Scott Speedster Gravel Review

All the bikes in the Speedster Gravel range share the same Aluminium frame and full carbon fibre fork. As previously mentioned the geometry is almost identical to that of the regular Speedster bike, with endurance road geometry designed to be comfortable for long days with a slightly more upright riding position than an out and out aggressive race bike. The chainstays are slightly longer creating a longer wheelbase than the standard Speedster, this does help stability when venturing off the beaten path. The frame is made from double-butted 6061 aluminium that helps reduce weight and add a little compliance, the forks are full carbon, including a carbon steerer to again reduce weight and create a little give to aid comfort on whatever type of road or path you ride.

Gravel bikes can make the perfect winter and commute bikes, given their added comfort and versatility. The Speedster gravel comes with front and rear mounts for full-length mudguards, a rear rack could also be fitted to increase versatility.

As the bike is an adaption from an existing endurance road bike, it does lend itself to fast road riders who want to explore gravel and byways away from the smooth tarmac. The Speedster Gravel does still feel like a road bike, but with wider tyres to give more of a confidence-inspiring feel on the path. It still feels fast and agile on any surface. This bike is more of a road bike adapted for off-road ability, rather than an off-road machine adapted to work on the roads.

Every single model of the Speedster Gravel comes with the new Shimano GRX groupset. This new groupset is designed specifically for gravel bikes. Opening up the drop-down groupset menu below will show the ins and outs of what exact GRX version is fitted to the bikes in the range.

Shimano GRX has taken existing MTB technology and paired to the best of their Road groupset knowledge to create Shimano's first dedicated Gravel groupset. Invaluable features for off-road riding include a clutched rear mech, this increases the tension on the chain to significantly reduce chain slap and dramatically improve chain retention over rough terrain. The entry-level bikes have the GRX RX400 in a 2x10 set up while the top end bikes have the full 2x11 GRX RX810 set up. The top line Speedster Gravel 10 has a 48/33 chainring with an 11-34 cassette, while all other models get a steep hill friendly 43/30 chainring, with the same wide-ratio 11-34 cassette.

Every bike has GRX Hydraulic disc brakes, this addition is thankfully appreciated on the trail, the added power of hydraulic brakes mean a more relaxed grip on the bars and therefore a more fluid ride can be had once you get away from the tarmac. The finishing kit is made up from Syncros parts, with a particularly comfortable handlebar with extra grip tape for added comfort.

Every Speedster Gravel bike in the range uses the same wheelset. A pairing of Syncross race 24 rims and ever-reliable Formula hubs. This wheelset rolls fast on tarmac but has the strength to be taken off-road, they strike the balance between weight and strength well and do not give any concerns when bouncing along unkept bridleway and byway.

Scott has chosen to fit the very good Schwalbe G-One All round tyre to every bike in the range. The tyre follows a similar approach to the wheelset, while not a full-on dedicated off-road tyre that will drag significantly on the tarmac, it has good grip off-road, but for smoother gravel and typical country lane tarmac it rolls very fast. The 35c width gives the tyre good volume and once the sweet spot in tyre pressure is found, they eat up any bumps, while still cruising along without the drag of an off-road tyre.