Cannondale Scalpel 1
Best high-performance mountain bike for competitive cross-country racers seeking elite speed.
This is a race-bred machine that blurs the line between pure cross-country speed and trail-ready capability. By pairing a featherweight carbon frame with a surprisingly plush 120mm of travel, it sacrifices the twitchy, ultra-stiff feel of traditional race bikes for a much more forgiving and versatile ride.
$8499.00
at
Owen Cyclery
More Scalpel options
Who it's for
- Competitive racers seeking maximum power transfer on steep climbs
- Riders prioritizing precise steering and lightweight front-end handling
- Serious athletes wanting a race-ready bike without needing upgrades
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious cyclists avoiding premium flagship pricing
- Home mechanics preferring standard components for easy servicing
- Trail riders needing more travel for technical, aggressive terrain
Performance breakdown
Suspension Efficiency
FlexPivot technology delivers unmatched traction and pedaling efficiency on technical climbs.
Drivetrain Precision
SRAM XO Eagle AXS offers flawless, crisp shifting under heavy load.
Frame Responsiveness
Proportional Response geometry ensures snappy handling tailored perfectly to rider size.
Component Tier
Top-shelf Fox Factory suspension provides elite-level damping and adjustability.
Wheelset Performance
DT Swiss carbon wheels offer rapid acceleration and impressive lateral stiffness.
Braking Control
SRAM Level Silver Stealth brakes provide consistent, reliable stopping power.
Key Specs
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber
Suspension Type
Full Suspension
Front Suspension Travel
120 mm
Rear Suspension Travel
120 mm
Number of Speeds
12
Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Dropper Post Included
Yes
Tubeless Ready Wheels
Yes
Drive Type
Chain Drive
Age Group
Adult
Know before you buy
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