A Welsh national champion’s Scott shows what is possible, but which weight-saving upgrades make sense for everyday cyclists?
Welsh cyclist Ed Laverack won the open title at the 2026 British National Hill Climb Championships on Porlock Toll Road on 25 October. His winning time of 14 minutes 32.1 seconds put him just 1.2 seconds ahead of Andrew Feather, securing his second national title.
Junior winner Ezra Bateman recorded an even quicker time, so Laverack’s victory should be described as the open championship win rather than the fastest ride of the day.
Alongside the result, Laverack’s bike has attracted attention. Cycling Weekly reports that his customised Scott Addict RC Ultimate weighed 5.9kg. That raises a useful question for anyone tackling Britain’s hills: how much should you spend making your own road bike lighter?
What was special about Ed Laverack’s Scott?
According to Cycling Weekly’s bike feature, Laverack’s build combined a Scott Addict RC Ultimate frameset with Brink wheels, Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tyres and a single-chainring drivetrain. A 42-tooth chainring and 10–26 cassette provided gearing tailored to his championship effort. Rockbros pedals were another weight-conscious choice.
This was a customised competition build. The Scott Addict RC Ultimate 2027 road bike listed on Velostrive should not be assumed to have the same components, gearing or measured weight as Laverack’s bike. Check the retailer’s specification for the exact model and size.
Scott’s current Ultimate specification lists an approximate weight of 5.9kg too, but its published build uses a different equipment package. Matching headline weights do not make two builds identical, and weighing conditions matter, particularly whether pedals and accessories are included.
How much difference does a lighter bike make uphill?
Reducing weight reduces the energy needed to gain height. However, the relevant figure is the combined mass of the rider, bicycle and equipment.
For an illustrative 75kg rider, changing from an 8.5kg bike to a 5.9kg bike reduces the combined rider-and-bike mass from 83.5kg to 80.9kg, a reduction of approximately 3.1%, before clothing, bottles and other equipment.
That does not automatically mean a 3.1% faster climb. Wind resistance, rolling resistance, gradient, power output and pacing also affect the result.
Another way to understand the scale is through a simple calculation: saving 1kg on a steady 10% climb at 10km/h reduces the power needed to overcome gravity by approximately 2.7 watts. This is an illustrative physics calculation, excluding changes in rolling resistance and aerodynamics, rather than a road-test result.
Which road bike upgrades are worth considering?
Start by weighing your existing parts and identifying what you want to improve. A replacement that saves weight but compromises comfort, grip or suitable gearing may leave you with a less useful bicycle.
| Upgrade | What to compare | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and tubes | Weight, intended use, grip and compatibility | Choose a casing suited to your roads and riding conditions |
| Wheelset | Complete fitted weight, rim depth and system weight limit | Check axles, brakes, freehub and tyre compatibility |
| Gearing and groupset | Lowest gear, replacement cost and component compatibility | Easier gearing may be more useful than a lighter drivetrain |
| Saddle and seatpost | Fit, rail dimensions, clamp compatibility and weight | Preserve comfort and the correct riding position |
| Pedals | Pedal-and-cleat weight, engagement and serviceability | Include any new cleats required in the comparison |
Tyres: choose for the whole ride
Tyres are worth reviewing when your current pair needs replacing. Compare suitable road tyres rather than simply choosing the lightest option, and follow the wheel and tyre manufacturers’ compatibility and pressure guidance.
A short race and a wet winter club ride place different demands on equipment. Browse Velostrive’s tyre deals, checking the exact size and version before comparing prices.
Wheels: compare complete setups
A lighter wheelset can reduce overall bike weight, but weigh equivalent setups. Rotors, cassette, tyres, tubes or sealant, valves and rim tape all contribute to the finished result.
Also consider handling in wind, service support and the manufacturer’s system weight limit. Use the wheelset deals page as a starting point, then narrow the choice to wheels suitable for your road bike.
Gearing: avoid copying an elite rider’s ratios
Laverack’s 42-tooth chainring and 26-tooth largest sprocket create a demanding lowest gear. A 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34-tooth largest sprocket gives a substantially lower ratio, allowing a higher cadence at the same road speed.
For a rider struggling on steep hills, suitable lower gearing may solve the immediate problem more directly than shaving a few grams. Check derailleur capacity, cassette compatibility and chain length before changing parts.
Compare groupset offers if a larger replacement is already planned. Buying an entire groupset solely for a modest weight saving deserves a careful cost comparison.
Saddles, seatposts and pedals: keep fit first
A saddle that suits you is worth keeping, even if a lighter alternative looks tempting. For seatposts and saddles, check dimensions, rail compatibility and fitting instructions.
When browsing pedal deals, consider the complete pedal-and-cleat system, shoe compatibility and how confidently you can clip in and release.
Calculate the cost per gram before spending
Suppose a £600 wheel upgrade saves 300g. That is £2 per gram saved. A £120 saddle saving 60g has exactly the same cost per gram, although the two purchases may offer very different benefits.
These are hypothetical examples, not current offers. The calculation is simply the total upgrade cost divided by the verified weight saving. Include fitting and any additional parts required.
Do you need a 5.9kg road bike?
For most recreational cyclists, there is little reason to treat 5.9kg as a target. Consistent training, manageable gearing, reliable equipment and a comfortable position deserve space in the budget alongside component upgrades.
Laverack’s Scott is an interesting example of a bicycle prepared for a specific competitive effort. For everyday riding, the useful lesson is to choose each upgrade for your own hills, roads and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Was Ed Laverack’s championship bike a standard shop bike?
No. The reported build used a Scott Addict RC Ultimate frameset with selected replacement components. Check retail specifications separately.
Will saving 1kg make every climb noticeably faster?
The benefit depends on the climb and riding conditions. Lower weight reduces the work needed against gravity, but power, aerodynamics and rolling resistance also influence speed.
Should I buy lighter wheels or easier gearing?
If you regularly run out of usable gears on steep climbs, assess gearing first. If the gearing already suits you, compare wheel upgrades against their full cost, compatibility and other benefits.
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