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Today’s Deals2021 Cannondale
Scalpel Hi-MOD SE Frameset
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
€3,999($4,653)| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 120mm rear |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate |
| Wheels | 29″ |
5'0" – 5'5"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'7" – 6'1"
5'10" – 6'6"
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.
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
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
The Scalpel SE is just a really easy bike to understand, feeling like home from the first ride and getting better from there.
BetaThe Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 is an efficient, well-handling, and fun bike.
Bike PerfectIts smooth, well-balanced and supple suspension mean it can slither its way beautifully over messy root spreads and battered rocky sections.
BikeRadarLow-angle descents have the Scalpel flying like a low-altitude projectile. This bike is fast.
Vital MTBFeedback?
View all reviews
Mar 2022
Brand new for 2022, the Cannondale Scalpel HT is the first hardtail to wear the Scalpel name. Featuring progressive geometry, big tyre clearance and the option of a 110mm travel fork, the Scalpel HT promises to be a versatile XC race bike. So does it deliver? Read on for our Cannondale Scalpel HT review.
Lightweight & compliant carbon chassis
Proportional Response Design makes so much sense
Awesome all-round handling
Frame will accept a longer fork and bigger tyres
Marvellous paint job
Cheap, narrow tyres
Heavy wheels
No dropper
Lack of A.I offset
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?
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.
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.
| Frame | All-New, 120mm travel, BallisTec Hi-Mod Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, FlexPivot Chainstay, PF30-83, Tapered Headtube,Speed Release 12mm thru axle, Ai Offset, Stash compatible BB Standard: PF30, 83mm, Press Fit Color: Black with Wow Colors |
|---|---|
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | PF30, 83mm, press-fit |
| Headset | Integrated, 1-1/8 to 1.5", sealed angular contact bearings |
| Pedals | Not included |
First added June 23
Last updated February 21
Not listed for 1,566 days