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2021 Cannondale

Scalpel Carbon LTD

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$8,300
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 100 / 100mm
ForkCannondale Lefty Ocho
ShockFox Float DPS Performance Elite
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX0, X01 Eagle
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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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 LTD

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'0" – 5'5"

MD

5'5" – 5'10"

LG

5'7" – 6'1"

XL

6'0" – 6'6"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Cannondale Scalpel is a lightweight and efficient cross-country bike that excels in climbing and smooth trails, with a supple suspension system for comfort. However, its geometry is considered conservative, limiting performance in aggressive or technical terrain. It offers integrated features like storage and water bottle mounts, enhancing its practicality for long rides.

Pros
  • Lightweight and efficient for climbing

  • Supple and comfortable suspension

  • Integrated storage and water bottle mounts

  • Agile and fun handling on flowing trails

  • Good value in some builds

Cons
  • Conservative geometry not as modern as competitors

  • Limited capability in aggressive or technical terrain

  • Some components like tires and brakes may underperform

  • Suspension can feel too soft on steep climbs

  • Dropper post may be sluggish

Key Quotes
The Scalpel SE is just a really easy bike to understand, feeling like home from the first ride and getting better from there.
Beta logoBeta
The Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 is an efficient, well-handling, and fun bike.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
Its smooth, well-balanced and supple suspension mean it can slither its way beautifully over messy root spreads and battered rocky sections.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Low-angle descents have the Scalpel flying like a low-altitude projectile. This bike is fast.
Vital MTB logoVital MTB

Feedback?

View all reviews

Beta
Cannondale Introduces the New Scalpel HT Hardtail

Nov 2021 · Beta

For those times when even a regular Scalpel is too blunt an instrument.

Read Review

Pinkbike
Cannondale Launches Progressive Scalpel XC Hardtail

Nov 2021 · James Smurthwaite

Now, just over a week later, we have the full details for the Cannondale Scalpel HT that replaces the F-Si as the brand's XC race hardtail..

Read Review

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

Read Review

BikeRadar
Cannondale Scalpel SE LTD Lefty review

Jul 2021 · Robin Weaver

An incredibly comfortable and fun mile-munching machine that prefers technical singletrack to challenging downhills

Highs
  • Smooth, comfortable ride when tackling technical terrain

  • Agile and fun to chuck around

  • Lefty fork feels smooth and precise

Lows
  • Front tyre needs more bite

  • Conservative geometry means it’s not as surefooted at speed as others

Read Review

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?

Read Review

Bikerumor
Cannondale Lefty Ocho suspension fork grows to 120mm, only for EU Scalpel SE LTD for now

Feb 2021 · Zach Overholt

Looks like the Lefty Ocho grew a bit in the off season! Cannondale just leaked a new 120mm version of their famous fork leg.

Read Review

Loam Wolf
Retired It Properly: Cannondale Scalpel SE 29er

Feb 2021 · Mike Wirth

Cannondale Scalpel SE long term review. This bike has really impressed us and here is a detailed break down of why this bike is so much fun.

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BIKE Magazine
A Look at Cannondale's New Scalpel and Scalpel RE Race Bikes

May 2020

Clever design touches aim for race-day gains.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

All-New, 100mm travel, BallisTec Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, FlexPivot Chainstay, PF30-83, Tapered Headtube,Speed Release 12mm thru axle, Ai Offset, Stash compatible

BB StandardPF30, 83mm, Press Fit

ColorCarbon

Fork

Lefty Ocho, 100mm, Chamber Damper with remote lockout, OppO Spring System, tapered steerer, 55mm offset

Travel100mm

Shock

Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL, remote lockout, adjustable rebound

Travel100mm

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB PF30 MTB83

Headset

Integrated, 1-1/8 to 1.5", sealed angular contact bearings

Stem

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

Handlebar

Cannondale 1 Flat, Carbon, 31.8mm, 9° back, 760mm

Saddle

Prologo Dimension NDR, Tirox rails

Seatpost

Cannondale 1, UD Carbon, 31.6 x 400mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

ESI Chunky Silicone, 32mm dia.

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle

Crank

Truvativ Stylo C, 34T, Ai offset

Shifters

SRAM XO Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM XG-1295, XO1 Eagle, 10-52, 12-speed

Chain

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Brakes

Shimano XT hydraulic disc, 160/160mm XT rotors

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic 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

Front Hub

HollowGram Lefty 60

Rear Hub

HollowGram w/DT Swiss Star Ratchet internals, 12x148mm

Tires

(F) Schwalbe Racing Ray Performance, 29 x 2.25", Addix Compound, tubeless ready, (R) Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance, 29 x 2.25", Addix Compound, tubeless ready

Rider Notes
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First added July 7

Last updated September 12

Not listed for 1,729 days