2024 Cannondale Scalpel Test Ride & Review

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for watching today’s video. I absolutely love this new Scalpel. Call Salt Cycles and order the newest version of the Scalpel today or save up to 25% off last years model Cannondale Scalpel SE. Also, ask Chris about custom building your dream bike including super light weight "yumyum" wheels!! All sizes are in stock now!! Call Chris: 801-943-8502 to order yours today!

[@heytony6]

Your son shreds. You should be proud!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha thank you! Yeah, he’s getting pretty fast this year!

[@LilKneecap137]

I picked up a last years model, the SE after watching your video on that and absolutely love it. Glad to see they are only getting better.

[@mtbyumyum]

Congrats! This bike is very similar to the old SE

[@stevenkinney4536]

@@mtbyumyum HI, I am looking at a 2023 SE1 (lightly used), but after watching your review of the 24 Scalpel maybe I should wait. How much better is the 24 Scalpel compared to the SE1? What would say are the key differences? Thanks, Steve

[@mtnbf]

Thanks for the new Scalpel review. I was only able to ride with my kids for a very short amount of time. It seemed that for years and years, I was either towing them or waiting for them. When the moment arrived where we were about the same speed, it was great; but it didn't last for very long. Then they just left me in the dust. Enjoy!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha thats awesome! Well, hopefully we can all ride together at the same speed for many years. My 14 yr old daughter is even faster than my son!

[@kevindraper4000]

I’ve been really enjoying your reviews for a while. So nice to see you riding with your son who just rips!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thank you! Both my kids are a blast to ride with and it's been really fun to see their progression on the bike. Ryan has very good technique as an 11 yr old and is just so comfortable on the bike!

[@ktfoinc106]

OMG mtbyumyum, Let's GO - I'm pulling my hair out waiting for the ASR vs SCALPEL video - Please make sure they're both using the same wheels and tires. keep up the good work

[@mtbyumyum]

Dang, yeah! I need to find time to make that happen... I've spent a lot of time on both and could easily do a live stream video about the two bikes.... probably don't have time to produce, film and edit a video for this right now tho... really busy with work and any extra time I spend with the kids before they go back to school in a few weeks...

[@gabrielbonilla3029]

Hi Jason, just wanted to let you know that my wife and I visited Corner Canyon last week. I was inspired to ride your local trails after watching your videos for several years now. We had a blast. I have an even higher levels of admiration for your bike reviews. The climbing was very long and steep; and the trails included a bit of everything. Perfect trail system to test new bikes. We rode E-Bikes…. we live at low elevation. We climbed Clarks to Peak view to Jacob’s Ladder and then down Rush. We had a blast, so thank you for inspiring us to go visit your local trails. We also stopped by Salt Cycles and Nate was super nice and helpful. Keep up,the nice you tube bike review work that you do. You have a high level you tube channel! Regards … Gabe Bonilla and Rosa from Phoenix, AZ.

[@mtbyumyum]

Wow, that sounds super fun! Next time you’re in the area, please be sure to reach out. I would love to host you on my local trails for an hour or two. Show you around and go for a ride with you. I’m always happy to ride with people when they come in town. Glad you had such a good time!

[@gabrielbonilla3029]

Thanks for that offer Jason, that would be awesome. We do plan to go back. I have to say that everyone we meet while in Utah (Draper, Sandy, Park City, Sundance) was SUPER nice. Great vive. I met a guy by name Levi at Los Primos taco truck close to GoRide. He told me he knew you and he also gave us directions and called the ARI showroom to make sure they were open after we told him we were looking into an ARI new SL E bike. So we went there also. Cheers!

[@mtbyumyum]

So good to hear!

[@JAFO.]

So what's usually the best time of the year to ride Jacob's & surrounding trails? - I want to plan a week there next year for riding & Woodsman .22 plinking.

[@ionious97]

I'm a heavier rider ~ 200-215. Picked up a Scalpel 2 earlier in 2024 to keep up with my NICA athletes and haven't looked back. Everything Jason stated is spot on. Very fast, capable and FUN. Came off a Pivot Switchblade and as I look back at 2025 realized I rarely touched that bike. Scalpel handles chucky NorthEast rocks really well. I did upgrade the base bake to include an XO power meter and XT brakes. The wheels are good - have stayed true all season with well over 2k miles on very rough terrain and multiple races. As a side note, my son has a 2024 Pivot Mach 4SL which is a great bike. The Pivot may be a little more stable on the "downs" but the Scalpel is faster overall. One last point - I like long rides and the ability to carry 2 750ml water bottles is a game changer. Overall; Cannondale hit the ball out of the park.

