Addict RC 20

The Addict RC lineup is split between the flagship Ultimate model and a tier of standard HMX carbon builds. The Ultimate stands alone with its lighter HMX SL frame, a SRAM Red AXS groupset featuring a power meter, and premium Zipp 353 NSW wheels. This build is an exercise in absolute weight reduction, utilizing ultra-light Schwalbe Aerothan tubes to help the complete bike approach the six-kilogram mark.

The rest of the range uses the slightly heavier but more affordable HMX carbon frame. The Pro model features Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Syncros Capital 1.0S carbon wheels, though it notably omits a power meter. Riders looking for the best balance of price and performance often point to the mid-range Team and 10 builds. The Team model switches to SRAM Force AXS and includes a power meter alongside Zipp 303 SW wheels, while the 10 relies on Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Syncros carbon hoops. At the entry point, the 20 model keeps the electronic shifting with Ultegra Di2 but moves to a two-piece Syncros bar and stem, offering easier fit adjustments than the one-piece carbon cockpits found on the higher tiers.

Reviewers consistently praise the Addict RC for reviving the classic feel of a pure climbing bike without the fragility or nervous handling that often accompanies sub-seven-kilogram builds. On steep gradients, the bike is highly reactive, with testers noting that it accelerates eagerly out of slow corners. One reviewer described the ride character as "lightness personified" (Cyclist Magazine), highlighting how easily the chassis responds to out-of-the-saddle efforts.

However, that extreme lack of mass does come with a minor tradeoff at the absolute limit. During maximum-effort sprints, the back end is so light that the "rear wheel occasionally wants to skip up off the ground" (Cycling News), though testers suggest that dropping tire pressure or moving to wider rubber easily mitigates this.

Despite its rigid bottom bracket and race-focused intentions, the bike manages rough pavement surprisingly well. The generous tire clearance and revised carbon layup work together to isolate the rider from harsh vibrations. Testers found that the frame "smooths out road buzz and bumps very well" (BikeRadar), making it a viable option for long days in the saddle. Rather than feeling perched precariously on top of a twitchy machine, riders reported an "in not on" (Bicycling) sensation that keeps the bike composed and predictable on fast, sweeping descents.