Cannondale Scalpel 2 Lefty

Cannondale Scalpel 2 Lefty - The race fully with new geometry and more suspension travel

If ever a fully redefined the cross-country race genre, it was the Scalpel. That was the case when Cannondale first presented the Scalpel. And it's the same now with the 2024 generation, which opens a new chapter with even more potent suspension. Because just as the race courses are becoming ever more demanding, the US manufacturer has now injected the Scalpel with the capabilities to continue dominating the racing action. The most exciting upgrade is the suspension, which now has 120 millimetres of travel. The geometry has been adapted to this, combining a slack steering angle with a steep seat angle. This means that the Scalpel remains stable even at high speeds and irons out every root trail. But despite its downhill affinity, the suspension retains its uphill capabilities. This is not least thanks to the unique Flex Pivot System, which gives the rear triangle outstanding drive efficiency.

In the Scalpel 2 Lefty version, the Scalpel comes with the single-arm Lefty Ocho suspension fork, which not only gives this cross-country racer an unmistakable look, but also sets standards in terms of response behaviour. The new 120 mm version has also been weight-optimised and therefore fits perfectly into the lightweight construction concept. A World Cup-proven RockShox SID Luxe shock works on the rear triangle. The electric Sram GX Eagle AXS drivetrain is radio-controlled for 100% precise and ultra-fast gear changes. The drivetrain also works with T-Type technology (transmission), in which the rear derailleur sits directly on the rear triangle or on the thru-axle of the rear wheel. This means that defects such as a bent or even torn derailleur hanger are a thing of the past. There are also powerful Sram Level disc brakes with four pistons, a Fox Vario seatpost and, as an absolute highlight, sprinting HollowGram wheels with carbon rims.

Carbon frame with efficient FlexPivot suspension

Thanks to its innovative strength, the US manufacturer has always been known for constantly pushing the boundaries in cross-country racing. The best example of this is the full-suspension carbon frame of the Scalpel. In principle, the rear triangle is a classic four-link. But Cannondale goes one step further and replaces the joints at the rear dropouts with flex zones. A clever move, as the ball bearings normally located there are exposed to high loads and only perform small radii. Flex zones, on the other hand, are perfect for this job - and are also stiffer and lighter than ball bearings. And you no longer need to worry about maintenance intervals.