Scott 2019 Foil Range Guide

Words by Tom Worsfold

The Foil has been widely regarded as one of the most versatile aero bikes on the market, sharing its geometry with the rapid Addict RC and being no stranger to the top of the podium at some of the year's biggest races. 2019 sees four models with the range split between rim and disc brake models in all guises. Interested in picking up the pace this season? Keep reading to find out which foil best suits you.

The Frame

The Foil frame is without a doubt a stunning feat of technology - aggressively aerodynamic without being angular, and with well-integrated cables that leave incredibly clean visuals. Scott state that the foil has been designed to �win every ride�, a bold statement that is backed up by 32 Grand-Tour stage wins since the frame's introduction in 2010. But what does it do differently? The frames headtube has been designed with a head-to-toe aerodynamic profile, with the leading edge featuring an optimized shape created with additional carbon layers to keep air-drag to a minimum. The new fork follows suit, with a fresh internally routed design that features a winged section at the dropout to guarantee perfect airflow around disc-brakes.

The Foil is highly regarded as one of the most comfortable aero bikes on the market, a reputation claimed in part thanks to smart comfort zone construction. A thin, dropped seatstay design allows for vertical compliance when the road gets rough, a design that is coupled with an incredibly stiff bottom bracket area for a versatile blend of comfort and power-transfer. The Foil premium is graced with Scott's high end HMX carbon, a high modulus design that allows Scott to use less material, leading to a lighter frame. Alongside this you will find clever touches such as the option of a direct mount derailleur hanger, self-guiding recesses in the dropouts and a tidy integrated seat clamp design - all in the name of aerodynamics and outright practicality, achieving Scott's reputation for being at the bleeding edge of cycle design.

Groupsets

For 2019 the Foil range is equipped with 11spd Shimano drivetrains, with all models being race ready out the box no matter what spec option you choose. At the entry point of the Foil 30, Shimano's ever-reliable and practical 105 groupset is used. Fresh from its 2019 revamp, 105 is sleeker and lighter than ever, with visuals that mirror the more expensive drivetrains in Shimano's current line-up and performance that is hard to beat at the price point.

From here, the Foil 20 features Ultegra R8000, with the key benefits over 105 being reduced weight and a slightly more refined shift-feel. Above these specifications lies Shimano's performance focused electronic drivetrains, with the Foil 10 receiving the highly regarded Ultegra Di2 groupset and Foil Premium coming equipped with the drool-worthy Dura-Ace Di2.

Rim Brake vs Disc

What's best for you?

Notably this year's Scott Foil comes with a choice of rim or disc brakes in each model, with there being a notable price difference between the two. With the difference in price you might be wondering, why would anyone go disc? Scott state that the benefits of disc brakes are prominent when riding back to back between rim and disc models. Disc brakes bring with them outright power and control, allowing you to brake later into corners and giving you the edge in a world where races are one by milliseconds.

Rim brakes are lighter, and hard to look past if you are a fair-weather cyclist looking for the next big bargain, but the reality is that in the UK consistent dry weather is far from a reality. Disc brakes shine when the roads get slick, inspiring confidence and offering great control when the weather is far from perfect, making them a fast and realistic option for here in the UK.

The Models - A Breakdown

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