Scott Speedster 40 (2018): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

Although on the face of it, the Speedster 40 doesn’t look like it’s been designed to slice through the air, Scott claims that its aero alloy frame design gives a marginal increase in aerodynamic performance, and can save a rider a little bit of their normal power output. A fat, triangular-profile down tube also adds stiffness to the bicycle. The alloy forks were bladed and lightweight.

The Scott Speedster 40 which I test rode came in a full white primary colour with black and red graphics. The gloss finish paint job is top notch with smoothly welded tubes on the frame. The internally routed cables make the bicycle look neat. The fork, saddle and rims are colour-coded to match the frame colour. This bicycle comes only in this 1 colour variant.

Being an entry-level road bicycle, the gearing components on the Speedster 40 (2018) weren’t much of a surprise. The Shimano Claris derailleurs at the front and back were the most basic gearing components in the Shimano road groupset range. The cassette is a generous 11-28, which means you have a good range of gears for going up and down hills. Yes, the reaction time with these gears isn’t the quickest but for a first road bicycle they work out just fine.

The stopping power on the Scott Speedster 40 (2018) is taken care of by a pair of Tektro Comp caliper brakes. These caliper brakes weren’t the best when it comes to quick reaction time. Sudden halts aren’t something, which will require precision braking and the interval braking method helped maneuver through traffic.

I was impressed by the Syncros drop handlebars and the bar tape as there’s just enough flex in the bars to prevent that hard feeling, and the tape is all-day comfy without having to wear gloves.

The Schwalbe Lugano 700x28C road bicycle tires were perfect for those long distance rides. These tires will last longer and the alloy Syncros rims are lightweight as well.

The Syncros saddle is perfectly designed for road cycling. The ergonomic design made sure the sit bones are placed on the widest part of the saddle. The overall ride quality was comfortable on flat tarmacs.