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New Cannondale Scalpel HTRadically fast?

Adrian Kaether

 · 09.11.2021

New Cannondale Scalpel HT: Radically fast?Photo: Adrian Kaether
New Cannondale Scalpel HT: Radically fast?
Can race hardtails be too slack? With the new Scalpel HT, Cannondale is testing the limits of the F-Si successor Extreme. Will it work out?

Raising the curtain on the new Scalpel HT, the latest evolution of Cannondale's race hardtail. With the end of the 2021 model year, the Americans are not only sending the old F-Sibut retire the entire model designation and make a fresh start with the Scalpel HT.

Replaces the F-Si as Cannondale's race hardtail: the new Scalpel HT.Photo: Adrian Kaether Replaces the F-Si as Cannondale's race hardtail: the new Scalpel HT.

The Cannondale Scalpel HT in the BIKE novelty check as a video

The new name is no coincidence: the Scalpel HT is strongly orientated towards the Racefully Scalpel and even goes one better in terms of geometry: with a steering angle of 66.5 degrees on the top model, the Scalpel HT is on paper the slackest race hardtail ever. Only the BMC Twostroke moves in similar regions.

Longer, slacker and more than 100 millimetres of suspension travel: after Mondraker and BMC, Cannondale is the next major manufacturer of race hardtails to move in this direction. We are curious to see whether Scott, Specialized & Co. will soon follow suit.Photo: Adrian Kaether Longer, slacker and more than 100 millimetres of suspension travel: after Mondraker and BMC, Cannondale is the next major manufacturer of race hardtails to move in this direction. We are curious to see whether Scott, Specialized & Co. will soon follow suit.

Two frame qualities: top model under 900 grams

Many other key data of the new Scalpel HT are typical Cannondale. The rear triangle, which has been specially trimmed for comfort, is designed to protect the rider on long journeys without sacrificing stiffness in the head and bottom bracket area. Lefty forks are fitted to the two top models for 4499 and 6999 euros.

Cannondale is saying goodbye to the seatpost clamp integrated into the frame, which was on board the F-Si. The seat stays are positioned similarly low on the seat tube as on the Topstone and SuperSix Evo gravel bikes.Photo: Adrian Kaether Cannondale is saying goodbye to the seatpost clamp integrated into the frame, which was on board the F-Si. The seat stays are positioned similarly low on the seat tube as on the Topstone and SuperSix Evo gravel bikes. 27.2 mm seat post, lowered seat stays and the flat chain stays: The interplay of these three details is designed to filter out as many small impacts as possible and thus create comfort while seated.Photo: Adrian Kaether 27.2 mm seat post, lowered seat stays and the flat chain stays: The interplay of these three details is designed to filter out as many small impacts as possible and thus create comfort while seated.

The frame is said to have become a little lighter again and the top model ("Hi-Mod") in frame size M is now just under the 900 gram mark (frame in size L: 1045 grams - BIKE measurement). The cheaper models ("Carbon") come with a slightly heavier frame. The cables run inside the frame and can either be installed with guides for ease of maintenance or without guides for maximum weight savings.

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The facts about the Cannondale Scalpel HT at a glance

  • progressive geometry with a steering angle of 66.5 degrees (Hi-Mod 1)
  • Lefty Ocho fork in two of four models
  • Two frame qualities: Hi-Mod and carbon
  • Four models from 2499 euros to 6999 euros
  • Top model weight: 9.62 kg (size L / BIKE measurement)
  • four frame sizes: S-XL
The "Scalpel" lettering is now no longer just emblazoned on Cannondale's race bike, but on the top tube of the race hardtail.
Photo: Cannondale

Seconds chasing downhill: the geometry of the Scalpel HT

In keeping with the slack head angle, the geometry of the Scalpel hardtail is very modern. The only exception: the long but not extreme reach of 450 millimetres in frame size L. Bikes like the BMC Twostroke or the Mondraker Podium are slightly longer. Another special feature: The top model Hi-Mod 1 even has a Lefty-Ocho fork with 110 millimetres of travel. The extra travel flattens the steering angle and also influences the rest of the geometry. The other three Scalpel HT Carbon models rely on classic 100 mm forks (two Rockshox SID, one Lefty Ocho).

