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Cannondale gave its Scalpel a brand-new frame in May 2020, just in time for our comparison test of lightweight touring full-sussers. In addition to the thoroughbred racefully versionThe American company Mani Fumic actually wanted to shake up the World Cup with the SE, but has remained true to its line and optimised the SE versions for touring use with a little more suspension travel. The new frame not only impresses with its striking design, but also shows its best side in the test lab. At 2153 grams, Cannondale has built a lightweight yet stiff frame. The frame triangle not only has space for two large water bottles, but also has an integrated mini-tool, tubeless patches and an air pump holder. This makes a rucksack superfluous even on long tours.
The short top tube allows the rider to sit comfortably on the Scalpel SE Take a seat and crank up long climbs in a relaxed manner. Unfortunately, the Rockshox rear shock can only be locked out completely. We would have liked an additional platform to prevent the slight influence of the drivetrain off-road. Downhill, the Scalpel with its 66.5 degree steering angle conveys a lot of confidence even at high speeds and in difficult terrain. Thanks to the short wheelbase, the Cannondale is also wonderfully playful on tight trail sections. The geometry is a real success. Cannondale is the only manufacturer in the test to use a complete Rockshox suspension system. However, both the fork and the shock can't keep up with the Fox components that are predominantly used. Although the suspension works well, it doesn't handle fast hits quite as cleanly as the competition.
Test summary of the Cannondale Scalpel SE Carbon 1
Cannondale has achieved an excellent result with the new Scalpel. The geometry appeals to touring riders not only because of the comfortable riding position, but also because of the great handling. The ample space for water bottles and the integrated mini-tool round off the harmonious picture. Only the suspension could be a little more sensitive.
Measured values/data for the Cannondale Scalpel SE Carbon 1 - model year 2020
Price 4999 Euro (specialised trade)
Frame material / sizes Carbon / S / M / L / XL (48 cm)
Weight without pedals 11.37 kg
Frame weight without shock absorber 2153 g
Wheel size 29"
Weight of wheels 3965 g
Handlebar width 760 mm
Frame rigidity (absol. / STW) 44 N/mm / 18.1 N/mm/kg
Front suspension travel 120 mm
Rear suspension travel 123 mm
Fork Rockshox SID Select+ Debon Air
Damper Rockshox SID Luxe Select+
Cranks Cannondale Hollowgram aluminium
Circuit Shimano XT / 1x12 gears
Translation / bandwidth 34; 10-51 / 510 %
Brake system / disc front / rear Shimano XT / 180 mm / 160 mm
Telescopic seat post / stroke / diameter Cannondale Down Low / 125 mm / 31.6 mm
Impellers Cannondale Hollowgram HGS 25 system wheels
Tyres Maxxis Ardent Race/Rekon Race 3C Maxxspeed Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.35/2.25
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 439 / 614 mm / -34 mm
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD (201.75 points)*.
In the Comparison test in BIKE 7/20 the Cannondale Scalpel SE had to prove itself against eight other lightweight touring fullys and upgraded marathon bikes with more travel and wider tyres from 4000 to 8500 euros. We also checked what distinguishes the bikes from a classic 100 mm race bike. The Complete test article on these nine touring full-suspension bikes with all results including points tables, technical data and grades is available as PDF for 1,99 Euro below in the download area. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
- Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 1
- Cube AMS 100 C:68 TM
- Rose Thrill Hill Trail 2
- Nicolai Saturn 11
- NS Bikes Synonym TR 1
- Rocky Mountain Element C 90
- Santa Cruz Blur CC
- Salsa Spearfish
- Yeti SB 100 T2 Turq
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
