2021 Cannondale Scalpel SE Mountain Bike Review

[@jonnythursday8396]

*great **Latest.Bike** , a little difficult understanding the penny picture for adjusting the front derailer. Once I figured it out it worked great!*

[@spartanxcpics4420]

I have been riding specialized since 2015, I was given to good of a deal on that bike to pass up, however, I miss my lefty (had scalpel prior to that). I will be looking at a Scalpel in the next couple of years.

[@DMCsV8]

Thanks for the great review. I just pulled the trigger on the Scalpel SE, mostly due to slowing down (just a bit!) and wanting that little bit of additional travel over the pure XC models. The Specialised componentry wasn't quite equal for the cost of the bike which is what won me over the Epic Evo (also a great bike)., and the review here really helped, many thanks.

[@cameronlesley2428]

Great review on a great bike, Cannondale have been innovative for a long time

[@ronlind1757]

Nice bike... not real sure about that chainstay flex idea. Also.. needs a protection piece where the down tube meets the bottom bracket...

[@thelmaviaduct]

Carbon can flex repeatedly, or else it wouldn't be found in aircraft wings, fishing rods, sailing masts etc

[@clintnieves]

I already have that fabric multi tool. I hope they sell this as frame only too so I can install the Stan's Flow EX3 I've won from your giveaway

[@kemperwatson5404]

Looks like Reedy Fork in the Greensboro watershed..

[@jdotoko]

Is it XL size frame? What are your height and inseam?

[@benjaminfraces1088]

Mainly not so good comments. For me good review and very good bike. Quite unique! I can't see other bike like this. Scott spark for the same price is heavier. Orbea Oiz tr stay very xc oriented... what else?

[@alldecentnamestaken]

Three simple things Cannondale could do to spice this bike up a bit: 1. Paint the portion s of the top tube and seat tube immediately above the rear shock black and paint the rest of the bike something bright and flashy. 2. Use hubs that would allow for equal spoke lengths. With Boost + Ai it wouldn't be that hard. 3. Make a top-trim SE version using the DT Swiss 232 dropper post, a carbon railed saddle, and some trick wheels. You could have a 22lb "trail" bike ;) With all of that said, can we please get a video review or dream build of the Last Tarvo?

[@lbco5229]

What’s wrong with the gray? I like it. Don’t need flashy paint.

[@squiresuzuki]

Also, don't name it SE. Given the iPhone naming scheme, it makes it seem like a lesser version of the non-SE!

[@brianhill5526]

Hey u miss the turtel😅

[@jansvoboda6279]

Nice bike, but good luck if you need support from Cannondale. Have been riding Cannondales since 1999. Now have a 2018 Scalpel Carbon 3. Rear hub failed in March. Have been trying to get parts support from Cannondale since. No response, and when they did response the information was wrong. Sad state of once iconic US bike company.

[@mrexon]

No knee and shin guards??

[@MrFenixNero]

Too bad there is no suspension lock on the steering wheel

[@phantasma2323]

Nice 80s retro music 😂

[@65010]

Beware: Read Cannondale’s fine print in their Lifetime Warranty Policy. They may use it against you for their best interest. My $5000.000 carbon fiber frame Jekyll broke after six years of use. Cannondale never made a finding that it was due to use or abuse. A hairline crack formed at a weak point in the frame. The bike was sold to me with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The best offer Cannondale gave me, under their lifetime warranty, was 20% off of retail - yes, that is right 20% off of retail. I fought them on it over a two month period and lost. So, I am now stuck with a 34lb paperweight. Cannondale has what I feel is the worse warranty in the bike business. If you do purchase a Cannondale bike and something goes wrong, know that they probably will not work with you at any level in your best interest. In my opinion, they do do not value you as a customer, they only value your money. This has been my experience.

[@uscfroadie]

My experience with Niner is similar. Drive side chainstay cracked on my RIP 9 RDO within 6 months. I was the original owner from one of their approved dealers and they did not warranty the rear triangle, saying it had to be from an impact, despite not a single scratch being on the bike. I was forced to buy a replacement rear triangle or have a $2900 paperweight frame. Last Niner I’ll ever buy.

[@65010]

@@uscfroadie I agree with you. If the bike manufacturer does not take care of you in a fair way...leave them behind. Lot's of other great bike manufacturers that will!