This article compares the Cervelo Soloist and Scott Addict.
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.
| Cervelo Soloist | Scott Addict | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | All-rounder | Aero |
| 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 | External |
| Price (USD) | $3,400 to $6,800 | $2,499 to $5,499 |
Cervelo Soloist
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.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $4,300 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Alexrims Boondocks 5 | $3,400 |
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 Orbea 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 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
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Soloist a versatile road bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| BBRighT-47 bottom bracket | BBRighT-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. |
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.