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Found a good reduction on a new Cannondale Scalpel hard tail, carbon fibre frame with a SID 100mm fork. Reviews seem to really rate the bike for XC and light Trail riding, describing the rear end of the frame a “very compliant”. Anyone able to give feedback ? Looking for a comfy, light and efficient hardtail for long XC rides. This would sit alongside my Giant Trance Trail bike. The Cannondale would be for route like The Badger Divide, Sustains, Cairngorm Loop etc
check the mud clarance. I have 2017 hardtail scalpel - its a great bike - very fast - very stiff - have a lefty on mine - not sure about long rides - i felt a bit beaten up after the Mary Townsley on it. That also could have just been old age. I can only get a 2.25 on the back. Great for short fast routes.
clearance - damn it
I think you’ll find a new scalpel ht to have a lot more clearance than a 2017 version you’ll easily get 2.35 in there. They get good reviews, I was looking at one but went for the BMC two stoke carbon 01, because I only needed frame only and scalpels are full bike, ps where have you seen deals and which model ?
check the mud clarance.
clearance – damn it.
Clearance, Clarence..
Roger, Over,
Vector, Victor?
etc
Do the wheels still have proprietary dishing? Might be worth checking.
Hi Kryton - what’s that ? Found the bike online for £1950, seems fairly good. Reviewer up 2.4 tyres on with no issues. Would need a 27 dropper post which isn’t ideal, but it looks a really nice XC bike and is around 11.4kgs
No dishing required on new scalpels
Yep, no dishing required according to Cannondale. Anyone ridden one ?
I was really tempted by one, have always wanted a lefty forked Cannondale. In the end went for a Santa Cruz highball which had a slightly longer reach and seemed like it would fit me better.
I absolutely love mine. Got a PNW dropper on it. Easily the best handling hardtail I've ever ridden. Go for it.
Thanks, anyone ridden the standard one with the Rockshox SID?
I have the standard one with SID. Really rate the bike although it was quickly upgraded with posher wheels/tyres, saddle and a dropper. Assumed I’d upgrade the brakes too but actually the low spec Shimano ones work well. The only bit of the spec that I don’t like is the handlebar which is mega stiff and the angles seem odd - leaves you feeling pretty beat up. The SID works really well for bigger hits but doesn’t do much with small bumps.
Had a great blast around Kielder gravel tracks last weekend where it was perfect keeping the average speed fairly high. Also works well on red grade trail centres and encourages you to attack the climbs yet is still fun coming back down.