Scott Addict RC 25 Bike

Scott Addict RC 25 Bike runs the same HMX carbon frame as every other bike in Scott's Addict RC lineup, from the RC30 up to the RC Pro, but pairs it with a drivetrain that's a genuine standout for the price: SRAM's wireless Rival AXS groupset with a power meter built into the crankset. It's a road bike that puts race-level frame engineering and training-grade data together at a more accessible price point than the Shimano-equipped builds higher in the range.

The frame itself is molded from Scott's HMX carbon fiber, a high-modulus blend chosen to cut weight without giving up strength. Scott claims a 650-gram frame in a medium size with a 295-gram fork, a real drop from the previous-generation Addict. Every tube carries an airfoil profile, shaped to serve aerodynamics and stiffness together rather than trading one for the other. The rear dropout uses a sandwich design, seating the derailleur hanger into the frame before the thru-axle clamps down, reinforcing the part of the frame that takes the brunt of crashes and rough handling. Geometry follows the same race numbers as the rest of the RC range: a 73-degree head tube angle and 73.3-degree seat tube angle, with a longer reach and lower stack than Scott's endurance-oriented Addict, for a genuine race position rather than a relaxed one.

SRAM's Rival AXS E1 groupset handles shifting wirelessly, with a power meter integrated directly into the crankset so you get ride data without bolting on a separate unit. The 48/35 chainrings pair with a 10-36 cassette, a wider spread than the Ultegra builds in the range, which gives you an easier gear for steep climbs at the cost of slightly tighter jumps between gears elsewhere. SRAM's Rival AXS hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm and 140mm rotors handle stopping power. The wheel and tire package carries over from the Addict RC 20: Syncros Capital 40 CF II carbon wheels wrapped in Continental Grand Prix TR tires at 700x30, with room to run up to 700x34. The cockpit uses a separate Syncros HB-R100-CF carbon handlebar and ST-R100-AL alloy stem rather than an integrated one-piece setup, which keeps replacement and fit adjustments simpler and cheaper. The Belcarra V2.0 saddle finishes the build with its cut-out design and chromoly rails.

On the road, the Addict RC has built its reputation on a ride that's more forgiving than its race geometry suggests, with a lively, responsive feel when you get out of the saddle. Independent lab testing has put the frame's bottom bracket stiffness among the best in its category, which translates into efficient power transfer on climbs and hard accelerations. Riders who want a wireless groupset and onboard power data without paying flagship prices for either will find this build makes a strong case for itself.

The Addict RC 25 comes in sizes XXS through XXL, in Cumulus White/Carbon Black or Gelato Blue/Gelato Pink. For a rider who wants the same frame platform as Scott's top-tier race bike, plus wireless shifting and a built-in power meter, this is one of the more interesting value plays in the Addict RC range.