I’m building up a new XC hardtail, and I’m down to 2, both very similar geo etc, but which you you go for, Cannondale Scalpel HT or the new slack 67 deg Santa Cruz highball ?
I’d go for the Scalpel for the lefty fork. I have no other knowledge but like the look of it. No getting on with the Spark?
specialized chisel.
Love the spark, basically I always have 3 bikes, my 120mm spark is my trail/XC bike, I have a Fsi which is my XC race bike, and was gonna get a Scott aspect gravel, but changed my mind as I hate curly bars, so I’m changing my Fsi into a rigid flat bar gravel/road (winter bike) so that’s why I’m after building a new XC hardtail, ps I’ll be using Sid ultimate’s on either the scalpel or highball
specialised chisel
(sorry, couldn't help myself - plus I've got one and it's ace!)
Won’t be a chisel, 25mm shorter wheelbase than my choices and it’s aluminium
I'd go Highball. Cannondale's weird BBs being the main reason. I have a V2 Highball and love it, and a Supersix Evo SE which is really nice but the BB/chainset limitations are a ballache. Love this idea of the asymettric rear end, but couldn't they have found a way with a more conventional chainset in particular? I think the MTBs have similar issues.
I have a Scalpel HT. It's fantastic. Best handling hardtail I've ever ridden. It also looks gorgeous in Purple Haze.
I had a 2013 CC Highball. Incredible machine. Accelerated like an e-bike, strong as an Ox and could tackle some pretty gnarly terrain given how light it was (and heavy I am). Can only imagine the newer ones are even better.
The thing that would put me off a Highball, is how old the current model is.
5 or 6 years?
Got to be a new one on the horizon. Same with the Stigmata.
Stanley, the current highball has been updated recently it’s now 67 deg head angle
Scale to match the Spark? I've just got a 910 and its bloody ace to eb fair, best XC HT I've had to be honest.
I really liked my Scale as well, but the geometry is a bit different to those the OP links to. It's the one bike I'm really annoyed about having pinched. I have a Pivot LES now, that's nice.
Both are brilliant. I'd go Scalpel Ht - but not one with a Lefty, once bitten twice shy. Go for the Highball if you would sensibly prefer a threaded BB, for longterm living with - this is a major plus.
Sold a scale earlier this year, they have got a new one coming out with slacker head angle, but LBS have no dates
but not one with a Lefty
but it looks so nice!
but it looks so nice!
When they're new. Have spent more keeping mine running than yearly servicing costs on a car (an unreliable expensive performance car too). On 5th lower leg @ 8000miles. Keep that oil flushed and topped up every 50hours or else...
Get a Sid on either...
Cannondale!
I've got two of their road bikes and they have been great.
I had a full suss scalpel. I loved it. I looked at serving the lefty... Then sold it.
Is still love another, then I look at the price to service leftys annnd then put it off into the future...
but it looks so nice!
It must be the angle of that photo as I think the dropped seatstay looks clunky
yeah the scalpels do look very nice, although you can't buy frame only, so will probably go with the highball
So the new Scale is out and available from Jan (my lbs) so ordered the scale World Cup frame HMX Carbon, already have some Sid ultimate sl in blue 😍 what other components would you choose ?
XTR for starters.
XTR, brakes I’d go Magura and drive train XX1 AXS also thinking XPLR AXS dropper ?
I’ve been looking at modern XC hardtails, and started buying a few parts here and there to build one up when I decide on a frame. I’m conscious of weight and spec but not looking for anything too pricey or flash, because it will be used as a bikepacker.
I usually ride trails so had next to no clue on new XC bits until I started looking (currently on a 26” kona hoss…..). Specialized Chisels looked about right weight and geo, but not coming across many used - and no pannier mounts (currently liking them), so still looking at other options.
Scalpels and epics are tickling my fancy too, if I would have to change my mounting set up anyway, then maybe. But, then had a look at the Cannondale trail SE/SL and wondering if anyone would recommend? For the price I could pick up an entry level complete, I might actually pull off a budget friendly build.
Managed to pick up a 12 speed XT/ SLX groupset for under £100 on a couple of poorly listed eBay auctions, Dt Swiss 350 wheels for £250, looking at Sid’s/ Rebas, and the rest of the bits I have lying about.
So, do I persevere with the chisel, think about carbon, or go for the cheap and easy Cannondale?
I can’t find much online but a medium trail SE frame weighs just under 2kg with axle headset and seatclamp, vs the chisels 1.4kg claimed weight - probably in a small and bare
