Steering angle (°) | Vertical tube (mm) | Rear chassis (mm) | Center distance (mm) | BB height (mm) | Reach (mm) | Front/rear travel (mm) |
Inline | 520 mm | 436 mm | 1199 mm | 331 mm | 475 mm | 100 mm |
Cannondale arrived, perhaps out of pure masochism, with the official announcement of the new Scalpel right during the Lockdown: the new Cross Country beast has been renewed in many aspects including the shock absorbing scheme, now in all respects a quadrilateral always with flexion of the carbon rear triangle but in a different way that we will see during the test.
Test featured in episode # 30: https://365mountainbike.it/puliti-dentro-biker-fuori/30-puntata-hardtail-vs-enduro-e-test-scalpel/

The new Cannondale is very light, with a frame that weighs 1900gr including shock absorber.
The test version is with telescopic seat post even if the standard model is not equipped with one. Only the models with the SE code are equipped with a dropper post and a 120mm fork (the Scalpel being compatible with a comfortable internal cable passage). It is known that in XC many athletes run with a high saddle but it is sometimes difficult to test on such a high-performance vehicle as the Scalpel could be, having the saddle continuously in the middle of the cocones.
The finishes of the new Scalpel are excellent: possibility of two water bottles (from size M up), the Lefty Ocho, a real work of art with carbon protection for the stem, and other rubber protection of the lower case and FlexPivot.
The cable passage is completely integrated like any self-respecting modern project, presence of a minimal but effective chain guide, small protective shells on the shock absorber bushings, removable Stash Kit that contains minitool and Dynaplug for tubeless and the Speed Release and Stop Lock systems for quick removal of the wheels.
FLEX PIVOT

I was talking about renewed shock absorbing pattern with FlexPivot rear stays. But what is it about? Cannondale has created a four bar system, however, using the flexion of the carbon chainstays at the rear as if they were real joints. But the bending does not occur throughout the wagon but only in the terminal part of the chainstays where we find a very high density laminate (in carbon) protected by a rubber protection. In this way, the functioning of a bearing fulcrum is replicated but with less weight and no maintenance.

This solution led to a record weight of 1900gr including shock absorber.
Question that surely many of you will ask: "but will it hold up?". Cannondale technicians have tested the component in the laboratory exceeding the safety limits by 150%, and have also entrusted the new wagon to Josh Bryceland (former DH World Cup rider and now freerider for Cannondale) who mounted it on his 130 Habit mm and stressed him properly without any problem.
Another innovation is the chainstay garage, where the rear stays enter the seat tube creating a much more solid block, all to the advantage of longevity, rigidity and compactness.
LEFTY OCHO

The Lefty Ocho features low speed compression adjustment (6 clicks), classic rebound (23 clicks) and 2-position handlebar remote control (open and closed).
For maintenance we recommend the "Vuforia view" APP, thanks to which it is possible to consult the manual, view the recommended setup and many other useful functions simply by "scanning" the code imprinted on the Lefty plate: bringing the phone close to the fork, you can see the its mechanisms showing the details. The range of adjustments is designed for riders with a weight between 45 and 105 kg, while to increase progressivity it is possible to insert up to 4 spacers (token style) in the positive chamber.
FEATURES
The wagon is designed to mount section tires up to 2.4 ", therefore with the use of classic 2.1 / 2.2" XC tires, it allows enough space in case of mud. Frame and fork are covered by a lifetime warranty (for the first owner).

On all Cannondale bikes, we had already talked about it in the F-si test, we find on the front wheel a sensor developed in collaboration with Garmin. By downloading an App on your smartphone and connecting it via bluetooth, it can function as a speed sensor and as a bicycle use and maintenance booklet. There are also extra functions such as a special area in which you can write down your measurements (saddle height, difference in height, etc.) and a workshop section, where you can set up reminders on routine maintenance operations to be carried out.

The removal of the front wheel is always faster (even if slower than traditional systems): in fact, thanks to a small lever, we remove the brake caliper from the lefty on the fly and then remove the classic thru axle with a size 6 Allen key.

To report the Proportional Response, another Cannondale gem: instead of simply changing the size of stack and reach of the frame, with the Proportional Response Cannondale has adapted the positions of the pins to each size of bike, to have a response of the suspension kinematics more homogeneous possible regardless of size.
VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS
SCALPEL-SI 6 | € 2.999 SCALPEL CARBON 4 | € 3.699 SCALPEL CARBON 3 | € 4.199 SCALPEL CARBON WOMEN 2 | € 4.999 SCALPEL CARBON 2 | € 4.999 SCALPEL CARBON LTD | € 6.499 SCALPEL HI-MOD 1 | € 7.999 SCALPEL HI-MOD ULTIMATE | € 11.499
The prices of the Scalpel models range from € 3.699 for the Scalpel Carbon 4 to € 11.499 for the Hi-mod Ultimate. The test bike, Carbon LTD, costs 6.499 euros and you will find the complete assembly at the end of the test. Also present is a Scalpel-SI 6 aluminum version for € 2.299. The 2 models superior to the bike under test (Hi-MOD Ultimate and Hi-MOD 1) have a more valuable high modulus carbon frame than the other versions.
VERSION IF
We also find the SE versions with 120mm travel and dropper post, excellent for Trail use to the limit with all-mountain.
THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST

Cannondale recommends a classic SAG around 25% and I have been very happy with that value. At the front we find the much acclaimed Lefty legged gallows: having already tried it on other occasions, I am quite on the piece, but the front always feels very light in the first few bars: it has a reaction in turning equal to 0ms (probably derived from the rake increased by 55mm) and a feeling of lightness that at first is intimidating.
UPHILL

