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Today’s Deals2025 Cannondale
Scalpel 2
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$5,799| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 120mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | Eagle AXS, GX Eagle Transmission |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Bronze 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.
Jun 2025 · Cannondale Bikes
The tricked-out version features a colour-matched Lefty and CFR sponsor components, including the all-new Shimano XTR drivetrain.
Mar 2025 · Hannah Dobson
I find it very hard to imagine being disappointed with the Cannondale Scalpel 1 (once you’d got over the actual spending of all that money!)
Makes you feel like a hero
Much more versatile than just an XC race bike
Floaty light but comfortable
Snappy enough to feel fast, but comfortable enough to enjoy
More capable than a gravel bike, yet barely any more effort to ride
Great fun to ride down twisty trail, even rocky ones
Light, responsive to power through the pedals, yet really confidence inspiring and capable
Under powered brakes
No mudguard option for the Ocho
Internal routing and integrated bar/stem will upset home mechanics
TwistLoc moving under hand on descents
Brakes feel spongy and lack stopping power
No mudguard solution for the Lefty Ocho fork
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.
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, Series 1 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 Colors: Smoke Black; Storm Cloud |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ RL, 120mm, DebonAir, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound, 190x45 Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA 73mm MTB Wide |
| Headset | Acros ICR |
| Stem | Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6° |
| Handlebar | Cannondale 1 Flat, Carbon, 31.8mm, 9° back, 760mm |
| Saddle | Prologo Dimension NDR, STN rails |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer SL Performance Elite, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M-XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not Included |
| Grips | Cannondale XC Silicone |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, T-Type |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM AXS T-Type Pod Controller |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle, 10-52, T-Type, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Bronze Stealth, 4-piston hydraulic disc, SRAM HS2 180/160mm rotors Type: SRAM Level Bronze Stealth Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Level Bronze Stealth |
| Rims | HollowGram XC-S 27, lightweight, high-impact carbon, 27mm inner width, 28h, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Gran Forza, straight-pull |
| Front Hub | HollowGram, 15x110mm thru-axle |
| Rear Hub | HollowGram w/DT Swiss 350 internals, 12x148mm |
| Tires | (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready |
First added June 28
Last updated June 7