Cannondale scalpel si carbon 2 review

So first things first. This bike is a cross-country weapon. It’s designed for pedal smashing speed with its stiff short travel, aggressive geometry (for an XC Bike. 67-degree headtube angle) and ultra-responsive feel and feedback.

The Scalpel is a lightweight thoroughbred and features a Flex Pivot in the form of a virtual Horst link which does result in the bike frame being stiffer and lighter weight. Even though it looks like it could easily snap, it is in fact incredibly strong but also very flexible but the best bit is that it is completely maintenance-free. No need to maintain and replace bearings.

Climbing

This bike climbs so well. Because it’s so lightweight and stiff. Pedalling power is efficiently transferred to the wheels resulting in an ascent that feels similar to that of an EMTB. You can really get the power down on climbs without losing traction. The bike responds so well and climbing actually becomes a joy!

Trail riding

So I admit, cross country is not my riding style of choice and I would usually opt for more aggressive steep trail and downhill riding. I think this is likely quite obvious from the video above where you can see I am riding on flat pedals and baggy MTB clothing. However, riding this bike may have converted me. Not only did it make less interesting trails more fun through the short travel and responsive nature of the bike but I was able to take this bike to really technical and steep trails without feeling like I would die at any minute. This bike is very impressive and I was amazed at what you can achieve with it. I’m sure I didn’t even get anywhere close to reaching its full potential.

Descending

Unlike other XC bikes, I have ridden in the past that feel twitchy when descending and make you feel that you are going to OTB at any minute the Cannondale Scalpel feels in control, has superb traction and is confidence-inspiring. Even when riding over rough technical terrain I felt I could control where I wanted the bike to go and the suspension although stiff would track really well giving me grip not only for braking but for putting the power down for an additional speed boost when needed.

Suspension

The suspension is truly great. The RockShox SID Select behaved as expected remaining fairly rigid for the majority of the time but still supple enough to absorb small bumps and keep the bike tracking well. Where the bike really shines though is towards the rear where a RockShox SID Luxe Select+ rear shock handles pedalling and the terrain really well. Pedalling feels really efficient yet the back has enough movement and flex to take the harshness out of the ride. The FlexPivot also really adds to this too. You need to try a Scalpel to understand.

Bike Spec

The bike spec is pretty decent for the price range. Priced at £4000 here in the UK you get a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle, Shimano MT500 brakes as well as the RockShox SID Fork and Shock mentioned above. The bike also comes with Cannondale’s DownLow Dropper post which I’ve used on a few bikes in the past and still not had any issues with.

Summary

In summary, this is an excellent XC bike built for speed but with aggressive enough geometry to allow you to push the limits of cross-country riding. It features a well-thought-out and reasonably priced spec which is more than enough for most. For me the only thing that let the bike down was the tyres however, tyres are a personal preference and tyre choice really depends on your style of riding and the terrain you ride on.

Cannondale debuted the current iteration of its Scalpel cross-country racing bike in 2016. The big update for some 2019 models is the company’s latest fork technology: the Lefty Ocho.

The Ocho is Cannondale’s signature single-sided Lefty with a single crown, a design claimed to be 250 grams lighter than Cannondale’s dual-crown Lefty. The Ocho employs a self-equalizing negative spring for simpler, easier set up, as well as a weight-saving bonus. It provided good stiffness, and a smooth feel that allowed me to feel totally in control without constantly having to grab my brakes before rocky sections.

In the rear is 100mm of travel controlled by a Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL shock, another update from last year’s model, which had a RockShox Monarch XX shock. This XC ripper also comes with Fox's cable-actuated shock lockout, so you can hammer up climbs with brutal efficiency.

The Scalpel Series

The Scalpel is sold in many versions, including two women’s models with smaller sizing options (XS, S, M) and the Hi-Mod World Cup version with the lightest component package, including SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, Enve carbon rims, and SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes. The two top models use a higher grade carbon frame, called Hi-Mod, to save weight.

The Scalpel-Si Carbon 2 I rode is third in the lineup, behind the Hi-Mod Carbon 1. Models continue to decrease in price as you move though the line with the lowest carbon version available for $4,200, with $3,000 aluminum-framed version below that.

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A Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL shock in the rear

Trevor Raab

Two Wheel Sizes

The Scalpel is offered in five sizes: extra small (women’s model’s only), small, medium, large, and extra large. Extra small and small sizes use 27.5-inch wheels, while the larger sizes use 29-inch wheels.

The Scalpel’s steering geometry is aggressive. Head angle sits at 69.5 degrees, which is average for an XC bike these days (Trek Top Fuel: 70 degrees; Specialized Epic 69.5 degrees). But that head angle is paired with longer offset forks (55mm for 29-inch wheel sizes, 50mm for 27.5-inch wheel sizes), which stretches wheelbase for more stability, but for reduces trail, which hints at a lighter, quicker, steering feel.

Built to go fast

The Scalpel is an efficient climbing bike, and the added crispness provided by locking out the suspension allowed me to pick my way up gravel fire roads quickly.

The Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires provided incredible traction, even in steep, pebbly, looser sections. The Cannondale carbon rims and Schwalbe tires are tubeless-ready so mid-race flats are less likely to slow you down.

The SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain uses its signature 10-50 cassette paired to a larger 34-tooth ring: just right for a lightweight cross country racing bike. The Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes were responsive and reliable as I modulated my speed into corners. The bike felt confident and solid on the descents.

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This Scalpel-Si comes with a 1x drivetrain, but it is front-derailleur compatible.

Trevor Raab

For as lightweight as it was, I wasn’t getting thrown around; I could cut smooth lines through rockier sections. It cornered nimbly, scooting cleanly through tight turns and shooting out of berms. This bike was fast and smooth on every section of the ride without sacrificing ride quality.

With its signature Lefty fork lighter and smoother than ever, the Scalpel-Si is faster than ever. You couldn't ask for a better update than that.

Riley Missel is an experienced road racer and mountain biker, a national champion on the track, and a former Bicycling editor. She is a USA Cycling certified Level 1 coach, a loud and very stoked Spin instructor, and she will definitely stop the ride to pet that dog.

How much does a Cannondale Scalpel Si Carbon 2 weight?

Fast. At just over 1900 grams, complete with shock, the new Scalpel frame is one of the lightest full suspension MTB frames on the market. Incredible suspension, impeccable handling and feathery weight – it's a recipe for victory.

How much does a Cannondale F Si Carbon 2 weight?

Weight: 9.5 kg / 20.9 lbs - Bike and frame weights may vary in final production.

How much does a 2017 Cannondale Scalpel Si Carbon 2 weigh?

The Women's 2 model weighs a svelte 25.06 pounds (size medium) for an XT build with Stan's ZRT Rapid 25 wheels. Swap out a few components for lighter options and you're entering the promise land of XC bikes: light, nimble, and confident on moderately technical terrain.

What is the difference between Scalpel and Scalpel se?

The Scalpel SE shares the same frame as the regular Scalpel, but instead of a 190x40mm shock, the SE comes with a 190x45mm shock that is said to increase rear travel to 120mm. To balance it out, there's a 120mm RockShox SID fork up front, and that kicks back the head angle to 67° and lifts the BB height by 13mm.