Thanks to updated UCI regulations in 2021, bikes are now able to have deeper aero profiles and new shapes. And the 2023 Scott Foil RC takes full advantage of that to improve aerodynamics a lot, while claiming to get both lighter and more comfortable, too.
And it puts all three things – aero, lightweight, comfort – into a package that looks like a stealth fighter jet, even if you opt for one of the various paint schemes over the matte black Ultimate edition.
Scott Foil RC aero road bike
Specifically, Scott says the new Foil RC is:
- 20% faster
- 9% lighter
- 10% more comfortable
…compared to the prior version, which launched way back in 2015, added disc brakes in 2018, and updated to internal cable routing in 2020. Which is to say, they milked everything they could from that frame design.
The 2023 Scott Foil gets sharper lines, deeper tube profiles, and a severely tucked rear wheel to minimize drag. Bike, components, and rider were viewed as a system, so the design takes all of the parts into consideration to deliver “real life aero gains.” And, it’s optimized for the solo rider, breaking away on their own for a stage (or county line) win.
The bike uses their F01 airfoil shaping and minimized junction interruptions to deliver a claimed 1m18s savings over 40km at 40km/h (25mph).
An oversized headtube acts as a fairing to break the air smoothly around the frame and hides all cables, wires, and hoses inside.
Underneath, the fork gets deeper leg cross sections and a higher crown, further reducing drag.
Out back, dropped seatstays are angled 10º inward, which (counterintuitively) aims the air at the moving spokes, which they say actually reduces drag significantly. It also provides a tidy nook for the rear brake caliper, which also provided small gains but also looks better.
Another unique feature is a mixed tire size. The bikes come built with 25mm tires in the front, and 28mm tires in the rear, and that’s because they found that more space between the fork, frame, and tires/wheels improved aerodynamics. The bike will fit up to 700x30mm tires if you want to go bigger.
New frame designs mean new layups, and Scott minimized the number of carbon pieces and optimized the layup to reduce overall material usage despite the larger cross sections. They say there are 30% fewer joints than on the prior model, which typically means much less overlap and extra material.
The bikes are built with sister brand Syncros parts, which are known for being very light. The Creston SL Aero handlebar/stem combo not only saves weight, it hides everything inside it, feeding directly into the oversize head tube. And it has a broad top surface to rest your hands that keeps its platform well into the corners, with engineered compliance to reduce vibrations and small bumps.
One of the coolest features is the new Duncan SL Aero CFT seatpost. The front is a thin carbon beam, effectively a leaf spring that adds compliance. The recess holds a rechargeable tail light, adding safety.
The post and light will be available aftermarket also, however all four stock bikes come equipped with it only, they say with varying laws around the world regarding tail lights’ output and blinking patterns (or not), it was best to offer it as an option. Presumably a cover plate will take its place on the showroom floor.
2023 Scott Foil RC models & geometry
The Scott Foil RC Ultimate is the top of the line, with SRAM RED eTap AXS 2×12, Zipp 454 NSW wheels with Schwalbe Pro ONE Microskin tires. Pricing is TBA.
The Foil RC Pro gets Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, with the R9270-C50 wheels, wrapped in Vittoria CORSA Cotton Tubeless tires. Here, you get a 700×26 front tire with 700×28 in the rear.
The Foil RC 10 gets Ultegra R8100, with Syncros Capital 1.0 50 Disc wheels and Schwalbe ONE Race-Guard tires.
The Foil RC 20 uses SRAM Rival AXS, and the same wheels and tires as the RC 10. Below this is a Foil RC 30 that’s coming later this year with a maroon colorway.
All models are available in seven sizes – 47/49/52/54/56/58/61. The bikes are not available for order online, so check with your local Scott Sports dealer to get one.
