SCOTT METRIX 20 DISC
£1099 › Can the budget price alloy Metrix cut it?
The Metrix 20 has classic hybrid looks with its straight lines and oversized tubes. This more traditional design alongside the black and contrasting orange finish give it a racy feel. Costs are kept to a minimum by using a 6061 double-butted aluminium frame and Shimano’s Tiagra components.
The frame might not be as exotic as some here but it’s sensibly designed, with Scott’s newfor-2018 endurance geometry. From the off the ride is stiff and there’s more feedback, but if you only want to ride for a couple of hours it’s fine. Anything longer and the difference between its aluminium frame and the carbon-framed bikes on test becomes noticeable, and this is extenuated further if you ever hit the gravel.
Fortunately, the Metrix carbon fork helps to absorb some of the vibrations, making life more tolerable. The fork comes with a 1 1/8in-1 1/4in tapered carbon steerer tube, resulting in a front end that tracks well and corners positively.
Controlling the Metrix is a cinch with the sensibly-specced Syncros cockpit. The 58cm aluminium Syncros flat bar is ideal for keeping the Scott in check, the soft, ribbed mountain bike-style grips offering a good balance between comfort and bar feel. Comfort at the opposite end is delivered by Syncros’ FL2.5 saddle. It’s firm with a little padding and a shallow cutaway, but provides a decent ride.
Shimano’s Tiagra 10-speed gear shifters and chainset drive the Metrix. They work well together, and unless you’re doing lots of miles you won’t notice that they’re not 11-speed, as the shifting is crisp. Most riders will appreciate the Tiagra chainset being of the
compact persuasion (50/34), offering a wide range of gears for nearly every situation.
The straight-blade Shimano RS600 brake levers might look fairly traditional, but they perform well, offering plenty of space whatever number of fingers you use to pull them. These are partnered with Shimano’s RS405 hydraulic disc brakes, with 160mm rotors front and rear, for precision braking whatever the weather.
The Metrix 20 rolls on Syncros 24 aero-shaped alloy disc rims in matching black, helping to keep the bike looking stealthy. These wear Schwalbe’s 35mm Spicer tyres designed for road use. They hold the road well even on fast descents, but we found dropping pressures helped with overall ride comfort.
The ride position out of the box is more aggressive than some of the other test bikes, which we enjoyed, because it makes you want to ride fast immediately. That said, a flip of the stem would bring things into a more upright position if you prefer.
With the build, spec and overall design, the Metrix lends itself to enjoyable town riding. Daily short rides are a blast but for longer days in the saddle comfort does become an issue compared to its more expensive carbon counterparts. If you want a classy commuter and to do the odd sportive, and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Metrix is a decent option.