The new Scott Addict Gravel is said to be capable of many things: it’s fast, comfortable, off-road capable and ready for adventure. Designer Jean-François Boivin explains why a gravel bike shouldn’t try to be everything at once, why the design is particularly important to him, and why he dreams of a gravel bike with electronic mini-suspension.
“Wide tyres give you confidence”
BIKE: Everyone calls you Jeff. And Jeff, you’re the designer of the new Scott Addict Gravel, aren’t you?
Jean-François Boivin: My name is actually Jean-François Boivin and I’m from Montreal. I’m the lead engineer on the Addict Gravel. But of course, we developed the bike as a large team.
What makes you suitable for this job?
I know this bike inside out – from the initial briefing right through to the production model. I know what worked and what didn’t.
And what were you doing before you designed the Addict Gravel?
I originally came from a mountain biking background. However, as an engineer, I have also designed Olympic track bikes for the Tokyo Games.
Ah, so that’s where the wind blows from – and hence the love of wide tyres?
(Laughs.) Maybe. A wide tyre provides grip and confidence. That’s exactly what I was aiming for with the Addict Gravel. I want to be able to ride fast and safely downhill on a gravel bike too. Together with the geometry and handling, we’ve managed to achieve that.
That also explains the wide range of mounting options, such as for bottles on the fork. So is the Addict Gravel an adventure bike?
We wanted to impose as few restrictions as possible. That’s why there are so many ways to customise the bike. But it isn’t purely an adventure bike. For that, we have the Scale Gravel.
Three bikes for three different needs
Gravel seems to be searching for its identity at the moment: some people want a road bike with slightly wider tyres, others a mountain bike without suspension – and ideally everything in between. What’s your take on this?
I see three groups: the adventurers, who pack their bikes and set off on a tour; the racers, who want a light, fast bike; and the large group in between. For them, a racer is often too long and an adventure bike too heavy and over the top.
Which group is the largest?
I reckon the ‘Adventurer’ models are great. But the categories are here to stay. A bike that’s one-size-fits-all inevitably involves compromises. A racer doesn’t want 40-millimetre spacers under the handlebars. A casual gravel rider, on the other hand, doesn’t want to be in the same position as on a time trial bike. I therefore believe that gravel cycling will become even more specialised.
Which way?
In all of them. There’ll be plenty happening, particularly in the aero-gravel sector. This category is currently being heavily promoted.
How important is the visual aspect in this context?
It’s really important. A bike has to look good. You should look at it and think: Blimey, that looks good! Just like a sports car.
Which bikes do you like?
I really like the new Specialized, even if I’m reluctant to admit it. The Crux 5 is a real success. I think the BMC Kaius looks smart. The Italians sometimes go a bit over the top with their curved shapes. Pinarello and Wilier, of course, have their own distinctive design DNA. I, on the other hand, prefer a cleaner look: straight tubes, simple shapes.
“Canyon is our toughest competitor”
Who is currently posing the biggest challenge to Scott?
When it comes to value for money, Canyon is the clear winner. They build excellent bikes. Specialized are also giving it their all. The Crux 5 sets the benchmark in terms of weight – just like we do. And I really like the new Dark Matter from Argon18. They’ve done their homework.
And what about China? Manufacturers are becoming increasingly powerful and aggressive when it comes to pricing.
That’s definitely going to be a challenge. The Asians know how to build frames. That’s obvious. When it comes to design, they’re still lagging behind in some respects. Our advantage in the West is that we live and breathe the sport and know what we want. But the more the Chinese ride themselves, the better their bikes become.
What do you think of the ever-wider gravel handlebars?
That was a bit of an exaggeration. I reckon it’ll settle down again: a bit narrower, with less flare.
What are you particularly proud of when it comes to the new Addict Gravel?
It’s all down to the tuning of the carbon frame. It flexes exactly where it’s supposed to – it’s like built-in suspension, really. That’s tricky. A frame needs to be stiff in some places and give way in others. With the Addict Gravel, we’ve managed to strike that balance very well.
How do you prefer to ride gravel yourself?
I like technical singletrack. Not too rough – that’s what mountain bikes are for. But not just fast and tame on gravel either.
The dream of a gravel bike
To conclude, let’s look to the future: what’s next?
(Laughs.) I’ve got a few ideas about what would be cool. I’m not sure if Scott sees it the same way, though.
Then speak as Jean-François Boivin, not as a Scott designer.
I’d find a micro-suspension system with an electronic lockout really exciting. A proper suspension system that brings gravel bikes closer to mountain bikes and bridges the gap between the two. But not in the direction of adventure, rather high performance. I’m thinking, for example, of an upside-down fork, aerodynamically designed, with integrated electronics – and, of course, extremely light.
So you’re already on your next bike.
I’m daydreaming.
And 32 inches?
32-inch wheels will find their place on high-end racing bikes. That’s for sure.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor