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Today’s Deals2019 Cannondale
Scalpel Si Hi-Mod Frameset
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$3,500| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 100mm rear |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ |
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 · Daz Hall
Cannondale's 2020 Scalpel offers a modern geometry and rethought suspension that puts it into fast trail bike territory
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
Sep 2018 · McCoy
Cannondale had a couple new bikes on display including their newest Jekyll 29. Along with the new Enduro rig was the 2019 Scalpel Si with the new Lefty
Sep 2018 · Riley Missel
With a brand-new fork and lockout system, Cannondale's cross-country bike got a whole lot better.
May 2017 · Emily Schaldach
Cannondale blends cross-country speed with 100 millimeters of front and rear travel on its speedy Scalpel-SI Carbon. It’s an ideal pick for XC racing or
| Frame | Scalpel-Si, 100mm, BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, Zero Pivot seatstay, Carbon Link, PF30, 1.5 Si head tube, Ai Offset BB Standard: PF30, 100mm, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Shock | Fox Float Factory DPS EVOL, 100mm, remote-actuated, Kashima coating Travel: 100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | PF30, 100mm, press-fit |
| Headset | Cannondale HeadShok Si |
First added June 25
Last updated October 10
Not listed for 2,447 days