2021 Cannondale

Scalpel Carbon SE LTD

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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MSRP$8,300
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 120 / 120mm
ForkRockShox SID Ultimate
ShockRockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX01 Eagle, Truvativ Stylo
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 LTD

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Scalpel model range

View Comparison
Sizing
SM

5'0" – 5'5"

MD

5'5" – 5'10"

LG

5'7" – 6'1"

XL

5'10" – 6'6"

Rider Fit Notes

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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

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

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

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

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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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.

Read Review

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

Read Review

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, 83mm, Press Fit

ColorMantis

Fork

RockShox SID Ultimate, 120mm, Debonair, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

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

Saddle

Fabric Scoop Flat Race, titanium rails

Seatpost

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

TypeDropper

Pedals

Not included

Grips

ESI Chunky Silicone, 32mm dia.

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle

Crank

Truvativ Stylo C, 34T, Ai offset

Shifters

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

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

Chain

SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Brakes

SRAM Level TLM hydraulic disc, 160/160mm CenterLine rotors

TypeHydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Level TLM hydraulic disc

Wheels
Rims

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

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition Race, straight-pull

Front Hub

(F) HollowGram, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) HollowGram w/DT Swiss Star Ratchet inernals, 12x148mm

Rear Hub

(F) HollowGram, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) HollowGram w/DT Swiss Star Ratchet inernals, 12x148mm

Tires

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

Rider Notes
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Last updated September 12
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