Scott Sports is pushing the concept of aero bikes, betting heavily on aero being the new light.
They introduced the pro-level carbon fiber FO1L road bike a while back, but in order to promote the concept to everyone, Scott’s US Marketing Manager Adrian Montgomery admitted they needed something at lower price points.
The new Speedster Aero is takes the shaping and research from the FO1L and brings “aero for everyone” with an alloy frame. They also have a new aero helmet, along with a standard lid, all pictured and weighed…
The downtube has a very similar 3:2 ratio FO1 shape as the FO1L. That shape is a somewhat pointed tear drop shape that’s a heavily truncated Kammtail, essentially without a tail (tube profile diagrams on the FO1L article, linked above).
“The problem with making a square edge at the rear of the tube is that it transfers vibration more readily to the rider,” said Montgomery. “So the rounder tube profile damps road buzz better.”
Head tube gets a slight “bull nose” shape to control the air separation a bit. The seat tube stays round to accommodate standard seatposts, but the seatstays get a FO1 shape, too.
The complete bike came in at 19lb 9oz with Ultegra, 105 brakes, DT Swiss wheels and a Syncros cockpit. Yep, that’s right, since Scott’s acquisition of Syncros earlier this year, they’ve developed road bike components. More on that later. Price point level of $1,200 to $2,500 across a few models.
New Split TT aero helmet comes with a removable optics shield and retails for $230. Claimed weight is 325g, presumably without the visor as this one weighed in at 382g. White or black. Uses a longer FO1 shape with exhaust port that creates a Venturi effect to pull air in from the front and out the back.
Sold in Europe for a couple years, the new VANISH EVO model gets CPSC approval and comes in at a claimed 230g.
Has a micro adjust ratchet system with silicone pads. Body is made up of “Conehead” (cone shaped) dual density EPS foam to spread impact load (kind of like this one). Two position retention height. Four colors. $160.
Expecting more? Scott’s big news for the year was the launch of the completely redesigned Genius 27.5 and 29er mountain bikes, which are presented here and ridden here. Look for bigger news on the road front in the future.
