Gravel biking has exploded in popularity, blending the speed of road cycling with the ruggedness of mountain biking. The Scott Addict Gravel 40 is a standout in this category, offering a lightweight carbon frame, reliable components, and a geometry that balances comfort and performance.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the bike’s design, components, ride quality, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right gravel bike for your adventures.
The Scott Addict Gravel 40 features a high-modulus carbon fiber frame, keeping weight low (around 9.5 kg / 20.9 lbs for a medium) while maintaining stiffness and durability. The frame design incorporates Scott’s Integrated Channel Technology, which neatly routes cables and hoses inside the frame for a clean look and reduced maintenance.
Carbon HMF Frame: Lightweight yet strong, optimized for gravel riding.
Progressive Geometry: A slightly relaxed head tube angle (71.5°) and longer wheelbase enhance stability on rough terrain.
Tire Clearance: Fits up to 42mm tires, allowing for versatility across gravel, dirt, and light singletrack.
Mounts for Accessories: Includes bottle cage mounts, top tube mounts, and fender/rack compatibility, making it suitable for bikepacking.
The sleek, understated design with minimal branding gives the bike a premium look, appealing to riders who prefer a clean aesthetic.
The Addict Gravel 40 comes equipped with Shimano GRX 600 (2×10-speed), a groupset specifically designed for gravel riding.
Shimano GRX 600 Shifters: Ergonomically shaped for comfort on rough terrain.
2×10 Gearing (46/30T crankset & 11-34T cassette): Offers a wide range for climbing and fast descents.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Provide excellent stopping power in all conditions.
While some may prefer a 1x setup for simplicity, the 2x system ensures better gear range, making it ideal for mixed-terrain riding.
Syncros Race 24 Disc Wheels: Lightweight alloy rims with a 24mm internal width, suitable for wider tires.
Schwalbe G-One Allround Tires (40mm): A great balance of speed and grip across loose gravel and hardpack.
The wheelset is tubeless-ready, allowing riders to set them up tubeless for lower rolling resistance and fewer punctures.
The Addict Gravel 40 excels on rough terrain, with its carbon frame absorbing vibrations while remaining responsive. The 42mm tire clearance (tested with 40mm Schwalbe G-Ones) provides ample cushioning, making long rides comfortable.
Despite being a gravel bike, it doesn’t feel sluggish on pavement. The GRX 2x drivetrain allows for efficient pedaling at higher speeds, making it a great option for riders who mix road and gravel.
The slacker head tube angle and longer wheelbase improve stability on descents, while the short stem ensures quick handling in tight corners.
✅ Lightweight carbon frame for a smooth, efficient ride.
✅ Shimano GRX 600 groupset delivers reliable shifting and braking.
✅ Versatile tire clearance (up to 42mm) for different terrains.
✅ Clean internal cable routing for low maintenance.
✅ Mounting points for bikepacking and commuting.
❌ Alloy wheels (while durable) add weight compared to carbon options.
❌ 2x drivetrain may be overkill for riders who prefer simplicity.
❌ Price (though competitive for a carbon gravel bike).
The Scott Addict Gravel 40 is ideal for:
Gravel enthusiasts who want a lightweight, fast bike.
Adventure riders looking for a bike that can handle long-distance bikepacking.
Road cyclists seeking a versatile second bike for mixed terrain.
It may not be the best choice for:
Riders on a tight budget (alloy alternatives like the Scott Speedster Gravel offer similar features at a lower price).
Those who prefer a 1x drivetrain for simplicity.
The Scott Addict Gravel 40 is a well-rounded gravel bike that blends speed, comfort, and durability. Its carbon frame, Shimano GRX groupset, and versatile tire clearance make it a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end gravel market.
While the alloy wheels and 2x drivetrain may not suit everyone, the bike’s overall performance and ride quality justify its price. If you’re looking for a lightweight, capable gravel bike that can handle everything from fast group rides to epic bikepacking adventures, the Addict Gravel 40 is an excellent choice.
