[First Look] The New Cannondale Scalpel

A lot has been said about it in our Italian forums, and finally here it is in its official capacity: the new Cannondale Scalpel! The coronavirus has postponed the press launch, with that in mind the only way for media to assess their thoughts on the bike was to mail out test rigs. So, I received the bike for testing on our home trails. In the video below, in Italian,  I present it in detail and perform a standard field test – below you can find photos, prices, geometry and assemblies.

v=hHguhBdoOtA

 

Our take

A cross country bike with a unique suspension that works really well uphill as well downhill, supple and high in the travel. The 100mm of travel feel like more, while a dropper post is a must to bring this machine up to speed on rough terrain, because it can take a lot of beating, something you wouldn’t expect from a race rig. A modern geometry and the love to detail and design make the new Scalpel one of the hottest XC bikes of the year.

Details

  • 29″ wheels
  • 100mm travel front and rear
  • Boost spacing
  • Pivotless “flex stay” rear end
  • Storage system with 8 in one Fabric tool, Dynaplug racer and CO2

Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod1 size Large 10.06 kilograms (with Enve non-telescopic, carbon fiber seatpost)

The big news, the rear end that flexes at a specific point on the chainstay, where the joint of a Horst system would be. Depending on the size, the material is comprised of more or less carbon layers to provide different attributes.

On mine, I immediately installed a 100mm travel Yep Components Uptimizer 3.0. The extra weight is exactly 300 grams.

The Lefty Ocho can’t be missed. 100mm of travel, remote control lock out, compression adjustment via an external knob.

100mm of rear travel managed by a Fox Float with a remote control

And here it is, the remote control. It’s the classic Fox lever, made from thermoplastic. Behind you see the Optimizer lever with ESI foam grips rounding everything out.

Shimano XTR 1×12 transmission (except the cassette which is XT), Hollowgram cranks with a 34t chainring paired to an ultra minimalist chain guide.

The brakes are also XTR, with 160mm discs in front and back.

160mm isn’t quite enough for such a fast, capable bike on the descents…

Specifically shaped frame to integrate a Fabric multitool on the right …

… and pump or co2 cartridge + Dynaplug racer plug kit is fitted on the left side.

The rear end is fixed to the front triangle with an axle and pivot sitting inboard, inside the seat tube. The box construction provides extra rigidity to the frame.

The name “Scalpel” is found in the upper part of the horizontal tube

Geometry

Specs and prices

Hi-Mod 1, € 7,999

Carbon 2, € 4,999

Carbon 4, € 3,999

Then there is also the Scalpel SE, with 120mm of front and rear travel. The shock absorber has a longer stroke, with the same wheelbase.

 

Carbon SE 1, € 4,999

Carbon SE2, € 3,799

Cannondale.com

 

Iscriviti al canale Whatsapp di MTB Mag per non perderti mai una notizia, clicca qui!

Classifica mensile chilometri
Per partecipare carica le tue attività su Training Camp

Classifica mensile dislivello

Share

Recent Posts

[First Ride] Transition Sentinel V3

In July I attended the launch of a new bike which I've given very high…

23/10/2024

2024 Red Bull Rampage Venue & Competition Details Released

Virgin, Utah (September 10, 2024) – In one month’s time, the first riders will drop in for…

11/09/2024

Redbull Rampage 2024: The Complete Athlete List

Virgin, Utah (August 21, 2024) – Eighteen of the top male freeride athletes have been invited to…

21/08/2024

Forbidden Druid V2: the true Pinkbike

Those who follow the mag assiduously will have noticed that one of the mountain bikes…

29/03/2024

[Review] Roval Traverse HD Wheelset

Late this Fall and throughout an unusually warm Winter I've been spending time aboard my…

15/03/2024

[Review] Specialized Epic 8 Evo

Specialized presents the new Epic 8, and with it the Evo version, i.e., the one…

12/03/2024