The Scalpel 29 already earned fame and honour last year: test winner. The 2013 model now has to hold its own against new competition in the starting block. On the 25 km long overpass from Mittersill to Kaprun, the locked-out Scalpel rode like a racing bike: stiff, direct, super fast. When you open up the suspension for the final Bachler trail, it just flows over the path. The fork responds superbly, the rear fits perfectly. It runs smoothly and is manoeuvrable enough thanks to the short wheelbase, while the riding position is flat for racing. The triple adjustment on the Rock Shox shock provides a platform and a quasi-lockout for tarmac sections. The good spec is also astonishing, with every component hitting the mark, even the grips and saddle earn praise. The fork is beyond reproach with its lockout and stiffness. By our standards, the Scalpel scores top marks in the criteria "downhill" and "uphill". Max Plaxton showed that the Scalpel 29 can also hold its own in the World Cup with 5th place in Nove Mesto.
ConclusionThe Scalpel is still one of the fastest 29ers on the market. Perfect for racing, confident on tour. There's also nothing to complain about the equipment.
PLUS Very direct and precise steering, lifetime warranty on frame, sensible equipment, perfect handling
MINUS Little space for large water bottle, even with size L, front wheel removal complex
The alternative: In addition to the more expensive Scalpel Ultimate (9499 euros) and the Scalpel Carbon 1 (6499), there is the more affordable Scalpel 29er 3 (photo) for 2799 euros with SRAM X7 components and aluminium suspension.
