Pro Bikes: Mathew Hayman’s Scott Foil for Paris-Roubaix - Will this bike win Paris-Roubaix?

Not only did Mathew Hayman shock the world by winning Paris-Roubaix last year just six weeks after breaking his arm and using Zwift for preparation, but also by doing it on a Scott Foil, an aero race bike that isn’t the typical choice for a course with 52km of brutal cobbles. It was the first win for an aero bike at the Hell of the North.

Hayman is returning to Paris-Roubaix to defend his title, and it’s a case of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” as he’s once again choosing the Foil, and not Scott’s endurance platform, the Solace. This year his bike wears a special paint job to celebrate Hayman’s love for the race. 

To honour and thank him for this achievement, SCOTT has created a specific design which is strongly connected to his origin and his love for the “Hell of the North”. The design is the result of a geometric interpretation of the cobblestone vibrations and goes through the whole bike to form a Kangaroo at the side of the top tube. 

The colours represent the national colours of Australia, but in more “earthy” tones to illustrate the dust, dirt and toughness of the roads of Paris-Roubaix. Within the design on the top tube is a phrase that reflects Hayman’s famous race philosophy “Always keep riding” and is written in typical Paris-Roubaix road signage style.

Aside from the paint job, the bike is very much the same as last year’s winning bike. This year he’s riding the brand new Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset including the direct mount brakes and new chainset. There’s no power meter pictured on this bike and that’s something that might change come race day - last year he used an SRM power meter. His chainset has a 53/44T chainring setup, a common choice at this race. 

He raced Dura-Ace C50 wheels last year but he’s dropping down to the shallower C35 wheels this year, which might provide a bit more comfort on the cobbles. The Foil, despite its aero design, accommodates 28mm tyres and he’s once again relying on Continental Competition Pro LTD tyres in a 28mm width.

A 130mm - 6° stem integrated into the top tube to reduce drag clamps a Syncros Compact 40 handlebar into place. The carbon seatpost and extremely thing saddle are also from Syncros, the component brand owned by Scott. 

“The designers at SCOTT and I came up with something that is personal to me which I will ride with a lot of pride. I can't wait to start the race with my new Foil on Sunday. It gave my wings last year, let’s hope it will be the same again this year and in case something goes wrong I just have to look on my top tube to remember always keep riding, the race is not over until it is over,” said Hayman upon receiving his new bike.

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