Scott Addict RC 20 Road Bike Test

WHEN STYLE AND SPEED EVOLVE

Scott’s Addict RC 20 Disc

With an early goal of creating the world’s lightest road bike when it was first introduced back in 2007, Scott had developed the Addict to meet the criteria of modern road riding while evolving step by step with a progressive road bike design. As an early adopter of 28mm tires and disc brakes, Scott’s forefront position of incorporating the latest trends in road bike technology have allowed them a better opportunity to stay ahead of the curve while other brands were still catching up.

While the Addict held the frame-weight title following its initial release over a decade ago, it has since fallen out of position. However, Scott has maintained its focus on weight savings while continuing to improve upon the latest technology available.

THE FRAME

The Addict RC 20 Disc is made with Scott’s HMX carbon layup. Scott offers three different levels for the Addict line, including the HMX SL that is only available in the Addict Ultimate, and the HMF, which is used in the entry-level Addict 30. Each offers unique characteristics and strength, and directly affects ride quality as well as frame weight and price. Focused on disc brakes as they should, Scott still offers a $2200 rim-brake version.

The gloss black finish is fashionable thanks to a subtle metallic green flake, but does hide the distinct lines of the Addict’s frame. The downtube and seatstays maintain a nearly parallel plane to each other and highlight the compact rear triangle. The compact design improves compliance while saving weight. Each of the tubes on the Addict uses Scott’s proprietary airfoil shaping to minimize drag.

Scott refined the small details in the latest iteration of the Addict, like the beefy fork. The front fork gained a few extra grams, as well as much-needed stiffness.

Scott stiffened up the front end for the latest iteration of the Addict with a new fork that has been beefed up to reduce fork flex and disc brake rub. Scott claims there is room for up to 32mm of rubber.

From the aggressive 72.5-degree head tube angle and 99.2cm wheelbase, the Addict maintains many of the same race-oriented geometry numbers that have proven favorable in past iterations of the bike.

THE PARTS

SRAM’s Force eTap AXS wireless components are a great value option as the derailleurs use the identical motor that the top-tier Red group uses for similar quick-shift performance. The major differences being a total system weight difference of about 350 grams and the matte black and gray finish across most of the Force AXS drivetrain. The 48/35 chainrings are paired with the 12-speed 10-33 cassette. This gives the Addict RC relatively easier gearing compared to the 10-28 cassette Trek and Giant opt for on the Emonda and TCR at their respective Force
AXS levels.

SRAM’s wireless AXS technology has aided many bike manufacturers recent push for simple and clean frames lines. From the cockpit to the rear end only hydraulic lines are visible near the calipers.

Scott’s Syncros alloy cockpit pairs well with SRAM’s wireless technology to efficiently hide and guide the hydraulic brake lines to the frame. Stem adjustment is kept simple by the composite fairing, which covers the top and rear, popping off quickly when needed. Gated oval composite spacers conceal the lines as well.

A D-shaped Syncros carbon seatpost is topped with a Syncros Belcarra snub-nosed saddle. The tan Belcarra visually pops, along with the tan-wall Schwalbe One tires. We received many comments on the road about the color combo—most were in disbelief that such a stylish colorway was the original spec. Schwalbe’s 28mm rubber is mounted on a Syncros RP2.0 disc wheelset. With 28 spokes front and rear and a 19mm internal width, the tubeless-ready 28mm-deep RP2.0 carbon hoops are one of the more impressive wheel offerings we’ve seen from an in-house brand at this price point.

SRAM’s matte black and gray Force eTap AXS drivetrain pairs nicely with the gloss black finish of the frame.

THE RIDE

Following the trend of increased compliance and 28mm tires offered by many big-name brands’ “climbing” bikes, like the BMC Teammachine and Cannondale SuperSix Evo, Scott’s Addict leaves a lasting impression. Scott has developed a stiff frame that relies on the tires for a type of pneumatic compliance. Impressive stiffness at the bottom bracket and the beefed-up front end combine for exquisite power transfer with each pedal stroke.

The 28mm tires paired with the Syncros wheelset create confidence-inspiring handling characteristics, thanks to the added traction. This pairs well with the mid-size wheelbase for overall responsive and quick handling. Cornering at speed is predictable, unlike twitchier bikes like the older generation of Cannondale SuperSix Evos. The Addict sticks to the apex and exits corners where you point it.

SRAM’s modern gear ratios matched with the overall compliance of the Addict adds much-needed versatility to the market of increasingly compartmentalized road bike designs. It is fully capable of tackling the rigors of modern road riding from minimally maintained fire roads to buttery-smooth asphalt. The 48/35 chainrings and 10-33 cassette make tough climbs more accessible for more cyclists. but leaves a bit more to be desired on the steepest of climbs. The 48-10 gear is about as big as a compact 50/11 drivetrain, so there’s not much lost on top-end speed.

THE VERDICT

As an early adopter of many technologies that have become mainstream, Scott has refined the Addict to be a competitive, all-around road bike for 2020. At 17.84 pounds, the Addict RC isn’t a featherweight, but serious weight weenies could always opt for the $12,000, 15.2-pound Addict RC Ultimate. After all, what’s an extra $7,000 to save a couple of extra pounds? For us, the Addict RC 20 is ideal for any roadie looking to upgrade to a carbon frame with a versatile component spec.