[@snowman22ism]

This is about the only video on KZbin I can find for this bike. Thank you for making this. I just wish you hadn't upgraded anything to get a better idea of what people are actually buying but beggars can't be choosers.

[@mtbyumyum]

I rode the previous Cannondale scalpel SE without any real upgrades. It’s a good bike. And I wouldn’t say my opinion has changed because of the upgrades.

[@BrandonBuckley2015]

Great review! We can feel your joy. How does it compare to the specialized epic 8?

[@r28a]

First, it was Mo Awesome and now it's you (MTB Yumyum) raving about the new Cannondale Scalpel. It sounds fun! And you didn't have that same tone with your video on the new Ibis Ripley.

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha that’s because I was a little disappointed with the Ripley. I absolutely love this bike. I literally ride it almost every single day. I rode it this morning when this video was being published.

[@PJchecky]

Jason. It’s helpful if you can do more comparisons with the other bikes. The more discussions about the different bikes and how they compare the better.

[@bdoyle965]

Your son absolutely rips (assuming it was your son). That was fun to watch and a great review!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes! Thank you! This is my second to oldest child... I also have a 14 yr old daughter who is an incredible mountain biker!

[@bdoyle965]

@@mtbyumyum Awesome!

[@323johnnybravo]

I keep hearing glowing reviews on this bike. Well done review as always!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! It’s excellent!

[@jddallager1699]

Jason: Great review .... great riding w/Ry ..... great enthusiasm for a super bike (especially after your "meh" review of the new Ripley) ..... unbelievable dedication on your part responding to so many viewer comments! THANK YOU! I say this tongue-in-cheek (partially), but so many of the comments remind me of the old adage: "I'm all for change; you go first!" 😂 ENJOY MTB'ing! Rule #1 is FUN!!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thanks! Just seeing this now... took the family up to Idaho to spend some time on the Snake River!! Yeah, a lot of people say they want change (in-frame storage is a good example) but it came with a bigger heavier bike on the Ripley. And for some that's a welcome sight.... for me, I prefer lighter weight and faster!

[@jddallager1699]

@@mtbyumyum Jason: Snake River? Way cool and great Family Fun! Did I mention that Rule #1 is FUN? At age 77 I prefer lighter weight and S-L-O-W-E-R! 😁

[@mtbyumyum]

77 yr old! That's amazing. Good for you!

[@scottkouns8578]

Wow sounds like an amazing bike love your reviews. 23lbs!! Now that’s crazy light.

[@mtbyumyum]

The crazy thing is how well this little bike descends. I honestly think anyone who got on this bike would be blown away with how capable it is. It’s incredible!

[@michalwiktorow2188]

I own Scalpel SE 1 2022 - I can agree fully, this is good for both climbs and regular trail downhills (with exception to enduro-like tracks), it is fun and easy to ride. I call it SE 1, because I've switched all parts to XTR ones, it weights with tubes and pedals 11.9kg.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marksandoval5361]

I think that this recent category of XC bikes that come with a 120mm XC fork and a 66.5* or slacker HTA are the best new category of mountain bikes to emerge. Cover your ears because I'm going to say the dreaded D-word, DOWNCOUNTRY. Yes, Downcountry bikes are amazing because they are so versatile. I use mine as a Road bike, Gravel bike, XC bike, and Trail bike. With very fast-rolling XC tires, you'll be surprised how fast these bikes roll on pavement while still being capable on singletrack. There are XC tires that actually roll faster than the fastest Gravel tires. It's created a new style of riding where I combine pavement, gravel, and singletrack into one ride. It's also eliminated the need for a Road or Gravel bike. If you want one bike that can handle pavement to "Blue" singletrack, the Downcountry bike is it. The $4000 Scalpel is extremely lightweight and well equipped for that price. It's not like you need to shell out $7000 dollars to buy the least expensive Epic 8. I would not hesitate to recommend a Downcountry bike to anyone. So much fun! So versatile!

[@mtbyumyum]

100% agree... this is the most exciting category of bikes! I can take this Scalpel just about anywhere in Utah and be ok. A tire change would be in order for many trails but overall, I highly recommend the Scalpel to anyone!

[@marksandoval5361]

@@mtbyumyum Of course, if I was sticking strictly to singletrack and doing some "Black" trails, I would switch to my favorite fast trail tire combo, 2.6 Rekon front and 2.4 Rekon rear.

[@31acruz]

I rode a Scalpel with a lefty fork back in the day (demo day) and loved it.

[@mtbyumyum]

This is the best Scalpel ever!!

