2021 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 1 Bike

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Downhill bikes that are like motorcycles. Enduro bikes that are like mini-downhill bikes. Trail bikes that perform like enduro bikes. Cross-country bikes with rad geometry like trail bikes. Is everyone trying to step it up a notch? Well, no, not really, but it just feels that way. Take the Cannondale Scalpel, for example. It is a bike with pure cross-country racing running through its fibers. Now consider the new 2021 Cannondale Scalpel SE. Cannondale decided to sprinkle a little extra something special on the XC bike while bumping up the front and rear travel to 120mm, thereby slacking out some of its angles. Add a Shimano XT build, and a sweet integrated tool system and you have a trail-ready cross-country race bike. Wait, what did we just say? Did Cannondale go too far with this? Did they nail it? Grab some pork rinds, and let's dig in to find out what we thought of the new 2021 Cannondale Scalpel SE.

Highlights

• Full-carbon frame with Flex Pivot stays
• 29-inch wheels
• 120mm (4.7 inches) front and rear travel
• Internal cable routing with guide tubes
• Integrated upper chain guide
• Size-specific dropper posts on all trim levels
• Wheel sensor connects with Cannondale app to track ride metrics and service reminders
• Integrated tool and tire plug kit
• Two water bottle mounts inside front triangle
• Rubber chainstay and Flex Pivot protection
• Factory clear frame protection throughout
• MSRP: $5,500 USD as tested

What Changed on the Cannondale Scalpel?

Cannondale instituted a host of updates for the new Scalpel. We immediately noticed the main pivot was now tucked inside the front triangle, just above the bottom bracket, and a small fender keeps out the grime. The Scalpel keeps its flex stays in the name of weight and simplicity. The shock linkage has been reconfigured and now pivots off the seat tube. Compared to the prior Scalpel SE, the 2021 model has a one-and-a-half-degree-slacker head angle, a lower standover, and increased reach. Slacker, lower, longer, relatively speaking.

One of the coolest new features on the Scalpel SE is the integrated tool kit and Dynaplug Racer kit. Stashed in the downtube of the Scalpel frame is a Fabric multi-tool that is accessed by pulling a rubber tab. Held in by a clip on the non-drive-side of the bike is the all-new Dynaplug Racer kit that features two pre-loaded plugs should riders slash a tire. There is even a rubber strap to hold a CO2 cartridge or small pump. A water bottle will mount on top of it all, giving riders the ability to carry two, full-sized bottles inside the front triangle.

Geometry

Compared to the standard Scalpel line, the SE series runs 20mm more travel front and rear. This results in a naturally slacker head and seat tube angles. Compared to the new wave of trail bikes and aggressive cross-country offerings, the numbers seem conservative, perhaps even dated. We did a bit of digging and found the Scalpel SE's geometry to be on par with competitors like the Specialized Epic EVO and Scott Spark. It would seem the longer-legged cross-country race bikes have clung to a more traditional geometry that other models have left in the rear-view mirror.

On the Trail

Timing for the arrival of the Scalpel was spot on. Many of the cross-country trails were running well and we've always fancied a speedy steed to attack the network of trails on Peavine Mountain in the Reno area. A network of winding singletrack can have riders string together all sorts of loops, including the coveted lunch-lap! Our traditional loose-over-hard pack conditions were in full effect, and the Scalpel was eager to scoot up the hill.

Getting accustomed to the Scalpel's geometry took some fidgeting and personal adjusting. The 74-degree seat angle had us sliding the seat forward mid-ride and struggling to keep the front end in check on super steep sections of climbing. We would come to learn that keeping in the taller gears, standing and attacking any punchy climb was the way to go on the Scalpel. The Cannondale was pleasantly deceptive in its efficiency. For some reason, after all of our time aboard longer-travel, 30-plus-pound brawlers, we thought cross-country bikes were supposed to do most of the work for you. You know, like an e-bike, but lighter. Either way, we felt like we were working just as hard aboard the Scalpel. We decided to look at some GPS data of favorite loops ridden on other bikes. The Scalpel was moving up the hill just fine, much faster than we realized, actually. The light, efficient bike had us flying. While the effort felt familiar, the speeds were much faster, and that's pretty darn cool.

Have a rival on the local circuit? Want to crush your buds on the climbs? The Scalpel SE can be a great tool to slice them up.

Cannondale Scalpel SE 1 Parts Check

Our Scalpel SE 1 came with a full Shimano XT build, sans the cranks and chainring. Our 12-speed drivetrain was stellar for the duration of the test. Shimano's ability to shift up (down the cassette) multiple gears played to the Scalpel's strength of accelerating to warp speed. Our XT two-piston brakes worked perfectly.

The Maxxis Max-speed Ardent Race and Rekon Race tires certainly roll fast, but they aren't much for grip. With our DHR II in place up front, confidence soared, but the rear Rekon Race was easily overpowered up and down the hill in the dry, desert conditions.

RockShox's new SID suspension stayed stiff and efficient, keeping the Scalpel tracking well through chatter. Admittedly, we were sometimes at the fringe of the Scalpel's comfort level, but the suspension never felt harsh or like we were clapping it out.

When it comes to dropper seat posts, we're spoiled. OneUp, PNW, and others make posts that are fast and have light action. The Cannondale DownLow post was a bit slow and took noticeable effort to actuate. It did, however, go up and down every time we hit the lever.

What's the Bottom Line?

In the pantheon of bike genres, the Cannondale Scalpel SE is trying to be yet another niche. It is billed as a race bike that can go deep in the mountains. We wish Cannondale would have pushed the concept further. In its stock configuration, we would still peg it as a cross-country race bike. For those wanting to get after it on the local race scene, here is your steed. With a couple of easy changes, very little of that racing pedigree is lost, but some real-world capability is expanded. Have a rival on the local circuit? Want to crush your buds on the climbs? The Scalpel SE can be a great tool to slice them up.

Head to Cannondale.com for the full line and details.

Vital MTB Rating

• Climbing: 4 stars
• Descending: 3 stars
• Fun Factor: 3.5 stars
• Value: 4 stars
• Overall Impression: 3.5 stars - Very Good

About the Reviewer

Brad Howell - Age: 40 // Years Riding: 25 // Height: 5'9" (1.75m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

Brad started mountain biking when a 2.25-inch tire was "large," and despite having threads, bottom brackets sucked. Riding in the woods with friends eventually lead way to racing, trying to send it at the local gravel pits, and working in bike shops as a wrench to fix those bikes. Fortunate enough to have dug at six Rampages and become friends with some of the sport’s biggest talents, Brad has a broad perspective of what bikes can do and what it means to be a good rider. The past few years Brad worked in the bike industry and got to see the man behind the curtain. These days, though, he just likes riding his bike in the woods with friends.

Photos by Brad Howell // Video by John Reynolds and Brad Howell