Get The Best Alternative For Road Bikes at Low Cost.
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Price |
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Pros |
Price, seat |
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Cons |
Brakes, fork |
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Summary |
If you want to spend less than a thousand dollars and come away with a capable endurance road bike, you should look closely at the Scott Speedster 50. |
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Our Rating |
79/100 |
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Brand |
The Scott Speedster 50 is a high-performance road bike at an entry-level price point.
The Speedster 50 has been entirely redesigned for the 2018 season. The revisions include a lighter design than previous year models, which is excellent for those who want a dynamic, efficient ride.
The specs of the bike reflect the price point, and though you won’t find the top of the line features, you will find a bike that delivers your money’s worth. This review will cover the specs, strengths and weaknesses, and a buying guide for this bike.
Tech Specs
FRAME SIZE: 38.7 to 40.3 inchesBRAKE TYPE: Tektro Comp SCBR-313 39-51mm brakesSHIFTER: Dual Control Shimano 14 Speed ShifterRIMS: Syncros Race 22TIRES: Schwalbe Lugano Tires With a 28 mm Cross-sectional Diameter
The Speedster 50 is composed of an alloy frame, Shimano shifter, and Tektro brakes. The combination of parts adds up to a machine that weighs in at 22.49, which is lighter than the Speedster 50’s of years past. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical specs on this bike.
Many Frame Sizes
The Speedster 50 comes in seven different sizes (XXS to 2XL), which means that it is possible to find an excellent fit for many different body types.
The wheelbase of the frame ranges from 38.7 to 40.3 inches, making for a stable and comfortable base for longer rides. The headtube ranges from 4.4 to 8.7 inches.
The geometry of the frame is based on race-proven innovations from Scott, yet crafted with aluminum alloy endurance geometry integrated to make the bike affordable. It might look faster than it is when you’re riding it, but it can be fun to have a race-ready looking bike, even if you are just riding for fun.
Brakes Might Need An Upgrade
The Scott team chose Tektro Comp SCBR-313 39-51mm brakes for this bike, which are on the low end when it comes to brakes available on the market today.
The Tektro brakes tend to feel a bit weak when you are on descents and are not as responsive as higher end brakes, such as Shimano.
Comfortable Shifter
The Shimano dual control 14 speed shifter is easy to operate and comfortable to use without straining the wrists. The jumps between gears can feel dramatic, and the rider needs to be exact about what gear he or she is in to produce the most efficient pedaling. If you are just one gear off, you might be working much harder than you need to be.
Race Rims
The rims used are Syncros Race 22 rims with 24 spokes in the front and 28 spokes in the back. This is a moderately lightweight rim and is not suited for heavy riders or loaded touring.
The lightweight qualities contribute to the dynamic feel of the bike.
Entry-Level Tires
The Speedster 50 is fitted with Schwalbe Lugano tires with a 28 mm cross-sectional diameter. This tire is Schwalbe’s entry-level option, which offers mid-level durability and protection and minimal off road grip.
Don’t take these tires off-road and expect things to go well! The tires are pretty much “you get what you pay for”, and you may have to put some work into maintenance and to repair flats.
Price Range
Expect to pay anywhere from $600-$850 dollars for this model of Scott’s road bike lineup. If you don’t care about performance and merely want a road bike for commuting, you might opt for a cheaper aluminum-framed brand and model, like a Vilano aluminum road bike brand.
But if you desire some high-performance aspects included in your ride, yet don’t want to spend a fortune, the Speedster 50 would be a great place to start.
What We Like
The Speedster 50 is a performance bike which has been designed with endurance riding in mind. This means that it may not be as light as climbing specific bike, or as aerodynamic as a bike designed to reach maximum speeds.
It is, however, created to give you an efficient, comfortable ride over long distances.The Synchros FL2.5 saddle is comfortable for extended trips, which is excellent for riders who hope to rack up the miles.
The color scheme of the bike is stylish, and the appearance is sleek, modern and sporty. Comfortable handlebars and smooth shifting add to the enjoyment of the ride. Scott manufactures a wide range of sizes for this model, so short and tall riders alike can find a perfect fit.
- High quality Shimano shifter provides smooth transition between gears
- Size ranges from XXS to 2XL
- Comfortable seat
- Made for efficient endurance riding
- Alloy frame is lighter than years past
What We Don’t Like
The weaknesses in the Speedster 500 include the fork speedster alloy 1 and brakes. Also, the alloy frame is on the heavy side, but that can’t be avoided at this price-range of a road bike. And though the alloy frame is on the heavy side, it does offer up durability that a carbon frame wouldn’t.
If you want to spend less than a thousand dollars and come away with a capable endurance road bike, you should look closely at the Scott Speedster 50. This affordable machine is built for comfort over the long haul, so you can ride all day if you want to. You can find more information about sizing and dealers here.
- Tektro brakes
- Alloy frame speedster is on the heavy side
- Alloy fork doesn’t cushion the ride
Buying Advice
This bike is for the endurance road biker who is looking for a great bike at an affordable price. On this bike, you’ll look like a pro due to the aerodynamic, race-proven geometry of the frame.
Due to the cost, you’ll have to sacrifice quality on some of the parts, including the tires, alloy fork, and brakes. This bike isn’t made for professional racers, but it is perfect for a recreational rider who wants performance-level equipment.
If you want to spend less than a thousand dollars and come away with a capable endurance road bike, you should look closely at the Scott Speedster 50. This affordable machine is built for comfort over the long haul, so you can ride all day if you want to. You can find more information about sizing and dealers here.
