The 2019 Cannondale Scalpel-Si Carbon 2 is Quicker Than Ever
Price: $6,800
Weight: 25.1lbs (size medium, claimed)
Style: cross-country race
Travel: 100mm
Fork Travel: 100mm
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed
Material: carbon fiber composite
Wheel size: 27.5 or 29 inch
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
The right bike for: Blazing-fast climbing and confident descending
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 is also outfitted with A RockShox XLoc Full Sprint remote, a single handlebar-controlled switch that locks out the fork and shock for climbing.
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.
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.
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.
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