6.82 kg
Price € 9,999
The geometry of the Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc
Conclusion
The SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate Disc is a full-blooded racer for skilled riders. With its razor-sharp handling and superb braking performance, the Addict is built to go fast. This obviously reflects on its lap times in our GRAN FONDO Race Session. A touch of added comfort and a few adjustments would make the SCOTT fit for a wider range of applications and even a tad faster. The frameset of the Addict proved the most efficient in our test! With a price tag of € 9,999 you’ll have to dig deep in your pockets, but you’ll get yourself a super-balanced racing machine in a gorgeous and discreet black finish – the perfect base for a crazy clothing bonanza.
Top
– Most efficient frameset in our test
– Good tire clearance
– Powerful brakes
Flop
– Cable rattle inside the frame
– Uncomfortable cockpit
– Saddle
Uphill
Downhill
Sprint
For more info head to: scott-sports.com
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
All bikes in the test: 3T Strada | BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 | Corratec EVO eTap Konfi | Fuji SL 1.1 | Rose X-Lite 6 eTap | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 | Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc | Wilier Superleggera SL
This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #008
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Words: Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf Photos: Noah Haxel
