Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 2 (2023)

Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 2 - Race-Fully with trail ambitions

Don't let the term "race" scare you off, but motivate you. Of course you can also contest real races with the new Scalpel Carbon. Without ifs and buts! But that doesn't mean that its range of use is limited to that. With a revised geometry, for example, the 67 degree flat steering angle, and other clever details Cannondale has made the Scalpel a really good,
sporty trail bike made. The steering angle brings smoothness to the chassis, so that the front wheel does not get off track even on technically challenging passages. Cannondale combines the modern geometry with a shorter stem, wider tires and a Vario seatpost. Thanks to its innovative strength, the US forge has always been known for pushing the limits in CrossCountry. The best example is the carbon frame of the Scalpel, whose rear triangle combines traditional joints with flex zones in a unique way. This trick saves weight and makes the Scalpel one of the lightest and at the same time stiffest fullys on the market. Predestined for whimsical trail rides and precise accelerations on the mountain.

Carbon frame with innovative FlexPivot suspension

In principle, the Scalpel rear triangle is a classic four-link. But Cannondale goes a step further here and replaces the joints at the rear dropouts with flex zones. A smart move, because the ball bearings normally sitting there are exposed to high loads and perform only small radii. Flexzones, on the other hand, are perfectly suited for this job - and are also stiffer and lighter than ball bearings. And you no longer need to worry about maintenance intervals. In the SE 2 version, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon comes with competition-ready RockShox SID suspension and Shimano XT/SLX 1 x 12 gears. In addition, service-friendly Shimano disc brakes with 180 rotor front. Other parts such as handlebars, stem and seatpost Cannondale already develops for years in their own laboratories. The lightweight wheelset with Shimano Deore hubs and Stan's Crest S1 rims is prepared for tubeless operation.