Equipment of the Scott Foil RC by John Degenkolb
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 54/40, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
- Impellers: Shimano Dura-Ace C60
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (26 mm)
- Handlebar/stem: Syncros Creston iC SL Aero (400/150 mm)
- Computer: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
- Saddle: Syncros Tofino
- Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Frame size: M
Before the tough final programme in the Alps, the sprint specialists had their last chance for a stage win on the 16th stage. At dsm-firmenich PostNL, John Degenkolb now holds the role of "fastest man" after team-mate Fabio Jakobsen left the tour early. We took a look at the equipment of the experienced rider, who one of a total of eight Germans at the Tour de France 2024 is the Scott Foil RC.
Following the arrival of the Dutch postal service as a new sponsor, "Dege" is riding a white-painted Foil RC this year. The Scott's trademark - unlike its predecessor - is its first-class aerodynamics. Flat tube shapes and a graceful front end catapult the bike to 206 watts at 45 km/h in the wind tunnel, making the Scott one of the most powerful weapons in the sprint. In the TOUR test only two bikes from the peloton are faster: the Canyon Aeroad (Alpecin-Deceuninck, Movistar) and Cervélo S5 (Visma | Lease a Bike). Nominally, the Cannondale SystemSix (EF Education EasyPost) also gains a few watts over the Scott, but in France the US team relies exclusively on the lighter SuperSix.
The weight of John Degenkolb's Scott Foil RC
In terms of weight, Degenkolb's workhorse sits in the range of other aero machines: the setup with 60-centimetre-high carbon rims from Shimano weighs in at 7.6 kilograms. In the mountains that await the Road Captian at DSM in the coming days, this is a disadvantage compared to race all-rounders or lightweight models. Interesting fact: Romain Bardet's racing machine, the first yellow winner of this year's Tour of France, is based on a modified carbon frame. As in the previous year, the Frenchman's Foil RC is 200 grams lighter. Some carbon has been saved on the top and down tube, as a team mechanic explained. Warren Barguil can also rely on the lighter model.
The curved aero cockpit from Syncros also sits on the standard wheels, but at 150 millimetres the stem is extremely long. Professionals like Degenkolb use it to compensate for the short frame, but for many amateur riders the handlebar-stem combination is likely to cause neck problems. The seatpost and saddle also come from Scott's in-house component specialist Syncros. In contrast to the standard model, the aero seatpost is a one-piece design and is therefore unlikely to match the outstanding comfort that we found for the Foil RC in the test lab.
Vittoria tyres with foam insert
Like many teams, dsm-firmenich PostNL rides with tubeless tyres from Vittoria, Degenkolb on 26 millimetre wide Corsa Pro tyres. For extra puncture protection, the Gera native relies on a foam insert on the front tyre, as the "L" on the tyre sidewall reveals. The so-called liner, also developed by Vittoria, is intended to "reduce the risk of falling in the event of a puncture", according to a team mechanic: "We don't use it on the rear for weight reasons." Incidentally, the inscription "05" on the cotton carcass of the tyre stands for the last filling with sealing milk.
TOUR at the Tour de France: Exclusive live blog
Julian Schultz
Editor
