In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Cervelo Caledonia vs Scott Addict.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology ( and Scott High Modulus Carbon) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Cervelo Caledonia and Scott Addict to help in your decision-making.
| Cervelo Caledonia | Scott Addict | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | HMF carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal (Caledonia 5) External (Caledonia) | External |
| Price (USD) | $4,700 to $11,500 | $2,499 to $5,499 |
Cervelo Caledonia
The Cervélo Caledonia is an endurance bike for comfort and long-distance riding over tarmac, backroads, and smooth, hardpacked gravels.
Compared to the Cervélo R5 and S5, the Cervélo Caledonia has a much more relaxed geometry with a higher stack and shorter reach. This puts the rider in a more upright position for comfort rather than aero. Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia share the same carbon fiber and frame geometry and can take tires up to 34mm wide.
The major difference between the Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia is in aerodynamics.
- Cervélo Caledonia 5 has a better aerodynamics profile with a slimmer head tube, cleaner front end with internal cable routing, and a D-shaped seatpost.
- Cervélo Caledonia has a more traditional look with a rounder head tube with external cabling and round (27.2mm) seatpost.
Here are all the available Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia models and builds.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $6,000 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $5,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $4,700 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | DT Swiss E1850 | $3,600 |
Scott Addict
The Scott Addict RC Ultimate is a top-of-the-line model made from the superlight HMX SL Carbon. The Scott Addict RC Pro is next in line with the HMX Carbon. Both models have a fully integrated, one-piece carbon handlebar.
Further down the line are five Scott Addict RC models built with the HMX Carbon. They use a two-piece aluminum handlebar, and the cables are fully hidden. RC stands for Racing Concept, and the Addict RC is Scott’s performance racing bike.
There’s also a women-specific Scott Contessa Addict RC similar to the standard version, except for the touchpoints, saddles, handlebars, and compact cranksets.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Addict RC Ultimate | Carbon (HMX-SL) | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 353 NSW | $15,999 |
| Scott Addict RC Pro | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Zipp 303SE | $9,999 |
| Scott Addict RC 10 | Carbon (HMX) | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Syncros Capital 1.0 35 | $7,599 |
| Scott Addict RC 15 | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Syncros Capital 1.0 35 | $6,799 |
| Scott Addict RC 20 | Carbon (HMX) | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Syncros RP2.0 | $6,299 |
| Scott Addict RC 30 | Carbon (HMX) | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Syncros RP2.0 | $5,299 |
| Scott Addict RC 40 | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Syncros RP2.0 | $4,799 |
Cervelo vs Scott carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
Scott High Modulus Carbon
Scott implements two primary types of carbon fiber technology in their bicycle frame construction; HMX-SL, HMX, and HMF carbon.
- HMX-SL (High Modulus Xtreme, Super Light) carbon is the pinnacle of Scott’s carbon fiber technology. This innovative blend of carbon fiber is designed for ultimate stiffness and minimal weight. Scott uses HMX-SL Carbon in their highest-end models, such as the premium version of the Scott Addict RC Ultimate and Foil RC Ultimate road bike. These bikes, with HMX-SL Carbon frames, are the go-to choice for professional cyclists competing in world-class races.
- HMX carbon is a level below the HMX-SL, and is still a top-tier carbon material offering a fantastic blend of stiffness and lightweight construction, albeit not as light or rigid as the HMX-SL. It’s an excellent choice for serious and experienced cyclists looking for a high-performance bike without the additional premium.
- HMF (High Modulus Fiber) carbon, may not be as light or stiff as HMX carbon, but it’s still a superior material that contributes to a robust, light, and efficient ride. Scott uses HMF carbon in their bikes that strike a balance between affordability and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo Caledonia and Scott Addict framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervelo Caledonia
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Aero Cable Management | The Aero Cable Management feature on the Cervélo Caledonia 5 enhances the bike’s aerodynamics without compromising usability or performance. The frame, fork, ST31 (carbon) or ST32 (alloy) stem, and AB09 handlebars are meticulously designed to conceal brake hoses and shifter cables from the wind. The Cervélo Caledonia doesn’t have the Aero Cable Management and has external cable routing. |
| Performance Fit | The beauty of the Cervélo Caledonia 5 lies in Cervélo’s Performance Fit. The stem and two bearing caps allow a choice between a more aggressive 7mm or relaxed 22mm stack without needing any spacers. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Caledonia a versatile endurance bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| Integrated mounts | The 34mm tire clearance increases Caledonia’s versatility, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
Scott Addict
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| HMX carbon | The more comfortable and compliant HMF Carbon is used for the endurance-focused Scott Addict making it the ideal choice for beginners. It strikes a balance between affordability and performance. |
| Oversize Bottom Bracket | The Addict RC features an oversized down tube and bottom bracket intersection, among the widest on the current road bike market. This extensive cross-section and smooth transition handle loads effectively, reducing unwanted frame flex and ensuring efficient power transfer to the drivetrain. |
| Hollow Frame Structure | The entire frame set of Addict RC is built with a hollow structure and has an immaculately clean inside, which significantly reduces the overall weight. |
| One-Piece Handlebar | The Syncros Combo Creston IC handlebar is neat, with all cables completely routed internally through the bar, headset, and into the frame as part of Scott’s new Integrated Cable Routing (ICR). Collaborating with GebioMized, the handlebar design optimizes ergonomics for riders. |
| Evo-Lap Technology | Scott applies Evo-Lap technology in designing the Addict RC, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to simulate different forces on the frame and optimize the carbon lay-up. By modeling the frame and testing stress distribution in different areas, Scott has optimized carbon layers throughout the frame, creating a lightweight yet resilient structure. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
Scott retailers
- Scott retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Scott retailers.
- Scott distributors. Use this tool to find your local Scott distributors.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.