Scott Scale RC on test: How good is the new edition of the hardtail classic?

After five years, Scott has completely revised its Scale RC mountain bike hardtail for 2023. Less weight, new geometry and many detail improvements: Read all the information and data on the new edition of the Scott hardtail classic here. But how much better is Scott's new MTB compared to its predecessor? We have analysed this in detail in our test duel Scott Scale RC new vs. old. This provides the answer to the question: Is it worth reaching for the update of the Swiss racing file?

Test Scott Scale RC 2023 in the lab

Firstly, the Scale RC SL was compared to its predecessor, the Scale RC Worldcup, in the BIKE test lab. While the top version of the new Scott hardtail tips the scales at 8.9 kilos without pedals, the old Scale weighs 565 grams more. When it comes to the frame, the duel is clearly in favour of the 2023 mountain bike. Including the thru-axle and seatpost clamp, the new Scott Scale RC SL frame weighs 976 grams (in size L). This means 150 grams less frame weight than the old Scale RC Worldcup.

Measured values for the Scott Scale RC SL 2023

• Weight without pedals: 8.91 kg
• Frame weight: 976 grams
• Weight of wheels: 3766 grams
• Acceleration of running wheels: 3072 kg x cm²
• Handlebar width: 740 mm
• Seat comfort: 7.5 mm
• Frame rigidity (absolute): 45 N/mm

Equipment of the tested Scott Scale RC SL

• Wheels: Syncros Silverton SL
• Tyres: Maxxis Recon Race Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.40
• Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory SC Fit4 Remote
• Brakes: Trickstuff Piccola 180/160 mm
• Gear system: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
• Seatpost / Diameter: Syncros Duncan SL / 31.6 mm

Scott Scale RC test duel on the trail

With just a few turns of the cranks, the new lightweight rocket is effortlessly propelled forwards. Compared to its predecessor, however, it is not the weight reduction that takes centre stage, but rather the more modern riding position and handling. Whereas on the old Scale you pedal slightly from behind in a stretched, classic racing position, the almost two-degree steeper seat angle on the Scale RC SL moves you significantly further forwards. Despite the significantly longer reach, the riding position is more upright and relaxed. Due to the forward-shifted centre of gravity, there is still a lot of pressure on the front wheel when seated, which means that the front end sticks reliably to the ground even on steep ramps.

Which Scott Scale RC is more comfortable?

As both scale bikes have a 31.6 millimetre thick carbon seatpost, the seating comfort measured in the laboratory is at a similar level. Both hardtails allow around seven millimetres of vertical flex in the saddle, which corresponds to average comfort. The dimensions of the seat tube allow any standard dropper post to be retrofitted. In addition to the lower weight, the new Scale has another ace up its sleeve: Instead of the usual 2.2 inch wide tyres, large-volume 2.4 Maxxis Recon rotate in the rear triangle and fork. This allows the tyre pressure to be reduced, which ensures more comfort, grip and lower rolling resistance off-road. The bottom line is that the new setup provides more reserves in demanding terrain and meets the growing demands of modern World Cup tracks. To ensure that the new Scale remains an option even with wide tyres in muddy weather, the rear triangle can theoretically even accommodate tyres up to 2.5 inches wide and thus offers sufficient space for mud. Surprisingly, even with the wide tyres, the extremely expensive Syncros Silverton SL wheels weigh around 250 grams less than the conventionally constructed wheels with narrower tyres on the predecessor. However, the slightly better acceleration of the complete wheels is in favour of the old Scale due to the weight distribution.

Handling and riding behaviour are clearly in favour of the new Scale. This is particularly noticeable on technical terrain.

In technical downhill sections, however, the newcomer dominates across the board and makes the discontinued model look pretty old. Handling and bike control are much better on the successor. The shorter stem, the one degree slacker steering angle, the lower bottom bracket and the significantly longer wheelbase give the race hardtail more composure and confidence, while the steering still feels direct. The Trickstuff brakes also impress across the board. Only in terms of frame stiffness does the old Scale have the edge, outperforming the 2023 model by 25 per cent, but this shouldn't bother lightweight racers. Last but not least, the small details also speak in favour of the latest version of the Scale. We're not talking about the electronic helpers such as the Tire Wiz sensors for displaying the air pressure or the Quarq crank for monitoring training. No, it's the tyre plugs integrated into the handlebar plugs, for just a few euros, which turn out to be really useful helpers in the event of a puncture.

Test summary by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager

"The new Scale RC is an improvement on its predecessor in almost every respect and is therefore ideally equipped for modern cross-country and marathon courses. However, the pricing of the top model is likely to leave most bikers shaking their heads."