With SCOTTweek making a stop in Deer Valley, I had the opportunity to ride a few of Scott’s 2014 rides. Tops on the list was the re-introduced Addict. I got the skinny on the technical details from the product guys first and then kitted up to see if it lived up to the hype.
2014 Scott Addict Features:
- Lightest production frame/fork on the market (995g for SL version in a 54cm)
- Frame uses aerodynamic shapes learned from Foil
- Same proven geometry as the Foil
- 27.2 diameter seat tube for extra comfort
- Features “Comfort Zones” for improved compliance
- F01 Aero Tech reduces drag by 25% over the old Addict
- Price Range: $2,950-$12,650 ($7899 as tested)
Predictable & Speedy: 2014 Scott Addict Team Issue
For weeks, I had anticipated riding the Addict, so when the time came I was beyond stoked to be hopping aboard. The 56cm bike I was provided was the Team Issue that is spec’d for the Orica GreenEDGE squad. This bike utilizes the HMX carbon fiber frame that has a claimed weight of 1090 g. I was told that the teams prefer the ride characteristics of the HMX carbon fiber as opposed to the ultralight and ultra-expensive HMX-SL carbon fiber that is used strategically on the $12,650 Addict SL.
My bike was a little more reasonable $7899 and was outfitted with Shimano Dura Ace 11-speed, Syncros RL1.1 carbon wheels and Syncros carbon bits throughout. The whole package is quite the looker with the shiny black and green accented frame and components.
Modern all-rounder framesets are built with enough comfort to make long days in the saddle seem not-so-long. The Addict can stand toe-to-toe with the best from Trek, Specialized, Felt and others. As I pedaled the 13.5 lb. bike from the SnowPark base area of Deer Valley up towards Emprie Pass, the bike moved effortlessly forward and uphill — no doubt this bike was in its element. Thanks to the compact gearing, I was able to lay down a respectable pace with the fast group. Admittedly, when the climb got into the 12-15% grade near the top of Empire Pass, I was super-thankful for the climbing-friendly gearing, but still kept reaching for even lower gears (it’s pretty steep).
Even though the bike wasn’t exactly dialed-in for me, I was impressed with just how comfortable it felt on endless climbs. It tracked straight and seemed to beg for more vert (even though my body was ready for a break). Standing and sprinting, this bike felt like an extension of my body with instant response and power transfer.
When it came time to turn downhill and wind our way back down to the base area, I was anxious to see just how well it would ride. Since it shares its race geometry with the Foil, I felt immediately at home. However, the overall comfort of the Addict versus the Foil is immediately apparent. The Foil simply doesn’t compare with the all-day comfort provided by the Addict. Road chatter was much more subdued and it just felt that much more “connected” to the pavement.
While my ride consisted of 2,500 ft of climbing over 16 miles, I’m thinking the next 1,000 miles should be just as enjoyable.
The Good:
- Lightweight race performance
- Excellent color scheme — love the green accents
- Full gamut of Syncros components shined
- Feels comfortable uphill and down
- Dialed-in geometry
- Vertical compliance for all-day hauls
- $7899 is not cheap, but this is a lot of technology for that price
The Bad:
- Shimano Dura Ace was not as crisp shifting as I thought it should be
The Bottom Line
It’s hard to find much not to like about the all-new Scott Addict, so I’m just going to come out and gush a bit. This bike is packed with meticulously-engineered bits and pieces. It’s obvious that Scott’s engineers did sweat every detail because the Addict is one fantastic bike. I love how fast it feels both uphill and down and just how well it behaves under all conditions. The best part about this bike is just how laterally-stiff it is while remaining compliant for a very smooth ride.
More Info: Visit Scott-Sports.com
44 Comments
Great review – thanks. Can you elaborate on why teams prefer the ride characteristics of the HMX carbon fiber as opposed to the HMX-SL carbon fiber. My understanding is that the HMX-SL carbon is the superior fiber similar to that used on the cutting edge Cervelo RCA.
Good question. Scott didn’t go into a ton of detail on this matter and it does make you wonder. It is my understanding that the SL version may be a little more compliant than the standard HMX version. It also drops weight to a point where weight needs to be added elsewhere on the bike to keep above UCI requirements. I will reach out to them and find out more details.
