First with road, then with gravel, the Scott Addict has long been a cornerstone bike of the well-known brand. For nearly two decades, the Addict, shortly followed by the Addict RC, was a go-to bike for the highest levels of racing.
However, not everyone interested in riding and owning a Scott Addict is pushing those race boundaries. Many still want high levels of performance without the discomfort that can come with a dedicated race bike. Scott designed the new Addict precisely with that in mind, including claims of 50% more comfort than the previous generation.
Scott’s new iteration of Addict comes with a new philosophy. While still prioritizing performance, this new philosophy celebrates the cycling community, emphasizing comfort and adventure.
What’s New with the Scott Addict?
Added Comfort
The new Scott Addict is designed with all-day comfort in mind. The bike achieves 50% more compliance than its predecessor, and 25% over its RC sibling. Scott did this by rethinking and reshaping tubing profiles, specifically at the seat tube and top tube.
- A slimmer seat tube created more flex, allowing for increased vertical compliance.
- A slimmer top tube also adds vertical compliance.
- Reconfigured seat stays enable outward flex to enhance overall smoothness.
Scott Addict Carbon Layup
Thinning out tubes and reconfiguring the overall design were made possible because of Scott’s carbon layup process. Scott offers the Addict with two carbon layup options — HMF and HMX.
The HMF layup method strikes a balance between stiffness and comfort while remaining lightweight. Scott’s HMX layup takes it one step further by using higher-modulus carbon, using less material while maintaining the same levels of frame performance.
Scott’s HMF carbon frame gets a 70g weight reduction from its predecessor. The lighter HMX carbon sees a 50g weight reduction compared to the Addict RC SL.
More Tire Clearance
Tire clearance has bumped up from 34mm on the RC to 38mm on the new Scott Addict. Wider tires allow for lower pressures, increasing vibration damping and grip. While not being as aerodynamic, Scott also points out that wider tires provide less rolling resistance. Their shorter profile creates less deformation, allowing for less friction and resistance.
New Geometry for a New Scott Addict
While Scott didn’t make drastic changes to the Addicts’ geometry, they feel the changes they did make increase comfort and handling. The bike is slightly shorter and taller overall, positioning riders in a more upright and comfortable posture for long days in the saddle.
- 5mm higher stack
- 5mm shorter reach
To compare the new Scott Addict to the Addict RC, the stack height on this latest generation would be like placing 35mm of spacers on the RC.
Geo changes are also seen at the bottom bracket and chainstays, providing more stability and playfulness.
- 2–4mm lower bottom bracket (depending on size)
- 2mm shorter chainstays
Easy Integration and Compatibility
Scott makes bringing a flat tire kit and tools easier by adding internal frame storage in the downtube. Accessed near the bottom bracket, tire levers, tubes, pumps, tools, or CO2 — whatever is in your kit — can now be stored in the bike. Yes, it adds minimal weight to the frame, but that weight is centered lower, increasing the Addict’s handling.
Similar to the Addict RC, the new Scott Addict features an easier setup. No more fiddling with different bolt sizes when setting up or adjusting the Addict, as nearly all of the bolts are T25. Furthermore, a T25 tool is integrated into the handlebars, allowing easy adjustments of the stem, bars, seat post, saddle, and mounting points.
Long rides on the Addict may have you reaching for a snack, or changing weather could have you removing a jacket. The new Scott Addict features frame bag mounting points located on the underside of the top tube. Keep a frame bag on when you need it and easily remove it when you don’t.
The new Scott Addict also features a wide range of compatibility with Scott’s Syncros components. Many of the bike’s components are interchangeable with the Addict RC, allowing easy fine-tuning of touchpoints and riding position to meet exact preferences.
Six New Scott Addict Models
The new Scott Addict will feature six new models. Four models use the HMF carbon frame — the Addict 20, 30, 40, and 50. The Scott Addict Premium and the Addict 10 feature the lighter HMX carbon frame.
Each of the six models is offered in seven sizes, from XXS to XXL. HMF models have three frame color options while HMX has one.
For builds, colorways, and pricing information, check out the new Addict at Scott’s website.