[@aaronrosenberg2037]

I hope you have an opportunity to try a Revel Ranger V2. I haven't had a bike that has the sharp handling and pedaling 90% of the way to an XC bike, but descends like a proper trail bike.

[@mtbyumyum]

Been riding one for the past week🤘

[@shanetrammell]

As a Yeti fan and owner, I find it astounding and disheartening that this is in the same realm as ASR. Until a week or two ago, sun and ski had this scalpel 4 on sale for $3250. That's less than the ASR frameset alone. Crazy.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, pretty crazy…

[@brianrowbotham4010]

Your son has more style than any of my riding buddies 🙌. I’d love to hear your comparison in descending to the new Epic 8. I race cat 1 XC but my local trails are legit enduro/DH trails. I have the new Mach 4 and while the suspension performance is amazing it absolutely lacks stability so I’m considering something with a longer wheelbase and the cannondale has good reviews but is a little shorter than the epic.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Good luck on the bike search. I wouldn’t say the epic 8 or the Cannondale are any more stable than the Mach4 SL.

[@mac001texas]

Got a new '25 element frame, should be finished and built in 2 days. I have a previous gen element and love it, new one should be 25 or 26 lbs fully built and looks like it'll be faster/more xc oriented than previous. This new scalpel looks great too, maybe I'll have to get 2 xc bikes.

[@brucehumphries6889]

This was the one I was waiting on!!

[@mtbyumyum]

🤘👊

[@marcid6527]

Great review and video! Ry is sick rider!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks. Yeah, he’s so sick!!

[@jasonharley4896]

Hey Jas, loving your reviews man! Very informative and a lot of fun to watch! It would be great to hear your thoughts on how this 2024 Scalpel compares to the 2024Epic 8. You raved about both but I feel like you’re more partial to the Scalpel? That’s kind of what we’ve narrowed the search down to for my wife. She’s a little nervous on the technical stuff so a stable, confident bike with a little “room for error” is where she needs to be.

[@mtbyumyum]

Both bikes are very good in the cross-country category. I would say the scalpel feels more stable and more easy-going than the epic. With the right tires I think it would be an excellent bike in the cross country category for your wife! Call Chris at Salt Cycles. You might consider the previous generation, V4, IBIS Ripley, depending on how fast and light this bike needs to be for your wife. It will give her a ton of confidence. If Chris has one left over it would be a pretty neat option at a discount as well. Their phone number is 801-943-8502.

[@jasonharley4896]

@@mtbyumyum Great, thanks a lot Jas - really appreciate the feedback!

[@guih3438]

Thanks for the review, great energy 😎

[@glenlyman2882]

Nice job on your channel and the in-depth work on this Cannondale review. I was able to pick up a '23 Scalpel SE in May on a screaming deal, and I agree with your coverage of this weapon...or tool?, surgical implement?! Whatever...yes, climbing, descending it is honed to go fast....just like you said. It is light, so you do need to ride accordingly (front end can pick up a little too easily on chunky climbs, and it will "skitter" a bit on loose surface downhills), but all manageable with very little time in the saddle. I too find myself grabbing it over other bikes when headed for a mostly XC-flavored trail. As I side note, what is it that you do to make a living/bike money?

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for your comment/insight! I'm in sales. Why do you ask?!

[@glenlyman2882]

@@mtbyumyum Just curious...and maybe a bit jealous about your ability to ride so many top of the line bikes in such quick succession...both inside of your duties as a reviewer, and apparently outside of it.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Yeah, this has been a lot of fun running this KZbin channel.

[@brianwalsh3254]

How do you like this compared to the Yeti 120? going with one or other for Spring 25. Great video

[@mtbyumyum]

They’re very different bikes. The Scalpel is much more comparable to the ASR in the Yeti lineup, not the sb120…

[@TomCollins-c4h]

With the headset cable routing would you have to undo the brakes to service the fork?

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

I wish they offered this as a frame option

[@donnielocksmith3122]

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR REVIEW OF THE SANTA CRUZ BLUR 👍 DONNIE "RED ROCK CYCLING" SEDONA, ARIZONA

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks. Will have to wait till spring at this point.

[@JustinMaines]

Another great review! Love seeing Jr. rippin' it! The title says "2024", but you said "2025". I assume the title is incorrect since you refer to the "previous SE" several times.

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thanks! Yep, he's getting more and more confident and fast!! I really don't know what it is.... it came out this year.... does that make it a 2024 or a 2025 lol help!!!!!

