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Review: Scott Foil 2023
The new Scott Foil is the absolute proof that aero bikes are not what they used to be.
If you only keep this phrase, you may attribute a pejorative connotation to it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Follow reading and you will understand the true meaning of it, because this new Scott Foil is an aerodynamic bike with all the letters, where efficiency and speed are top priorities in its design, but now so are comfort, lightness and, surprisingly, all-road capabilities.
A journey towards comfort
Long gone is the year 2011, when Scott presented to the world the first version of its aerodynamic bike par excellence. An ultra-stiff bike, with best-in-class power transfer and electric response. This was what the PROs were demanding at the time.
I remember with amazement the 10 and 11 bar pressures we were putting on the tires. The consequence was that these bikes became real torture horses on bumpy roads, transmitting every irregularity to the rider relentlessly. Physiotherapists made their money fixing back contractures.
The year was 2016, and the second generation of the Foil appeared. Sanity made its presence felt and Scott arrived with its homework done. This version softened the ornery character of its aero bike. The rear stays were lowered, allowing the frame to have some vertical flex and using wider rims, which allowed 25c tires to be fitted, with greater absorption. This was much appreciated by its users.
And then came the end of 2022, and taking advantage of the relaxation of the UCI regulations, Scott presents the third generation of the Foil. According to the Swiss origin brand, an aero bike capable of achieving a brilliant balance between aerodynamics, lightness and comfort.
If you need boring data comparing it to the previous generation, here it is:
- 21% faster.
- 9% lighter.
- 10% more comfortable.
Has the brand achieved an even more comfortable aero bike, without sacrificing performance and also lowering the weight?
Before talking about my feelings about it, let’s take a look at its specifications, components and new features that will give us a first answer.
Specifications
- HMX-SL (lighter) and HMX carbon frames.
- Integrated handlebar and stem on all versions.
- Deeper cross-section fork.
- Seat stays even lower than the 2016 model.
- 2-piece Duncan SL Aero seatpost.
- 25c front and 28c rear tires. Compatible with up to 30c.
Frame
All models have a carbon frame, and although the HMX-SL version, the lightest, is reserved only for the RC Ultimate model, we assume that the entire «normal» range will have the HMX carbon, already very advanced and light.
The new UCI regulations have allowed more aggressive profiles and shapes in the frames, which has resulted in wider flat surfaces, with almost time trial finishes. At first glance there are 2 areas that stand out: the integration of the rear wheel and the fork/headset.
The first is born of a considerably voluminous bottom bracket, with a feeling of stiffness and power transfer that is palpable to the naked eye. It hugs the rear wheel harmoniously, along with super-low slanted seat stays, which emphasize the majestically toptube, like the mast of a sailboat. According to wind tunnel studies, they channel the air towards the spokes of the rear wheel and also the brake calipers are hidden behind their wide section.
For its part, the fork is flat and wide, very much so, integrated into an huge steerer tube, with an oversized truncated profile. These changes allow the front air to be channeled much better, acting like a fairing that cuts through the air and reduces aerodynamic drag.
Cockpit
In the top models there is no trace of any cable thanks to the Syncros Creston IC SL Aero integrated cockpit. In the lower range, a similar integrated system is chosen (Syncros Creston 2.0 Aero), where the brake hoses do appear slightly, but perfectly integrated and routed towards the inside of the stem. Both options allow the installation of a computer mount, manufactured by the prestigious K-Edge.
Seat post
Syncros Duncan SL Aero CFT. This grandiloquent denomination hides a fantastic innovation. It is a patented two-piece carbon seatpost. The front one flexes when subjected to load under impact or poor road conditions. The rear includes a housing for an integrated rechargeable taillight, so as not to compromise aerodynamics at all.
It is available in various lengths, offsets, and if that’s not enough, there is a fully rigid one-piece version for the weight-obsessed.
Saddle
The Syncros Belcarra V-Concept 2.0 has been a surprise and for the better. It belongs to Scott’s V-Concept program, developed for flexible cyclists, especially in the pelvic and lumbar area, who tend to ride in a more aggressive aerodynamic position, adopting a V-shaped posture, hence its name. These riders sit on the front of the saddle, resting on the pubic branches. Generally speaking, the riding posture is lower and requires a slightly different shaped saddle.
Personally I have found it very comfortable to be attached. I would also say that no saddle is going to replace a bad chamois. If you have problems in this regard I recommend the Gobik Matt bib shorts.
