The new Scalpel sets itself apart from other ultralight XC bikes by focusing on things that enable real speed: traction, confidence, and momentum. The new Scalpel is built to give you an edge in those clutch moments, when being able to stay on the gas, or corner harder, or brake later, or pedal fluidly through the rough stuff means the difference between podium and pack-fill, or between a good ride and one you just never want to end. 

At 120mm, Scalpel serves up a generous helping of front and rear travel without impacting weight.  Thanks to Cannondale’s FlexPivot technology, the frame features flexing carbon sections instead of traditional Horst Link pivots.  The result is a lightweight 4-bar linkage design that mimics the stiffness and simplicity of a single-pivot, free from the additional weight and maintenance of chainstay pivot bolts and bearings.

Because FlexPivot remains a true 4-bar system, it retains all the precise anti-rise/anti-squat tuning characteristics mountain bikers know and love from the design. Less moving parts also means greater durability, and every frame is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

There’s more secret sauce in the suspension system, too. Because a rider’s center of gravity has a huge effect on suspension behavior, Cannondale goes the extra mile to customize suspension kinematics for each individual frame size. It’s a design philosophy called Proportional Response, and it ensures everyone gets the same great ride experience no matter their frame size. 

The new Scalpel’s ultra-capable geometry reflects just how far and fast XC bikes can progress. The devilishly slack 66.6-degree head tube angle creates incredible all-round stability for such a rapid climbing machine. Matched to a 75.5-degree seat tube angle and size-specific chainstay lengths, the riding position is tailored to be the most efficient possible whether pointed uphill, downhill, or anywhere in between.

Leading the charge up front is the latest Lefty Ocho 120mm fork. Landing riders on the top step for nearly 20 years, its unique design remains as unrivaled today as it was back then. Needle bearings minimize friction, internal rotation, and wear, to deliver smooth travel and super long service intervals. Lightweight, stiff, and tuned for precision tracking and traction - this is the fork for aggressive XC riding.

Crowning the package is the new SystemBar XC-One, a one-piece carbon cockpit that’s both lighter and stiffer than nearly any two-piece cockpit.  Shaped for comfort, the SystemBar XC-One packs a full 760mm of width and has internal headset cable routing that is user-friendly and keeps things tidy up front.

Rounding out the performance package are grippy 2.4” tires and even a dropper post. That’s right: a dropper post’s ability to instantly raise or lower saddle height for technical sections or steep descents is another secret to finding speed that today’s XC riders look for. So it now comes as standard!

Available in five models in sizes small – extra-large. Lefty Ocho 120 will be available on the Scalpel Carbon Lab 71, Scalpel Carbon 1, and Scalpel Carbon 2 Lefty models (Europe only). The SystemBar XC-One Bar comes equipped on Scalpel Carbon Lab 71 and Scalpel Carbon 1. Both the Lefty Ocho 120 and the SystemBar XC-One Bar will be available for aftermarket sale.