The 2026 Scale Gravel Bike Range Breaks the Mold.
- Run & Ride
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
It's common knowledge that gravel scene is constantly evolving, and SCOTT is throwing down a major gauntlet for 2026 with the introduction of the new Scale Gravel range. Drawing its DNA from the legendary Scale mountain bike, this new lineup is a radical departure from the traditional drop-bar gravel bike, positioning itself squarely at the intersection of XC racing speed and multi-terrain versatility.
Forget drop bars—this is a rigid-fork gravel bike with a flat bar and mountain bike components, designed for those who want an aggressive, fast, and adventurous machine.
Key Models and Specifications Snapshot
The 2026 Scale Gravel range offers models built around both high-end carbon and more accessible alloy frames, all sharing a focus on lightweight construction and integrated design.
Scale Carbon HMF frame and fork.
SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission (w/ Power Meter) 12-Speed.
SRAM Motive 4-Piston Disc.
9.1 kg (20.06 lbs).
RRP £4,239.
Scale Carbon HMF Frame and fork.
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission 12-Speed.
SRAM DB6 4-Piston Disc.
10.5 kg (23.15 lbs).
RRP £2,349
Scale Alloy 6061Frame and fork.
SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission 12-Speed
Shimano MT401 Disc brake
RRP £1,199
Core Shared Features:
Frame/Fork: Utilizes the lightweight Scale Carbon HMF or Alloy 6061 frame with an integrated Scale Rigid HMF Carbon Fork (in higher-end models).
Tire Clearance: Comes equipped with wide, fast-rolling 29 x 2.4" tires (e.g., Maxxis Aspen, Schwalbe Thunder Burt), indicating its comfort with rougher terrain.
Integration: Features the Syncros Cable Integration System for a clean cockpit and frame design.
Handling: The frame includes an Adjustable Head Angle for fine-tuning the bike’s geometry to suit different riding styles or terrain.
The Scale Gravel RC stands out as the race-day weapon, featuring a lighter build, carbon Syncros cockpit, and the performance-focused SRAM X0 AXS Transmission with an integrated power meter. The Scale Gravel 20 offers the alloy entry point with a robust SRAM Eagle 70 and reliable Shimano brakes.
Who is the Scale Gravel Range Aimed At?
The new Scale Gravel is explicitly targeted at a distinct segment of the cycling community, primarily riders who prioritize aggressive speed and off-road handling in their gravel experience:
The Mountain Biker Turned Gravel Racer: This is the core audience. Riders coming from an XC (Cross-Country) mountain biking background will find the flat handlebar, wide tires, and MTB-style geometry immediately familiar and comfortable. They value the precision and control of a flat bar on technical terrain over the multiple hand positions of a drop bar.
The Speed-Focused Adventure Rider: Those looking for a lightweight, agile bike for long-distance efforts and 'fast-and-light' bikepacking will appreciate the HMF carbon frame and multiple mounting options for bags and accessories.
The Gravel A-to-B Rider: The bike is designed to cover a wide variety of terrain, making it ideal for the rider whose route involves everything from fast asphalt sections to challenging, root-filled trails.
In short, it’s for the rider who finds traditional gravel bikes too road-centric and desires a bike that performs more like a rigid XC mountain bike.
The Scale Gravel's Place in the Gravel Scene
The Scott Scale Gravel occupies a crucial, and somewhat contentious, niche in the modern gravel landscape: the "MTB-Lite" Gravel Racer.
Historically, the gravel market was dominated by drop-bar bikes (like Scott's own Addict Gravel and Speedster Gravel) which are essentially rugged endurance road bikes. The Scale Gravel represents the rising trend of gravel bikes moving closer to mountain bike territory.
Challenging Convention: By ditching the drop bar for a flat bar, SCOTT is directly addressing the segment of riders who prefer the superior control and braking power of a flat bar on technical, loose surfaces.
Focus on Technical Capability: The substantial 2.4-inch tire clearance and the inclusion of 4-piston brakes (on the higher-end models) signal a commitment to handling genuinely rough, singletrack-style terrain. It's built for aggressive capability, not just fire roads.
The Gravel Race Split: The Scale Gravel helps to define a clear split in the gravel market:
The Road-Graveler (e.g., Scott Addict Gravel): Aerodynamic, drop-bar, often 2x drivetrain—focused on speed on smoother surfaces.
The MTB-Graveler (The Scale Gravel): Flat-bar, 1x drivetrain, wide tires, MTB geometry—focused on speed and control on challenging, technical off-road terrain.
The Scale Gravel is not just another gravel bike; it's a statement that fast, adventurous gravel riding doesn't have to be limited by road-bike conventions. It's a true multi-surface, high-speed weapon for the dirt enthusiast.
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