Scott Speedster vs Addict – Gravel Bike Battle

Both the Scott Speedster and Addict come in road bike models. In this article, we are comparing the gravel versions of these bikes.

As here at Cycle Travel Overload we are all about adventure.

And both these bikes seem very promising when it comes to bike adventures.

We are super excited to compare these two sibling gravel bikes

And come to a consensus on which is best for your gravel biking adventures!

Introducing the Scott Speedster Gravel

The Speedster is said to be your one-stop do-it-all shop for when the path gets less traveled. But is the Addict Gravel better?

The Speedster is the little sibling to the Addict.

A road bike made for fun and performance but leaves the high price tag behind. Offered for a very affordable price.

The Speedster Gravel is however more suited to gravel which we are actually comparing to the Addict Gravel in this article for a fair comparison.

Introducing the Scott Addict Gravel

Are you ready to unlock a world of speed, versatility, and endless exploration? Look no further than the SCOTT Addict Gravel, the ultimate gravel and adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain with finesse. From the smooth tarmac to the rugged backcountry trails, this bike is built to excel in every aspect of your off-road journey.

From the moment of its inception, the Addict Gravel was crafted to be a true all-rounder, blending exceptional speed, uncompromising comfort, and precise handling. Leave behind the mundane routines and let this bike guide you towards new horizons, where gravel roads beckon with the promise of exhilarating experiences.

One of the key highlights of the Addict Gravel is its unmatched compliance and control. You’ll enjoy a controlled and smooth riding experience without sacrificing pedaling efficiency or stiffness. With a tire clearance of 45mm, this bike effortlessly tackles varied terrain, ensuring a confident and enjoyable ride wherever your adventures take you.

The SCOTT Addict Gravel stands as a testament to innovation and craftsmanship. Built with an extremely lightweight carbon construction, it delivers outstanding strength and durability. Through meticulous layering and strategic reinforcement, this bike achieves remarkable lightness while maintaining exceptional resilience—making it your trusted companion for countless miles of exploration.

Equipped with smart mounts for gear and accessories, the Addict Gravel is ready to take on the most demanding adventure rides. Whether you’re planning a bikepacking excursion or seeking to conquer new frontiers, this bike offers the versatility to carry everything you need for the journey ahead. Additionally, hidden fender mounts ensure that you’re prepared for any weather conditions, providing added convenience and practicality.

Price and Spec Comparison

The Scott Speedster ranges from $1,399 to $2,999

The Scott Addict ranges from $2,999 to $9,999

It’s clear to see that the Speedster is Scott’s more budget-friendly gravel bike option out of the two.

But what about specs?

We will take a look at the entry, mid and high-end models for an optimized comparison

This gives us a clearer indication of the build quality and level of each bike.

Gearing – Speedster Vs Addict

But let’s now compare gearing, as this will dictate which bike is most ideal for either fast gravel racing or adventure cycling if that’s your intended use.

More so for adventure cycling

If you plan to go bikepacking geometry and gearing are some of the main characteristics of a bike to consider

Ideal gearing for bikepacking means 18 to 20″ climbing gear for riding those steep hills when loaded with gear.

Most gravel bikes struggle to get this lower efficiency of gearing

But we will see what each bike out of these two models has the best

(Also the max speed is how fast you will be going at 90 rpm in the largest gear combination.

We used an online calculator https://www.bikecalc.com

Which requires information like; the crank, cassette teeth numbers, and tire size and width.

We can see from the above comparison that overall the Addict Gravel has the superior gearing

However, the Speedster Gravel 30 takes the cake across the board for the best climbing gear compared to the bikes we looked at.

This is still rather average when it comes to climbing for bikepacking.

This 24.67″ climbing gear is no match to something like the Poseidon Redwood. But still rather similar to something like the Trek Checkpoint depending on what model you opt for.

Based on that alone I would be leaning toward this bike, as it offers the best value for money as the better climber.

But we still have some other criteria to look at before we come to a final conclusion

Weight – Speedster Vs Addict

Tire Clearance – Speedster Vs Addict

The Scott Speedster Gravel comes with 700x45C tires

I was unable to find the tire clearance for this bike

The Scott Addict also comes with 700x45C and clearance for 45 mm tires (So I would say the Speedster has the same tire clearance as the Addict).

Geometry and Handling – Speedster Vs Addict

Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike.

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

Okay, the moment I have been waiting for!

So let’s compare these two bikes’ geometry to see which is better suited for what!

The geometry of the Addict Gravel has been meticulously crafted for modern, aggressive gravel riding.

Thanks to the 1.46 stack/reach vs 1.47 on the Speedster which is still rather aggressive. When referring to uses for adventure cycling here anything 1.5 and up is ideal for an upright and comfortable ride.

With an increased reach and shorter stem, the Addict strikes a balance between agility and stability. Even on narrow trails and tricky terrain, you can trust its controllable and predictive handling.

As we can see with the Chainstay and wheelbase numbers. Both being shorter on the Addict, it’s clear that this bike is meant for fast pace gravel grinding.

And it is the bike we would recommend for those looking for a fast gravel bike and are willing to make a compromise for on-bike comfort.

The longer chainstay and wheelbase on the Speedster just make it a little more suited for adventure cycling and the slightly more upright riding placement. Just makes more sense especially when carrying gear.

That 425 mm chainstay makes the Addict quick in the rear while the longer 439 mm on the Speedster makes it more equipped as an all-rounder. Making it the bike better suited for multiple disciplines, especially adventuring.

Both bikes have the same trail in the higher end for a gravel bike meaning it is rather stable up front.

If you want something snappy in the rear and stable upfront the Addict might be your go-to.

I’ll let you decide!

About The Author

codey

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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