Cannondale Scalpel 3

Cannondale Scalpel 3 - The new Scalpel generation with 120 mm suspension

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

The Scalpel 3 sets new standards in the upper class with a reliable Shimano component mix. The Shimano XT rear derailleur is the standard on race courses all over the world. No other derailleur has ever won more victories. The service-friendly Deore disc brakes also come from the market leader. The new 120 mm suspension is more forgiving than ever: RockShox SID Select suspension fork and SID Luxe Select+ shock are also at home in the World Cup. Wheels with high-grip Maxxis tyres and a telescopic seatpost complete the setup.

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.