Speedster / Speedster Gravel

road899–2199 EUR

Origin

2008. The Speedster was Scott's answer to the growing demand for accessible, comfortable drop-bar road bikes that could handle everyday riding, commuting, and weekend sportives without the racing bike price tag or uncompromising race geometry. It fills the gap between the Sub (hybrid/commuter) and the Addict RC (race road) in Scott's lineup.

Specifications

Frame: 6061 double-butted alloy. Custom shaped tubes (flat to tapered) — shaped for performance and comfort, not just extruded. Speedster HMF carbon disc fork — 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" eccentric tapered carbon steerer. Absorbs road vibration, adds front-end stiffness. Internal cable routing (mechanical cables and brake hoses — internal from headset through frame). Fender kit ready mounts built in. Press-fit BB-RS500-PB (Shimano press-fit) on current models Syncros-specific fender kit ready — hidden mounts front and rear. Mudguard-ready is a key selling point for commuting use. 7 sizes available (exceptional range — covers very small and very tall riders) Endurance/comfort — tall stack, short reach vs race bikes. 20mm less reach than typical race road bikes. Higher front end for comfort over long distances. Speedster uses alloy frame throughout; Addict RC uses carbon. Speedster is comfort/commute-oriented; Addict RC is race-oriented. Carbon fork on Speedster bridges some vibration difference.
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: Speedster 10: Shimano 105 R7100 2×12 (50/34T FC-RS520 crank, 11-34T CS-R7100 cassette). Speedster 20: Shimano Tiagra 2×10. Speedster Gravel 10: Shimano GRX RX822/610 2×12 (46/30T crank, 11-36T cassette). Lower variants Sora/Claris/8-speed.
Brakes: Speedster 10: Shimano BR-R7170 hydraulic disc, RT-CL700 160mm rotors front and rear. Speedster Gravel 10: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc. Lower variants: Shimano BR-RS305 / Tektro mechanical disc.
Wheels: Speedster 10/20: Formula Team II CL Disc 28H hubs, Syncros Race X25 Disc 28H rims, thru-axle (12×100 front, 12×142 rear). Speedster Gravel 10: Syncros Race X25 Disc wheels. 700c aluminium throughout.

The verdict

+Strengths

Endurance geometry is genuinely comfortable for all-day riding — tall stack, shorter reach than race bikes
Internal cable routing and fender kit mounts make it practical for year-round commuting
7 frame sizes covers an exceptionally wide range of rider heights
Carbon fork on all models gives front-end compliance without alloy harshness
Speedster 10: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc — best braking in category at price
Speedster Gravel 10: 45mm tyre clearance changes ride character significantly on rough roads
99spokes: 'frame will take a kicking' — durability appropriate for daily use
BikeRadar (Speedster 10 Disc): 'well-priced, well-specced general purpose road bike'

−Weaknesses

10.2kg (Speedster 10) is noticeably heavy — climbing is a serious workout
Speedster 10 with mechanical 105 (not Di2) — shifting precision lower than electronic
Rigid alloy seatpost (no carbon or flex post) — small-road harshness noticeable on long rides
Earlier models: cabling not fully hidden at rear of bike — integration incomplete
Gravel Contessa 25 review: 'more of an all-round road bike than an adventurer' — not a serious off-road machine
Short 415mm chainstays can make the rear feel snappy vs longer more stable gravel bikes
Not a performance bike: 'sustaining anything above 20mph quickly becomes a serious workout'

Did you know

01The Speedster is available in 7 frame sizes — unusually wide range covering XXS to XXXL
02The Speedster 10 at 10.2kg is notably heavy for a road bike at its price — the trade-off for alloy frame durability and endurance geometry
03Speedster Gravel 10 with 45mm clearance puts it in gravel bike territory despite the 'Speedster' branding
04The eccentric carbon fork steerer (1-1/4" to 1-1/2" tapered) is shared with the Foil RC — unusual for an entry alloy bike
0599spokes summary: 'A budget take on premium integration. Looks nice, gravel-capable tyre clearance, frame will take a kicking.'
06The Speedster is marketed as 'fender kit ready' — practical for Baltic weather where winter and rain riding is common
07Schwalbe Lugano 32mm is the default tyre — a touring/commuting tyre rather than a performance racing tyre
08BikeRadar review (2018 Speedster 10 Disc): at £1,399 with mudguards option for extra £29.99 — highly practical commuter package

Who it’s for

First drop-bar road bike buyersCommuters wanting drop-bar style with practicalityRecreational fitness cyclistsAll-weather riders (fender mounts)Cyclists wanting road + light gravel versatility (Gravel variant)Riders wanting wide fit range (XXS to XXXL)