Thanks Jason.
Scott just confirmed what I said. The weight regulations of UCI are such that getting a lower-weight frame would require adding weight elsewhere, so the HMX is their frame of choice.
Thanks Jason. Given that the SL version is too light to be UCI compliant anyway, it’s a pity that Scott hasn’t made a disc enabled version like Bianchi’s new Infinito CV and Oltre XR2 or the Colnago C59. I suppose you could put rim discs on the SL and get most of the benefits of disc brakes and still get a super light and compliant bike.
Yeah, I’m not sure how the racing teams will deal with discs, if the UCI approves them. It seems pretty scary to have what equates to a meat slicer back there when support teams are leaning out of their vehicles to service the bikes. Spokes are bad enough, but adding a spinning finger slicer down there doesn’t make mechanics too thrilled, I’m sure.
For us humans, road discs are pretty fantastic. I’ve spun about 10 miles on the RED22 HydroR discs and was impressed. Keep in mind that with discs, you can still only have so much power because you can overpower the tires in a hurry and start skidding.
Skidding on a mountain bike is acceptable, but on a road bike, it is definitely not. So, you’ll never see a brakeset as powerful as those on MTB’s for that reason.
That’s why bike companies are putting them on their endurance road bikes that don’t see as much racing use.
Yeah, the skidding issue worries me for road discs, particularly as one of the main benefits is supposedly better braking in the wet. Thanks for pointing out that they won’t be making the brakesets as powerful because of the skidding issue
Jason,
Great review. By any chance do you have an MSRP for the (3) frames. SL, HMX and HMF.
Also what is the difference between RL1.1 and RL 1.0 wheelset?
Erik
They have not released the frame-only prices that I’m aware of. I’ve looked through all my materials and I can’t find any mention of frame-only pricing — only completes. The completes are as follows though:
Addict SL: $12,649.99 (HMX-SL)
Addict Team Issue: $7,899.99 (HMX)
Addict 10: $3,699.99 (HMF)
Addict 20: $2,949.99 (HMF)
And, on the differences between the RL1.0 and RL1.1, I’m also out of the loop. I’ll dig deeper into the electronic versions of my press kits to see. Sorry about that.
The difference in the RL1.1 and the RL1.0 is in the hubs. One uses syncros (housebrand) internals and the other uses DT swiss internals
Thanks for the clarification. That makes sense and is typical for pricepoint wheelsets (house brand hubs vs. name-brand).
Thanks Jason,
I’m still undecided if I want to build up my own or get a complete. Is the Addict 10 the new style 11 speed Ultegra.
Erik
Yes. All are mechanical 11-spd except for the 20. The 10 does feature full Ultegra 11-spd.
This Addict 10 is looking like a great deal if it can come in under 15lbs in 54. I would take the extra money I saved a buy an aero wheel set in the 35-40mm height and have an amazing do it all bike.
Erik
Target weight on the Addict 10 (54cm) is 15.64 lbs. Very respectable for a price/weight ratio. It’s definitely the best value with a solid foundation upon which to build.
Many thanks for this review. Appears to be a cool bike but what was wrong with the Shimano DA. Why was it not as crisp as it should be? is there an issue with the frame or is this a DA problem?
Nothing was wrong with it per se. I thought that I would notice a big difference between it and Ultegra (which I didn’t). I ride an Ultegra-equipped bike as my daily driver and DuraAce felt much the same to me. You pay a lot for the reduced weight without noticeable performance benefits (I thought).
One last question. Did Scott give you frame prices?
Erik
Unfortunately, I don’t have that info. Just looked. Sorry.
Jason, thanks again for the great review.
Can you tell if the frame has an inner sleeve or cable duct? The Foil has one and I believe that this is important to avoid that the cable makes noise (some frames have problems with this making a very annoying noise).
I will go back through the materials I have to verify that for you. I agree with you on the rattling bare cables. The Tarmac I have suffers from that at times.
I looked again and no mention of the able routing system. That’s not something typically spelled out in marketing materials, however.
With everyone at Interbike I’ll have to wait until everyone is back in the office next week.
