srinisy

Hi,
I am in a dilemma. I have two options.
1. 2018 Scott Foil 20 Disc (Ultegra) - 3,900$
2. 2019 Scott Addict SE Disc (Di2) - 3,900$

I am kind of new to cycling. But I want to invest in a good bike so that I don't regret it later.
They both are like 2-3 years old. Is this a good buy? Or shall I wait for the 2021 models?

Eric F 

You can't really make a wrong choice between those 2. That said, I would pick the Di2 bike.

srinisy

Ok, So the year of manufacture doesn't matter even if it is like a 3year old bike?

GlennR

I ride a 6 year old bike.

My advice.. .get the one that fits best.

Eric F 

I recently retired my 18-year-old carbon fiber race bike to trainer duty, and bought a 3-year-old carbon fiber race bike as my main road machine (I don't race any more, but still like to ride hard). 3 years old is not "old". Unless you crash and damage it, carbon fiber frames don't go bad with time. My 18-year-old bike performs just as it did when it was new (except for the fading motor). The Addict you're looking at is up to date with current technology (Di2 shifting and disc brakes). As long as the bike is in good condition, you're saving yourself a bunch of money that could be put to something like a wheel upgrade. A new Di2/disc equipped bike isn't going to perform any better than the older one.

srinisy

Ok. Thank you. But I am confused about whether it's ok to buy a 2019 model in 2021? Like so many things would have changed. Or like new upgrades will be available in 2021 bikes. Am I wrong abt this when it comes to buying a cycle?

GlennR

Maybe you should wait for 2022 or 2023. You never know when something new will come out.

My point is buy the bike you want and don't look back. My bike is 11 speed with rim brakes and quick release wheels. Current bikes are 12 speed, disc brakes and through axles.


My bike is still awesome.

srinisy

Ok. Thank you so much. Been breaking my head for the past 48hrs. Some friends suggested me that I wait and get the latest 2021. But I checked online and there is no stock whatsoever and the latest bikes with Di2 and Ultegra groupset are way more than 3.900$

I was like would I buy a 2019 car in 2021

Eric F 

I expect you will see almost no difference (except maybe paint color) between a 2019 and 2021 model of the same bike, equipped with the same level of components. The bike industry moves like luke-warm lava.

srinisy

Ok, sir. Eventually, I am going to come down to that. Buy it and don't look back
Just for my satisfaction wanted to get expert advice that I am not making a mistake and the shopkeeper is not fooling me to buy a 3year old bike.

shelbyfv

The current Addict SE is $3999.99 so you aren't getting a bargain.

Eric F 

I started riding road bikes seriously in the late 1990s. I know a little about bikes. This past December, I bought a 3-year-old bike that does not have either Di2 or disc brakes. Guess what? I wouldn't go any faster or farther if I had either of those newer bits of technology.

As GlennR said, pick the one that fits your body best. Fit - more than anything else - will affect your performance the most.

Eric F 

Oh, damn. I hadn't compared current prices. I was expecting the 2021 to be more like $5k.

Ogsarg

If the bikes are used, you definitely want to check them both over in regards to condition but many bikes get bought and hardly ridden so something a few years old should not stop you at all. My first road bike was 7 years old when I got it and I put many trouble free miles on it before upgrading.

The two bikes on your list are different in that the Foil is going to have more aggressive geometry, where the Addict is their more relaxed Endurance geometry. If you plan to race or do fast group rides, the foil may be a better choice. Otherwise maybe the Addict. You should really try them out and see if one feels better.

For used bikes, both prices seem a little high to me but there is a shortage of bikes so I guess it is what it is. Good luck with the decision.

veganbikes

If both bikes are new, fit you well, Addict all day. It felt more comfortable to me than the Foil which was way too aero for my tastes. Di2 is always a good choice. The new version uses SRAM Force AXS which is not personally my jam but price wise is not far off from the older bikes but probably not a huge deal unless the bikes are used then I wouldn't pay nearly that much.

My Phil Wood frame is from the nineteen hundred and nineties and the derailleurs and shifters and brakes are from the nineteen hundred and eighties and the other parts on it are newer but of older technology (freewheel hubs and square taper bottom bracket) and it still works (or will be made to work, minor shifting issue need to replace left downtube shifter because it is missing something and no matter what I do it doesn't want to work anymore)

DaveSSS 

I assume these are new, old stock bikes, not used. Very much an apples and oranges comparison. Most models only change every 3-5 years. I recently bought two new 2017 Cinelli superstar frames. They're the same as the 2021 model, but cost half as much. They're disc brake thru axle models. They build up to a very nice bike, for the price.

Iride01 

If you don't want to make a bad investment, then don't spend so much on the bike that you can't just throw it away and get another.

It's very likely that with any bike you buy, you'll find out that something might could be better about it. If you are new and have no experience, then don't buy a bike at a price that will make it hard for you to get another bike. As you get your own experiences with a bike you'll find that they likely aren't quite the same experiences we lean to because our use and preferences aren't the same.

As for the two bikes, one probably will let you get more aggressive with your position. You need to consider the gearing on both and decide if that's the gearing you need for your fitness level and riding conditions. If not, then what will it cost to change. Do aero wheels matter to you? On which bike are they more aero?

Outrider1

If you're sure road biking is your niche in the sport and not gravel, trail, mountain, CX, etc, I'd go for the Di2 as it seems you're a bit concerned with having the latest tech. Many folks aspire to have a Di2 equipped bike. It's currently some of the latest tech.

Jrasero

Old thread but as someone who decided between a 2022 Scott RC 20 Foil vs an Addict I can say probably go with the Foil unless you plan to climb a lot and/or already have a lighter wheelset to put on the Addict

Both are great "values" compared to their competition in the market however the Foil RC 20 seems mispriced compared to the Addict, since both bike are the same $5800 and the Addict (race/climbing) bike weighs 18lbs yet the Foil (aero) weighs roughly the same 18lbs, weird. Just odd to me, but what is more glaring is that with the Foil RC 20 you get carbon wheels (50mm) compared to the Addict RC 20's alloy and you also get a full one piece carbon cockpit compared to the Addict's two piece alloy handlebars.

For some the Foil's aggressive aero geometry is too much and that slightly more upright geo in the Addict will make more sense or if you want to try and get away doing some light gravel the Addict would be a better all around bike

the sci guy