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Today’s DealsScalpel Hi-MOD Ultimate
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$13,000| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Fork | Cannondale Lefty Ocho Carbon |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | XX1 Eagle AXS, Eagle AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Ultimate Hydraulic Disc |
5'0" – 5'5"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'7" – 6'1"
6'0" – 6'6"
None yet.
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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.
The Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 is an efficient, well-handling, and fun bike.
Its smooth, well-balanced and supple suspension mean it can slither its way beautifully over messy root spreads and battered rocky sections.
Low-angle descents have the Scalpel flying like a low-altitude projectile. This bike is fast.
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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
Nov 2021 · Beta
For those times when even a regular Scalpel is too blunt an instrument.

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..
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

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.

Dec 2020 · Bobby Lea
A head-to-head test to finally settle which of the perennial podium contenders is the best.
Cannondale Hollowgram 25 carbon wheels
SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain
Not as light as the Scalpel Ultimate
Heavier than the S-Works Epic
| Frame | All-New, 100mm 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: Copper |
|---|---|
| Fork | Lefty Ocho 120 Carbon, 100mm, Chamber Damper with remote lockout, OppO Spring System, tapered steerer, 55mm offset Travel: 100mm |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory EVOL, 100mm, remote lockout, adjustable rebound Travel: 100mm |
| 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 | ENVE M5, Carbon, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 9° sweep, 760mm |
| Saddle | PROLOGO Dimension NDR CPC Tirox Saddle |
| Seatpost | ENVE Carbon, 31.6 x 400mm, 0mm offset Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | ESI Chunky Silicone, 32mm dia. |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB, 34T, Ai offset |
| Shifters | SRAM Eagle AXS, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1299, XX1 Eagle, Copper, 10-52, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, Copper, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc, 160/160mm Centerline X rotors Type: SRAM Level Ultimate Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc |
| Rims | ENVE M525 Carbon, 24h, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Aerolite, straight pull |
| Front Hub | Lefty 60 |
| Rear Hub | Custom DT Swiss, 36t Star Ratchet, 12x148mm thru-axle |
| Tires | (F) Schwalbe Racing Ray EVO, 29 x 2.25", SnakeSkin, Addix Speedgrip, tubeless ready, (R) Schwalbe Racing Ralph EVO, 29 x 2.25", SnakeSkin, Addix Speed, tubeless ready |
First added July 7
Last updated October 28
Not listed for 953 days