I took this SL ride with me to the Alps in Sept 13, it rode like it was made for it & loved those famous climbs. Only issue however was I managed to melt/delaminate the Syncros carbon rims on the front. Failed catastrophically & I was lucky to pull through unscathed. A replacement was arranged easily through the rep & shop owner who I happened to be riding with at the time. Then it happened again in Australia on another steep, 20% in places according to Strava, decline over the back of Thredbo. Rear wheel this time despite my very cautious use of the brakes. The road was strewn with tree debris so had to reduce speed considerably to what I would have liked. Waiting to hear from DT Swiss where the wheels have been sent. Will be swapping alloy rims for mountain rides in future which is disappointing since that’s what I thought the bike was designed for. Very happy otherwise.
Whoa! I’m sure glad you made it out unscathed, Jeff! However, it sounds like your wheels didn’t fare so well. That really surprises me tha the wheels would de-laminate twice, but it sounds like it has happened. Are you sure you’re using carbon-specific brake pads?
If you want to try some awesome and fast wheels, the Bontrager Race X Lite TLR’s are pretty spectacular:
http://www.feedthehabit.com/road-biking/bontrager-race-x-lite-tlr-wheelset-review/
But, I sure hope they take care of you with some replacement wheels. AND, I hope that this isn’t something of a problem with the new Syncros wheels. That would be bad news for everyone.
Thanks for your response, I’ve heard of one other incident in Aust snow mountains. Possibly others in the world wherever steep descents with sharp turns elicit heavy braking. Yes carbon pads fitted, all thoroughly checked today during warranty application. I fear DT Swiss may cite “improper use” as they did with other rider, however not having been furnished with any wheel use instructions, who knows what “improper use” is?? I’ll let you know response in coming weeks.
Can you elaborate the ride compared to the foil? I was thinking of making the switch from foil to addict. Would I be making a mistake? Ride on the foil seems rough, but I’m am a racer who put allot of time in on the saddle
Thanks for the question. As you may be aware, the Addict was built using the same geometry as the Foil, so it should feel immediately comfortable. I found it to be just that… like an old friend with predictable handling and a natural riding position. So, the transition should be seamless.
As you are aware, the Foil is built for efficiency and aerodynamic advantage. It was built for Mark Cavendish so it’s not very forgiving. On long rides, I’ve found it to be pretty harsh.
The Addict, on the other hand, is built to be fast and responsive, but with a fair amount of compliance to take the edge off. You’ll immediately notice a huge difference between the two in terms of ride quality. If that’s what you’re looking for, you will not be disappointed with the change. It still has aerodynamic tube shapes but again, it rides noticeably smoother than the Foil.
Hit me up with any additional questions as you weigh your options.
@Jeff Sapier. Any updates on the wheel issue, Jeff?
I`m considering buying this bike, but won`t be doing so if the wheel could collapse on a mountain descent!
Hi Davey, still not heard anything back from DT Swiss or Scott, and with no acknowledgement of warranty application it appears as if they’re trying to ignore the problem. I will follow up this week. Surely I can’t be the only one this has happened to. The bike is incredible however, I couldn’t be happier with it, just completed 3 Peaks ride in Australia alpine region, 235km with two 30km+ climbs. I felt more confident on my new Fulcrum Race Zero wheelset on the technical descents. I recommend you get the bike, but perhaps negotiate an alloy wheelset in addition. The Syncross wheels look great as they’re colour matched, however sadly you might need to swap for alloy if you go mountain climbing.
Thanks for the reply, Jeff.
It must be annoying for you that it looks like Scott/DT swiss are trying to dodge the issue.
One wheel failure could just be unlucky, but for two to fail in the same way – there is obviously a major problem.
Good luck with your claim and keep us informed.
Update: Distributor called me today, (the guy also rides an Addict!) the wheels have been sent to Asia for analysis. Appears I’m not the only one to have material failure with multiple instances of similar nature reported. All with the Syncros carbon wheels and only those that were issued with the Addict. As such it might be a batch issue and I remain hopeful of receiving replacements. I’ll let you know when I hear more.
