First Ride: Scott Addict RC 2025
26.11.24 17:32 6382024-11-26T17:32:00+01:00Text: Lukas Salzer (translated by AI)Photos: Scott/Brazo de Hierro, Lukas SalzerBack to the roots: The latest generation of Scott's noble racer is reminiscent of its ancestor in terms of weight. Beyond that, the lightweight rocket also masters aero, comfort, and integration. A racing bike you can blindly trust in all situations, says BB editor Lukas. And he should know, because he has already ridden it.26.11.24 17:32 1.2162024-11-26T17:32:00+01:00First Ride: Scott Addict RC 2025
26.11.24 17:32 1.2162024-11-26T17:32:00+01:00 Lukas Salzer (translated by AI) Scott/Brazo de Hierro, Lukas SalzerBack to the roots: The latest generation of Scott's noble racer is reminiscent of its ancestor in terms of weight. Beyond that, the lightweight rocket also masters aero, comfort, and integration. A racing bike you can blindly trust in all situations, says BB editor Lukas. And he should know, because he has already ridden it.26.11.24 17:32 1.2162024-11-26T17:32:00+01:00
Wake-up call just before 4:00 AM, brushing teeth half-asleep, and off to the airport. Five hours later, arrival in Barcelona and into the shuttle to Girona. Meet and greet, a quick lunch, and then onto the latest creation from Givisiez.
I will never get used to these abrupt changes of location, but what wouldn't you do to be able to test a new bike - and keep the interested readership entertained!
But complaining would be completely out of place here, as it is always a privilege to travel to a press launch for Bikeboard.
This time it was the company Scott that had invited us. And a new Addict RC, that was to be presented. That's as far as we were informed – but not much more, as details about the next generation of the racer, last overhauled in 2020, had not leaked in advance.
Accordingly, there was much speculation among the journalists just before the presentation: What would the new Addict look like? Most suspected a do-it-all aero/lightweight bike similar to the recently introduced Trek Madone, as Aero and more Aero had been THE motto in the road bike segment in recent years, while lightweight construction had been somewhat neglected. More and more major manufacturers had recently hung up their light, less aerodynamic bikes and traded grams for watts.
Effortlessly ahead
Scott Addict RC 2025
Surprise, surprise!
However, this assumption proved to be far off the mark when it comes to the new Addict RC! The surprise was great, even pleasantly so, to be confronted with the 2025 incarnation of the lightweight icon as a fairly classically cut racing bike with the appeal of a timeless beauty.
Scott is thus sticking to the separation between aero and mountain bikes for the upcoming model year and has presented a light, no, a really light Addict RC for the mountain goats among us cyclists.
650 or even only 599 g frame weight (HMX/HMX-SL), total weight starting from 5.9 kg – with the new Addict, the Swiss once again live up to their reputation of being able to build really light bikes.650 or even only 599 g frame weight (HMX/HMX-SL), total weight starting from 5.9 kg – with the new Addict, the Swiss once again live up to their reputation of being able to build really light bikes.
The development team around Max Könen, Patrick Lüthi, and Christian Holweck was more than just committed to setting a new benchmark in lightweight construction. Their goal: the 5.9 kg total weight that the original Addict Limited weighed in 2008 during the V-brake era. "Can we achieve that again?" they asked themselves a dozen years and a technological and paradigmatic shift in braking technology later.
Charlotte Pythoud additionally had the challenging task of creating a suitable color design for the new product range, which should reflect, among other things, the lightness of the Addict RC - because even the mere appearance of heaviness would be frowned upon for such a lightweight racing bike; not to mention the actual weight of the color scheme.
Together, this young, cycling-enthusiastic quartet worked on the new Addict RC for a full four years - and was accordingly motivated at the launch to personally present us with the fruits of their labor.
A Word on: Lightweight Construction
The crown of the "lightest production frame currently available" has often been worn by Scott in the past - just think of the legendary Scott Scale from the late 2000s, or the Addict from the same era. That this is once again the case is thanks to the Swiss using new materials, significantly improved manufacturing techniques, and not least, major advances in computer simulation.
And of course Max, who always kept a close watch over the proceedings in the development and design department with his digital scale. When he showed up, the fun quickly ended, and there was a big incentive after the first HMX prototypes to push the frame weight of the further slimmed-down HMX-SL below the 600-gram mark for a medium frame.
To break through this sound barrier, which seemed unreachable for a production bike with disc brakes for a long time, it required carbon raw material that was up to five times more expensive in some areas. This is also significantly more complex to process and is laid out only by the most experienced hands with the greatest skill.
Charlotte added just a little more than 40 grams for design and paint.
