Scott Says New Plasma RC TT is the Fastest Bike It’s Ever Produced

Scott has lifted the curtains on the latest iteration of its Plasma time trial bike called the Plasma RC TT, capitalizing on everything they learned from the previous version to achieve what the Swiss brand is calling the “fastest bike they’ve ever made”.

Before starting the project, Scott says it had open discussions with its WorldTour partner, Team DSM, along with a few selected athletes, to understand what was needed in a new time trial bike. Scott points out, that the requirements became quite clear and created a framework for which its engineers and designers could start; namely, achieving the lowest possible aerodynamic drag at 55 km/h, greater speed stability, maximum adjustability to suit all cyclists, maximum integration and disc brakes.

MINIMUM AERODYNAMIC RESISTANCE AT 55 KM/H

To get the most aerodynamic bike possible, Scott used computer modeling with computational fluid dynamics to come up with new solutions. By iterating over each tube and each frame joint the team identified several options to pursue. By going through the wind tunnel, the team was able to measure the real impact of the options.

Using a modular bike, the team, along with Drag2Zero aerodynamicists, were able to test different headtube, downtube, seattube, seatpost and joint designs for each. This time-consuming iterative process allowed them to compare each design not only against the previous Plasma, but also against its competitors.

The team also produced real-world information, for example, they found that using a shorter seat tube profile saved the bike 2 watts when a rider was seated on the bike compared to a longer seat tube which proved faster without a rider.

GREATER DRIVING STABILITY

The team shortened the fork offset, increasing the trail by 5.2mm for a more stable ride. While this is not something that will yield results in the wind tunnel, Scoot points out that it leads to a more stable bike. Therefore,  a more stable rider who can maintain their aerodynamic position reduces drag and produces a faster time.

INTEGRATION

To minimize aerodynamic drag Scott engineers created a patented design for a grooved headset that allows the cables to pass directly through the headset, resulting in a narrower head tube than was previously possible. This eliminates the need to route the cable around the fork, but can also use a smaller upper bearing. It also allows the fork and cockpit to be easily disassembled, for example for travel, without having to disconnect the cables.

INNOVATIVE COCKPIT DESIGN

The design and engineering team paid particular attention to creating a system that allows all types of cyclists to achieve an optimal position for obtaining low aerodynamic resistance of the complete system: rider and bicycle. The adjustability built into the Plasma RC TT not only helps the rider find the perfect arm position to shield the body from the wind and be as aerodynamic as possible on the bike, but it’s also critical to placing the rider in a physiologically efficient position to transmit maximum power and breathe well.

ERGONOMICS

This result was achieved when bike fitting measurement data collected from Team DSM Development programs were incorporated into a 3D geometry file. Based on the data of each individual rider, the optimal adjustment range was defined and the cockpit was designed accordingly. As a result, the new cockpit features interchangeable and adjustable parts that offer a very high degree of adjustability across multiple axes, allowing riders to find the position on the bike that is not only the most aerodynamic but also the most ergonomic.

SYNCROS CRESTON iC TT COCKPIT

With the goal of ensuring maximum adjustability, our team created the SYNCROS Creston iC TT Cockpit, the most adjustable integrated TT cockpit on the market. It features:

• The Base stem is available in three different sizes: 85, 105 and 125 mm, for a perfect fit.
• The height of the upright is adjustable from 0 to 145 mm to accompany the flexibility of the pelvis and hip
• Vertical angle adjustment of the extensions from 0° to 15°.
• Adjustable grip angle between 13-53° for optimal hand position
• Adjustable armrest positioning to support an ideal ergonomic posture
• Length adjustment from 0-30mm for different arm lengths and postures
• Lateral adjustment of the extensions up to 5° to adapt to the distance of the hand

LIGHTER AND FASTER THAN EVER

By measuring the final prototype, it became evident that the new Plasma RC TT not only meets the ambitious performance targets, but even exceeds them with the following data:

• The Plasma TT features a 12% weight reduction without sacrificing stiffness or aerodynamics over its predecessor.
• Over a typical TT course of 40km, the new bike is able to ride 33 seconds faster for the same power output, compared to the previous model and measured under real conditions with a rider.
• Attention to geometry and real use has allowed us to offer a stable and responsive bike. And attention to rider position means we are confident that every rider will be able to find an optimal physiological and aerodynamic position on the Plasma RC TT.

PLASMA RC TT CHASSIS

The Plasma RC TT is available as a frameset, retailing at 7,999 euros. It’s offered in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large, whichncludes the Syncros Creston iC TT cockpit and Syncros Duncan SL Aero seatpost.

 Scott