[@JustinMaines]

@@mtbyumyum Probably a '24, but who knows! :)

[@tanpen15]

Love the review style you have here and you are a great rider! I've narrowed it down to this bike or the 2023 Epic Evo. Does one climb better than the other? How about descending between the two? Thank you kindly.

[@mtbyumyum]

So I owned both these bikes at the same time. Each morning I go out for my ride I basically always take the Scalpel. Not only is it more fun, I think it’s faster everywhere.

[@kayakutah]

Come up to Park City and ride up, then down Sweeny's and John's. Not because it's so awesome (though it is) but just because that's my personal well known data point. I know, completely self-serving! This bike looks intriguing, for sure.

[@mtbyumyum]

Reach out to me on instagram and you can show me around

[@TomCollins-c4h]

I would like to see you give the Spur another chance. I think you only had it over the weekend and it had 800mm bars and a long stem with the old SiD suspension.

[@jasonlyster2408]

How about vs the Rocky Mt Element?

[@mtbyumyum]

The Element I rode was completely different... I think the new Element is more similar to this Scalpel tho... havent seen it in person

[@burkebair]

Seems like a good build for some Berd wheels.

[@mtbyumyum]

Trust me, they're on order.... I think my order keeps getting pushed off because he's busy filling other orders and knows I already have 1 pair of Berd wheels.... I just don't think he knows I put them on my daughter race bike lol.... I'm sure he get them built this week!!

[@whiteryanc]

Would you ever consider testing an Ari, like the Signal Peak relative to this class of bike? The Delano Peak seems to have a decent amount of traction but it's tough to find much analysis of the Signal Peak. Thanks!

[@RafeRehman-d6k]

I have the previous hi mod lefty full xtr with enve wheels and bits. got it under 22lbs. its a xc trail ripper and so comfortable for all day riding . was going to switch to new model but think its an evolution so waiting for next iteration I think they will change geo again and maybe rear shock like spesh/trek/canyon and better wireless. interesting you went with xtr over sram?

[@mtbyumyum]

I run xtr on all my bikes… to say I prefer it to sram would be a major understatement 😆 love my cabel shifting shimano drivetrain!!

[@andersnymannlund3888]

Great review. Any time on the Trek Top Fuel and how it compared to the Scalpel?

[@nckporter]

Great stuff, keep them coming! Would love to see what you think of the new Instinct.

[@mtbyumyum]

Looks really neat… probably a bit heavier than the previous Instinct tho

[@kc5328]

At 120/120 in the "Downcountry" context, how does it compare to a similar spec'd Transition Spur? And, how would the "old" Ripley compare to those two?

[@mtbyumyum]

The Scalpel feels just a bit more easy going and nimble... lighter weight and maybe not as damp and controlled as the old V4 Ripley... Where the V4 Ripley and Spur are short travel trail bikes that can sort of play in the XC category.... the Scalpel is an XC bike that can sort of play in the short travel trail category. Hope that makes sense?

[@patrickmaher6420]

Nice vid lots of info. I wish I had terrain like that where I live! Florida 🙄

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks 👍

[@mikeglefke1970]

Love your videos and content, you have been pretty much spot-on with your reviews when I purchase bikes. I currently have an Epic Evo 8 and it’s a bit unforgiving at times, especially through small chatter. Is the Scalpel a little more plush up top?

[@dhalbrook]

Looking at doing a similar build. Did you go with 2 or 4 piston calipers?

[@mtbyumyum]

2 piston but Chris at Salt Cycles can easily help you custom build exactly what you want! Give him a call 801-943-8502

[@Guitariste-metalFr]

Thanks for the review. I own a Hightower CC with a Ohlins RF36 and I would like to get a XC bike as well, especially for some xc marathon race in the Alps. I have this Scalpel on my short list, with as well the Blur Tr. Would you think that this bike will be able to rive 60km/3000m elevation in the mountain, not too technical skills, with the support of a Ohlins RCX 34 fork ? Thanks !

[@olivierhiers4224]

HI There, great review. I a on the market to move out of an HT to a full suspension, still XC race oriented. I would like your opinion, our the chat folks. Looking to understand the difference between : cervelo ZFS-f 100mm / BMC Fourstroke one / Cannondale I love race XC, coach Kids (NICA), and spend most of my time on trails that are XC and more - to a point that my BMC twostroke One is too chattery and draining me fast on non smooth surface. any advice is welcome.

[@branoMTB]

i am on ripley v4 since its release and still love it. BUT after seeing this i am really itching to switch. could you do a more elaborate comparison?

[@mtbyumyum]

This feels a bit light and faster, although the old Ripley could probably handle slightly higher speeds it’s not much higher, not enough to cross you all the way over into a dedicated black trails type experience. These still cover the same type of terrain at similar speeds. Scalpel is a little sharper and a little quicker.

