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
Village Bikes
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
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Scalpel, Series 1 Carbon construction, 120mm travel, Proportional Response Suspension and Geometry, FlexPivot Chainstay, full internal cable routing, 73mm BSA, 1.5" headtube with 1-1/8" upper reducer/internal cable guide, 148x12mm thru axle, 55mm chainline, UDH, post-mount disc – 160mm native
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Fox Float Factory 34 SC, Kashima, 120mm, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
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Fox Float SL Factory EVOL SV, Kashima, 190x45, custom tune
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SRAM Level Silver Stealth, 4-piston hydraulic disc, SRAM HS2 180/160mm rotors
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SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission electronic wireless 12-speed
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SRAM XO Eagle, 10-52, T-Type, 12-speed
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SRAM XO T-Type, 34T
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DT Swiss XCR 1501 Spline One, carbon, 30mm inner width, hookless, TSS tubeless ready
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(F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready
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Fox Transfer SL Factory, Kashima, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M-XL)
Know before you buy
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