Scott Addict RC first ride review: what's it really like to ride a 5.9kg hyperbike?

The new Scott Addict RC marks a long-awaited update to the brands iconic climbing bike. At 5.9kg for a full build, the new machine is one the lightest production bikes in the world - a title Scott used for the first ever Scott Addict when it released back in 2007.

But what does a 5.9kg bike really feel like to ride - is there such thing as too light, and can a bike like this really be practical for us mere mortals? After putting some miles in on the new climbing machine, I feel well-placed to shed some light on this new hyperbike.

New Scott Addict RC

Now, I should start by saying if you wish to pour over the full details on Scott's new Addict RC, then it's worth checking out our full launch story. For now though, we'll just cover the headline features.

Scott has raised the bar once again with the latest iteration of the Addict RC, a bike designed to challenge what’s possible in the world of production road bikes. The headline here is that claimed weight of just 5.9 kilos, making it one of the lightest off-the-shelf bikes ever created. But Scott is keen to point out that this isn’t just about being light - it’s about balancing weight savings with rideability, and I think Scott has delivered a bike that is both versatile as it is featherweight.

The frame weighs in at a remarkable 600 grams, while the fork adds just 270 grams (claimed) putting it just a hair behind the Specialized S-works Aethos with its 585 gram claimed frame weight. A new manufacturing technique ensures the inside of the frame is smooth, eliminating excess carbon fiber and epoxy. In some areas, the frame is just 0.6mm thick, all in a bid to shave precious grams.

Paired with the frame is a Sram Red AXS groupset, the lightest available on the market, complemented by Scott’s in-house Syncros one-piece carbon wheelset. These 40mm-deep wheels feature a 25mm internal width and weigh just 1170 grams, with reliable DT Swiss internals to keep them rolling smoothly. The tyres are equally impressive: the unreleased Schwalbe Aerothan, which promises to be among the lightest in its 28c category.

For those exploring the rest of the Addict RC range, Scott offers four additional builds: a 105 Di2, two Ultegra Di2 options (with two-piece and one-piece cockpit setups), and a Dura-Ace build. While these models use a slightly heavier carbon layup, they maintain competitive weights and specifications at every level.

New Scott Addict RC first ride review

I was fortunate enough to experience the new Scott Addict RC Ultimate in Girona, a cyclist’s paradise with its warm October sun, smooth tarmac, and rolling climbs. Over three days, I managed five or six rides - a pace unlike any other bike launch I’ve attended. Girona’s famous Els Àngels climb was a highlight, providing the perfect testing ground for this ultralight bike.

The climb rewarded the Addict’s stiffness and low weight, while the descent revealed its dynamic, confident handling. Even on less-than-perfect roads, where gravel patches appeared, the bike continued to impress, offering reassurance that it could handle the UK's notoriously rough tarmac with ease.

From the first pedal stroke, the Addict RC Ultimate felt brilliant. It’s stiff, responsive, and agile, yet maintains a sense of playful dynamism that sets it apart from many other performance road bikes. Much of this character can be attributed to the high-end Syncros wheels and those yet-to-be-released Schwalbe Aerothan tyres. Together, they give the bike a lively, sprightly feel, especially when accelerating or carving through corners.

However, I do have some reservations about the practicality of such an ultralight wheelset for the average rider. Swap these wheels and tyres onto another bike, and I suspect they’d deliver similar sensations. While the Addict’s handling doesn’t feel skittish - even on wet, bumpy descents - it’s clear these components play a significant role in its performance.

The roads I rode on in Girona were far from the bone-shaking tarmac we have here in the UK, but they weren't perfect either, with gravel sections and cracks. Despite this, the Addict excelled, smoothing out imperfections and staying calm under pressure. With 28c tyres and a 25mm internal rim width, the bike offered a surprising level of comfort, while the frame’s stiffness ensured no power was wasted.

Unlike many serious, ultra-light bikes that feel overly rigid or temperamental, the Addict RC Ultimate strikes a balance. It rewards effort with a thrilling turn of speed, all while remaining composed and approachable.

At its core, the Addict RC Ultimate isn’t just about weight. Yes, it’s astonishingly light at 5.9kg, but it’s also stiff, playful, and incredibly fun to ride. Whether climbing, sprinting, or descending, it delivers a lively, rewarding experience that encourages you to push harder and go faster. It’s not just for the weight weenies - it’s a bike that will appeal to anyone who loves the thrill of a responsive, dynamic ride.

While I may not have ridden thousands of kilometres just yet, the new Addict RC has well and truly proved that it is a serious piece of engineering. It's a bike I am thoroughly looking forward to putting some more miles on to bring you my full thoughts in due course.