Scott Addict R4

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Oro Valley Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Out Oracle Road to San Manuel

Bike Setup:
Scott Addict R4 with compact crank and stock Mavic Equipe wheels. The stock tires and saddle are history.

Summary:
Great Scott! This is a 2009 Addict R4 left over that couldn't be passed up.

As an older road racer with several tubular-tired, full Campy classics, this is my first full carbon bike and my first road bike with modern shifters. My mountain bikes are state of the art and were my "road" bike of choice until this one, largely because of their index shifting and great gearing.

Last year, I bought my wife a Lemond Zurich and have been amazed at how well her Ultegra group works and how fast she can move on it. Hey, I'm originally a Campy snob. ;-)

This year it was my turn for a new bike and Paul at Oro Valley Bicycles hooked me up with an unbeatable deal on this 2009 left over. Don't let any of my Campy Super Record classic bikes know, but this is without a doubt the nicest bike I have ever riden.

The SRAM Rival group works perfectly. It's louder than Ultegra but just as reliable in operation. The stock saddle was NOT comfortable, but that's to be expected.

This bike begs to be ridden. So much so, that in celebration of Labor Day, I road more than 70 miles in five hours and loved almost every minute. Note: Climbing long 7% grades is not "fun" on any bike. But, the compact crank and 11-28 cassette make it a much like fun as possible, both up and down.

The ride feel is great. I did replace the stock Hutchinson's with Vittoria Open CX's to get as close to a tubular tire ride as possible, but anyone who feels that stiff bikes have to be harsh should try an Addict.

Strengths:
Great all round bike in handling, responsiveness, and comfort.

After about 300 miles in a little more than a week on this new bike, I hopped on one of my favorite, full Campy Super Record Classic bikes custom built in the 70's and equipped with high quality tubular tires. Other than missing the cushy handlebar tape, it did not feel much different from the Scott until I starting needing to shift in traffic. Unindexed downtube shifters don't make it after the incredibly reliable SRAM Rival group.

I'm a somewhat spoiled by great equipment in the past, but a little awed by how responsive and comfortable this Scott is.

Weaknesses:
The stock saddle is very pretty, but not much else. No surprise.

Similar Products Used:
Older, custom built road and track bikes mixed with an a few top line commercial offerings from Pogliaghi, Masi, and several excellent US bike builders mostly from the 80's and 90's when I had time to compete in USCF races.

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Pacific Bike in SF

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Nicasio to Marshall to Pt Reyes Station

Bike Setup:
Ultegra SL, FSA K Force Light crankset, Dura Ace WH7850-C24 CL carbon clinchers, Mavic Ksyrium Elites

Summary:
This is for a 2008 model which I like the kit better vs the 2009. Having switched from an older Ti Litespeed, I've noticed a big improvement in frame stiffness, with less weight overall. I didn't think it would have a significant effect on my speed but on high effort sprints and climbs, this bike is noticeably faster. In fact the harder you press on the gas, the more it shines. In terms of stability, the front end steers fairly quick but it tracks straight and no wobbles on descents.

And the ride quality? Small high frequency chatter is nicely muted, comparable to my Litespeed. Large bumps/potholes do feel sharper but I wouldn't consider it harsh. The longest ride I've done so far is 5 hours and comfort was never an issue. I just switched out the Ksyrium Elites for Dura Ace carbon clinchers and the ride is much improved.

During my search, I test rode a Trek Madone, Specialized Roubaix, Orbea Orca, and Cervelo RS. All the bikes are outstanding, but I loved the feel of Addict, fast and lively. The Cervelo would be my 2nd choice but I didn't like the upright geometry and a R3 would set me back over $1000 more.

Strengths:
Stiff and light but with good comfort. Also not quite as omnipresent as Specialized, Trek and Cervelo.

Weaknesses:
Cables are already running off the paint. Never a worry with brushed titanium.

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Arenberg, Cannondale 2.8 series

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Big Bang Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Bring on the Hills!!

Bike Setup:
2008 model, Ultegra Sl, Mavic Ksyrium Elite, Ritchey bar and Stem.

Summary:
This review is for the 2008 R4 model.
Just bought this bike a few weeks ago after a long search. I chose the Scott because I felt that it fit me the best. I also, chose it after testing other brands and seeing how they skimp on some components.
This is my 1st new bike in 6 years and my 1st carbon. All I can say is wow!!! This bike wants to be ridden and ridden hard. This time of year is usually my time to rest and I am riding everyday.
Yes it's stiff, but not uncomfortable. I could ride this bike all day long.

Strengths:
This bikes eats up the hills. It feels like every drop of energy is transfered into making this bike go forward and up. There is no need for a compact on this machine. Even the 25-12 may be too much.

Weaknesses:
I had to find something. The buzzing from the shift cables crossing in front of the stem is annoying. A little foam tape solved that. I wish Shimano could figure out how to route the cables internally.

Similar Products Used:
Raliegh, Trek

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace except ultegra compact crank, Dura Ace tubeless wheels

Summary:
actually a Scott Adicct SL with full Dura-Ace. I was very worry about the weight limit of such a light bike since I weigh 200lb. The SL is a smooth ride but you can feel the stiffness of the frame. I broke the rear derailiur hanger just last weekend and replaced it at LBS. The bike climbs very well since I changed the crank to a Ultegra compact. The bike felt a little heavier with the Ultegra compact; the stock Dura Ace crank made the bike feel like it was tethered to a bunch of helium balloons. Not exactly comfy on the 25th mile but I have no trouble going uphill (remember, I weigh 200lb). I am going to take it on a 100 mile ride next month and I look forward to every inch of that ride with my SL. I also just ordered a R2. The R2 is supposed to be even lighter. The R2 will be here in 4 days. Can't wait!

Strengths:
stiff, light, great climber, decent is solid but my Look 555 was better (is there such a thing as too light?). Soaking up bumps pretty well.

Weaknesses:
when hammering out of the saddle on uphills, the lightness takes some getting use to, better really concentrate. don't know if it will be comfy on long rides (I guess i will find out soon on the 100 mile ride).

Similar Products Used:
Lamond Versaille, Look 555,

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Joshua Tree, CA

Bike Setup:
Sram Red
FSA K Force Cranks
American Classic 420

Summary:
I have logged 160 miles in 5 days. Never before have ever wanted to or ridden so much in 1 week. This bike screams for more. More climbing, more miles, more days to ride. I initially thought that it would be too stiff since all of the reviews. Not So. Yes it is stiff, but not jarring, nor is it uncomfortable. I just came off a Look 585 that was very similar in feel. Which is a good thing IMHO. This however is lighter, gets more looks because of the white, compliments galore. I upgraded to Full SRAM Red Components, Sram K Force Compact Crankset, American Classic 420 wheels, and topped it off with Look Keo Carbon pedals. This is truly the finest bikes I have tested yet.

Strengths:
Light
Stiff
Beautiful
VERY Stable on Descents-49 mph so far
Compliant in the BB

Weaknesses:
Integrated BB is a bit limiting with Crankset Choices
Stock Ultegra and Kysirum Elites are a bit heavy for this caliber of Frame and Fork

Similar Products Used:
Felt F4
Look 585 Origin
Time VXRS Ulteam