Scott Bikes 2018: here's what you won't want to miss

Scott Bikes 2018: here's what you won't want to miss

A sneak peek of what Scott has in store for next year

Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Published: August 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm

A few weeks ahead of Eurobike, Scott Bikes has offered a glimpse into its 2018 range. BikeRadar headed to Perth for the Australian launch and there was plenty of shiny new gear on display. Check out the highlights below.

Contessa Genius

On the heels of the Genius, Scott has also released the Contessa Genius
On the heels of the Genius, Scott has also released the Contessa Genius - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Just last week Scott announced the Contessa Genius, which more or less mirrors the men’s version launched about a month previous.

With the same long and slack geometry and Horst-link rear suspension design as the men's version, in an effort to adapt the bike to best suit female riders Scott says it has used smaller diameter grips with softer foam, a women’s specific Syncros saddle, a slightly shorter stem (40mm on S/M and 40m on L), narrower 740mm bars and a smaller 30T front chain ring.

For the 2018 Genius Scott has switched to a Horst-link rear suspension design
For the 2018 Genius Scott has switched to a Horst-link rear suspension design - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

The Contessa Genius also comes with a FOX Contessa Custom Tune shock, with sees a lighter compression tune.

Available on carbon and two aluminium models, the Contessa Genius comes with Scott's Twinloc suspension lockout system, and can run both 29in and 27.5+ wheels using only a flip chip.

Addict Disc

We ran out of time to shoot the more relaxed Addict, but it was on display at the show
We ran out of time to shoot the more relaxed Addict, but it was on display at the show - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

We ran out of time to shoot the Addict Disc, but the line is getting a slight overhaul for 2018.

Launched last year, the Addict Disc line is being split into the RC frames, sporting the well-proven race geometry, and the non RC version, which sees a slightly more relaxed endurance geometry.

The endurance frame retains the 72.5-degree head angle in a size medium but sees the head tube jump from 140mm (RC) to 165mm, the toptube goes from 550mm (RC) to 545mm, the chainstays get an additional 5mm and the seat angle goes from 73.6 (RC) to 74 degrees.

The non RC frames also come with an 11-32t rear cassette and 32c tyres.

Fuga Plus

Big vents and the front should provide for good air flow
Big vents should provide for good air flow - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

At first glance, the new Fuga Plus looks almost identical to the Centric Plus, but with a visor whacked on the front. In fact, it’s a trickle down XC/Road lid that borrows quite a bit of tech from the Centric, but won’t take as big a chunk out of your wallet.

While Scott doesn’t make the same aero claims it does with the Centric Plus, it does say the helmet has greatly benefited from the brand's work with interior airflow. Being that it’s slightly more budget friendly, the vents are a bit smaller and the helmet sees one less exhaust port, but, if it’s anything close to the Centric Plus, it should vent pretty damn well.

It's quite similar to the Centric Plus but there are a few differences
The Fuga Plus is quite similar to the Centric Plus but there are a few differences - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

The Fuga Plus gets the same Halo Fit system as its more expensive cousin and it’s MIPS equipped. too, though the lid doesn’t get the perforated Air Liner.

With a removable visor, the Fuga Plus will be at home on the road or trail. Unfortunately, the visor from the Fuga Plus doesn’t work on the Centric Plus.

Premium road and MTB shoes

The road and MTB Premium shoes have been updated for 2018
The road and MTB Premium shoes have been updated for 2018 - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Scott’s Premium road and MTB shoes get an upgrade for 2018, going from a Boa and two velcro straps to single Boa over the forefoot and velcro over the toe box.

The shoes get an HMX carbon sole with a stiffness index of 9/10, and the new Boa arrangement wraps the upper around your foot a bit like a burrito.

The upper itself is made from a mix of microfiber and mesh, with the seams welded instead of stitched. Both come with Scott's adjustable ErgoLogic insole with customisable arch and metatarsal supports.

Scott has opted for a single Boa and a wraparound upper
Scott has opted for a single Boa and a wraparound upper - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Specific to the MTB Premium shoes, the lugs are made with the brand's Stickij race rubber and provides protection for the majority of the plate.

The road shoes are claimed to weigh 265g in a 42.5, and the MTB Premiums are claimed to weigh 310g in a size 42.5.

MTB AR Lace and AR Lace Clip

Scott has also introduced the AR Lace and AR Lace Clip all-mountain shoes
Scott has also introduced the AR Lace and AR Lace Clip all-mountain shoes - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

On display were two new all-mountain shoes: the AR (All-Rounder) Lace and Lace Clip. The only difference between these shoes is that one has a mount for an SPD cleat and the other doesn’t.

Like the Premium MTB shoes, the ARs see a Stickj race rubber sole that surrounds a fibreglass reinforced nylon plate rated 7/10 on Scott’s stiffness scale.

The only difference between the shoes is that one will accept a cleat and the other won't
The only difference between the shoes is that one will accept a cleat and the other won't - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

The outsole is made from welded synthetic Polyurethane and mesh and sees heel and toe bumpers to protect your feet. The ARs also get the brand's ErgoLogic adjustable insole.

Hixon SL IC

The new Hixon SL IC is super light and stiff, but not very customisable
The new Hixon SL IC is super light and stiff, but not very customisable - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

From Scott's in-house components brand is the Hixon SL IC. As seen on the latest Genius 900 Tuned, the one piece bar/stem combo is said to be uber-stiff, and the carbon bars mount directly to 1 1/8in steerer.

Claimed to weigh just 290g, the Hixon SL IC bars are only available with a 6-degree upsweep, 9-degree back sweep and 760mm width.

The bar bolts directly onto a 1 1/8in steerer
The bar bolts directly onto a 1 1/8in steerer - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Trail fender

The Trail fender integrates into any FOX 34 or 36 fork with two bolts
The Trail fender integrates into any FOX 34 or 36 fork with two bolts - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Also launched with the Genius is Syncros’ integrated fork fender. Designed to work specifically with Fox 34 and 36 Boost forks, the Trail Fender features a two-bolt direct mount. This means a clean and reliable mount that is easily removable.

Don't forget to flip through the gallery at the top for more photos of the 2018 gear from Scott.