The brand new SCOTT Addict RC promises to be the perfect choice for professional athletes and ambitious privateers. Integration at any price or true innovation? We visited SCOTT’s new headquarters to get the inside scoop on the new, disc-equipped featherweight road bike, summarised here for you.
When we reviewed the SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate, the predecessor of the brand new Addict RC, in our 2018 road bike group test, we couldn’t have asked for much more. Since it was first launched in 2008, the bike has continued to evolve. Now, once again SCOTT’s engineers were faced with the task of improving the bike on which Simon Yates won the Vuelta a España in 2018. Due to the enormous importance of this model in SCOTT’s product range, the entire development team put itself under immense pressure: the objective was to build the best high-performance road bike available on the market. Regardless of whether it’s the professional trying to win a Grand Tour or the ambitious privateer on the hunt for the local KOM, the features of the new SCOTT should make it possible. So what makes Team Mitchelton-SCOTT’s new weapon so special?
The SCOTT Addict RC in detail
The new SCOTT is based on revised geometry that takes into account the impact of increasingly wide tires. While SCOTT’s developers see the benefits of larger volume tires up to 28 mm wide, they insist on adjusting the geometry to maintain the agility and liveliness of the Addict. Accordingly, the fork has been lengthened, the bottom bracket lowered and the head tube shortened. These tweaks are not only supposed to make the bike’s handling better adapted to modern tire specifications, but it also promises to offer a better fit for a wider range of riders. Cooperating with the German bike fitting experts from Radlabor in Munich, SCOTT adapted the geometries of the marginal frame sizes XXS, XS and XXL in particular. According to SCOTT, the remaining sizes already matched the expert’s measurements, apart from a few minimal adjustments.
Besides the perfect fit for optimal performance, SCOTT set themselves the goal of completely integrating all of the cables across the entire range. SCOTT claim to have the solution with their patent-pending, eccentric steerer tube, which is combined with a Syncros cockpit. The cables are led through a one-piece carbon cockpit, guided through the bearings of the headset and then run past the sides of the steerer tube through the frame. A magnetic cap on the stem conceals all bolts, making for an even tidier look. The Syncros Creston iC SL-Cockpit, which was specially developed for the Addict RC, has been ergonomically optimised with the help of so-called “Pressure Mapping” in cooperation with the gebioMized bike fitting company. The resulting V-shape of the handlebar should provide more ergonomic hand positions. The curvature also facilitates cable routing through the cockpit and has a positive effect on the carbon structure and thus on the overall rigidity and compliance of the stem-handlebar combination. The entry-level models come with a two-piece cockpit, consisting of the Syncros Creston iC 1.5 aluminium handlebar and Syncros RR iC aluminium stem. The highlight here is that this cockpit also features completely internal cable routing for mechanical and electronic drivetrains.
Another aspect of the new Addict RC concept is aerodynamic optimisation. With the implementation of so-called F01 Airfoil tube shapes in areas that are most exposed to headwinds, the bike is claimed to be even faster. Although the focus in frame development wasn’t on making the most aerodynamic bike, these tube shapes together with the maximum level of integration help to reduce the bike’s wind resistance.
With regards to comfort, SCOTT claim that the previous model had too much compliance. So, the designers set themselves the goal of achieving the same level of compliance and rigidity as the SCOTT Foil Disc. In conjunction with the 28 mm wide tires, the set-up should be stiff enough for the attack but still offer sufficient shock absorption for long days in the saddle.
The final challenge the developers set themselves was weight reduction. The completely redesigned carbon structure of the frame now consists of three frame parts and four connection points. Compared to the predecessor, which consisted of six parts and eight connection points, the weight is said to have been reduced while the stiffness has been improved. The frame construction is completely hollow. By and large, this might not seem like big news, but unlike many other bikes, this method of frame construction is also used for the dropouts of the rear end and the fork. The axles pass through aluminium inserts that are sandwiched between the carbon sidewalls. Weight savings have extended all the way to the carbon fibre seat clamp. However, the wide clamping area offers another advantage: it allows the wall thickness of the seat post to be reduced, making for a significant reduction in weight.
The frame of the SCOTT Addict RC will be available in two versions. The so-called HMX model is 100 g lighter compared to the previous HMX frame in size M. And the new HMX-SL frame, as will be featured on the flagship Ultimate model, is another 60 g lighter than the new HMX frame. All frames are designed for a maximum gross weight limit of 120 kg and are compatible with disc brakes only.
SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate – our test bike
Groupset SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 2 × 12, 48/35 T
Cassette SRAM RED XG-1290, 10–33T
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD with Centerline XR rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels Zipp 202 NSW Disc Carbon Clincher
Tires Schwalbe Pro One MicroSkin TL-Easy 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC SL, Carbon Combo
Stem Syncros Creston iC SL, Carbon Combo
Weight 6.9 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61); Test size: M (54)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX-SL, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
SCOTT Addict RC Premium
Groupset Shimano DURA-ACE R9170 Di2, 2 × 11, 52/36 T
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE 11-30 T
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Hydraulic with SM-RT900 rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut DB
Tires Schwalbe Pro One MicroSkin TL-Easy 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC SL, Carbon Combo
Stem Syncros Creston iC SL, Carbon Combo
Weight 7.12 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
SCOTT Addict RC 10
Groupset Shimano DURA-ACE R9150 mechanical, 2 × 11, 52/36 T
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE 11-30 T
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Hydraulic with SM-RT900 rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels Syncros RP2.0 Disc
Tires Schwalbe One Race-Guard Fold, 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC 1.5 Compact Alu
Stem Syncros RR iC
Weight 7.83 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
SCOTT Addict RC 15
Groupset Shimano ULTEGRA R8070 Di2, 2 × 11, 52/36 T
Cassette Shimano ULTEGRA 11-30 T
Brakes Shimano ULTEGRA Hydraulic with SM-RT800 rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels Syncros Capital 1.0 35 Disc
Tires Schwalbe One Race-Guard Fold, 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC 1.5 Compact Alu
Stem Syncros RR iC
Weight 7.55 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
SCOTT Addict RC 20
Groupset SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 2 × 12, 48/35 T
Cassette SRAM Force XG-1270, 10-33T
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD with Centerline XR rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels Syncros RP2.0 Disc
Tires Schwalbe One Race-Guard Fold, 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC 2.0 Compact Alu
Stem Syncros RR iC
Weight 7.9 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
SCOTT Addict RC 30
Groupset Shimano ULTEGRA R8020 mechanical, 2 × 11, 52/36 T
Cassette Shimano ULTEGRA 11-30 T
Brakes Shimano ULTEGRA Hydraulic with SM-RT800 rotors 160/160 mm
Wheels Syncros RP2.0 Disc
Tires Schwalbe One Race-Guard Fold, 700 x 28C
Seat post Syncros Duncan SL Aero, 15 mm offset
Handlebar Syncros Creston iC 2.0 Compact Alu
Stem Syncros RR iC
Weight 7.95 kg in size M
Price € N/A (available from September on SCOTT’s Website)
Sizes XXS (47), XS (49), S (52), M (54), L (56), XL (58), XXL (61)
Frame Addict RC Disc HMX, road race geometry
Availability from autumn 2019
Unfortunately, SCOTT haven’t confirmed the prices for all models. More information will be available on the brand’s website from September.
SCOTT Addict RC Geometrie
| Size | XXS/47 | XS/49 | S/52 | M/54 | L/56 | XL/58 | XXL/61 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm | 500 mm | 520 mm | 550 mm |
| Top tube | 520 mm | 530 mm | 540 mm | 550 mm | 565 mm | 580 mm | 600 mm |
| Head tube | 97 mm | 102 mm | 115 mm | 135 mm | 155 mm | 175 mm | 193 mm |
| Head angle | 70.5° | 71.0° | 72.0° | 72.5° | 73.0° | 73.3° | 73.3° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.0° | 73.6° | 73.3° | 73.0° | 72.5° |
| Chainstays | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| BB Drop | 275 mm | 275 mm | 275 mm | 275 mm | 275 mm | 275 mm | 275 mm |
| Wheelbase | 988 mm | 994 mm | 991 mm | 992 mm | 1,000 mm | 1,008 mm | 1,023 mm |
| Reach | 380 mm | 388 mm | 389 mm | 389 mm | 394 mm | 400 mm | 409 mm |
| Stack | 505 mm | 511 mm | 527 mm | 548 mm | 568 mm | 589 mm | 606 mm |
SCOTT Addict RC Ultimate first ride review
Every new review is some other review’s end! Whether you’ve got it leaning against the wall of a café or you’re on the road – this bike causes a stir. The mirrored foil lettering together with the partially transparent clear coat looks both sporty and elegant. With its completely integrated cables and clean lines, you can examine this bike for hours. We can only lift our caps and secretly enjoy the envious glances of passers-by.
When you get on the pedals of the new SCOTT, there’s only one thing missing: having legs that are able to generate 8,000 watts. The rigidity of the frame converts every revolution of the pedals into forward propulsion. The light and quick accelerating Zipp 202 NSW wheelset only add to this lively character. The combination of the frame and wheels in a lightweight package will put a big smile on your face whether you’re sprinting from a standstill or out of the slipstream of the rider in front of you. Those on the hunt for KOMs who love taking on mountain passes will also benefit from this behaviour. It’s a fleet-footed and efficient climber. On flat terrain, the SCOTT is inconspicuous and plenty efficient too, allowing you to keep up a good pace even without the help of a slipstream.
Going downhill, you quickly get a sense of how precise the new Addict RC is. The steering is agile and direct, allowing experienced riders to carve through the tightest corners at speed. The rear end quickly follows, and the central position of the rider makes for balanced weight distribution, letting you explore your limits. However, the SCOTT will not forgive errors or inaccuracies on the part of the rider. The Addict RC does exactly what it’s told – this could prove disastrous for beginners or less experienced riders.
Regarding comfort, the 28 C Schwalbe tires with their discrete “prototype” logo performed convincingly. There is nothing to complain about on smooth and slightly broken roads in terms of grip and comfort. However, when the road surface gets really rough, the stiff rear end has a negative effect on the grip. Full throttle on the racetrack, yes – on cobbles, not so much. The ergonomics and vibration damping of the Syncros Creston iC SL cockpit, on the other hand, are good. It’s come a long way compared to the predecessor! While we’re making comparisons with its predecessor: in our review of the previous Addict RC Ultimate, we couldn’t feel more than a minimal amount of compliance in the frame. The features of the new model haven’t made a difference here. Though the relatively long spokes in the Zipp wheelset and the carbon seat post provide some comfort at the rear, there is very little in the way of shock absorption. Our test bike came with the seat post usually specced on the SCOTT Foil Disc. The production model will have the Syncros Duncan seat post, which should offer more compliance.
Conclusion
The latest generation of the SCOTT Addict RC delivers a coherent overall package, designed to make professional athletes and privateer hillclimbers even faster. Advanced riders will love the direct and precise handling! For beginners and hobby cyclists, the decidedly aggressive handling and the harsh ride quality can quickly make riding seem less fun. With this bike, it is important to realistically assess yourself and your own abilities. The new Addict RC Ultimate is an uncompromising contender for the overall Grand Tour standings!
For more information, visit scott-sports.com
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Words: Photos: Benjamin Topf, SCOTT Sports