[@dajtothe3472]

Sounds like a great ride. Would love to try one. What rims/hubs/spokes make up the yumyum wheels?

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Salt Cycles carbon rims 28mm or 30mm internal diameter. The ones on this bike are Sapim laser spokes with DT Swiss 240 hubs. I also have a pair with DT Swiss 180 hubs and Berd spokes! He's offering 20% off right now on yumyum wheels for people who mention they watch the channel! Call Chris 801-943-8502

[@michaelibarra292]

Has your buddy Tyler ridden this new one? If so, what are his comments compared to his SE?? Thanks for the review!

[@mtbyumyum]

Not yet. I’ve been telling him to come get this thing and take it for a few days…

[@justing888]

Would love to see your review on the rest of Cannondale's lineup (trail bike and enduro bike)

[@mtbyumyum]

Me too

[@mtbeliever5833]

Should I buy Ripley V4s or Scalpel 2 if I am prioritizing fun?

[@mtbyumyum]

I would say both are very fun although the Ripley is probably a little bit more fun and a little bit heavier obviously. If you can find one left over they’re on discount as well too! Call Chris at Salt Cycles. 801-943-8502.

[@frankschock9981]

New 2024 SID fork seems much improved

[@escaparcc]

Interesting to note your thoughts about some new medium bikes being too large. I'm 5'7.5 and have been very much between a S and M. Not now always the case. Some folks may be better off getting a previous gen model M, rather than current gen S with many brands. For reference : I own '22 Scalpel SE. This fit is great (1cm more reach would be perfect). Stick a Reverse Components fork crown spacer at $20, which gives you the same 66.5 head angle as the current model (or a 130mm fork). I have a Med Occam M10 LT (slick fast XC tyres)- reach of 450 - that's as long as I'm happy with. I have a Mondraker Foxy R (trail tyres) in Med, that came with 475 reach that is too long, even with 30mm stem. It's not the seated reach to the bars, but the front centre and stopping the front washing out. It really only shines at straight-lining chunk. I bought the frame in Small and swapped the parts over and it's a much better fit. Reach on the small is 450mm For me I think about 440mm reach is about right for an XC bike. I'm lusting after Mondraker '23 F-Podium SE (120rear/130front Ohlins model.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, sizing has gotten a bit more difficult for me in the past 2 or so years... I used to always be just right on a medium and now every once in a while the medium is too big

[@scottkouns8578]

Jason, awesome video!!. So much so, you have convinced me to buy one. Called Salt Cycles and I'm ready to buy one. However, there is no one in my area that has a scalpel, so I need so advise on fitment. I'm 5' 11" and the large usually fits great. Based on the numbers, I'm a little concerned about the reach/top tube because of short legs and longer upper body. How would you compare the fit on the Scalpel to the Pivot 429 or the Intense sniper T pro? Thank you for all you do for our biking community!! btw, the super secrete high-fi kick'em in the eye wheels are on the way!!

[@mtbyumyum]

I would think you are for sure a Large. I'm 5'8" and the medium is good but my daughter who is 5'4" also went for a medium as she was sort of in between sizes small and medium.... the medium for me feels like a toy! Not too big at all. Did you order some yumyum wheels?!?!

[@scottkouns8578]

Yes, my buddy just ordered them. I’m waiting to sit on a Scalpel. I’m worried the bike will too small. Hopefully next week a rep will let me check his bike out. Thanks again for your feedback!!

[@scottkouns8578]

I just ordered a new Scalpel from Salt Cycles!!

[@AOL0321]

Would love to see you test ride one with the Lefty

[@mtbyumyum]

No longer available to n the US

[@jddallager1699]

@@mtbyumyum Apologies for plugging another website; but Bike Radar just evaluated the Scalpel w/Lefty and gave it 4.5 stars (a very high rating for them) and said it was a screamer up and down as Jason said. Lefty fork can be a pain to service according to them.

[@ireddie]

Great review! Can you run the front as a 130 and still have the warranty? If you wanted to run a headset offset of 1-1.5 degree slacker?

[@mtbyumyum]

it's good at 120mm

[@brandoningersoll5034]

Does this thing out descend the old Ripley v4? How about climbing? This is the 1st bike that looks like a possible upgrade....

