Another new wheel standard? Or a racing bike with knobbly tyres? Don't worry, because what at first glance looks like a strange cross between a mountain bike and a racing bike is actually a piece of sports equipment steeped in tradition. And much older than the mountain bike itself. The first national cyclocross championships were organised as early as 1910, and the first world championship was held in 1948.
Just like on a mountain bike: disc brakes and thru axles
But even after almost 100 years, sport and, above all, sports equipment are still constantly evolving. A good example of this is the new Scott Addict CX. Disc brakes provide the necessary deceleration on this cyclocross bike, while thru axles ensure a rigid connection between the wheels and the frame and fork. But a cyclocross bike has to be one thing above all: fast and therefore light. The Addict CX frameset weighs less than 1300 grams, making it the lightest cyclocross bike with disc brakes ever.
But the Addict CX is not just a lightweight. Scott has also put amazing attention to detail into its cyclocross flagship. The top tube was made oval for more stiffness, the fibres of the rear triangle are connected to the top tube so that less flex is possible in the vertical direction. The seat tube, on the other hand, has been optimised for flex in order to offer better comfort. The complete ready-to-ride package weighs less than seven kilograms. A real statement that finally takes the wind out of the sails of the debate about rim brakes on cyclocross bikes.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
