2020 Cannondale

Scalpel Carbon SE 1

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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MSRP$5,500
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 120 / 120mm
ForkRockShox SID Select+
ShockRockShox SIDLuxe Select+
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

29 mph

Scalpel Carbon SE 1

26 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews
Bike Perfect
Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 review

Oct 2021 · Ryan Simonovich

Does the Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 slice and dice with life-saving precision, or does it need another trip to the operating room to turn it into a truly modern XC rig?

Highs
  • Efficient pedaling and climbing

  • Smooth and responsive RockShox suspension

  • Powerful Shimano brakes

  • Confident and predictable handling

  • Dependable dropper post

Lows
  • Geometry could go slacker and longer

  • Chain guide is extraneous and vulnerable

  • Marketing it as a trail bike is confusing

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Beta
Tested: Cannondale Scalpel SE 1

May 2021 · Lydia Tanner

The short-travel 29er category is being overrun by outsiders. But what if a brand experienced in XC shows up? The Scalpel SE happens.

Highs
  • Balanced capabilities

  • Light & quick FlexPivot Chainstay

  • Carbon wheels at under $6K

  • Two bottles fit in every size

  • Useful Integrated frame storage

Lows
  • Geo not as modern as some in the category

  • Sluggish dropper post

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Mountain Bike Action
Bike Review: Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Se 1 Trail Bike - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

Apr 2021 · McCoy

How much difference can 20mm of travel make?

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Loam Wolf
Review: Cannondale Scalpel SE

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.

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Pinkbike
Field Test: Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 - The Spider Monkey

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.

Highs
  • Excellent technical climber.

  • Relatively forgiving suspension = all-day comfort, all-day speed.

Lows
  • 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.

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Bikerumor
Review: The new Cannondale Scalpel SE is trail rocket with an XC heart

May 2020

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!

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Bicycling
Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 Hits the Sweet Spot Between Race and Trail

May 2020

Fast enough for XC races and big enough to rip descents

Highs
  • Lightweight frame with modern geometry

Lows
  • Non-racers may want knobbier tires

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MTB Mag
[First Look] The New Cannondale Scalpel

May 2020 · Marco Toniolo

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.   Our take A cross country bike with a

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Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

All-New, 120mm travel, BallisTec Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, FlexPivot Chainstay, PF30-83, Tapered Headtube,Speed Release 12mm thru axle, Ai Offset, Stash compatible

BB StandardPF30, Press Fit

Fork

RockShox SID Select+ RL, 120mm, Debonair, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

Cannondale Alloy PressFit30

Stem

Cannondale 1, 7075 Alloy, 1-1/8", 31.8, 7°

Handlebar

Cannondale 1 Riser, Carbon, 31.8mm, 9° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm

Saddle

Fabric Scoop Flat Elite, cro-mo rails

Seatpost

Cannondale DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 125mm (M-L), 150mm (XL)

TypeDropper

Grips

ESI Chunky Silicone, 32mm dia.

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT

Crank

HollowGram, BB30a, OPI SpideRing, 34T, Ai offset

Shifters

Shimano XT, 12-speed

Cassette

Shimano XT, 10-51, 12-speed

Chain

Shimano SLX, 12-speed

Brakes

Shimano XT hydraulic disc, 180/160mm XT rotors

TypeHydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano XT hydraulic disc

Wheels
Rims

HollowGram 25, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, 28h, 25mm IW, tubeless ready

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition Race, straight-pull

Rear Hub

DT Swiss, 12x148

Tires

(F) Maxxis Ardent Race, 29 x 2.35", EXO Protection, tubeless ready (R) Maxxis Recon Race, 29 x 2.25", EXO Protection, tubeless ready

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Last updated June 19
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