Scott Metrix 20 (2017): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

At the heart of this no-nonsense ride is a solid, stiff, 6061 aluminium frame with even welding. The plain gauge frame on the Metrix 20 keeps it solid and surefooted, while the tapered steel fork keeps smooth over rough surfaces, the fact there was less vibrations from the ground up is testament to this. The top and down tubes both flatten in profile as they run back towards the seat tube. Despite the subtlety of its frame, the Metrix 20 is brimming with versatility. There are both rack and mudguard mounts at the rear with a bottle rack mount each on the down tube and seat tube.

The Scott Metrix 20 2017 which I test rode came in a full black colour. Even though there was a lack of a secondary colour, it did not affect the look of the bicycle mainly due to the quality of the matte finish paint job for the black. The welding and overall frame design is on point with neat cuts to the top and bottom tube. IŠ—Ève never been a fan of single coloured bicycles but the ScottŠ—Ès brains on design and graphics in the Metrix 20 have made me admire the aesthetics of this machine.

The Metrix 20 comes with full Shimano Altus groupset. According to Shimano this derailleur component weighs 308 grams, making Altus one of the heaviest derailleurs on the market. It is common to Altus on performance oriented city bicycles like Metrix 20 mainly due to its gearing range. If it is sheer performance you are looking for, then Shimano Altus will give you neither fast shifting reprises, nor good shifting under heavy load. Not to mention that itŠ—Ès a bit noisy, due to the material used for its construction. The Shimano Altus 24 speed shifters were a positive thing about this gearing groupset as they were both in comfortable hand position as well as smooth in operation.

Once up and running, the Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes on the Metrix 20 has ample stopping power, though it isnŠ—Èt overwhelming or so far beyond that of mechanical brakes that you need to use a different braking technique. What is noticeable, however, is the ease of actuation and the silky-smooth lever feel. Two-finger braking is possible on even the steepest terrain, leaving the rest of your hand to securely hold the bars. The braking power is smooth and linear. The power comes on smoothly and steadily the harder you pull. When paired with Tektro brake levers, the lever motion isnŠ—Èt as silky smooth as high-end caliper brakes, but most of that feeling is likely due to the compression and tightness of the brand new brake cable housing.

The Syncros UC3.0 handlebar on the Metrix 20 is the same one used on the Metrix 10. The minimal raise and fairly straightened handlebar gives this bicycle a road cycle posture and an aggressive ride position. The grips felt good on the palms with no slipping or wrist pain.

The Metrix 20 floats effortlessly over the tarmac, thanks to the 700C x 38C Kenda K180 tirs mounted on Syncros X-20 alloy double-walled rims. The Kenda tires are bulletproof and possess enough grooved traction channels to keep you both puncture and worry-free on your daily commute, even under damp conditions. The Scott Sub saddle on the Metrix 20 has the perfect blend of ergonomic design and padding. The wider parts of the saddle have grip patches to make sure the sit bones are not only placed correctly but also do not slip away while accelerating seated on the saddle. The overall ride quality was responsive and fast on urban roads.