Gravel bikes under 2000 euros on test: The Scott Speedster Gravel 10 - Swiss speedster

>> Here is an overview of all the bikes tested

While Scott has recently reworked its road bikes for the road and has developed the Addict RC and the Foil RC has secured top rankings in our best lists, the off-road models are now entering their fourth model year. The Speedster Gravel is the robust offshoot of the race-ready Addict Gravel and has a similar character.

The greatest strength of the Scott Speedster Gravel 10, the top model in the range with an aluminium frame, is its easy handling. Compared to the carbon frame version, the wheelbase is slightly longer. In combination with the flat steering angle, the Speedster Gravel can be steered over hill and dale as if on rails. The comparatively large bottom bracket drop results in a low centre of gravity, which noticeably increases control and creates confidence for difficult manoeuvres in demanding terrain. Scott's position on the market as a performance-orientated brand is reflected in the relatively stretched seating position.

Sporty and comfortable

Despite its sporty orientation, the Scott is one of the more comfortable bikes in the € 2,000 price range. The Syncros own-brand aluminium seatpost yields around seven millimetres under the test load in the laboratory. A decent result, which is even slightly better than the Addict Gravel 10 with carbon seatpost; the supple 45-millimetre Schwalbe tyres support the comfortable impression. However, as the tyre clearance is already exhausted with these tyres from the factory, only a change to tubeless tyres could provide even more suspension comfort - albeit at the expense of the already rather sluggish steering behaviour. A comfort-enhancing alternative could be a carbon seatpost, which could be retrofitted easily and relatively cheaply thanks to the round cross-section in the standard 27.2 millimetre size.

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The biggest drawback compared to the Addict Gravel 10 is the two-kilogram increase in total weight. In addition to the robust frame set, the simple aluminium parts cannot be ignored in this rating. However, a look at the competition puts the comparison into perspective, as the Speedster Gravel 10 is one of the lighter bikes in the test. The Scott responds more lively to pedalling, not least thanks to the finely graduated 2x12 gearing, and the 30 km/h sound barrier is a little easier to break on the gravel motorway than with many competitors in this price range. However, the gear ratio is also suitable for more demanding terrain and climbing sections, with the two lowest gears providing a gear reduction suitable for uphill riding.

The mounts on the aluminium frame for fixed mudguards, top tube bag or a toolbox are almost obligatory on inexpensive gravel bikes, but so is the somewhat rustic look of the weld seams, especially on the front of the frame.

Unisex only

In addition to the test version, the Speedster Gravel is available in five other equipment variants, including a commuter with mudguards. The qualitative differences in the equipment can be recognised by the ascending numbering in the model name. The manufacturer from Givisiez no longer offers women's models with an adapted seating position under the "Contessa" label. Prices range from 1399 to 1999 euros. By comparison, the carbon bikes in the Addict Gravel range cost between 2699 and 8999 euros.

Scott Speedster Gravel 10Info & test grade

• Price: 1999 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 10.6 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,4

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 528/580/167 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 602/381 millimetres/1.58
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 663/577 millimetres/1.15
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,050/74 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610/820 (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.) | Grade: 1.5
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 410 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Bite TLE 45 mm (eff.: 45 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: Syncros Race X25
• Impeller weights: 1,805/2,447 grams (f./h.)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 10,630 grammes | Grade: 4.7
• Driving stability: 11.0 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
• Rear comfort: 156 N/mm| Grade: 2.3
• Comfort front: 98 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 70 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Scott Speedster Gravel 10

• Plus: very true to track, seven frame sizes, high-quality equipment
• Minus: Limited tyre clearance

All 13 bikes in the comparison test

• Bulls Grinder 4
• Canyon Grizl 7
• Carver Gravel 220 1by
• Cube Nuroad C:62 One >> available here
• Focus Atlas 6.7 >> available here
• Giant Revolt 0 >> available here
• Megamo Jakar 20 >> available here
• Merida Silex 400 >> available here
• Radon Regard AL 10.0
• Ridley Kanzo Adventure Alu
• Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 >> available here
• Scott Speedster Gravel 10 >> available here
• Stevens Prestige >> available here

How TOUR tests

Weight (25 per cent of the overall grade): The weighed complete wheel weight in the standardised test wheel size 56-57 centimetres counts for the evaluation. We also show the wheel weights for orientation. The grading scale is set in such a way that a grade of 1.0 is technically achievable: we award the best grade for weights under 7.5 kilograms.

Rear comfort (20 per cent): A measure of compliance under road shocks, measured in the TOUR laboratory. A suspension travel is measured when the seatpost is loaded. The measured value correlates very well with the riding impressions and the feeling of comfort. Good marks also mean decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads and off-road.

Comfort Front (10 per cent): The deformation of the handlebars under load is determined in the same way as for the rear. A good score means a lot of suspension comfort, which takes the strain off your hands on long rides. However, strong sprinters who want a lot of stiffness should look for stiff handlebars.

Front stiffness (10 per cent): Important parameter for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is determined on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not an infinitely stiff frame, but one that is sufficiently stable to ride.

Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent): Reveals how much the frame yields under hard pedalling, for example when sprinting. This measurement also takes place in the TOUR laboratory, with realistic clamping in which the frame can deform as it would during riding.

circuit (5 per cent): The shifting characteristics are determined in the driving test. It is not the price or the quality impression of individual components that is assessed, but exclusively the function of the entire gearbox. The gear range, but also, for example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the mounted chain play a role.

Brakes (5 per cent): As with shifting, the test on the road also counts here, and the experience from our countless tests of brakes is also incorporated into the assessment. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but the function of the interaction between the brake body, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How durable are the brakes, how do they react in hot or wet conditions, how long are the braking distances?

tyres (5 percent): Rolling resistance and grip are evaluated - as far as known from one of our independent tyre tests or based on driving impressions. The tyre width has no influence on the rating, as this is more a question of personal preference.

Lacquer (5 per cent): The TOUR paint test simulates stone chipping and allows a statement to be made about the durability of the protective top coat. A chisel simulates stone chipping or chain impact. Starting at a height of ten centimetres, the height is increased by ten centimetres until the paint gives way or the maximum drop height of 50 centimetres is reached.

Maintenance/adjustment (5 per cent): The test assesses how easy a bike is to maintain and adjust. Marks are deducted, for example, for special tools required, particularly complex detailed solutions, manufacturer-specific components or maintenance work that can only be carried out in specialised workshops.

The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the individual scores weighted differently (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporting qualities of the bike.

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here