The Cannondale Scalpel is a true classic. The history of Cannondale's most successful mountain bike goes back to 2001. Back then, mountain bike legend Tinker Juarez used the Scalpel on the race track for the first time. Since then, professionals from all over the world have regularly ridden the bike to the podium. These include nine-time German champion Manuel Fumic and his team-mate Herique Avancini, who took the marathon world title on the Scalpel in 2018. In collaboration with Cannondale's pro team, the developers have breathed new life into the dinosaur of the model range for the 2021 model year. In addition to the five classic Scalpel models with 100 millimetres of suspension travel from € 3699 (incl. women's bike), the Cannondale also offers an independent SE version with 120 millimetres of travel. This puts the US-Americans in direct comparison with the Epic Evo from Specialized and other upgraded race fullys, so-called sport tourers.
New Flex-Pivot rear triangle saves 200 grams
The centrepiece of the newcomer is undoubtedly the patented Flex-Pivot rear triangle. In favour of weight and durability, the Cannondale engineers have replaced the Horst-Link bearings on the chainstays with a flex zone made of carbon. According to the motto "bending instead of turning", the Flex-Pivot simulates defined pivot points. Thanks to the new rear triangle construction with only four pivots, the rear end is not only significantly firmer, but also saves 200 grams of weight on the frame compared to the previous model. Predecessor chassis. This is how the new Scalpel with a frame weight of 1910 grams (incl. shock) even the short-stroke Trek Supercalibre (1930 grams) into the shadows.
The data on the new Cannondale Scalpel (100 millimetres)
- 100 millimetres spring travel
- 29-inch wheels
- 4 models and a women's version
- Weight: from 9.76 kilos
- Price: 3699 Euro to 7999 Euro
- Extras: Stash kit / communication with Cannondale app
Better driving off due to more aggressive geometry
Cannondale has optimised the geometry of the Scalpel for downhill riding in order to keep pace with the ever-increasing demands of World Cup courses. The modern and aggressive design with a slacker 68 mm steering angle and short chainstays (436 millimetres) impresses with its smooth ride and playful manoeuvrability. The Scalpel climbs well with its pleasantly efficient riding position. Even on very steep terrain, the steep seat angle (74.5 degrees) keeps the front wheel reliably on the ground without the need to actively struggle.
Attention to detail on Cannondale's new Scalpel
In addition to the technical data, the new Scalpel impresses with well thought-out details. Thanks to the so-called stash kit, you have everything you need for quick repairs on the go. The kit under the bottle cage includes a Fabric mini-tool in a quick-access holster, a tubeless repair kit from Dynaplug and a CO2 cartridge. Cannondale also has its finger on the pulse when it comes to connectivity with its new Scalpel. Via the free Cannondale app is provided by an integrated impeller sensor (a Speed sensor from Garmin) provides precise values for speed, route and distance. The function also reminds you of maintenance intervals and helps you to register your bike.
Driving report: The first practical test with the Scalpel
We have already been able to test Cannondale's latest MTB creation extensively off-road - alongside cross-country star Manuel Fumic. First of all: the geometry of the new Scalpel is immediately appealing. The race fully from Cannondale has lost none of its very sporty character. It feels like the Scalpel converts every watt of pedal pressure into propulsion. On the downhill, the race bike with its powerful suspension and 68 degree head angle proves to be a strong descender. A detailed ride report including an interview with Manuel Fumic is available here in BIKE 7/2020 - in stores from 2 June.
All models and prices at a glance
All Scalpel models for 2021 offer 100 millimetres of travel at the front and rear and roll through the terrain on 29-inch wheels. The Scalpel SE is also available as a stand-alone lightweight touring bike: to the SE version with 120 millimetres. The Americans offer the 100 mm scalpel in four versions and in sizes S, M, L and XL. There is also a model especially for women.
The top model switches for 7999 euros Scalpel HM1 The bike is fitted with a complete XTR groupset except for the chain and cassette (Shimano XT). At the front, a Lefty Ocho smoothes the trail while a Fox Factory rear shock ensures peace and quiet. The Hollowgram wheels are also made of carbon. In this configuration, the HM1 should weigh just 9.76 kilos. Team rider Manuel Fumic's race bike is based on the HM1, but unlike the standard model, it has been refined with a personalised handlebar/stem unit and carbon wheels - both from Enve.
Scalpel Carbon 2 / Women's Carbon 2
Cannondale has swapped the XTR groupset for XT components on the €4999 Scalpel Carbon 2. The carbon fork also makes way for a normal Lefty Ocho made of aluminium at this price. A Fox Performance shock is used on the rear triangle. However, the carbon Hollowgram wheels remain on the little brother. Weight: 10.71 kilos.
Scalpel Carbon 3
For 4199, Cannondale only gives the Scalpel Carbon 3 a Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset and a Lefty Ocho. The aluminium wheels with Crest rims and DT Swiss Champion hubs are fitted with Schwalbes Racing Ralph in the Performance version. According to the manufacturer, the weight is 11.76 kilos.
Scalpel Carbon 4
The Scalpel Carbon 4 is available from 3699 euros and weighs 11.0 kilograms. The bumper here is a 32 mm Fox Rhythm with 100 millimetres of travel in the head tube. Packed with components from Sram's NX range, Shimano brakes and a Fox performance shock, the Carbon 4 marks Cannondale's entry into the race fully segment.
Max Fuchs
Editor