[@mtbyumyum]

Doesn't out descend the V4 Ripley but that's the beauty of this new Scalpel. It gets out gunned on trails that the V4 would also feel like not enough bike... but on the blue and green trails it's even better... more precise, fast, pumps amazing and extremely playful!! So easy going and eager to get into a turn and pump! Climbing is incredible. The V4 Ripley has a little more top end and likely handles minimal chunk a little better

[@scottmcsloy9554]

Love your reviews. Any plan to test a SC Blur TR? Be interested to see a comparison.

[@euge276]

Hey Chris love your videos ,is this a better bike than the specialized epic 8 ??I want to hear to take on it

[@adamcoppock5018]

Great video! And high five to the little guy to.

[@DEXVD]

Can you compare it to the Pivot Mach 4? Based on Mo's video I wasn't sure which of the Mach 4 and the Scalpel would be best for me. But both sound better for technical terrain, rough roots/rocks and drops than the Epic 8.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I’d gladly take the M4 or Scalpel over the Epic 8…. I just sold my Epic 8😆😂 the M4 feels a bit stiffer, tighter and robust. Less playful than the Scalpel… a bit more serious. Scalpel is more playful and easy going and has less perceived pedal bob climbing. Pivot M4 feels like a nicer bike but I’d reach for the Scalpel every time.

[@DEXVD]

@@mtbyumyum I don't see it on the spec sheet but the Scalpel doesn't have remote lock out for the fork or the shock does it? It sounds like the less stiff, more easy going Scalpel is going to be more forgiving in the roots and rock gardens and with mistakes like casing drops?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I would certainly describe the Scalpel as being more forgiving and easy going compared to the ASR, Epic 7 or 8, Exie or even the Mach 4 sl

[@kirkmwalter]

Really intrigued by this bike - appreciate if you could share your thoughts on how it compares to last year's Epic Evo (pretty sure you reviewed that) and the Transition Spur if you've ridden one. Looking forward to your thoughts....... I had both in the stable this spring

[@mtbyumyum]

The old epic Evo 7 was harsh and lack stability in comparison to this new scalpel. Downhill it’s no comparison. Also, climbing just feels a little softer on the scalp compared to the old epic Evo 7. The spurs is on a completely different category and it’s been years since I’ve ridden one. As I remember, not nearly as snappy or quick feeling as these bikes.

[@kirkmwalter]

@@mtbyumyum - awesome, that validates my decision to sell the Evo. Even when using all the travel, it felt somewhere between a hardtail and a Epic Brain equipped bike. Stiff & uncomfortable. I'm loving the Spur (go it down to 24#) but think I might add the Scalpel to the stable over the winter. Appreciate your perspective.

[@Sir_climb_alot]

I sold my epic Evo 7 after his review! In retrospect it was such a twitchy bike... I briefly rode a spur... Descends great, climb was a bit muted.

[@trentvlak]

I've been considering this bike but I don't like the headset cable routing and it's hard to get a Lab71 frame.

[@mtbyumyum]

Like you, I wasn't thrilled to see the cables in the stem/headset... over the past month and almost 300 miles it's not been an issue.

[@jordansmith9377]

Jason, have you messed around with a regular stem yet at all? I saw a guy’s new scalpel setup for the Leadville race with a regular stem on it, looked pretty good.

[@MTBrandO]

What do you have your 11 year old on? My son is 12 and on a Jeffsey Primus and while great for bike park days, it’s not the most pedal friendly. Just too heavy.

[@mtbyumyum]

He’s 4’7” 67 lbs on an size: XS Rocky Mountain Element. 120/120mm with 27.5 wheels. Excellent bike for him and so glad Rocky makes the xs size in 27.5 instead of 29er

[@samharris82]

I already have a Pivot Mach 4 SL v3 which I absolutely love. Is it better enough than that in your opinion to warrant the hassle of selling and buying?

[@mtbyumyum]

No. Probably not. They have different attitudes and feel a bit different. The Pivot feels a bit more refined… tighter, bit stiffer. Cannondale feels a bit more easy going and playful. Both very good. Just slightly different. If money is a non issue, go for it🤙

[@TomCollins-c4h]

If you love your bike already keep it, marketing is designed to empty your wallet on things you dont need.

[@samharris82]

@@TomCollins-c4h I loved my Epic Evo but then tried Pivot Mach 4 SL out of curiosity and loved it so much more that I sold the Epic Evo. I get it’s all marketing and all the bikes are actually amazing these days (I remember the 90s MTBs) but it can still be fun to try new stuff. That being said, I’m in the honeymoon phase with the Pivot and not really interested in the hassle of trying something new this year.

[@mioszbrzozowski4657]

cannondale writing/logo on the frame - is it paint, or just a sticker?

[@mtbyumyum]

paint. looks nice!