Drivetrain
SRAM and Shimano are everywhere in the Scott Foil model range. All with electronic versions, from the most modest groupsets such as the 105 Di2 and Rival, to the top of the range, with the Dura Ace Di2 and Red eTap AXS.
Pay attention to the gear ratios of the Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, which with a 50-34 front and 11-34 rear, we are talking about an aero bike that can climb really steep peaks. The Ultegra and Dura-Ace ride the more classic 52-36 and 11-30.
In my case, I installed the 52-36 Shimano R8000 crankset from my previous TCR, to take advantage of its power meter. Thanks to the 11-34 rear cassette, I get a very capable bike on the flat and uphill. By the way, no «compatibility» problem with the 12-speed chain, they work great.
Wheels and Tires
Multiple combinations here as well:
- Zipp 454 NSW.
- Shimano Dura Ace C50.
- Syncros Capital 1.0 50.
- Syncros RR 2.0.
As for tires, 25 and 28 wide versions are mounted. In my personal case, I used the wheels and tires from my previous bike, a Giant TCR 2022. The Giant SLR 1’s have a 42 profile, good balance between flats and climbs, a 1,400g weight, are Hookless and I fit 28c tires on both.
Geometry
We can say that it is the same as the previous model and, therefore, it is also the same as the Addict RC. Only the reach is 10 mm shorter. The Foil is available in 7 sizes, from 47 (XXS) to 61 (XXL).
In my case I use size 56 for my height of 190 cm. It may seem small, but don’t rely on general measurements and try the models in situ. In my case, I’m between 2 sizes usually, and I’ve had size 58 and size 56 bikes. I prefer to stay in the smaller size.
And now, let’s move on to the riding behavior, a section that I prefer to divide into 3 sections, coinciding with the three key aspects that this bike is supposed to have improved.
Speed: Is it fast?
Prior to this Scott Foil, I have owned the 2022 model of the Giant TCR and the 2021 model of the Giant Propel. While only the second is really a pure «aero», the latest version of the TCR received substantial aerodynamic improvements, making it a mileage eating machine.
My personal perception with respect to these 2 previous bikes is that the new Foil is faster. Something that is easily palpable on descents.
The first thing I did with it was to get on one of my usual «peaks» and ride downhill. I’m no Safa Brian downhill, but I consider myself skilled, thanks to my many years of cycling and the wonderful Strava, which makes you improve on the segments. The Foil has a very noble downhill behavior. It’s a shooter, with no weird aerodynamic turbulence, as sometimes appeared on the TCR. It is similar to the Propel, but in a more comfortable version. The 28c Hookless tires at 4 bars (low pressures are from another era, kid) have a lot to do with this.
On the flat it gains speed effortlessly and maintains it much better than the TCR. And mind you, I’m comparing with exactly the same wheels and tires. The riding posture, more on the saddle, and how well you can stay on the lower part of the handlebars, play a big part in this.
Lightness: does it weight little?
Yes, it weighs very little. My model is the Foil 30, the lowest of the range in terms of drivetrain and components. The only changes I made were to install my Easton Aero carbon handlebars, the aforementioned Giant SLR 1 wheels and Ultegra R8000 crankset. The final weight is only 200 g more than the Giant TCR with Ultegra groupset, a true pedigree climbing bike, so we can be sure that it really is very light. The higher versions of the range reach really low weights, between 7.0 – 7.5 kg.
Comfort: does it filter out potholes?
Here is the real magic of this bike. It is not so much a surprise, because as we have seen at the beginning, it is a model that version after version has improved a lot in this aspect, but it is surprising how well it filters the bumps, without the dry behavior of the aero bikes of all life. It’s a pleasure to ride it on all types of roads without worrying about choosing a clean line.
Bottom line
Scott has improved a bike that was already at a very high level. We are talking about practically the same bike used by the professional DSM team to race any WorldTour event, and that we can use it for the rest of us, without sacrificing our back, is a real luxury.
The new Scott Foil is a true all-rounder, capable of climbing climbs thanks to its lightness and perfect power transfer, and then on the downhill and flat, doing much, much damage to traditional climbing bikes. Just one more detail, DSM riders are using it in mountain stages. There must be a reason…
Points for improvement?
- The installation of a standard power meter is a must nowadays, not all versions have it.
- We would change the 25c front wheel for a 28c like the rear.
- On the 30 model, the «climber» type rims do not do it any favors.
- On models with Ultegra and Dura-Ace drivetrains, they could put 11-34 cassette as well.
Any question? Find me on Instagram: @llargobike
