Cannondale Scalpel HT in the BIKE test

In 2022, Cannondale will not only be retiring its F-Si race hardtail, but also the model name itself. However, the successor is already in the starting blocks: The new Scalpel HT takes the name of Cannondale's racing full-suspension bike and, with a steering angle of 66.5 degrees, is set to be the slackest and therefore smoothest-running race hardtail of all time. A value that until a few years ago was only achieved by trail bikes or an average enduro bike from 2011. The slightly longer fork with 110 millimetres of travel and therefore also the progressive geometry are reserved for the top model. Slightly less extreme: the cheaper models, which are available from dealers with a classic 100 millimetre fork. Here, the steering angle is still a slack 67 degrees. This means that Cannondale is finally leaving the old ideal of a 71-degree head angle and 73-degree seat angle behind, even for hardtails. Rightly so, as you have to say in view of the increasingly technical race courses. However, with increasing smoothness, the agility of hardtails is also dwindling. Is now of all things Cannondale with the Scalpel HT overshot the mark?

Cannondale Scalpel HT is orientated towards BMC and Mondraker hardtails

Of course, the new Cannondale is not the first hardtail to venture into a new world of frame geometries. The Swiss manufacturer BMC caused a stir just last year when it gave the flat and long Fourstroke race bike an equally modern hardtail with the name Twostroke followed. Maximum comfort for long marathons included. Even if you had to pull a little harder on the handlebars in tight passages, we liked it, especially in fast downhill sections. We had a similar experience with the super-lightweight Mondraker Podiumwhich is less extreme in terms of steering angle, but requires a lot of pressure on the handlebars due to the long frame. A change for fans of classic hardtail geometries, but one that is rewarded with an extra portion of smoothness on fast bumpy sections.

The competition of the Scalpel HT

The new Scalpel HT could now also pose a threat to the bikes from BMC and Mondraker on the downhill. Especially because the Americans have other aces up their sleeve in addition to the flat front. In addition to the reach, Cannondale also adjusts the chainstay length of the Scalpel HT individually for each frame size so that the centre of gravity is always balanced between the wheels.

Different fork offset on the Lefty suspension fork

An increased fork offset and therefore shorter trail should be mainly responsible for the steering not tipping too much despite the slack angle. In conjunction with the longer wheelbase, difficult and tight uphill sections should still be easy to master. A lot of thought has also gone into the carbon structure of the new frame. As with the Gravelbike Topstone the seat stays merge into the main frame well below the top tube, which should enable the rear triangle to absorb small bumps and thus increase riding comfort. The top frame in size M should break the 900 gram mark thanks to Hi-Mod fibres. There will be four models, each in four frame sizes from S to XL. Prices start at 2499 euros for the Carbon 4. Top model Hi-Mod 1 for 6999 euros comes with a longer fork and a lighter frame. The other bikes have to make do with the standard frame, which is around 150 grams heavier, depending on the size.

How does the Cannondale Scalpel HT fare against classic race hardtails?

Modern marathon bikes like the Scalpel HT are declaring war on conventional values. Maximum lightweight construction and steep angles are giving way to more suspension travel and slacker geometries. With two duels - modern versus classic - we clarify in BIKE 3/2022which generation makes the perfect race bike. With the hardtails, the Scalpel HT against the Cube Elite C:68 X SL The duel is called the Race Fullys: Scott Spark RC against KTM Scarp.