[@JukasZor]

Your son rips. What bike is he riding in this video and how tall is he? Mine desperately wants to ride but I'm having a hard time finding bikes that fit him since he's only 4'10

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Yeah, he's very comfortable at speed on the bike and is really coming into his own! He's 4'7" and 67 lbs on an XS Rocky Mountain Element. The Element is a 29er but the XS is 27.5 wheel size. It's an excellent bike for him with 120mm front and rear travel.

[@roadlesstraveledd]

i've been wanting to go to more of an XC bike that leans more towards a trail bike, rather than my v4 Ripley that is a trail bike that leans more towards XC.. especially here in Texas. I gotta throw a leg over and demo this one! Might fit the bill for me too. With your experience, how does it pedal and descend compared to the v4 ripley?

[@mtbyumyum]

I think the way you described the v4 is spot on. A trail bike that can do XC. And as you said again, spot on, this new scalp is an XC bike that acts like a trail bike. Excellent trail manners. Very similar to the Ripley. Might have a slightly lower top end on the descent and feels quicker climbing. It really is the perfect bike for me and my trail system! Call Chris at Salt Cycles 801-943-8502

[@jeremyhowell2332]

I’m curious how the rear flexy chain stay will hold up for heavier riders? I’m 215lbs (and wanting to get a bit lighter by riding more & lifting less) in kit on a Pivot Trail 429 enduro build. My dad is about 180lbs on a Ripley 4. The bikes are both top spec and his is very slightly lighter. The 429 is very sound under me for the given travel, but every time I hop on my dad’s Ripley and climb, it is noticeably better up a hill. I’d like a 120mm xc/dc bike for racing xc next season. We are truly spoiled for choice these days.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Ive read that point of the bike is the stongest part actually since its pure chunk of carbon.

[@mtbyumyum]

I personally don’t think it would be a problem. My buddy Mo has also done a review on his KZbin channel and he’s closer to your weight as I recall. He loves the bike. If I were you, I’d call Salt Cycles and ask for Chris. He’s 6 foot four and 200 pounds. He might give you a better idea about the bike. 801-943-8502

[@joshrlc]

For longevity purposes, I've been riding a 2015 Scalpel Team with flex stays and it's been great. I'm 6'0" and 200# with gear. No issues, lots of hard riding. I've loved the snappy-ness of the flex stays combined with the suppleness of the bike in technical terrain. It feels like a hardtail when you get on the gas. I'm really looking to upgrade to the modern geometry as I feel like the headtube angle of my bike is just too steep.

[@jeffreybrohman4582]

Looking to upgrade wheels, what do those Salt Cycle set ups retail for?

[@mtbyumyum]

Call Chris. 801-943-8502 $1750 as i recall but right now if you mention my channel theyre 20% off!! Also, you can custom build them with different hubs if wanted. The prices the same for DTSWISS 240 or I9 hydra hubs. Having spent a lot of time on many different carbon wheels. I can tell you these are the best bang for buck in terms of weight savings of anything else out there. You would spend $2500 to find a wheelset that is equal to this in weight and durability.

[@johnnnewmex]

I bought a $4k scalpel and upgraded every part on it 😂

[@mtbyumyum]

How would you do it differently 🤷‍♂️

[@raleighkellyc9375]

Honestly I prefer the lefty version However ur version is great but my scale lefty is so much superb. Hey bro LEFTY RULES

[@skinny8019]

Nice. This is a very interesting bike. That flex stay is wild. Does the rear of the scalpel track as good as a revel rear? Is the rear hub/wheel offset standard? Hope you can get your hands on an allied bc 40.

[@mtbyumyum]

This new scalpel has standard rear spacing, and the wheel is standard. The previous model had an a symmetric 2 mm offset wheel.

[@skinny8019]

@@mtbyumyum glad to hear they got out of that...i remember you calling it out on your previous review of last gen scalpel....Does the rear of the scalpel track as good as a revel rear?

[@mtbyumyum]

It's been awhile since I last rode the ranger.... I have nothing to complain about with the back end of the Scalpel tho!

[@puchakasport804]

Great review, and great bike. Is that fork Ultimate version ? In EU we have it blue only :)

[@mtbyumyum]

yes, Ultimate fork!

[@BrianDwyer-yd1qo]

Jason, did you stick with the Sid select? Are you using the original fork and shock that came with the cannondale scalpel?

[@mtbyumyum]

This is the original shock that came on the $4000 bike only Chris at Salt Cycles upgraded my fork from the select to this ultimate. Not sure if there’s much felt difference between the forks. I just wanted to go with something that was slightly lighter weight.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

I had the last gen Sid select on the Spur, not a very good fork, very inconsistent, spikey bumpy. Had to refresh often.

