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Review Of The Scott Sportster Range Part 1

The Scott Sportster range can be a bit confusing - there are a lot of options to choose from. In Part 1 we examine the less expensive end of the range, the Sportster 60, 55, 50 and 40.

First off, it's useful to point out that the higher specification models have the lower model numbers, and vice versa. Consequently the Sportster 60 is the cheapest bike in the range, and the 40 the most expensive in this group.

All four are available in mens and womens versions – each version of a particular model differing in:-

· Frame geometry.

· Handlebar – the womens version having more shape and is a bit longer.

· Saddle – for obvious reasons…

Everything else – components, weight, price etc is identical between the mens and womens versions of each model. Upgrades to gears, brakes and front fork are the main things to look at when deciding between the different models.

All the bikes in the Scott Sportster range share the same frame, in 6061 aluminium. The beautifully tapered top and down tubes are very eyecatching. All the tubing is double butted for strength. The paint finish is magnificent, as are the graphics - and you can even fit mudguards if you want.

Sportster 60. - the entry level bike of the Sportster range. It's the only bike in the range to be fitted with a steel fork. Shimano Tourney and Acera gear mechs are standard.. The 7-speed cassette and triple chainrings give you 21 gears. Selection is by Shimano EZ_Fire shifters. These are simple to use, clicking up and down the gears using the thumb and forefinger levers, the selected gear being shown in the indicator window. The shifters are integrated with the brake levers, operating Scott’s own V-brakes.

The handlebars on the womens bikes are some 10mm longer and have a bit more bend, but both are aluminium. There is no compromise on quality in the saddles either, as the two styles of saddle are fitted to all the bikes in the range.

The tyres are semi-slick, which mean that the centre of the tyre is smooth, so ideal for the road, but there is tread on the sides for grip on grass or gravel.

Flat pedals are fitted, which along with the chainguard acknowledge that most folk cycle in normal clothes and trainers.

Weighing 12.4kg it is by no means the lightest bike you will find. However it is well built to high standards. It's a great value bike - and it's Scott too.

Sportster 50. This is the next step up. In nearly all aspects this is the same as the 60. Frame, brakes, handlebars, wheels and tyres are all the same. Two notable upgrades are seen. First of these is the suspension fork, ideal for coping with paths and tracks. The second is the 8-speed cassette – there’s no change to the derailleurs, but you now get 24 gears. A third, fairly minor change is to slightly better pedals.

At 13.2kg the 50 carries a bit more weight than the 60 due to the heavier forks. I think that for a little extra on the price, the better gears and fork are well worth it.

Sportster 55. The next model has one change over the 50, and that’s to the brakes. Shimano mechanical discs replace the V-brakes on the Sportster 55. The discs are especially suited to off road, as they keep the mud out of the braking surfaces. In all other aspects the 55 is identical to the 50. The upgrade to discs will cost you only a little more.

Sportster 40. If the 55 is aimed at the more off-road user, the 40 is slanted quite definitely towards performance more on the road. The tyres are narrower, at 35mm. These, along with the upgraded front fork will improve the abilities of the bike on the road. Both gear mechs are better quality. A 9-speed cassette now gives the bike 27 gears. The 40 loses the discs in favour of V-brakes again, resulting in a significant saving in weight. Nevertheless this is still a hybrid bike, designed for off-road riding as well.

These improvements mean quite an increase in price. However, this is a performance bike and you would go a long way to find this sort of quality for the money. It's great value.

So I hope you can see in this Scott Sportster review that there is huge variety, the bike for you depending on what you want to spend, and the sort of riding you plan to do.

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