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Today’s Deals2020 Cannondale
Scalpel SE
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,725| Weight | 23.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Summary
The Cannondale Scalpel is a lightweight cross-country bike praised for its exceptional climbing efficiency and small-bump compliance, offering a refined and active suspension that enhances traction. It features aggressive geometry for sharp handling, though it can feel less planted on rough descents. Proprietary components like the Lefty fork provide unique performance but may limit upgrade options.
Lightweight full-suspension frame
Excellent small bump compliance and traction
Aggressive geometry for sharp handling
Active suspension design for climbing efficiency
Dual water bottle capability and storage systems
Proprietary parts limit wheel and upgrade choices
Firm suspension can feel rattly on rough terrain
Less capable on gnarly descents compared to trail bikes
Heavier system than some competitors
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.
BikerumorUnashamedly fast – that’s the first impression of the Scalpel.
BikeRadarThe Cannondale Scalpel is remarkably smooth for an XC race bike, and that pays dividends the rougher the trail gets.
Flow Mountain BikeEvery bike has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's no surprise to see the SE 1's is its climbing ability.Pinkbike
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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?
Efficient pedaling and climbing
Smooth and responsive RockShox suspension
Powerful Shimano brakes
Confident and predictable handling
Dependable dropper post
Geometry could go slacker and longer
Chain guide is extraneous and vulnerable
Marketing it as a trail bike is confusing
Jul 2021 · Robin Weaver
An incredibly comfortable and fun mile-munching machine that prefers technical singletrack to challenging downhills
Smooth, comfortable ride when tackling technical terrain
Agile and fun to chuck around
Lefty fork feels smooth and precise
Front tyre needs more bite
Conservative geometry means it’s not as surefooted at speed as others
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.
Balanced capabilities
Light & quick FlexPivot Chainstay
Carbon wheels at under $6K
Two bottles fit in every size
Useful Integrated frame storage
Geo not as modern as some in the category
Sluggish dropper post
Apr 2021 · McCoy
How much difference can 20mm of travel make?
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
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 May 28
Last updated June 9
Not listed for 2,189 days