2021 Cannondale
Scalpel Carbon SE 1
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$6,100| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 120mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
For This Bike
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Scalpel model range
View Comparison5'0" – 5'5"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'7" – 6'1"
5'10" – 6'6"
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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
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?
Feb 2021
Looks like the Lefty Ocho grew a bit in the off season! Cannondale just leaked a new 120mm version of their famous fork leg.
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.
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
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
| Frame | Scalpel SE Carbon, 120mm travel, Proportional Response Tuned, FlexPivot Chainstay, PF30-83, Tapered Headtube, Speed Release 12mm thru axle, Ai offset, Stash compatible BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit Colors: Stealth Grey; Abyss |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ RL, 120mm, Debonair, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Bottom Bracket | Cannondale Alloy PressFit30 |
| Headset | Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered |
| Stem | Cannondale 1, 7075 Alloy, 1-1/8", 31.8, 7° |
| Handlebar | Cannondale 1 Riser, Carbon, 31.8mm, 9° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm |
| Saddle | Cannondale Scoop Flat Elite, cro-mo rails |
| Seatpost | Cannondale DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 125mm (M-L), 150mm (XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Cannondale XC Silicone |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT |
|---|---|
| Crank | HollowGram, BB30a, OPI SpideRing, 32T, 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 Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano XT hydraulic disc |
| Rims | HollowGram 25, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, 28h, 25mm IW, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition Race, straight-pull |
| Front Hub | Formula, 15x110 |
| 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 |
Last updated February 21
Not listed for 802 days