2024 Cannondale Scalpel – More Travel, Progressive Geometry and Burlier Builds – Mountain Bike Press Release
Since the first model in 2002 proved that dual suspension could be faster than hardtails, Scalpels have always been at the forefront. Advancing XC. Defining what cross-country will be, not what it is or was. This new beauty continues that legendary legacy. More suspension travel, more powerful geodata, more powerful equipment and sporty lightweight. The boundaries between unrestricted trail capability and full racing speed are blurring. Because these days they are one and the same. Fast can be fun. But faster is more fun. Welcome to faster.
The brand new Scalpel is a thrill. With the most advanced suspension and geometry ever to grace a lightweight race machine, as well as aggressive XC equipment, Scalpel finds extra speed on every part of the trail. Accelerate where others hesitate, grab where others slip, overtake where others brake. Scalpel is leading the charge into a completely new era of XC. Punch your ticket, clip it and get ready.
Highlights
- Carbon frame with FlexPivot chainstay
- 120mm travel front and rear
- 29 inch wheels
- 66.6 degree head tube angle
- 75.5 seat tube angle
- Size specific chainstay lengths
- Size-specific kinematics
- MSRP: $4,000-$14,000
Not just more travel – better travel. Thanks to the magic of our FlexPivot kinematics and proportional response suspension, the Scalpel’s 120mm of travel delivers unreal traction, more control and a hell of a lot more fun – with the efficiency and responsiveness you expect from a World Cup race bike.
No other fork looks like the Lefty, and no other fork does what the Lefty does, bringing riders to countless podiums since its introduction nearly 20 years ago. This wild design delivers unmatched stiffness, suppleness and responsiveness, putting you at the forefront of the show with Lefty.
This is not a fashion statement. This is pure, purposeful design. Each element of the scalpel’s form is primarily determined by function – kinematics, weight, rigidity and performance. Features control form rather than form constraining features. And fast looks good.
Speed starts with geometry, and Scalpel has the breakthrough. A slack 66.6° head tube angle and frame geometry adjusted to size to give the rider better balance between wheels. The result? More power and traction on the climbs, more pinpoint control in the corners and a whole new level of confidence at speed.
characteristics
System overhaul
The SystemBar XC-One is a one-piece carbon cockpit that is both lighter and stiffer than most two-piece cockpits. Ergonomically designed, internally wired and 760mm wide, it gives you ultimate control over the trail. Only available for SystemBar models.
FlexPivot
FlexPivot struts are key to Scalpel’s incredible suspension performance and low weight. These patented carbon sections act as virtual Horst connection points, creating a true four-bar suspension that allows our engineers to precisely adjust the suspension’s response to pedaling, braking and impact forces without the weight or maintenance of bearings.
Fly low
The cat’s out of the bag: A dropper seatpost’s ability to instantly raise or lower a bike’s saddle for technical sections or steep descents is a speed secret that XC riders can no longer ignore. That’s why you’ll find them on every Scalpel – so you can quickly master any terrain.
Proportional reaction exposure
How a suspension system responds to inputs is greatly influenced by the rider’s center of gravity, yet most designs on the market use the exact same suspension arrangement for all sizes. With Proportional Response, we adjust the kinematics based on size to deliver the absolute best traction, braking and pedaling performance.
Geometric advantage
The size-specific adjustment ensures that you always remain balanced. An incredibly flat 66.6° head tube angle ensures safety at high speeds. The steeper 75.5° seat angle and longer reach ensure you’re in the perfect position for power and traction on climbs. Hurt them on the highs, let them fall on the lows.
Builds
To find out more please visit cannondale.com.
View key specs, compare and rate bikes Cannondale scalpel in the product area.
