Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2021 Cannondale

Scalpel Hi-MOD Ultimate

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

$13,000
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 100 / 100mm
ForkCannondale Lefty Ocho Carbon
ShockFox Float DPS Factory
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12 Electronic
GroupsetXX1 Eagle AXS, Eagle AXS
BrakesSRAM Level Ultimate Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
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 Hi-MOD Ultimate

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.

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.

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

Flow Mountain Bike
Cannondale Scalpel HT Review | A mostly contemporary XC rocket ship

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.

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • Cheap, narrow tyres

  • Heavy wheels

  • No dropper

  • Lack of A.I offset

Read Review

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

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.

Read Review

Bicycling
Battle of the XC Bikes: Cannondale Scalpel vs. Specialized Epic

Dec 2020 · Bobby Lea

A head-to-head test to finally settle which of the perennial podium contenders is the best.

Highs
  • Cannondale Hollowgram 25 carbon wheels

  • SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain

Lows
  • Not as light as the Scalpel Ultimate

  • Heavier than the S-Works Epic

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
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 StandardPF30, 83mm, Press Fit

ColorCopper

Fork

Lefty Ocho 120 Carbon, 100mm, Chamber Damper with remote lockout, OppO Spring System, tapered steerer, 55mm offset

Travel100mm

Shock

Fox Float DPS Factory EVOL, 100mm, 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

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

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

ESI Chunky Silicone, 32mm dia.

Groupset
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

TypeSRAM Level Ultimate Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added July 7

Last updated October 28

Not listed for 953 days