Swedish custom bike builder Gustav “Dangerholm” Gullholm has once again redefined the boundaries between gravel and cross-country (XC) mountain biking with his latest creation: the Scott Scale RC Aero. This innovative build seamlessly integrates aerodynamic road bike elements into a rugged XC MTB frame, resulting in a machine that excels on both smooth gravel paths and challenging terrains.<\/p>\n
Aero Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n At the heart of the Scott Scale RC Aero lies Scott’s Scale Gravel RC frame, a rigid-fork, flat-bar variant of their Scale XC mountain bike. Dangerholm’s ingenuity shines through in his adaptation of the seatpost and seat tube cluster from a crashed Scott Foil RC aero road bike. This modification involved meticulous cutting and carbon fiber reinforcement to ensure a secure fit, effectively merging the aggressive geometry of a road bike with the stability of an MTB. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n Componentry and Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n The bike is equipped with a custom Darimo Nexum Drag Gravel cockpit, featuring a shorter 80mm length and 380mm width to accommodate the Scale frame’s longer reach. A unique -12-degree stem angle complements the slacker head tube angle, enhancing aerodynamics and rider comfort. The drivetrain boasts a SRAM Red XPLR AXS rear derailleur with CeramicSpeed OSPW X Alpha jockey wheels, paired with a 13-speed 10-46t cassette and Red chain, ensuring smooth and reliable shifting. Power transfer is optimized by a Wert StW-M titanium crankset with a 44t Red Aero chainring featuring a power meter, all housed within a custom axle system with CeramicSpeed Alpha bearings. Braking is handled by SRAM Red E1 levers connected to 612-Parts two-piston post-mount aero calipers, utilizing lightweight Carbon-Ti X-Rotor Aero brake rotors for efficient stopping power. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n Wheelset and Tires<\/strong><\/p>\n A standout feature of this build is the prototype wheelset, developed in collaboration with Canadian firms Faction Bike Studio and LX Sim. The rims boast a 45mm internal width and a 70mm deep wave-profile, designed to enhance aerodynamics and tire stability when paired with 2.25-inch MTB tires. These wheels are laced to Extralite HyperSmart 3 hubs with Alpina Hyperlite spokes, offering a lightweight yet robust setup. Dangerholm acknowledges that while the wide tire stance may affect cornering dynamics, the likelihood of leaning into a corner enough to notice is minimal when riding on gravel, as the tires would typically wash out first. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n Gustav “Dangerholm” Gullholm’s Scott Scale RC Aero exemplifies the fusion of aerodynamics and mountain biking, creating a versatile machine capable of tackling diverse terrains with speed and stability. This build not only challenges traditional bike design but also sets a new standard for high-performance gravel and XC MTB hybrids.<\/p>\n For a closer look at this groundbreaking build, you can watch the following video:<\/p>\n Dangerholm’s SCOTT SCALE RC AERO | New Concept with Prototype Gravel Wheels<\/a><\/p>\n