SCOTT FOIL RC
£5779 › Lightweight, aero cobble-tamer
Now in its second full year, Scott’s rangetopping HMX carbon aero road frameset is available in Premium and this RC build. With Classics victories in Paris-Roubaix and Il Lombardia, as well as podium positions at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, the frame has a proven race pedigree.
The Foil RC claims to be both aerodynamic and comfortable, and while we can’t quantify its slick, clean lines with any aero data, the frame feels as plush as it does brutally fast. We tested our Foil RC on the cobbles and roads of Flanders and Roubaix in early April, giving its Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 mechanical groupset, Zipp 30 Course aluminium clincher wheels and Syncros finishing kit a comprehensive workout.
Shimano’s latest Dura-Ace mechanical drivetrain is tactile and precise, and an excellent pairing with the responsive frameset. The direct-mount brakes have superb feel and power, helped by the wide aluminium rims, which with 25mm tyres contribute to the bike’s impressive ride quality and grip over sketchy terrain.
The one-piece integrated Syncros aero bar is adequately comfortable on the road, but felt brutally stiff on the cobbles. Combined with its complete lack of adjustability, it was definitely out of its comfort zone.
Overall, the Foil is an off-theshelf dream bike that can handle rough roads, mountain passes and fast chaingangs with ease.
THE VERDICT Scott’s Foil RC proves that aero bikes aren’t only for billiard table-smooth tarmac