Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon

While it is engineered specifically for cross-country and marathon racing, the progressive geometry and 110mm of front travel make it surprisingly capable on technical terrain. It excels on fast, flowy trails, though you will need to pick your lines more carefully than you would on a full-suspension bike.

Cannondale tailors the geometry and frame stiffness for each specific frame size. This ensures that whether you are on a small or an extra-large frame, the bike's handling characteristics and weight distribution remain consistent, providing a balanced feel regardless of your height.

The Scalpel HT Carbon does not come with a dropper post included. Given the bike's focus on lightweight racing performance, many riders prefer to keep it rigid, but the frame is compatible if you decide to add one later for more technical riding.

The frame features sculpted flex zones in the chainstays designed to absorb trail chatter and dampen vibrations. While it doesn't offer the plushness of a full-suspension bike, these flex zones significantly reduce rider fatigue over long distances compared to a standard carbon hardtail.

Yes, the wheels are tubeless-ready. We highly recommend converting to a tubeless setup immediately, as it allows you to run lower tire pressures for better traction and significantly reduces the risk of pinch flats on the trail.