Reserved for the top model: The Lefty Ocho fork with 110 millimetres of travel.Photo: Adrian Kaether Reserved for the top model: The Lefty Ocho fork with 110 millimetres of travel. Cannondale uses a minimalist chain guide on the cranks. Cannondale's Hollowgram crank is also used on the two most expensive models.Photo: Adrian Kaether Cannondale uses a minimalist chain guide on the cranks. Cannondale's Hollowgram crank is also used on the two most expensive models. The geometry of the three Scalpel HT models with 100 mm forks at a glance. On the top model Hi-Mod 1, a 110 mm fork flattens the steering angle by half a degree and also changes the other dimensions by nuances.Photo: Cannondale The geometry of the three Scalpel HT models with 100 mm forks at a glance. On the top model Hi-Mod 1, a 110 mm fork flattens the steering angle by half a degree and also changes the other dimensions by nuances.

A special feature of the new Cannondale hardtail: chainstays that grow with the rider in all frame sizes and a seat angle specially adapted to each frame size. Despite the different seat post extensions for the different frame sizes, the Americans have achieved an effective seat angle of a steep 75 degrees, which positions the rider well forward on climbs. At 430 millimetres for the S frame and 445 millimetres for the XL frame, the chainstays are relatively long and underline the sporty nature of the Scalpel HT downhill.

The front wheel is fitted with a Garmin speed sensor ex works, which can be connected to the Cannondale app or GPS computers.Photo: Adrian Kaether The front wheel is fitted with a Garmin speed sensor ex works, which can be connected to the Cannondale app or GPS computers. Cannondale relies on the Schwalbe tyre combination for all four models: Racing Ray at the front and Racing Ralph at the rear, both in 29x2.25 inch.Photo: Adrian Kaether Cannondale relies on the Schwalbe tyre combination for all four models: Racing Ray at the front and Racing Ralph at the rear, both in 29x2.25 inch. The Lefty fork can be locked from the handlebars using the Fox remote control.Photo: Adrian Kaether The Lefty fork can be locked from the handlebars using the Fox remote control.

Cannondale Scalpel HT: four models from 2499 euros

There will be four models. The top model Scalpel Hi-Mod 1 for 6999 euros relies on the lightweight top frame, in-house carbon wheels and a Lefty with 110 millimetres of travel. This flattens the head angle to the aforementioned 66.5 degrees and the seat angle to 74.5 degrees. All other models are available from dealers with 100 millimetre forks and are therefore half a degree steeper.

The Scalpel HT Hi-Mod 1 for 6999 euros is the top model in the product range.Photo: Cannondale The Scalpel HT Hi-Mod 1 for 6999 euros is the top model in the product range.

Shifting and braking is done with Shimano components throughout, with a Rockshox SID SL fork in the front of the two cheapest models. Prices start at 2499 euros for the Scalpel HT Carbon 4, with Cannondale adding a considerable amount between the second most expensive model Carbon 2 (4499 euros) and the top model Hi-Mod 1 (6999 euros) due to the carbon wheels, the carbon Lefty and the lighter frame.

Scalpel HT Carbon 2 with Lefty Ocho fork and Shimano XT groupset. Price: 4499 euros.Photo: Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 2 with Lefty Ocho fork and Shimano XT groupset. Price: 4499 euros. Scalpel HT Carbon 3 with Rockshox SID SL Select+ fork, NoTubes Crest MK4 rims and Shimano SLX/XT mix. Price: 3299 euros.Photo: Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 3 with Rockshox SID SL Select+ fork, NoTubes Crest MK4 rims and Shimano SLX/XT mix. Price: 3299 euros. The entry into the Scalpel HT world costs 2499 euros. Brakes, hubs and gears come from Shimano, the fork is a simple Rockshox SID SL.Photo: Cannondale The entry into the Scalpel HT world costs 2499 euros. Brakes, hubs and gears come from Shimano, the fork is a simple Rockshox SID SL.
Adrian Kaether

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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