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Today’s DealsScalpel 1
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
Manufacturer Price
$9,500| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 120mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float SL Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | X0 Eagle Transmission, Eagle AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Silver Stealth Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'0" – 5'5"
5'4" – 5'10"
5'7" – 6'1"
5'10" – 6'6"
Summary
The Cannondale Scalpel is a trail bike that excels in climbing and descending, offering a lightweight design with innovative suspension technology. It's praised for its efficiency, fun riding experience, and modern geometry, though some note limitations in travel and component preferences.
Wicked climber
Lightweight design with FlexPivot technology
Good traction over tech
Confidence-inspiring, stable but snappy XC bike
Integrated bar and stem is actually comfortable
Through-headset cable routing
120mm travel might be too much for some cross-country purists
Limited speed on rough descents
Hexagonal shape grips made hands ache on long descents
Holy hell this bike climbs fast.
If 2024 had travel, it would be 120mm.
the Scalpel has certainly changed my ideas about how much fun an XC race bike can be
Feedback?
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Mar 2025
Cannondale has ditched its proprietary wheel spacing and press-fit bottom bracket, making the new Scalpel an easier bike to own.
Feb 2025 · Dave Rome
Long-term test of the well-rounded race bike that’s a practical, but not flawless, everyday choice.

Jan 2025 · Sarah Moore
Modern cross-country bikes are incredible and the Cannondale Scalpel is one of the best there is. It feels like a rocket ship on the climbs as you would expect, but descends with a composure that makes it a fun choice even when you aren't toeing a race line.
Comfortable and efficient climber
Capable and fun descender
More versatile than most cross-country bikes
Noisy fork and two position dropper


Mar 2024 · Jordan Villella
The new Cannondale Scalpel will be the steed on which riders like Mona Mitterwallner will chase down their Olympic dreams.
Mar 2024 · Hannah Dobson
The new Cannondale Scalpel has essentially been modernised to give it more travel, and more capable, more stable handling.

Jul 2023 · Tom Marvin
Sharp and snappy, but at times nervous, the Scalpel is best-suited to tight and punchy courses
Solid frame that transfers power well
Neat design touches on the frame
Quick handling
The Lefty Ocho left in the shadows of more established XC forks
Nervous on technical sections
Questionable tyre choice
Creaky BB

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
| Frame | Scalpel, lightweight carbon construction, 120mm travel, Proportional Response Suspension and Geometry, FlexPivot Chainstay, full internal cable routing, 73mm BSA, 1.5" headtube with 1-1/8" upper reducer/internal cable guide, 148x12mm thru axle, 55mm chainline, UDH, post-mount disc – 160mm native BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Color: Rally Red |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Float Factory 34 SC, Kashima, 120mm, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float SL Factory EVOL SV, Kashima, 190x45, custom tune Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 73mm MTB Wide |
| Headset | Acros ICR |
| Stem | SystemBar XC-One Flat, carbon integrated bar/stem |
| Handlebar | SystemBar XC-One Flat, carbon, integrated bar/stem, internal cable routing, 5° upsweep, 8° backsweep, 760mm width, -6° stem, 1-1/8" clamp |
| Saddle | Prologo Dimension NDR, Tirox rails |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer SL Factory, Kashima, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M-XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not Included |
| Grips | Cannondale XC Silicone |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XO Eagle AXS, T-Type |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM XO T-Type, 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM AXS T-Type Pod Controller |
| Cassette | SRAM XO Eagle, 10-52, T-Type, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM XO, T-Type, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Silver Stealth, 4-piston hydraulic disc, SRAM HS2 180/160mm rotors Type: SRAM Level Silver Stealth Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Level Silver Stealth |
| Rims | DT Swiss XRC 1501 SPLINE ONE, carbon, 30mm inner width, hookless, TSS tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Competition Race, straight pull |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss 240 15x110, 6-bolt (F) / 240 Ratchet EXP 36, 6-bolt, XD driver (R) |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 240 15x110, 6-bolt (F) / 240 Ratchet EXP 36, 6-bolt, XD driver (R) |
| Tires | (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready |
First added March 26
Last updated October 19
Not listed for 236 days