Scott $3,700 Foil 20

Riderslooking for all the wind- cheating performance available on Scott’s high- end aero road bikes, but are unwilling to part with the big dollars associated with these machines, should check out the Foil 20. Built with an identical aero frame shape found on Scott’s higher- end frames, the Foil 20 uses hmf carbon rather than the more expensive hmx carbon. This simple material substitution allows Scott to create a surprisingly affordable performance frame with only a slight compromise in weight and stiffness.

Scott includes all the other high- end niceties such as lightweight carbon dropouts and aero internal cable routing further minimizing the performance gap between their framesets. Component spec is a well thought- out mix of Shimano 105 in the drivetrain and Shimano R501 wheels, while Scott and Ritchey supply the parts for the cockpit. On the road, the Foil 20 delivers responsive handling and plenty of stiffness for out- of- the- saddle hill climbing and sprinting. The aero- optimized frame features a series of unique construction details including partial airfoil shaped frame tubes and an overall integration of the frame’s leading edges – all of which minimize wind resistance without compromising handling. Riders looking for an affordable aero road bike that provides solid performance over a variety of riding conditions will be impressed.– TMC