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Today’s Deals2025 Cannondale
Scalpel 1
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$8,499| 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 |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Scalpel model range
View Comparison5'0" – 5'5"
5'4" – 5'10"
5'7" – 6'1"
5'10" – 6'6"
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Summary
The Cannondale Scalpel is a versatile trail bike that excels in both racing and recreational riding, offering a compliant ride and excellent uphill performance. Its unique suspension design and modern geometry make it capable across a variety of terrains. However, some reviews note minor issues with cable routing and component choices.
Excellent uphill performance
Compliance built into the frame without dulling race performance
Ability to carry two full-sized bottles on every frame size
Pedals great without a lockout
No more proprietary standards or parts
Cables run through the headset
Racers will miss the remote lockout
Stock two position dropper
Through-the-headset cable routing adds friction and reduces serviceability
Minor gripes with parts choices
Modern cross-country bikes are increasingly more versatile and enjoyable to ride outside the hyper-specific racing setting.Bicycling
The Scalpel continues with a familiar silhouette that many others have converged on, but as with every bike, there’s nuance in the details.
Escape CollectiveLike a Lamborghini there are some impracticalities as a result of all that performance. But for feeling like a hero every time you get on the bike, it feels like it might be worth it.
Singletrack WorldFeedback?
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Jun 2025 · Jeremy Benson
Cannondale Factory Racing's team paint and build kit are now available to the public on the Scalpel LAB71 CFR Team Edition.
Apr 2025
Cannondale cuts prices on their most popular XC, trail and downhill mountain bike models during their annual sale.
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 · 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
Jun 2023 · Ron Koch
The SE version of the Scalpel uses the same frame as that ultra-light steed but with a longer-stroke shock and increased fork travel to combine the best attributes of a dedicated cross-country and trail bike into one machine.
| 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 August 10
Last updated June 13