Jason, bringing this write-up back from the dead. I’m currently starting to shop for a new bike and am strongly considering both the Foil and Addict. The HMX frames are out of range, price-wise. What are your thoughts on the HMF frames? Still stiff enough for fast rides and lots of climbing? I’m planning to test ride both Scotts, the Supersix Evo, and the TCR Advanced and will hopefully start narrowing down which way I want to go.
Hey Chip… no worries. I’m going to have a hard time doing a direct comparison between the HMF and HMX frames. I can say that I’ve spent a fair amount of miles on both layups on several different Scott’s and I can say that the HMF has never left me feeling disappointed.
Yeah, the HMX-SL of the Addict SL is flat-out fantastic, but it comes at a price. The HMX I rode on the Team Edition here was also responsive and smooth. The HMF I rode on the Foil for several years never left me feeling underwhelmed.
I will say that the Foil and Addict (though geo’s are identical) feel completely different on the road. I’m an Addict guy all the way. You get aero benefits, but in a much more climbing-friendly package.
Good luck… hit me up with what you decide.
My review of the Addict SL may not make the whole HMF/HMX debate easier, but you can read my thoughts on this bike:
http://www.feedthehabit.com/road-biking/scott-addict-sl-review/
Thanks Jason. I’m itching for my local shop to get some of the 15s in so I can get a feel for them. I’m betting that coming from my old CAAD9, the Addict, even with the HMF frame, will feel much better. Once I get some time to start riding the new bikes, I’ll let you know which way I go.
Hey Chip,
great choice. Consider to get an Addict 20 2014. Besides the badass stealth styling they are now in the 1800 € range at online stores, throw a 6800 Ultegra 11spd and Campa Zonda Wheels at it and you have an incredible responsive everyday-racer.
Did the same thing and sold the parts that came with the bike which leaves me with a rough 2 grand ( € ) price tag.
The bike is a weapon. Weight is 7.2 kgs including PD-6800 pedals and bottle cages and I ride it 3 75km high speed training units per week on rather level terrain.
Considered my weight of around 90 kgs it withstood every abuse this season with a grin and is the stiffest yet most comfortable horse I rode so far.
Definately a keeper.
Forgot to mention, that I rode CAAD7 Optimo before
Jason, one more quick comment. I ended up picking up the ’15 Addict 20. From the first half mile, the frame was exactly what I was looking for. Much stiffer than my old CAAD9 while also more comfortable. I’m stoked about the ride quality. Coming from Force, the 6800 Ultregra is a big switch. The rest of the Syncros stuff will probably not stay on the bike long, but none of that is a big deal. After a few rides, I’m really happy with the decision.
Awesome to hear! Enjoy the bike!
Kudos on being by far the best review on the Scott Addict I’ve found while researching this bike. It’s the comment section that kills it for me. I’ve a question that I wonder if you could help with. I’m thinking of getting a mechanical specific frame (either SL or Team) and putting Ultegra DI2 on it, are you able to shed some light if this is possible?
It was fun riding both the SL and Team Issue. I’m still very impressed with the Addict. As far as putting electronic on a mechanical-friendly frameset, I have some bad news. I checked with the folks at Scott and they say it is not drilled for electronic shifting. You have to choose one or the other.
Might be a bummer for you, but at least now you know. Good luck!
Hi Jason, thanks for the quick reply. Not quite what I wanted to hear but it’s good to hear it confirmed by Scott themselves.
Thanks for answering the basic question regarding di2. But I wonder…
Could a person route 3mm di2 wires into and through the existing holes on the frame for the internal cables? For the front mech, the di2 wire could come out the bottom screw hole meant for the cable guide or through a very slightly enlarged 3mm hole at the top of the BB for meant for the cable to the front mech. Done properly, there should be ample strength in the layup of the BB and done properly, splicing on the 5mm connector is fine. Presume the internal of the BlackBerry is open to all tubes and stays.
The holes for the rear mech wire exist and should be big enough.
It’s expected that Scott wouldn’t recommend this strategy but it’s a real limitation on their frames. I wonder where Scott sees a problem here. If one waived the warranty this should be OK to do.
Thoughts appreciated!!
Hi Jason,
Returning to the Syncros carbon wheel issue what was the outcome in the end?
I have these wheels and am interested in what was done!
Thanks
Andrew