From its rear rack mounts and full-length metal mudguards to Gates’ excellent lube- and muck-free belt drive, the Sub Speed 10 oozes function over form, with even its finish being a mainly matt, utilitarian grey. However, just as the paintwork disguises the raised, grey-on-grey logos, there’s a lot beneath this Scott’s surface.
The upright ride is great for seeing and being seen, with the short stem making direction changes nifty.
Weighing 11.8kg, it’s never going to be a super-sharp speedster though. The wide tyres add to the comfort, though we weren’t fans of the over-padded saddle.
The star is the drivetrain, as Gates’ long-lasting carbon belt delivers, cleanly and smoothly, with the eight-speed Alfine hub offering sufficient a gear range for most situations. The bottom gear is equivalent to a low 34x34 while the top roughly equals 52x15 so you’ll spin out on descents but can stay seated while climbing or heavily laden, which is sensible for this bike’s likely urban stomping grounds. Shimano’s disc brakes are great all-weather stoppers.
This is a fine choice for daily use or commuting as it’s practical and comfortable, with a transmission that would require little maintenance. In fact, the only time you'll need to split the frame using an Allen key at the chainstay/seatstay junction is when the belt needs changing, and they're meant to last much longer than a metal chain. Even the price is good for a belt-driven machine.
