An In-Depth Look At The New Scott Plasma 5
Scott claims the Plasma 5 is seven percent faster than its predecessor.
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Scott unveiled two new models of the Plasma time trial bike in July shortly after Sebastian Kienle did his part to help promote the new models by winning the Ironman European Championship aboard a camouflaged Plasma 5, smashing the bike course record by nearly 10 minutes. The Plasma 5 made its stateside debut at Scott’s Interbike booth in Las Vegas last week.
The Plasma 5 integrates hydration with a nose-cone style detachable bottle and top tube storage box. Scott claims the Plasma 5 is seven percent faster than its predecessor, the Plasma 3, with the nose cone and top tube box mounted.
Scott partnered with Profile Design to create a fully adjustable cockpit with two stem and three base bar options that are compatible with most extensions. Scott also collaborated with Simon Smart, a former Formula One aerodynamicist who contributed to ENVE’s successful wheel designs to create the most aerodynamically efficient frame possible. The wind-cheating airfoil tube shapes resemble designs used by Trek, Cervelo and others, but the new Plasma is a claimed 14% stiffer compared to the Plasma 3. The Plasma 5 furthers the integration story with hidden front and rear brakes along with internal cable routing.
The Plasma 4 lacks the sleek integrated front bottle and stem found on the Plasma 5, but features the same general frame design. Both the Plasma 5 and 4 will be available with two different component packages and delivery is scheduled for late 2014.