Scott Scale (RC): 20 new models for every budget
It's almost superfluous to talk about a proud five-figure sum for a mountain bike hardtail that Scott is asking for the top model of the new Scale for 2023. With the Predecessor model of the Scott Scale the end of the line was reached at 7300 euros. Let's leave it at that. However, we would at least like to point out that the next cheapest Scott Scale in the 2023 line-up costs 4500 euros less and is therefore still in the four-figure range. The Scott Scale RC Worldcup Evo is said to be just 300 grams heavier than the expensive SL version.
3 qualities of the Scott Scale RC carbon frame
The entry-level model in the new Scott Scale RC range, with five carbon hardtails to choose from, is available for € 3499. Within the five carbon bikes of the Scott Scale RC, Scott uses the same frame shape, but differs in the quality of the carbon fibres. Only the SL version is made of HMX-SL carbon, while HMX and HMF fibres are used twice. This means that the frame weight of the Scale carbon frame differs by 65 grams between the HMX-SL and HMX, while the HMF frame weighs another 100 grams more than the HMX.
And even below the Scale RC models, there are four more Scott Scale models (Scale 910 to 940) with HMF carbon fibres and identical frame shapes. The cheapest carbon Scale thus costs 2099 euros. Below this are five aluminium models with an entry-level price of 1199 euros. The 20-model Scott Scale MTB hardtail offensive from the Swiss company is rounded off by five additional Contessa bikes, special Scale models for women in the €1499 to €2499 range.
New development 2023: Making good things better
But how do you improve a mountain bike hardtail that has already been optimised in every respect? After all, the new edition should by no means be an interchangeable product or, in the worst case, even an improvement for the worse. In order to build on the great success of the existing Scale RC, the Scott engineers left no detail out of consideration, no matter how small. A necessary procedure in the search for the last gram and the optimisation of handling characteristics. In close cooperation with the carbon production department, over 300 carbon mats were analysed in advance with regard to fibre type, orientation and size and countless layups were simulated for the new carbon frame. A key to achieving the goals was also the system integration, which Scott with the Spark presented in 2021 or the recently newly introduced Genius to the extreme. By dispensing with holes for the cables/cables and access via the headset, the frame of the new scale hardtail needs to be reinforced less at certain points.
Scott on the Scale RC in search of the last gram
Compared to the old Scott Scale from the 2017 model year The optimisation of the manufacturing process was also part of the specifications. Instead of five individual parts from which the carbon frame is assembled, the new monocoque Scott Scale consists of just three parts. Only the two rear frame parts consisting of the seat stays and chain stays need to be attached to the one-piece main frame. This minimises material overlaps and reduces the weight of the frame. As the stiffness of a diamond frame is largely defined by the down tube, the bottom bracket area and the chain stays, the engineers divided the new Scott Scale RC frame into a stiffness and lightweight zone. The top tube, seat tube and seat stays were subjected to a strict diet accordingly. The metal parts have also been reduced in weight. Apart from the laminated aluminium threads for the brake mount, the new Scale carbon chassis remains free of metal. Even the clip-in threads for the bottle cage on the top model Scale RC SL are made of plastic. If you want to ride an additional chain guide, you can insert the required metal threads via the service flap in the down tube. Another exciting detail when it comes to weight is hidden in the dropouts. These have a hollow design, which saves another 7.5 grams.
What can the new Scott Scale do better than its predecessor?
To check to what extent the efforts have been successful, we pitted the new Scott Scale RC SL against its predecessor, the Scale RC Worldcup, in a direct comparison and measured it in the BIKE test lab. While the new Scale RC SL weighs in at 8.9 kilos without pedals, the old Scott Scale weighs 565 grams more. When it comes to the frame, the duel is also clearly in favour of the new carbon frame with HMX SL fibres. Including the thru-axle and seatpost clamp, the new Scott Scale RC SL frame remains under the 1-kilo mark at 976 grams, even in size L. A whole 150 grams less than the RC Worldcup. This value is absolutely impressive, but does not mark the top value in the non-brand comparison. At 870 grams, the new Simplon Razorblade SL the crown of the lightest MTB hardtail frame measured by BIKE. The Scott RC SL ranks sixth in the BIKE best list for frame weight (weighed frame in size L incl. thru axle and seatpost clamp).
The lightest production frames of MTB hardtails from the BIKE test lab
Interview with Kai Wheeler, Scott Lead Engineer
BIKE: When developing the new hardtail frame, the focus was on lightweight construction and stiffness. What role does comfort play in the new Scale RC?
Kai Wheeler: When developing a fast race hardtail, comfort is an integral part of the objective. You can only be really fast off-road if fatigue is kept within limits. This applies to a race duration of one hour or more. The frame shape and carbon layup have therefore been optimised precisely to our needs. The new frame therefore offers between 6-12 per cent more comfort than its predecessor.
Why did you decide against a threaded bottom bracket?
The first reason is the weight. We also wanted to do without any additional aluminium parts in the frame. The glued-in aluminium thread interrupts the flow of power. In addition, the press-fit bottom bracket allowed us to make the down tube and chainstays wider, which is better for stiffness and tyre clearance.
Your monocoque frame is made up of three parts. What are the arguments against a one-piece construction?
We have worked intensively on this. However, the problem is always that you have to remove the bladder (air bellows) from the inside of the frame after laminating. That's why we opted for the cleanest and lightest option and put the few parts together.
There are only a few World Cup courses where hardtails still play a role. To what extent was Nino Schurter's team involved in the development?
The team still trains frequently on the hardtail and uses the bike in special races such as in Albstadt. It was therefore also important to realise a similar geometry and riding position to the Spark, which allows for an uncomplicated changeover.
>> Read the detailed comparison test of the new Scott Scale RC 2023 against the previous version here.
