The gravel train has been roaring unstoppably through the cycling world for years. No other segment can keep up with this rapid pace of development. Neither competition nor marathon bikes have seen so many innovations. However, the engineers at Scott took things at a more leisurely pace. The first Addict Gravel saw the light of day back in 2015. The Swiss manufacturer reacted relatively early to the trend, which has long since developed into a boom. However, the first model was a bit of a sham. After all, it was based on the platform of the Addict CX - a cyclocross bike - and lacked typical Gravel characteristics. Our biggest points of criticism in TOUR 5/2019 were the comparatively stretched seating position and the lack of eyelets for attaching bags or mudguards. We also wondered why the tyres were only 35 millimetres wide - there would have been room for wider tyres. We were therefore all the more excited about the successor, which we were able to test before the market launch at the beginning of July.
Sporty riding position on the Scott Addict Gravel
The setting for our test rides around the Swiss town of Gruyères could hardly have been more symbolic. While gourmets only savour the world-famous cheese of the same name after several months of maturing, Scott is hoping for a similar reaction from road cyclists after the Addict Gravel's development phase of several years. Like its predecessor, the new bike - we tested the top model Tuned in size 56 - has a decidedly sporty look and is clearly categorised as a racing bike in the off-road segment. The riding position is properly stretched and the top tube is even slightly longer than its predecessor. With the tyres now 45 millimetres wide, the ground can now be a little bumpier. The handling of the bike at high speeds on loose surfaces is remarkable: with the long wheelbase and extreme trail, the bike stabilises itself as if by magic; potholes, ruts or stones in the way can hardly upset the bike.
Scott Addict Gravel ride test: speed bolts on gravel
In practice, this means: riding fun! The Addict Gravel kicks up dust on the gravel motorways around Gruyères and is easy to ride, even at high speeds. In terms of smoothness, there is hardly anything better in this segment, only the BMC Urs can keep up. However, the terrain should not be too bumpy. On the rooted trails along the Lac de la Gruyère, the sluggish steering behaviour becomes a disadvantage. And for the cobbled section up to the picturesque Château de Gruyères, the oval-shaped aero seatpost from component specialist Syncros offers too little suspension comfort. The wide tyres can only compensate for this disadvantage with very low air pressure. This works, but not everyone likes the compromises in riding behaviour.
But rough trails are not the Addict Gravel's favourite terrain anyway. This can also be seen in the fast wheels from DT Swiss and the aerodynamic carbon cockpit from Syncros. The 335 gram handlebar/stem unit is reminiscent of a road bike, and Scott has taken current developments into account with full cable integration - and not just on the high-end model. Although the cheaper versions are equipped with a two-piece cockpit, the cables are also integrated here in line with the times. In addition, all accessories such as mudguards etc. can now be attached to five mounting eyelets.
Three radio controls on the Addict Gravel
Scott's new gravel bike fun starts at €2569, with the Addict Gravel 30 and the Contessa women's model being equipped with Shimano's mechanical GRX groupset. The 10 and 20 versions come with SRAM's Force eTap AXS (€ 5699) or the new Rival XLPR eTap AXS (price unknown at the beginning of August 2021, editor's note). The top-of-the-range Tuned model with SRAM's Red eTap AXS costs a hefty €8699 and is aimed at competitors, partly due to its stiffer carbon frame and integrated power meter.
The Scott Addict Gravel in detail
- Price 8699 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel 8.3 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red eTap AXS (46/33, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Red eTap AXS HRD (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline/Schwalbe G-ONE R 45 mm
You can download the full test with detailed grades and measured values for weight, stiffness and features below for €0.99.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
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Single test Scott Addict Gravel
Julian Schultz
Editor
