We test the Scott Foil 10, pure speed

The Scott Foil 10 leaves no one indifferent. More than 10 years after the launch of its first version and with an enviable track record, this model continues to be one of the most desired bikes among all those looking for a very fast bike. We have had the opportunity to test it in depth and here we tell you our impressions about it.

Scott Foil 10, a pure aero that has proven to be very versatile

The Scott Foil is not an aero bike with shaped tubes that only seek a striking aesthetic, all its development is focused on offering the best performance. For the construction of the frame they use an aerodynamic profile design with Scott's F01 technology, based on truncated profiles, as has been the norm lately. With this technology they have already won a multitude of races, including classics such as Paris-Roubaix, which speaks very well of the versatility of this model. 

In this latest version they have included internal cable routing, even for mechanical groupsets, further improving aerodynamics and achieving a very clean aesthetic. The oversized headset, in addition to housing the cables, provides great stiffness and the integration between the fork and the frame is very well achieved, which improves the aerodynamic aspect. Also seeking greater stiffness in the bottom bracket area, a PF86 bottom bracket was chosen so that the diagonal tube connects with the greatest possible width.

But it's not all about stiffness in a good frame design, and the rear of the Scott Foil 10 is a good example of that. The seat stay connection to the seat tube is lower and the seat stays have a really slim design to promote vertical flex so that the Foil filters out road irregularities to some extent.

The frame of the Scott Foil 10 is full of quality details such as the perfectly integrated seatpost clamp, or the design of its rear dropouts with a ramp-shaped entry for the rear wheel to facilitate wheel changes in competition.

As for the geometry of this frame, it's quite balanced, and when something works it's best not to change it too much. In the size 54 we tested, it offers a 550 mm horizontal tube, resulting in a reach of 388.9 mm, a measurement that, although focused on performance, is not excessively uncomfortable. Angles of 72.5º at the head tube and 73.6º at the seat tube, for the size we tested, seek that balance that results in a stable bike while retaining the agility needed to ride it well in corners.

First class assembly for the Scott Foil 10

Although the Foil 10 is not the top of the range model, and although it can't be said to be a budget bike at €5,999 retail price, the fact is that considering the price difference with the bigger models, the set-up we have before us is impressive. For starters, it shares with the range-toppers the unique Syncros Creston IC SL handlebars with internal cable routing all the way to the headset and a really neat ergonomic design. The Foil 10 also boasts spectacular Syncros Capital 1.0 50 Disc wheels. Its 50mm high carbon rims have a U-profile and 21mm internal width, in line with current trends.

On these wheels are mounted Schwalbe ONE tyres with a width of 28, which, together with the generous inner width of the rim, gives a considerable balloon.

A special mention should be made regarding the Syncros Belcarra V-Concept 2.0 saddle, which has a design that fits perfectly on this bike. The front part is a little wider than usual, allowing you to pedal forward when you're in the aero position. In addition, its 140 mm width and its shape seemed to us anatomically perfect, although we know that this is a matter of personal preference and each rider may suit one type of saddle or another.

Sram Force AXS. Scott Foil 10 and the cables

The assembly of this spectacular bike is completed with the exclusive Sram Force AXS groupset, whose electronic and wireless operation is the most technologically advanced. With its 12-sprocket cassette, Sram has modified the typical gear combinations, since, due to the wide range that the 10/33 sprocket set can offer, it has opted for cranks with a gap between chainrings of only 13 teeth (in this case it mounts 35/48 chainrings).

This feature means that we make fewer chainring changes as the 48th is faster before we need to change to the small chainring and vice versa. In addition, as the difference between chainrings is 13 teeth instead of the typical 16 of a 34/50 or 36/52, when we change, we don't have to compensate with so many sprockets to keep the right cadence.

Riding quietly with the Scott Foil 10 is almost impossible

The first thing we notice when we get on the bike is a feeling of solidity. The position on the bike is not as demanding as we expected, partly due to the fact that it comes with several spacers under the stem as standard. Removing these spacers, you can get a really racing position. The Scott Foil 10 doesn't particularly stand out when it comes to weight, as on our scales without pedals it weighed a figure of 8,060g. Acceleration with this bike is therefore not quite as light as with other more lightweight models. The Foil's strong point is maintaining high cruising speeds. In these situations the bike is a delight as it rolls very easily and is very quiet. On good roads there is only a slight buzzing noise that is typical of the high profile carbon rims, which we think is wonderful.

When the terrain is uphill, the Foil still defends itself very well and it's easy to maintain speed, and when it's time to stand up on a steeper ramp, the great stiffness of the bike helps us to transmit every impulse to the wheel very well. On long climbs it does suffer a little from the higher weight compared to climbing versions.

On the downhill, the Foil also brings out some outstanding qualities. Its geometry makes it a docile and stable bike, but with the agility to take corners with ease. This is also helped by the overall stiffness mentioned above and the excellent Sram Force disc brakes with 160mm rotors on both wheels. The feel and power of these brakes gives us extra confidence in any situation.

And continuing with the Sram Force, the Foil 10 has the full AXS version, which gives this bike a plus as it is possibly the most advanced technology in terms of groupsets. The AXS road groupsets are unique because they have only one button on each lever, making it impossible to press the wrong button. The left button moves up to a larger sprocket and the right button moves down to a smaller sprocket. To change crankset you press both buttons at the same time. Once you get used to it, it is quite intuitive.

In addition to the standard way of shifting, through the AXS App we can configure what Sram calls "Enhanced shifting", which is an automatic or semi-automatic system for changing chainrings. We have the option of automatically changing chainrings from a certain sprocket, or the option that when we change chainrings, a compensation of one or two sprockets is made so that there is no abrupt change in cadence. The improved shifting option, as configured, can be activated or deactivated by pressing a button. And how does the Sram Force AXS work? Well, impeccably. Shifting is very crisp and somewhat less quiet than with a Shimano Dura-Ace for example. It is true that this groupset requires meticulousness when it comes to installing the front derailleur in position, but once it is correctly positioned, precision is guaranteed.

Final conclusions 

After several weeks of riding this bike, the Scott Foil 10 is a real all-rounder, and it's clear to us that it's a really versatile bike. It is clear that its strong point is rolling at high speeds, but it is also a comfortable bike when the terrain is not in very good conditions, thanks to the design of its frame and its tyres of 28. 

On descents it provides a very noticeable safety and only on big climbs do we notice that it has a few extra grams (always comparing it with high-end climbing bikes). The Sram AXS groupset, whose performance we liked a lot, and the avant-garde aesthetics of the integration of its components and its aerodynamic lines also play in this bike's favour. Although it's not an economical bike, it does offer great performance for the price.

Scott Foil 10 Disc: specifications and price

• Frame: Foil Disc HMF
• Fork: Foil Disc HMX
• Rear Derailleur: Sram FORCE eTap AXS 24 Speed Electronic Shift System
• Front Derailleur: SRAM FORCE eTap AXS Electronic Shift System
• Shifters: Sram FORCE eTap AXS HRD
• Crankset: Sram FORCE 48/35
• BB-Set: Sram DUB PF road 86,5
• Chain: Sram FORCE
• Cassette: Sram FORCE 10-33
• Brakes: Sram FORCE HRD flatmount
• Handlebar: Syncros Creston IC SL
• Seatpost: Syncros Duncan 1.0 Aero
• Seat: Syncros Belcarra V-Concept 2.0
• Wheelset: Syncros Capital 1.0 50 Disc
• Tires: Schwalbe ONE Race-Guard 700x28C
• Price: 5.999€

Full Scott Foil range SEE IT HERE