Cannondale has been known for its unique technical solutions ever since the unconventional "Lefty" suspension fork with just one stanchion. With the "Scalpel" racing bike, the Americans have dispensed with a main pivot. Instead, a carbon chainstay flexes. Cross-country star Christoph Sauser won the overall World Cup in 2004 and 2005 with this technology.
The same frame (weight: less than two kilos!) with which Sauser wins on the assembly line is now also available with an affordable configuration. Cannondale offers the "Scalpel 5", a model from the 2007 season, for 2,249 euros. If you compare this sum with the price of the frame set, only around 250 euros remain for the equipment with brakes and fork.
Under these conditions, Cannondale has done a good job. After all, an Avid "Juicy 5" brakes the "Scalpel" and the gears are shifted with SRAM "X.7" triggers and an "X.9" rear derailleur. Tuning potential is hidden in the wheels - they weigh a hefty 4.7 kilos. Nevertheless, the total weight of the "Scalpel 5" is less than twelve kilos. This gives you a good hand on most marathon courses.
The Cannondale is particularly suitable for long climbs. The power is delivered very directly to the rear wheel, and the rear suspension with its minimalist 67 millimetres of travel only locks up on smooth asphalt trails. However, the very stretched riding position requires trained back muscles.
The long wheelbase and slack steering angle also ensure a smooth ride downhill. However, a little physical effort is required to push the Cannondale through tight bends.
The chassis with its short suspension travel only serves as a rough emergency buffer. The rider's arm and leg muscles have to co-operate even with medium-hard impacts.
PLUS:
- Frame weight
- propulsion
- relatively favourable
- stiff fork
MINUS:
- only for trained riders
- Equipment a little heavy
(Photos: W. Watzke)
