SCOTT Plasma RC TT
When it comes to building a bike for pure speed, there is no better exercise than a time trial bike. With the slimmest of margins having monumental impacts, every aspect of a TT bike must be considered and evaluated. SCOTT had a solid bike, but with advances in design, CFD technology and carbon modeling, we went back to the drawing board with a simple goal: Build the fastest bike we’ve ever made – period. We wanted this to be the fastest TT bike with disc brakes on the market.
Before starting the project, we had open discussions with our WorldTour partners, Team DSM, and select athletes to understand what is needed in a new Time Trial bike.
The requirements were quite clear and set a framework from which our engineers and designers could begin work. Those requirements were:
lowest possible drag at 55 kph
more stable riding behaviour
maximum
adjustability
providing a perfectly ergonomic fit
Full integration at the lowest possible weight
inclusion of disc brakes
Aerodynamics
Lowest Drag at 55 kph
To achieve the most aerodynamic bike we could, we used computer modelling with Computational Fluid Dynamics to identify new designs. Iterating on each tube and each junction of the frame, the team identified several options to pursue. Moving into the wind tunnel, the team were able to measure the real-world impact of the options.
Using a modular bike, the team alongside aerodynamic experts DRAG2ZERO were able to test different designs of head tube, downtube, seat tube, seat says and junctions of each. This iterative process, while quite time intensive, also meant that we were able to benchmark each design not only against the previous Plasma bike but also its competitors.
It also produced real world insights, for example the team found that by using a shorter seat tube profile the bike saved 2 watts when a rider was seated on the bike over a longer seat tube that had proved faster without a rider.
Increased Riding Stability
The team shortened the fork offset, increasing the trail by 5.2mm to achieve a more stable ride. This isn’t something that will deliver results in the wind tunnel, we know that a more stable bike will lead to a steadier rider position. A steady rider who can hold their aerodynamic position delivers less drag and produces a faster time. While building a fast bike can start in the wind tunnel, it’s equally important to consider the real-world effects of those decisions.
Adjustability
Innovative Cockpit Design
The design and engineering team paid particular attention to creating a system that will allow all types of riders to achieve an optimum position to deliver low drag of the complete system; Rider and Bike. The adjustability that is built into the Plasma RC TT not only helps a rider find a perfect arm position to shield their body from the wind and be as aero as possible on the bike. It is also crucial in placing the rider in a physiologically efficient position to transmit maximum power and still breathe well.
Ergonomics
In order to achieve these goals, bike fitting measuring points collected from the DSM pro cycling team's mens, womens and development programs were incorporated into a 3-D geometry file:
Based on the data points from each single rider, the optimal range of adjustability was defined and the cockpit was engineered accordingly.
As a result, the cockpit features interchangeable and adjustable cockpit parts which provide a very high degree of adjustability across multiple axes, allowing riders to find the position on the bike which is not only the most aerodynamic but also the most ergonomic.
SYNCROS Creston iC TT
The most adjustable integrated TT cockpit on the market.
It features:
3
Basebar available in three different sizes: 85, 105, and 125 mm for a perfect fit
0-145 mm
Height of mast adjustable from 0 up to 145 mm to accompany pelvic- and hip-flexibility
15°
Vertical angle adjustment of extensions from horizontal (0°) up to 15°
13-53°
Angle of grips adjustable between 13-53° to assume optimal hand and wrist position
Pad position
Adjustable positioning of arm pads to support ideal ergonomic posture
0-30 mm
Length adjustment of grip from 0- 30 mm to accompany individual arm length and posture
5°
Lateral adjustment of extensions of up to 5° to adapt the distance between the hands
LIGHTER & FASTER THEN EVER BEFORE
When measuring the final prototype, it became evident that the Plasma RC TT not only meets the ambitious performance objectives, but actually exceeds them:
12%
Compared to its predecessor, the bike features a 12% reduction in weight, without sacrificing any stiffness.
33 seconds
On a typical TT course of 40km, the Plasma RC TT is capable of riding 33 seconds faster at the same power output, compared to its predecessor model and measured under real-world conditions with a rider.
The focus on geometry and real-world use means that we've managed to deliver a stable and responsive bike. And the focus on rider position means that we're confident that every rider will be able to find an optimal physiological and aero position on the Plasma RC TT.
Hear it from the Pros
TEAM DSM ON THE PLASMA RC TT
“The Plasma RC TT not only rides faster but the adjustable cockpit and the increased trail of the fork also makes it more comfortable and stable: The resulting handling is very good, particularly in the corners, on downhills but also in the aero position on the flats. The bike is stiff, light, and smooth, allowing me to focus on pushing harder, getting the maximum out of its aerodynamics and perform at my best.”
- Juliette Labous (Team DSM)
Q36.5 PRO CYCLING TEAM ON THE PLASMA RC TT
"The race against the clock is all about speed. Getting up to speed quickly with the Plasma RC TT is no problem and once you are there, the aerodynamic advantage that SCOTT have worked on is noticeable. The other main difference is the addition of disc brakes. With this, braking can be done later and this all add up to time in our favour."
- Damien Howson (Team Q36.5)
