Strengths: There is one simple strength in the S10, and that's the group set - with the superb and yet smooth Ultegra 6700 group set though out the bike (other than the brakes) this really does make the bike a nice smooth ride. The general handling and performance of the bike are ok, its a comfortable enough bike in terms of geo, I've done some 4 hour rides on this with out too much discomfort. Did I mention the group set really is lovely
Weaknesses: The bike is rather heavy - as an example its heavier than a friends 2005 alloy avanti by far.
The wheels are terrible I weigh 100kg, I broke 1 spoke inside a few weeks, then after about 2 months a bomb went off on the back wheel at 40km/h on a flat no bumps and 3 further spokes went all on the same side - Scott refused to assist obviously. I've since had the wheels rebuilt with DT Swiss spokes.
56 frame used and the stem feels a bit too long, its a 120mm stem, I'll be going down to 100mm so I can sit more comfortable in the hoods. Seat is meh but overall the bike is helped by the running gear.
Bottom Line:
This isn't really a 2007, its a 2010, the stupid system wouldn't let me submit a year > 2007. I actually read the reviews here before I purchased this bike, along with other reviews that I could find on the net, and really wanted to leave my thoughts on the scott entry level bikes to benefit other people who are thinking about the scott Speedster S10 (or others)
Similar Products Used: Coming from a hybrid I considered going to a cannondale or specialised but didnt want to pay for the cheap products and great frame - so paid a smaller amount considerably. If you're unsure you'll stick with cycling its probably a good buy money wise. However I'll be looking at migrating to something else if I'm still doing this in 9-12 months
Bike Setup: About to replace these terrible wheels
Strengths: Spec for the money; light weight (under 20 lb for a Large); combination of aggressiveness and comfort
Weaknesses: Heavy-ish wheelset, incomplete Ultegra gruppo
Bottom Line:
This is a 2008 model, with the hydroformed aluminum frame. Like the previous model of Speedster, it has a carbon fork; unlike the previous model it has aluminum seatstays. After a summer of riding it, I can say that it's a lovely road bike, an astonishing value for money. (That's $1500 Canadian, too.)
The spec isn't full Ultegra; the crank and brakes are generic Shimano (the brakes might be 105 spec, but unlabeled?). But the shifters and both derailleurs are Ultegra. The frame is a testament to what you can do with aluminum these days: it's lightweight, torsionally stiff, and vertically compliant. Flick the middle of the oversized downtube with a fingernail and it sounds like a beer can. Yet the butting, welds and tube shapes (very cool toptube shape) make for a solid platform with efficient power transfer. In my experience, at least, this makes for an eager, quick bike that still feels comfortable through a century ride. For overall rating, I'd give it a 3.5/5, if I could. (Where a 5 is a bike that might over $10,000.)
Strengths: This bike is very light compared to alot of the competition in the range of price. The large weaves of carbon in the fork and seatstays do an amazing job to quarantine the road noise and look beautiful as well. The finish and presentation is overall very impressive and of good quality. The frame is what I feel to be a perfect blend of compliance and lateral stiffness for an aluminum frame. You still get the performance and snap of aluminum but avoid as much vibration as you need to. I assure all of you that aluminum is still a fantastic material and even 100 miles into the ride you'll be as comfy as you need to be. Carbon bikes feel dead to me, like they have no soul... i suppose the compliance of them is superior but you would have to ride a hundered miles on a brick road to even need it. Carbon fiber is however fantastic when used on a seatpost, stem and bars to isolate the rider from any excess fatigue.
Weaknesses: Although I wouldnt call them weaknesses considering the price I will still mention some of the points of constructive criticism. The wheel set is a little heavy for the bike but at $2000 for this caliber of cycle with a full ultegra kit they are a very fair choice by Scott. The other thing to note on the wheels is that with the bike already weighing in at a scant 18 pounds adding a better wheelset with lighter tires will put you at the weight of bikes that are double the price. Aside from the wheels I am personally not getting along with the saddle but as we all know that is different for every person. The saddle is a great looking piece and extremely well made so I cant fault it because of my personal discomfort. If you can call it a weakness I will say that the bartape is a little bit cheap for a bike of this price but most riders usually have a prefered type that they immediately switch to anyways. Also I will note that I am using the Fizik gel pieces that go on the bars and under the wrap. These or the Specialized BG versions are a must for most riders. How else can $20 translate to this much comfort for every miles that you'll ride?
Bottom Line:
First off I got an amazing deal since it was 2 years old but still new and in my size. Ive only had the bike a short while but i will write another review after a couple hundered miles. I find it best to include first impressions as well as a later and more educated review. For reference this is my second road bike and I was coming off of a Lemond Versailles (steel/carbon) which was way too big for me but the trek store in downers grove illinois decided it was right to lie about the sizing so they could move a closeout. To be fair they werent a trek store at that time and were known as American Bicycle and Fitness. I ride for pleasure but like to ride fast and challenge myself. To reference my view for this bike I ride with the mind of a racer but dont actually compete. Also I will review based on the actual $2000 price of this bike, not the deal that I got.
Similar Products Used: Like I stated I previously used the Lemond Versailles from 2006. It was a very nice bicycle and great for a first road bike due to its comfort. I think of it like a sport sedan (caddy CTS), very comfortable for the long haul and get up and goes when it needs to. A lack of comfort can be very discouraging when first starting in this sport so having that comfort was awesome in the begining. After the first year though I was left wanting a snappier and more precise handling machine whicch the Scott has done wonderfully. I was considering a Bianchi Via Nirone, Specialized Allez, or Cannondale Caad while making this purchase. The Bianchi is gorgeous in Celeste and a great bike but I felt that it lacked in the components for the price and felt that the others had a more competitive spirit. The specialized was great but a little bit harsh on the ride yet no faster than the Scott or C'dale. The Cannondale CAAD frames are amazing pieces of equipment and very fast both in acceleration and handling. I felt however that they didnt offer the long ride comfort that I was looking for in a bicycle. If I was racing in criteriums I would probably own one, but just for race day.
Bike Setup: I am using Look Keo pedals with Lake shoes, Fizik bar gel and bar tape, Sigma computer with wireless cadence and speed. The seat is stock for now but a Topeak Allay Race Ti is on its way through the mail as we speak. The changes I am planning on making are Mavic Ksyriums with Michelin Pro2's within another 3 months and a Ritchey WCS carbon stema dn bars by the very end of this season. At that point I really wont be able to ask any more of this bike. The frame is very deserving of World Class components and the Ultegra group is more than enough to last you many years without wanting more. I mean seriously.... I know that some highend FSA cranks are awesome but are they really that much better when you arent a pro racer? For the price of most high end cranksets you can buy a pretty sweet cyclocross bike or one hell of a cycling wardrobe. : )
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Very long story is my virtually unridden '07 S10 fame has a crack..
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