In the World Cup, the Scalpel 29 is one of the most successful bikes of recent years. If you want to know why, just get on it and ride to the bakery on the next corner. Even here, you want to start pedalling in the cradle and get your muscles glowing in the race-like riding position until flames flicker out of your quadriceps. Yes, the Scalpel is a racing machine. Full stop. The fact that it looks super light is no illusion. It has the highest stiffness of this quartet, weighs the least and boasts the finest equipment. The rear Enve M50 carbon rim is spoked with a Chris King hub. The unmistakable, infernal freewheel whirring alone sends freaks into raptures. The bike is so exclusive that even team rider Manuel Fumic might be jealous. He only gets the team version.
All the more annoying: The two-inch narrow Schwalbe half-brakes might challenge the courage of some riders a little too much in wet root passages. In addition, the FSA chainrings do not come close to the XTR shifting quality. The fact that the "Full Sprint" lever on the handlebars only allows you to choose between open suspension and a firm platform didn't bother any of the testers. There's no need for an intermediate stage like Fox's (called "Trail") because the rear end provides exactly the traction you're looking for without wasting valuable power. Downhill, the stiff Lefty fork shows you the way, and the wide handlebars give you an overview and control. While the best downhill time remains unattainable for people without a professional licence, the "personal record" is set anew every day on the home lap timed via the Strava app. As already mentioned: hardly any other fully is more responsive, lively and agile on the climbs. And in the points classification, the Scalpel is the first bike ever to collect the maximum number of points in the "Other" category (comprising the criteria of workmanship, equipment, paint quality and warranty). This exclusivity comes at an exorbitant price.
PLUS Lightweight wheels, super handling, the finest equipment, lifetime guarantee
MINUS Screw-in axle at the rear, shifting performance at the front (FSA chainrings)
ConclusionThe Scalpel remains what it is in 2015: a racing machine consistently trimmed for propulsion with the finest equipment. A sinfully expensive high-tech toy. Favourite of all testers. If you are looking for a cruiser, please look elsewhere.
The alternative: If you can't do without the double cranks, you'll find them cheaper on the Scalpel 29 Carbon 1 (6199 euros). It comes with a mix of Shimano XTR/XT (20 gears) and Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels.
