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Today’s Deals2019 Cannondale
Scalpel SE
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,725| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 115 / 120mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, NX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide T Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Cannondale Scalpel is a lightweight cross-country bike praised for its efficient pedaling, excellent traction on climbs, and refined suspension that offers small bump compliance. It handles technical terrain with agility, though some reviews note it can feel less planted on rough descents and has proprietary components that may limit customization. Overall, it balances race-day speed with trail comfort, making it a versatile choice for XC riding.
Lightweight frame and efficient pedaling performance
Excellent traction and climbing ability, especially on technical sections
Refined suspension with small bump compliance and improved anti-squat
Aggressive geometry for sharp handling and cornering
Practical features like dual water bottle mounts and storage systems
Suspension can feel unbalanced or overloaded on rough terrain
Proprietary parts, such as the Lefty fork, limit wheel choices and add weight
Geometry may feel cramped or less progressive compared to rivals
Requires precise shock setup for optimal performance
The Scalpel surprised me with how quick it was off the line on the Hole Shot, even without using the lockout.Bicycling
It just can’t seem to lose traction when I’m hammering up a rooty section.
BikerumorThe Cannondale Scalpel is remarkably smooth for an XC race bike, and that pays dividends the rougher the trail gets.
Flow Mountain BikeThe suspension gets overloaded under power while seated and feels soggy sometimes too, to the point that I preferred to climb with the Fox shock’s firming lever flicked over.
BikeRadarthe SE can get flustered when said rocks come hard and fast and, ironically given the praise I heaped on it above, lose traction sooner than you'd preferPinkbike
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Sep 2020 · Mike Wirth
The Cannondale Scalpel has long been the weapon of choice for XC racers. The brand new and beefed up Scalpel SE is designed to be a little more versatile and capable for trail riders who still want to be fast on the way up, but equally fast on the way down! Check the review and see how it did here.
Aug 2020 · Mike Levy
But Cannondale has been offering the real Scalpel since way back in 2001 when it debuted as a focused, sharp bike made for, you guessed it, cross-country racing.
Excellent technical climber.
Relatively forgiving suspension = all-day comfort, all-day speed.
I mean, that rim did crack…
Being based off the same XC race frame, its geo isn’t exactly progressive. More reach and a shorter seat tube, please.
May 2020 · Tyler Benedict
Based on an XC race bike rather than enduro, the new Scalpel SE is fast, light & rips thru singletrack, as long as you set it up right. Here's the review!
May 2020 · Bobby Lea
Fast enough for XC races and big enough to rip descents
Lightweight frame with modern geometry
Non-racers may want knobbier tires
May 2020 · Daz Hall
Cannondale's 2020 Scalpel offers a modern geometry and rethought suspension that puts it into fast trail bike territory
May 2020
The new Cannondale Scalpel has received a ground-up redesign to incorporate a brand new suspension design, dual bottle capability, and the clever STASH tool system. Along with its unique Lefty Ocho fork this is one smooth operator, albeit not without its quirks. Read on for our Cannondale Scalpel review.
Smooth, comfortable and traction-rich suspension
The Lefty Ocho is a dead-brilliant performer
Powerful and efficient riding position
Dual water bottle capability
The neat STASH tool system
The Lefty Ocho is heavier than its competitors
Razor-sharp handling isn't as planted on the descents
Wheel removal is a bit faffier than usual
Slow engaging rear hub
Dec 2019 · Mick Kirkman
The Scalpel SE can be sharp, but doesn’t quite cut it in terms of frame shape and rider position
Frame finish, smoothness and pivot hardware detailing are excellent
Suspension isn’t the supplest over small bumps and ripples, which tones down cornering and climbing grip
SRAM Guide T brakes are bottom of the Guide range and feel a bit stiff
Apr 2019 · Alan Muldoon
Cannondale Scalpel SE's extra travel front and rear, and components like 150mm dropper post, makes it a different animal to its race stablemates.
Sleek carbon frame construction
Short, tall geometry
| Frame | Scalpel SE, 115mm, BallisTec Carbon, Zero-Pivot seatstay, Carbon Link, PF30, 1.5 Si head tube, Ai Offset BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Float Performance 34 Stepcast, 120mm, Grip Damper, sweep adjust, 3-Pos adj. 15x110, tapered steerer, 44mm (27.5) / 51mm (29) offset Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance EVOL, 115mm, 3-Pos lever Travel: 115mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Cannondale Alloy PressFit30 |
| Headset | Tange 1.5 for Tapered Steer tubes |
| Stem | Cannondale C3, 6061 Alloy, 1-1/8", 31.8, 5°, 60mm |
| Handlebar | Cannondale C3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm |
| Saddle | Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, cro-mo rails |
| Seatpost | Cannondale DownLow Dropper Post, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not Included |
| Grips | Cannondale Locking Grips |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
|---|---|
| Crank | Truvativ Stylo 6K, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230, NX Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide T hydro disc, 180/160mm Centerline rotors Type: SRAM Guide T Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Guide T hydro disc |
| Rims | Stan's NoTubes Arch S1, 28h, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition (Ai Offset dish - rear) |
| Front Hub | Formula 15x110 front, 12x142 rear w/ XD driver |
| Rear Hub | Formula 15x110 front, 12x142 rear w/ XD driver |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent 27.5/29 x 2.4" front, 2.25" rear, EXO Protection, tubeless ready |
First added December 28
Last updated December 28
Not listed for 2,358 days