Scott Bikes have released their all new Scott Foil Aero road bike for 2023 and we’ve put some thoughts together
When we think of the Scott Bike brand over the course of the last 5 years we don’t really see them as a leader in any area. Instead we see Scott as a company that puts out good quality bikes, typically with the latest technology, shortly after one of the other brands has made a big break through. In many ways this new Scott Foils seems like a continuation of this history.
Once upon a time Scott was seen as more of an innovator in the industry when they put out some more advanced bikes with the team Saunier Duval in the early 2000’s. Back then, much of the talk was about the lightweight advantage that the Scott brand had brought to the team, creating a fairly decent buzz and demand for their high end road bikes. The brand also invests significantly in MTB and alt sports like Motocross with their goggles and what not, so they’ve always been able to reach a fairly broad audience but still carry a passion for the top end of sport.
When you talk to Scott retailers about the brand that they carry, breaking technology is not really part of the discussion. Instead, we hear about a good color range, solid inventory, competitive price points, and a brand that they can sell. Don’t take this the wrong way, because this isn’t a shot to Scott at all, instead it’s a real compliment.
With the way the high end road bike space is developing it’s becoming increasingly difficult for brands less focused on the super high end niche to compete with the brands that are concentrated in this area. Specialized set the tone for the industry standard when then American brand shared that they literally had to design software to create their latest generation bikes. No other brand was even thinking of developing software that could create new frame construction, so specialized was WAY ahead of the curve in conversation.
Then, we look at the next point of discussion which is this new generation of frame designers. There aren’t many, and it looks like Gerard Vroomen may be behind the Scott Foil. Gerard was the guy that developed the 3T, Cervelo S5, and many other bikes.
Now, we get to the new Scott Foil for 2023. What do we see?
Judging solely based on the random pictures we can find on then internet and details that Scott has shared, the bike looks fast. It’s almost guaranteed that this bike is super Aero, rolls fast, and corners well. Why? Well it was the front end that we absolutely love from specialized, and the rear of a Cervelo s5 that proves to ride like a dream.
If you purchase the Scott Foil, you’ll probably be happy with then bike for a long time. It’s got solid geometry, a built in light in the seat post that is questionable but probably convenient if it works, and doesn’t break all the time, and fully integrated cockpit. All the latest tech in the bike world. Nothing new, nothing crazy, but the latest and fastest technology.
What do you think of the bike? Let us know in the comment section!