Space for serious cases
Wide tyres are the simplest suspension system in the world. That’s why Scott has made room for tyres up to 57 millimetres or 2.2 inches wide – a genuine mountain bike size. The Addict Gravel comes fitted as standard with 50-millimetre-wide Schwalbe G-One RX Pro tyres.
This is made possible, amongst other things, by an exceptionally thin chainstay: at its narrowest point, it measures just 8.5 millimetres. Despite the generous tyre clearance, the chainstay length remains a compact 425 millimetres. This is designed to keep the rear triangle compact and the bike manoeuvrable.
The developers have deliberately reduced the frame’s stiffness by less than five per cent. On tarmac, there’s no need to panic; on loose ground, it could actually be an advantage: a slightly more flexible frame helps keep the tyres in contact with the ground and the rider on course.
Comfort without a sofa
The rest of the frame is also designed to move in a controlled manner. According to Scott, a slender seat tube section, low-set seat stays and a top tube with minimal flex significantly increase comfort at the rear. With a rigid seat post, compliance is said to increase by 60 per cent compared with the previous model, and by a further 25 per cent with Scott’s comfort seat post.
At the front, curved fork legs, a slimmer steerer tube and the new cockpit work to reduce vibrations. Scott puts the increase in front-end comfort at 30 per cent. Such laboratory figures aren’t exactly sofa-cushion comfort. But they do show the direction the brand is heading in: less race-hardness, more long-distance riding. Particularly impressive is the targeted flex that can be incorporated into a frame using carbon. Scott likes to demonstrate this flex using heavy weight plates that pull on the Addict frame. Under the enormous load, the seatpost arches its back and the handlebars bow their heads in a deep bow, so that as a spectator you’d think the frame was about to burst at any moment. It is precisely this flex that is intended to function like suspension in real-world riding.
The new geometry complements this. The stack has increased by ten millimetres, as has the reach. To prevent the rider from leaning over the front wheel like a figurehead, the cockpit is ten millimetres shorter. The bottom bracket sits lower due to the larger tyres, whilst the fork offset has increased to 60 millimetres. The longer front end is designed to provide stability at speed and on technical terrain.
The head angle is a moderate 70 degrees across all seven sizes, from XXS to XXL. The riding position is modelled on the Scott Addict road bike. So if you’re coming from a road bike, you shouldn’t have to adjust to a new position straight away.
Workshop in Unterohr
There is a storage compartment in the down tube for an inner tube, tyre levers and a mini-pump. A T25 spanner and – depending on the specification – a tubeless repair kit are fitted to the ends of the handlebars. The Torx tool can be used to adjust the stem, handlebars, seat post, saddle and bottle cage. You rarely need much more than that when out and about. Except perhaps mobile phone reception.
A removable top-tube bag holds small items. Additional bottle cages can be fitted to the inside of the fork. This positions the bottles closer to the steering axis. Scott claims this results in 35 per cent less inertia than with a mounting positioned further out. When fully loaded, the bike should therefore handle more responsively.
The package also includes an internally routed cable system, a replaceable UDH derailleur hanger, an integrated saddle clamp and Scott’s D-shaped carbon seatpost. The latter is compatible with the brand’s own rear light system.
Riders with their elbows tucked in
Syncros has developed a bespoke cockpit for the new Addict Gravel. Its more pronounced forward sweep is designed to create more space for the wrists when cornering, whilst the short reach makes it easier to switch between the top of the handlebars and the brake levers.
The flare only begins below the brake levers. This means the levers sit straight rather than pointing conspicuously outwards. The drops provide more support for the hands and are designed to make the brake levers easier to reach. Depending on the model, the cockpit is available as an integrated carbon unit or as a classic combination of aluminium handlebars and stem. Some spacers and covers are interchangeable with the Addict and Addict RC models.
Two frames, five models
Scott offers the frame in two carbon grades. According to the manufacturer, the lighter HMX version weighs 794 grams, which is 75 grams less than before. The more affordable HMF frame weighs 990 grams, a saving of 25 grams.
The model range extends from the Addict Gravel Premium to the Addict Gravel 40. At the top of the range is the SRAM Red XPLR AXS with 13 speeds, a 42-tooth chainring, a 10–46 cassette and a power metre. Below these are the Force and Rival versions. The Addict Gravel 40 features mechanical Shimano GRX with twelve speeds, a 40-tooth chainring and an 11–45 cassette. All models feature a single chainring and 160-millimetre brake discs.
Prices:
- Scott Addict Gravel Premium with SRAM Red groupset: €8,999
- Scott Addict Gravel 10 with SRAM Force groupset: €6,599
- Scott Addict Gravel 20 with SRAM Force groupset: €5,599
- Scott Addict Gravel 30 with SRAM Rival groupset: €3,999
- Scott Addict Gravel 40 with Shimano GRX groupset: €2,799
When it comes to weight, however, Scott’s documentation contradicts itself: one overview states 7.8 to 8.7 kilograms depending on the model, whilst the individual specification tables list 8.4 to 9.7 kilograms. According to the small print, the weight was measured with tubeless tyres and without the repair kit in the frame. A test will therefore be needed to determine the final figure on the scales.
One thing is certain: the new Addict Gravel is no longer just a road bike for rough roads. It’s an exciting gravel platform that’s equally at home as a race gravel bike or an adventure bike for bikepacking. Or, in Scott’s own marketing words: “With 57 millimetres of tyre clearance, more relaxed geometry and a built-in toolbox, it’s designed for rides where the tarmac ends – but the day is far from over.” – Oh yeah!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor