2024 Cervelo Soloist vs Scott Addict RC

Our bicycle maestro Bernard Lu compares the Cervelo Soloist and Scott Addict RC, comparing the variant, features, technologies and pricing.

Experienced cyclist turned writer with 7+ years working in bike shops, overseeing retail and workshop operations.
Updated:

This article compares the Cervelo Soloist and Scott Addict RC.

I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology ( and Scott High Modulus Carbon) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.

The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo Soloist and Scott Addict RC.

Cervelo SoloistScott Addict RC
Type of bikeAll-rounderAll-rounder
Frame materialCervelo carbonHMX-SL carbon
HMX carbon
Frame sizes44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 6147, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
GroupsetShimano, SRAM (12-speed)Shimano, SRAM (12-speed)
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
CablingInternalInternal
Price (USD)$3,400 to $6,800$4,799 to $15,999
Overview of Cervelo Soloist and Scott Addict RC

Cervelo Soloist

Cervelo Soloist
Cervelo Soloist. Photo : Cervelo

The Cervélo Soloist is the latest addition to Cervélo’s road bike range. It sits between the Cervélo S5 (aero) and Cervélo R5 (lightweight), making it a versatile bike across all terrains.

It was first launched in the early 2000’s and before being refreshed with disc brakes, wider tire clearance (34mm), and extra comfort and compliance. Depending on the frame size, Cervélo claims it’s about 250g heavier than R5 and 250g lighter than S5.

One of the major differences between the Cervélo Soloist and other Cervélo models is the use of the new BBrighT-47 bottom bracket standard. Cervelo says it maintains the stiffness characteristics of the BBRight but simplifies the installation and replacement.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Cervelo SoloistCarbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Reserve 40/44$6,800
Cervelo SoloistCarbonSRAM Force eTap AXSReserve 40/44$6,800
Cervelo SoloistCarbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Reserve 40/44$5,200
Cervelo SoloistCarbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSReserve 40/44$5,200
Cervelo SoloistCarbonShimano Ultegra (R8000)Fulcrum Racing 600 DB$4,300
Cervelo SoloistCarbonShimano 105 (R7000)Alexrims Boondocks 5$3,400
Cervélo Soloist models and retail prices in USD

Scott Addict RC

Scott Addict RC Ultimate SRAM Red eTap AXS
Scott Addict RC Ultimate. Photo : Scott

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.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Scott Addict RC UltimateCarbon (HMX-SL)SRAM Red eTap AXSZipp 353 NSW$15,999
Scott Addict RC ProCarbon (HMX)Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Zipp 303SE$9,999
Scott Addict RC 10Carbon (HMX)SRAM Force eTap AXSSyncros Capital 1.0 35$7,599
Scott Addict RC 15Carbon (HMX)Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Syncros Capital 1.0 35$6,799
Scott Addict RC 20Carbon (HMX)SRAM Force eTap AXSSyncros RP2.0$6,299
Scott Addict RC 30Carbon (HMX)SRAM Rival eTap AXSSyncros RP2.0$5,299
Scott Addict RC 40Carbon (HMX)Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Syncros RP2.0$4,799
Scott Addict RC models lineup

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 Soloist and Scott Addict RC 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 Soloist

NameDescription
34mm tire clearanceThe 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Soloist a versatile road bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains.
BBRighT-47 bottom bracketBBRighT-47, also known as T47A or BBCorrect is a relatively new BB standard and came to prominence when Trek used it in the Madone.

The larger bearings increased stiffness while avoiding the common creaking and wear problems due to pool tolerance between frames and bearing cups. The design puts the non-driveside bearing inside the frame, and the driveside bearing outside. It uses T47 cups, which thread into the frame rather than being press-fit.
Cervélo Soloist’s frameset features and technologies

Scott Addict RC

NameDescription
Oversize Bottom BracketThe 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 StructureThe 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 HandlebarThe 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 TechnologyScott 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.
Scott Addict RC’s frameset features and technologies

Where to buy

Cervelo retailers

Scott retailers

Bernard Lu at Mr.Mamil

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.