You can see: The effort for the last few grams is significant, especially since the weight difference between the HMX-SL and HMX chassis is just 50 grams.
The pros, by the way, are mostly equipped with HMX frames. The SL set is reserved for those who can afford it or want it - and sooner or later probably a certain Gustav Gullholm aka Dangerholm...
Basically, thanks to new manufacturing techniques, the frame parts now come out of the molds much smoother, with more uniform transitions in the frame, less resin gets stuck, and overall, the weight is reduced everywhere.
Specifically, at the fork, further grams were saved through a new process and the differently designed brake mount.
Remarkably, and valid for both frames: In some places, the one-piece main frame is only 0.6 mm "thick" due to the optimized fiber course.
In summary, the MY25 frame set is a hefty 300 g lighter than its predecessor, but as before, it is approved for a maximum system weight of 120 kg - including the top version Addict RC Ultimate, which weighs only 5.9 kg in total.
Compared to its predecessor, this version has shed a whole 800 grams and thus weighs exactly the same as the original Addict Ultimate once did - goal achieved!
The only - acceptable - downside: The new Addict RC is only compatible with electronic shifting systems.
But it should also be comfortable!
Low weight is certainly not everything. Much attention has also been paid to significantly enhancing comfort.
Among other things, the saddle stays have been made even thinner and slightly curved, providing more flexibility and comfort. This was made possible by the newly designed saddle clamp, which allows for thinner tubes and a better alignment of carbon fibers.
These are just two of many details that allow Scott to claim up to 36% more comfort compared to its predecessor.
Moreover, the Syncros SP-R101-CF seat post, installed up to the RC10, adds even more. It offers 30% more flexibility compared to the SL post and also allows for the seamless mounting of the redesigned rear light.
The cherry on top in terms of comfort is the impressive tire clearance of 34 mm. This almost turns the Addict RC into an ascetic randonneur.
And otherwise?
Of course, in addition to more comfort and less weight, attention was also paid to better aero performance. According to Scott, the loss compared to the Scott Foil is limited to only 9 watts at 45 km/h, while the climbing specialist is said to have 12 watts less air resistance compared to its predecessor.
The word integration is traditionally capitalized at Scott and meticulously implemented. One can only guess how many hours of work are behind the small but fine details, which also include the newly developed and self-centering thru axles.
One of the requirements from the professional sector was to keep the contact points between the Foil, the predecessor Addict, and the newcomer almost the same, meaning: to sit the same on all bikes despite different geometries and thus be able to switch between them without much adaptation.
An advantage from which probably only the fewest end consumers will actually benefit; still worth mentioning for any potential upgrades!
The fact that the geometry needed adjustment at all was due to the wish expressed by both professionals and customers for more tire clearance. To keep the handling lively yet stable enough, among other things, the chainstays were shortened to a minimum of 410 mm and the fork offset was changed to 44 mm.
A positive side effect: despite the mounted 30 mm wide tires, there is hardly any toe overlap.
Geometry
Fine Front
Speaking of contact points - regarding the cockpit, there will be three versions: a pure aluminum set on the RC30, aluminum-carbon on the RC20, and then the Syncros IC-R100-SL combo starting from the RC10.
By the way, a lot of weight has also been saved at the front; interested parties should study the comparative weight table for details.
The new design of the drop bars convinces in every position. And this fact is, of course, not due to chance: Many prototypes went through Christian's hands until the optimal shape for both large and small hands was found.
The handlebar remains straight up to the grip clamp, has a 6-degree flare in the drops, and becomes straight again at the grip ends. I was told that the latter reduces the risk of clashing in the peloton - sounds plausible.
The wider transition from the top of the handlebar to the brake levers also flatters the hands, and the aero shape of the top handlebar offers less wind resistance.
Positive and noteworthy: The shape of the regular carbon handlebar corresponds to that of the handlebar-stem unit. This results in top ergonomics in both cases, whether at the brake levers or in the drops.
Following the trend towards narrower handlebars, a 40 cm wide handlebar is standardly installed for size Large. In the drops, this grows to 43 cm in width, offering the best compromise between an aerodynamic posture and comfort.
300 g lighter, 12 W faster, 36% more comfortable, 34 mm tire clearance
The Scott Addict RC 2025 compared to its predecessor
The new computer mount should not go unmentioned. For Garmin and others, another masterpiece has been created in the Addict LineUp - this time from a 3D printer. It is super light at 12.6 g (short) or 16 g (long), stable, and the Raw Finish looks very extravagant.