The new Scalpel has a compact seat even if in the push phase it is more relaxed (saddle angle not too vertical) than other XC competitors. A seat optimized for long climbs. When you leave, you really want to push: I found myself going out with thunder without the initial idea being that and returning with finished legs. The Scalpel gives satisfaction: it is reactive, streamlined. In long climbs it has an excellent pedaling cadence and in corner exit it is snappy. A real XC bike as it should be. By activating the suspension lock, the bike is granite but even with open suspension it is easy to pedal and optimized, giving us a hand in the more technical sections.
DOWNHILL

But this is where the Scalpel surprises: used in conjunction with a dropper post, it proved to be a bike with which to attack, with which to tackle the curves, the bumps with determination, situations that usually go cautious with an XC. The Cannondale package builds confidence for both seasoned and novice riders, and lets you open the throttle as if you were on a trail / all-mountain bike. It's amazing how the Scalpel, an XC bike, gets actively ridden, pumping it up the dips and handling excellently in cornering. You have to get around to it with the light front and it is definitely not an intuitive bike in the first corners but just get used to it and then it gives everything back with interest.
I talked about the package because Cannondale, with its initials Si (System Integration), throws us in the face the fact that the bike is not just a frame where the various components are mounted but something more, a set of components designed with the aim to work in unison and, in this case, with many proprietary technologies.
From a bike that is still light and from cross country, you don't expect these stability characteristics when going downhill. Instead, the Scalpel surprises, as does the Ocho, only words of praise for it, which proves to be a truly performing fork in the Cross Country setting: a blade that goes right to the precise point where we want to put the wheel. Sensitivity is superior to many of its XC competitors and feels like riding with a 130mm all-mountain fork in how sensitive it is. It should be noted that the Lefty has an offset of 55 mm which goes against the trend but allows excellent agility when changing direction combined with a more relaxed head angle. Once used and learned to understand it, it is difficult to abandon it: it is a fork where one perceives a more refined hydraulic system than many rivals, including the regulation of low speeds and, for those who are sensitive in riding, they will appreciate it a lot.
The wagon works excellently with an excellent progression that avoids the bottlenecks.
XC | MARATHON | TRAIL | ALL MOUNTAIN | ENDURO | FREERIDE | DOWNHILL |
XXXXX | XXXXX | XX |
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PROPORTIONAL RESPONSE - Instead of simply changing the size of stack and reach of the frame, with Proportional Response we have adapted the positions of the pins to each size of bike
CHAINSTAY GARAGE - Another innovation is the chainstay garage, where the rear stays enter the seat tube creating a much more solid block, all to the advantage of longevity, rigidity and compactness.FLEX PIVOT - Lack of joints in the rear frame because it is the rear frame itself that flexes thanks to a particular carbon lamination
Geometry |
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Sizes | S, M, L, XL (test) |
Steering angle | Inline |
Vertical tube | 520 mm |
Steering tube | 125 mm |
Rear chassis | 436 mm |
Wheelbase | 1199 mm |
Bottom bracket height | 331 mm |
Reach | 475 mm |
Stack | 610 mm |
Particular signs |
LEFTY OCHO Extremely fluid. The Ocho doesn't slide on bushings like all other forks, but rides smoothly on three connected sets of needle bearings, thus preventing the inner leg from rotating inside the outer leg. No friction, no friction. |
+ | Proprietary standards that bring many unique innovations. Lefty Ocho fork as a whole. Stable rear end and excellent downhill performance. |
- | Proprietary standards that raise the costs for upgrades / maintenance (Lefty, AI Asymmetric wheels, crankset crown and Lefty compatible wheel). Prepare for the joke: "but your bike is missing a piece of fork". Front not intuitive. |
€6.499 Euros |
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Frame price | nd |
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Italian distributor: www.cannondale.com |
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Weight (without pedals) | 11,0kg |
Fork | Lefty Ocho, 100mm, Chamber Damper with remote lockout, OppO Spring System, tapered steerer, 55mm offset |
Shock absorber | FOX Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL, remote lockout, adjustable rebound |
wheels | HOLLOWGRAM 25, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, 28h, 25mm IW, tubeless ready |
Service | (F) SCHWALBE Racing Ray Performance, 29 x 2.25″, Addix Compound, tubeless ready, (R) SCHWALBE Racing Ralph Performance, 29 x 2.25″, Addix Compound, tubeless ready |
Rolling mill chocks | TRUVATIV Stylo C, 34T, Ai offset |
Rear gearbox | SRAM X01 Eagle |
commands | SRAM XO Eagle, 12-speed |
Brakes | SHIMANO XT hydraulic disc |
Buy Boxes | SRAM XG-1295, XO1 Eagle, 10-52, 12-speed |
OFFENSE | CANNONDALE 1, 7075 Alloy, 1-1/8″, 31.8, 7° |
dumbbell | CANNONDALE 1 Flat, Carbon, 31.8mm, 9° back, 760mm |
seatpost | CANNONDALE 1, UD Carbon, 31.6 x 400mm |
Sella | PROLOGUE Dimension NDR, Tirox rails |
Color | Yellow / Black |
The verdict
Either you love ... or you love!
The Cannondale Scalpel is a modern full suspension bike, not exaggerated in geometry, but with a top-level package that gives the whole bike a pedaling efficiency and stability on descents that are embarrassing for a Cross Country bike. A bike that is difficult to push to the limit for an average amateur (considering the use without a telescopic rod). A fast and responsive bike that will also make those who are not fans of the American brand love it (if they have the courage to try it). Suitable for both cross country more technical than demanding marathons. But the question is: can you take it to the limit?

