The Scott Scale Gravel will look familiar to die-hard cross-country fans. The sleek carbon frame is the same as the one sold for mountain bike use. However, there is a rigid fork in the head tube of the Scale and the name suffix "Gravel" is intended to define the new area of use. Is this all just a clever marketing ploy to rid the warehouse of old stock or is it actually a brilliant move?
In a direct comparison with nine classic gravel bikes with drop bars, the Scott Scale Gravel 10 enters the race as the underdog. With a price of 2799 euros, it costs less than half of the test competition. At this price, the weight of 10.9 kilos doesn't need to hide either. Luggage can be mounted on the rigid fork. The permissible total weight is 120 kilos. Unlike many gravel bikes, only two bottle cages can be mounted on the frame itself.
The Scott Scale Gravel Hardtail in detail
- Price2799 Euro
- Field of application: Rigid fork mountain bike / gravel bike
- Wheel size: 29"
- Tyre width: 2,4"
- Weight complete bike10.9 kg (size L)
- Maximum permissible system weight: 120 kg
- Number of bottle cage holders: 2
- Compatible with dropper post: yes
- Compatible with front derailleur: no
- Special featuresMTB hardtail with rigid fork, luggage mounts on the fork, inner bar ends as standard, flat bar
Equipment
Scott offers the Scale Gravel in three equipment variants and four different frame sizes (S / M / L / XL). Between 1399 and 4899 euros must be invested for the MTB-based carbon gravel bike. This means that the entry-level price is absolutely competitive compared to conventional gravel bikes. Incidentally, Scott has reduced the price of all models by another 100 euros for the 2026 model year. Our test bike of the 2025 generation bears the model name Scott Scale Gravel 10, costs 2799 euros and is characterised by the following equipment:
- CircuitSram S1000 Eagle AXS, 1 x 12
- Cassette / gear rangeSram S1000 Eagle, 10-52T / 520 %
- Crank / chainring sizeSram S1000 Eagle / 34T
- Brakes / disc sizeShimano Deore / 180/160 mm
- Impellers: Syncros X-28 / Formula
- TyresMaxxis Aspen Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.40" (60 mm)
- Seat post / diameter: Syncros Duncan aluminium / 31.6 mm
- Cockpit / length / width: Syncros / 90 mm / 740 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight10.94 kg (size L, without pedals)
- Impeller weight5487 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs, thru axles)
- Impeller acceleration4067 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
How the Scott Scale Gravel Hardtail rides in practice
Does the Scott Scale Gravel Hardtail really qualify as a gravel bike? What seems exotic at first glance is not so far-fetched. At least in the ultra-cycling sector of the gravel scene, more and more riders are turning to mountain bikes. The geometry and tyres promise less physical strain on long rides without having to compromise too much on weight and sportiness.
Robin Gemperlein on board the Scott Scale Gravel recently set a new record on the prestigious Tour Divide, racing from Banff in Canada to the border fence between the USA and Mexico in less than twelve days on rough gravel tracks. However, the Swiss rider fitted an MTB suspension fork with 110 millimetres of travel and gravel handlebars for aerodynamic and ergonomic reasons.
Mountain bike world cups have already been won on the Scott Scale. However, hardtails have now been replaced by fullys across the board in classic MTB racing. Will it be reborn on gravel? At least in terms of handling, none of the conventional gravel bikes can hold a candle to the Scott. While the handlebars of these bikes are positioned far forwards in front of the front wheel axle, the hands on the flat bar of the Scott are positioned behind it. The result: direct control and significantly fewer rollovers on the descent.
Where bikes with drop bars have long since reached their limits, the hardtail is still really fun. Despite its long wheelbase, the Scale initiates direction changes effortlessly and as soon as the gradient gets just a little steeper, the feeling of safety is in a league of its own. A wide handlebar, fat tyres with plenty of grip, a long reach and a slack steering angle also contribute to this strength. Unfortunately, a thick aluminium seat post and stiff aluminium handlebars on the inexpensive Model 10 pass on many impacts and comfort is moderate despite the wide tyres. Either way, even on flat terrain and uphill, the handling of the bike always feels more confident than that of the competition.
Good but cheap
Compared to its competitors, the Scott has a hard time getting out of the quark. The wide MTB tyres sit on the very outside of the wheels and are particularly noticeable in terms of inertia. In addition, the wheelset is particularly favourable. The wheels account for over half of the total weight. An upgrade to a premium tubeless set would save around 1.8 kilos of rotating mass. That's worlds! However, the gravel hardtail is slow to get going. To make matters worse, the inferior freewheel only has a few clicks, can't offer direct acceleration and already showed signs of play after a short test period. This economy measure does not do justice to the lightweight, high-quality carbon chassis!
Even when the bike is rolling, it is slowed down more by air resistance compared to bikes with racing handlebars. Around 75 per cent of this is felt by the rider, who can't duck quite as far into the wind on the flat bar. Fortunately, Scott has done its homework and fitted so-called inner bar ends ex works. The horns on the inside of the grip compensate for the lion's share of the disadvantage.
Nevertheless, the hardtail requires significantly more energy, especially on fast rides above 25 kilometres per hour. Overall, the Scale Gravel has just as many disadvantages as advantages. How important the individual arguments are for bikers depends on the individual area of use. Scott is currently the only major manufacturer with such a complete bike. We say: More of it!
Conclusion
I'm a big fan of rigid fork hardtails! The Scott Scale Gravel is sporty, attractively priced and doesn't shy away from gravel tracks. Unfortunately, the heavy wheels and meagre comfort of this model don't really do the concept justice. Either way, the handling and feeling of safety on the flat bar trump any conventional gravel bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Unrivalled controlled handling
- High-quality frame with an exciting look
- Attractive price
Contra
- Extremely heavy wheelset
- Inexpensive attachments with little comfort
- Only two bottle cages
Jan Timmermann
Editor
