There’s no shortage of choices in cross-country race bikes, even for those competing at the top rung of the ladder. So for Cannondale to declare their new Scalpel-Si as the “lightest, stiffest, best climbing, best descending, all-around fastest XC race bike ever made” truly requires some serious belief in their latest cross-country racer.
Designed for modern cross-country courses, the bike combines serious stiffness, ultra-light heft, and highly-technical equipment, ensuring it can handle whatever complications you encounter, whether on the climb or on the descent. The result is a bike that boasts serious innovation every inch of the way, making for, arguably, the best XC racer you can pick up today.
The Cannondale Scalpel-Si gets a modified steering geometry that puts the rider in a proper and aggressive racing position, providing stability during hasty descents and staying nimble the rest of the way. A proprietary offset drivetrain uses short chainstays for highly-improved traction and handling without sacrificing tire clearance, with the accompanying redesign that change required yielding a super-stiff strong rear wheel with even spoke angles and tension. To help improve control at high speeds, it comes with a shorter stem, while a rigid and precise fork allows you to accurately maneuver even in the roughest terrains.
Features include BallisTec Carbon construction for the entire frame, dual suspension with single-push control for easy tuning, an expanding thru-axle pivot system that locks the two sides of the swingarm together, and full cable control using interchangeable guide inserts. Eight models will be available in the new line.
Slated for availability starting this month, pricing for the Cannondale Scalpel-Si starts at €3,999 and top out at €11,999.