A very practical feature is the mini tool integrated into the handlebar end. At first glance, it appears very minimalistic, but more than a T25 Torx and a 6 mm Allen key for the thru-axle is generally not needed on the fourth-generation Addict, as all the screws on the frame set are T25 Torx.
Models and Prices
The Addict RC will be available in five versions priced from 4,999 to 12,999 euros. The top model is based on the HMX-SL frame, while all others are built around the 50 g heavier HMX chassis.
Line-up 2025
| Addict RC Ultimate | Sram Red AXS | 5.9 kg | € 12,999,- |
| Addict RC Pro | Shimano Dura Ace Di2 | 6.5 kg | € 8,699,- |
| Addict RC 10 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | 7.1 kg | € 6,699,- |
| Addict RC 20 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | 7.4 kg | € 5,999,- |
| Addict RC 30 | Shimano 105 Di2 | 7.7 kg | € 4,999,- |
Color-wise, you are spoiled for choice: colorful or classic black - each has its charm.
A custom painting program is not planned at Scott - not even in the near future. However, there are considerations to send unpainted frame sets to certified painters for future customization requests. In this case, the warranty could also be maintained.
Impressions from the first test ride
We were fortunate to be able to test the two top models, the RC Ultimate and RC Pro.
Even during the parking lot round, the new Scott made a convincing impression and was immediately ordered for a long-term test: lively, but not nervous; a very pleasant cockpit and definitely no lack of stiffness when accelerating.
To reach the beautiful climbs around Girona, a ride through the city is unfortunately unavoidable. We all know the street surface potpourri in cities: rough asphalt, potholes, speed bumps, cobblestones. The Scott remained unimpressed by this and offered plenty of comfort, especially on the RC Pro, providing safety on poor surfaces.
On the Ultimate, the overall package was noticeably stiffer and more direct, but still offered enough comfort for my aging body. The wheels and the new Schwalbe Aerothan tires (details below) felt like they made the biggest difference in ride behavior between the RC Pro and Ultimate.
In return, you were rewarded with massive propulsion as soon as you got out of the saddle. Last but not least, the Ultimate is another 600 grams lighter than the RC Pro.
Tremendous propulsion, stiff in the start, pure confidence and riding fun
Tester Lukas notes ...Uphill, both made a very good impression; the bike accelerated immediately, was stiff when starting, and there was no impression that any watt was lost anywhere.
Gusts of wind and crosswinds hardly affected the Addict RC, and the front remained consistently well controllable. This was particularly noticeable on fast descents: The bike conveyed pure confidence and riding pleasure here.
The line could be chosen precisely, and it behaved both agile and stable at the same time. There was no sign of nervousness during quick changes of direction. This speaks on one hand for the well-balanced geometry, and on the other hand for more than sufficient frame stiffness.
Even hard braking maneuvers were executed cleanly, thanks to the good ergonomics of the handlebars, the brake levers were always optimally within reach, and the flare allowed for a stable descent position.
All in all, the new Addict RC offered a very successful and balanced overall concept.
Some may prefer a bike with more character, aggressiveness, or even more agility. But who wouldn't want a road bike that you can blindly trust in all situations?
The 2025 edition of Scott's lightweight racer conveys exactly this feeling ...
Add-on: Schwalbe Aerothan Tires
The Scott Addict RC Ultimate is equipped with a special treat, namely Schwalbe's brand new Aerothan tires. They are still a well-kept secret, but we were already able to learn some details during the presentation.
Due to a new construction, the tires are hardly thicker on the tread than on the sidewall and still promise good puncture protection and durability. In any case, there was not a single tire defect with them at the press camp - so far, so good.
The new rubbers will not be tubeless, however, they are designed for Schwalbe's Aerothan tubes, as the name suggests. However, they are indeed hookless compatible.
Compared to a Pro One from the same company, the Aerothan tires offer a weight saving of about 30%. This makes even a 29 mm wide tire hardly heavier than a 25 mm wide version.
The rolling resistance is said to be very low thanks to the no less than revolutionary construction. On the Addict, this was very noticeable; the tires offered a very direct riding feel and good feedback from the ground.
In terms of comfort, the new ones may lag slightly behind the Pro One, but it was difficult to draw a direct conclusion due to the different wheelsets of the two test models.
According to Schwalbe, the Aerothans are in no way inferior to the Pro One in terms of durability. Although, holding the prototypes in hand, this seemed very doubtful, as they are extremely thin on the tread compared to normal tires.
There was no clear answer to the question of pricing, but you probably have to expect prices well over 100 euros per tire - but you also get a product "made in USA".
Further information about the new rubbers is expected in the first quarter of 2025. Until then, we can only hope that this technology will soon migrate to gravel tires...
