Cannondale Scalpel SE - First Ride Review

[@alldecentnamestaken]

120mm is really a nice sweet spot for a trail bike. "DC" bikes are basically what trail bikes were three or four years ago. These shorter "DC" bikes are really well suited to east coast mountain biking where you can get a lot of very technical, tight climbs with tight switchbacks. Tire choice is important for a bike like this in order to get the most out of it. Something like a 2.4" XR3 on the front and a 2.3" XR2 on the rear keeps it fast and light but the XR3 can still bite in the turns.

[@bikersedge]

Tires can make a huge difference. This bike would be great for tighter, more awkward trails.

[@bimmerfan729]

Would be interested to see how this Scalpel SE stacks up against the new Kona Hei Hei and Specialized Epic Evo.

[@bikersedge]

Unfortunately those are two brands we don’t have access to.

[@michalwiktorow2188]

I've selected SE2 over the Epic Evo carbon comp, both were XT, SLX mix. Expic - narrower tyres (2,3 vs. 2,4") - and epic 200gr lighter than Scalpel SE - but I love the frame and overall fit-feel on this bike vs. epic geometry. I can say that me being 97kg heavy, I really am amazed how good seatstays/flexstays work! (BTW I compared both 'M' size bikes).

[@jarvs8630]

you should include the salsa Rustler on this category.

[@bikersedge]

If we can get ours hands on one we will.

[@datdudeinred]

What was the music used in intro? It would be epic if you mentioned that in description

[@bikersedge]

A royalty free stock music clip. I have no idea what the name is.

[@zxtenn]

Lots of people say those tires arent the best suited

[@seandooley4881]

What is the stock stem length on the XL? At 470mm reach on the XL I would need a 75mm stem at 6’-2”. How does the suspension compare to the Transition in small bump and pedaling?

[@bikersedge]

I’ll have to measure the original stem. Off the top of my head I remember it being around 60 or longer. The Scalpel has way more pedal platform. It’s very XC in that regard. The Spur is less efficient but provides more traction. It handles bigger impacts better too.

[@gserranol]

Being 6'0'' and having long legs kind of short arms... which do you think would fit best L or XL?

[@FernandoGarcia-xt9en]

You sound very similar to my size. I got this bike in an L because I felt slightly stretched out on the XL. The L felt more comfortable and nimble making turns. The nimble part really helped when on my first ride I had to swerve out of the way of another biker and barely missed them. With short arms, I'd suggest the L, but truthfully the XL is not a terrible fit if you like to be stretched out just a tad.

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

That helmet looks nice! What is it?

[@bikersedge]

The new Giro Manifest. It’s very breezy and comfortable.

[@bradthurgood9330]

Dang that’s a cool sticker on the handle bar

[@bikersedge]

It has all the cool words on it. Not to mention I left the reflectors on the spokes for extra cool points. #SafetyFirst

[@-emme-nguyen4404]

What is the price?

[@bikersedge]

This exact model is 5500 USD.

[@flyingnorseman]

"Dropper was right up my butt and I dont like that." No Bud Light for you.

[@stevenwalker232]

Saying it is light weight is subjective. Why not weigh it and give us the weight and we will decide if it is light weight or not?

[@bikersedge]

Because I have a personal vendetta against weighing bikes. I think there’s way too much emphasis placed on bike weight and that’s the hill I’ve decided to die on. I review these bikes with the big picture in mind. I’m not reviewing individual components or build kits. Giving the weight would be so inconsistent because I’m riding varying build levels and sometimes custom builds.

[@michalwiktorow2188]

SE 2 - no Stans Crest D wheels alloy, XT,SLX, no carbon bar - 12,7kg with xtr pedals, wahoo sensor, without stash kit. Side note - it is kind'a silly to admit, but with those tires, and properly setup sag I could have sworn it rode like 10.7kg Spec. Crux I've had at the time of 'transition'. Which was mid-boggling a bit. I could not comprehend what I am 'receiving' with my body: (a) the tires are not 33mm but 2,4" front and 2,25" back (b) less aero position - yet ... I dunno it feels same, as easy. Especially on the flats and gravel, grass. As bad and unconvincing (to me too) it sounds, you really need to look at the whole build, because some 'crazy sh..' can be done that result in a lively and very ergonomic feel of the bike. Btw I've own many of them so I really don't give ... regarding brand.

[@laszlovarga_]

Yeah everyome says it's lightweight, meanwhile it's over 13kg... And my bike is a size M, without pedals amd a very short alu stem 13.15 kg.... imagine L or XL then.... Hell, i had trail bikes lighter than this amd nobody ever mentiomed they were lightweight....

[@idiachuk]

How it compares to OIZ TR, please?)

[@bikersedge]

As promised we will be doing a comparison soon.

[@bikersedge]

As promised we will compare that one too.

[@leonardoolivar]

@@bikersedge fezzari 120mm xc bike Trek top fuel. YT izzo. Ktm scarp 120mm. 😅😅😅

[@50mtb44]

$20 bucks off on demo ... smart marketing move. : )

[@bikersedge]

Shhhhh. Don’t tell anyone.

[@50mtb44]

@@bikersedge tell everyone. It's a great idea. Win-win. : )