Scott 2018 Speedster 20 Disc Gravel Bike Review - Works on San Antonio Mud and Pavement, Too

Here is BikeRadar’s Verdict on the 2018 Scott Speedster 20 Disc

"It’s frustratingly close to the perfect all-rounder, but minor details let it down"

Highs: Balanced ride quality, sensible spec

Buy if: You want a speedy alloy bike with decent disc brakes

Scott redesigned the Speedster for 2018 to reduce weight and increase performance. The Speedster features an aluminum frame and carbon fork.The carbon steer tube contributes to the weight savings.

The headtube is extended to create a more upright position than you might expect on this class of bike. Finding the right gear is a breeze with Shimano’s Tiagra drivetrain including a 20-speed gear range.

What really separates Speedster from the competition would be the hydraulic disc brakes, which reviewers are raving about. Shimano’s RS505 levers are a perfect companion to the rest of the braking componentry including: 105 Shimano mechanicals plus a finishing kit and wheels from Snycross, Scott’s in-house component brand. Good disc brake systems are hugely useful when you’re riding in the mud or other sloppy conditions. 

The Speedster Disc would be the perfect choice as a solid, quick commuter bike, a winter trainer, or a good versatile bike to use for any occasion. The Speedster is also an awesome choice for a century ride or chasing increased fitness. Available in seven sizes from 47cm to 61cm. The Speedster comes complete with full mudguard mounts at the rear. 

Bike Radar notes that “the Speedster is respectably stiff and lively, more so than its robust weight figure suggests.

• Frame

  Speedster CX Disc / D.Butted 6061 Alloy / CX geometry / Integrated Headtube

• Fork

  Speedster Carbon/Alloy Disc
  1 1/8" Alloy steerer

• Headset

  Integrated Cartridge

• Rear Derailleur

  Shimano Tiagra RD-4700-GS
  20 Speed

• Front Derailleur

  Shimano Tiagra FD-4700

• Shifters

  Shimano Tiagra ST-4700
  Dual control 20 Speed

• Brakes

  Shimano BR-R317 Black Mech. Disc
  160/F and 160/R mm SM-RT56 Rotor

• Crankset

  Shimano FC-R460 Black
  Hyperdrive 34x46 T

• BB-Set

  Shimano BB-RS500

• Handlebar

  Syncros RR2.0
  Anatomic 31.8mm

• H'stem

  Syncros FL2.0
  1 1/8" / four Bolt 31.8mm

• Seatpost

  Syncros RR2.5
  31.6/300mm

• Seat

  Syncros FL2.5

• Hub (Front)

  Formula Team 28 H

• Hub (Rear)

  Formula Team 28 H

• Chain

  KMC X10

• Cassette

  Shimano HG-500
  11-32 T

• Spokes

  HTI - Standard Black 2mm

• Rims

  Syncros Race 22 Disc
  28 Front / 28 Rear

• Tires

  Kenda Kwick
  700x35C

• Approx weights in KG

  10.96

• Approx weights in LBS

  24.16

Tips on Stopping BIcycle Shorts from Chaffing Your Sensitive Skin

 

Enzo's Button Hole Bicycle Chamois Cream

Enzo's Button Hole Chamois Cream 2-Pack

What is chamois cream?

Because cyclists go commando while riding (you read correctly—no need to wear underwear with bike shorts), there’s often a need to prevent chafing on the bike and soothe the skin when not in the saddle. Chamois cream does both.

It’s a lotion that can be applied to both the chamois and directly to the skin to lessen friction between a bike saddle, cycling shorts and skin. It also works to fend off bacterial and fungal infections and prevent saddle sores. In other words, for people logging serious miles, it’s a dream come true. ButtonHole can also be used off the bicycle as a salve to soothe and moisturize the skin and treat saddle sores.

Utilizing the highest quality chamois cream ingredients, Enzo’s ButtonHole Chamois Cream has been engineered to reduce friction, inflammation and other sensations that make the button angry.  The longer the button can stay on the bicycle saddle, the happier you and the button will be. Enzo’s combines melaleuca oil, hamamelis, the Wu-Chu-Yu herb and organic silicone compounds to produce the ultimate button protection during those grueling cycling rides.

Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon. 

ButtonHole uses these select chamois cream ingredients:
    •    Glycine Soya- In place of mineral oil, this aids the skin in retaining moisture and restoring barrier functions.
    •    Melaeuca Oil- A topical oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
    •    Hamamelis Virginiana- An antiseptic with soothing properties.
    •    Peppermint Oil- Contains Menthol, which is good for skin and gives a cooling effect.
    •    Menthol- A topical analgesic that relieves minor aches and pains.
    •    Sunflower Seed Oil- With a high Vitamin E content, this oil increases the lubricating properties of the formula.
    •    Cocoa Seed Butter- Excellent emollient properties adding moisture to very dry and dehydrated skin.
    •    Vegan- Enzo's ButtonHole Chamois Cream is 100% vegan.

How to Use Chamois Cream

Excuse us while we get a little personal and give you some info on how to use Buttonhole.  Spread a layer on your chamois, pre-ride, so that when your seat hits the bike seat, Enzo’s Buttonhole will be there to help make it a perfect union. If the chamois is thick, feel free to layer on the ButtonHole a little thicker.  Also do a two-finger dip spread directly onto your skin in any place where your bicycle saddle and your shorts might rub and create friction. In the end, don’t be shy; liberal use is better than not enough. Boom, ready to ride.

Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon. 

Why Enzo's Cycling Products

Enzo's is passionate about developing and producing high quality bicycle products at an affordable price, without compromising product performance. They don’t want anything on your body that’s a known eye or skin irritant, shown to cause cancer or associated with things like Formaldehyde, and you surely don’t either.

In fact, Enzo’s s as picky about what they put into their products as they are about what they keep out. Enzo’s promise that you’ll never find any of the following ingredients in Enzo’s Cycling Products: parabens, mineral oil, DMDM hydantoin, Oleth-10 or Triethanolamine.

Here's Why:
PARABENS: Used as a preservative agent in cosmetics, parabens can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis and rosacea in individuals with paraben allergies—a small percentage of the general population. Because parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, certain studies have concluded that exposure to them may be indirectly linked to breast cancer.
MINERAL OIL: A common ingredient in many skin care products, used to promote moisture. Mineral oil is a scentless clear liquid, the byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Due to its nature of creating a thin layer on the skin, this liquid isn’t easily absorbed by the skin, which in turn can clog pores.
DMDM HYDANTOIN: Most commonly used in cosmetic products and shampoos as a preservative to prevent mold and mildew. Can be a strong eye, skin and lung irritant. Skin contact has been known to cause allergic eczema (dermatitis). It is also a formaldehyde-releasing agent and may cause reactions in formaldehyde sensitive individuals including blistering, burning and itching of the skin.
OLETH-10: This ingredient, commonly used in skin care products, has been found to be possibly contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems. It has also been found to be a mild to moderate skin irritant. 

TRIETHANOLAMINE: Triethanolamine is used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant—something that helps a product spread over a surface. It also serves as a pH balancer in many different cosmetic products. A known eye, skin, nose and throat irritant that can cause liver cancer in rats.


Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon.