Review

Teaser Issue #015 | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 Review

25.03.2015
by

ENDURO Issue #015 is here and chock full of exciting tests, tips and adventures. One of the highlights is the big group test of seven New-School XC-Bikes, which we made a special trip to sunny California to complete. You’ll find the whole article in the (free!) magazine, here it’s time to take a first look at the bikes in the test – in this case the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2!

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Cannondale encourages riders to be a “trail surgeon” with the 100 mm Scalpel Carbon 2. Its steep head tube angle and short wheelbase (especially for a 29er) promise nimble handling and great climbing. Of course, the most noticeable trait of this bike is the lack of a right fork leg, the Lefty fork contributes to the bike’s low weight.

Magura MT6 Brakes and lockout for both the RockShox fork and shock.
Magura MT6 Brakes and lockout for both the fork and shock.

The Ballistic Carbon frame has been tuned to provide optimal rigidity for power transfer while maintaining an impressive weight. The seat stays flex vertically to eliminate the need for a pivot near the axle. The whole bike has a matte blue and black theme that really works with the frame’s svelte curves.

Clamped 15 mm thru-axles ensure a super stiff linkage.
Clamped 15 mm thru-axles ensure a super stiff linkage.

The cockpit is decidedly XC with a 90 mm OPI stem/steerer system and 700 mm wide carbon handlebar. The position is low and made to fly up hills, whereas most of the bikes in this test feature more versatile numbers. Check out the magazine to see the result on the trail!

The Scalpel ditches the front derailleur that is typical of a bike in this class. Cannondale has specced the SRAM X01 11-speed drivetrain with their own Hollowgram crank for simplicity and light weight.

The SRAM X01 drivetrain keeps things simple.
The SRAM X01 drivetrain keeps things simple.
Narrow and fast: the Stans ZTR Arch rims are wrapped with Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires.
Narrow and fast: the Stans ZTR Arch rims are wrapped with Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires.
The Lefty fork is much stiffer than you would expect!
The Lefty fork is much stiffer than you would expect!

The Cannondale Scalpel looks like an impressive machine for ultra fast XC laps, but can it handle some rough California trails? If you want to find out get yourselves a copy of issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine! You’ll find the whole test and a load of other exciting stories!

About the test

Our request to the manufacturers was simple: send us a fast, light and potent XC bike for maximum fun on the fast, flowing southern California trails.

We let the manufacturers decide for themselves which exact models, wheel sizes and suspension-travel range this actually meant. The only fixed criteria was the price limit of € 5,500.

The test field: BMC Fourstroke FS02 | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 | Felt Edict1 | Giant Anthem SX Advanced 27.5 | Ibis Ripley | Marin Rift Zone 8 | Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

The bike makers were also allowed to improve the downhill performance of their bikes by making small spec changes, just like bike shops often do. This includes changes to the cockpit, tyres and retrofitting a dropper seatpost.

The test team, made up of ENDURO editors Robin Schmitt, Joe Parkin and several other experienced test riders carefully examined the bikes over multiple days. The team established the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and discussed in depth the verdict of every bike.

Along with demanding trails the test track rewarded with breathtaking views.
Along with demanding trails the test track rewarded with breathtaking views.
The test team were supported by bike legend and Santa Barbara local Duncan Riffle.
The test team were supported by bike legend and Santa Barbara local Duncan Riffle.
The team tested, analysed and discussed until sunset.
The team tested, analysed and discussed until sunset.

Words: Tyler Malcomson Photos: Abner Kingman

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