[@charleslee301]

Great review. How does it compare to an older Yeti SB115?

[@edutechnic9621]

Kiddo's english on the bike is top notch!

[@mtbyumyum]

Hes becoming an excellent rider!! Thx!

[@Micarmn]

Great review! Are you warming up to the recon race? I’m thinking of running that setup for my v4 Ripley for xc riding

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes! I've been riding the Rekon race for a few years now with a Rekon up front. Great set up!!

[@Micarmn]

@@mtbyumyum sweeet! Would you recommend it for the Ripley v4 for everyday/weekend warrior blue black trails?

[@mtbyumyum]

Once you start getting into more black trails you will likely want something with a bit more braking power and protection....

[@bradlandry2426]

You mention it in your video, but I’ve had a really hard time finding a weight for this bike in stock form. You said yours was about 26 pounds before upgrades? That’s significantly lighter than other bikes at this price point.

[@tbone5727]

I emailed Cannondale and they said its 29.3 lbs

[@bradlandry2426]

@@tbone5727 Sounds about right. Since posting this comment I've bought one, and without pedals the XL weighed in at 29.2. Hoping to upgrade the wheels to shave some of that weight. Thanks!

[@jeffsharp4982]

Shoulda waited, you just answered that question @ about 13:20 ish.

[@mtbyumyum]

😆👍

[@dempsey1231]

Rocky and root covered trails this or the asr?

[@mtbyumyum]

The Scalpel probably… I actually just rode the ASR again on Friday of last week. It’s surprisingly good for a traditional single Pivot flexstay bike. I think the scalpel is probably a little better though.

[@dempsey1231]

@@mtbyumyum Did you upgrade the rear shock on your scalpel or the select +?

[@jktinen]

Great review, thanks! How much rise are you running on the bars?

[@mtbyumyum]

20mm rise bars with 15mm of spacers below the stem

[@Hjorten93]

Im not familiar with cannondales ”model codes” Really, What does the SE stand for? And are there different builds or How does it work

[@ireddie]

I think it means sports edition, and it has longer travel upfront I believe

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I think the SE stands for special edition or sports edition. In any case on the previous model scalpel, it was more of the trail bike. All of the current scalpels that were just released in the last few months now share similar geometry and mannerisms on the trail that mimic the old SE model. Basically every scalpel is now an SE. and they’re incredible!

[@Hjorten93]

@@mtbyumyum Aah okay, gotcha!

[@Eruizela]

Is the sid capable or does it limit the bike?

[@mtbyumyum]

I've been riding the new Sid on the ASR, Epic 8 and now this Scalpel and I've been so impressed with it. For 120mm it's really very good!

[@leonshanahan2189]

How does this ride and feel geometry wise bs the pivot Mach 4 sl? Thanks for your review Jason

[@mtbyumyum]

More easy going than the M4. The Pivot M4 is more serious.... feels a bit stiffer, tighter feeling. Less playful. The M4 has a very slight peddle bob where the Scalpel feels soft but without pedal bob. Both bike feel very efficient and responsive under power and I think the Scalpel descends a bit better.... more easy going and lively, poppy!

[@leonshanahan2189]

Sounds impressive Jason

[@BarbaraEdmonds-d6x]

How would a 130mm fork change the ride?

[@levirenz7638]

Have you rode the Santa Cruz blur TR yet? Curious how this bike compares to that bike?

[@mtbyumyum]

Not yet but I think I've got one lined up through a local bike shop for a demo soon!

[@frankdamelio8769]

I’m 5’10” 32” inseam. What size bike Medium or large. ????

[@mtbyumyum]

Probably large but maybe call Salt Cycles tomorrow and talk to Chris. He would know better than I and I think he has these on special right now. Their phone number is 801-943-8502. Good luck!

[@dannysalasmtb]

Hey I wonder how does it compare to a Revel Ranger?

[@mtbyumyum]

It's really just been too long since I last rode the Ranger....

[@wja19]

I know that he bike is cursed for you but try one more time and demo the Ranger V2. It really is fantastic

[@ad1718-q9z]

What jersey is that?

[@Fadesign100]

Scalpel VS Epic Evo .. Whats faster / better

[@TheBikeBuddha]

Looking forward to see a stumpy15 review? 👀

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I’m very genius curious!!

[@scottolivier8636]

Is it poppy and playful?

[@marcid6527]

Haha

[@chadd9637]

I aspire to be as good of a rider as your kid. So, did he PR it????!!!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha thanks! Yes, 15:48 🤘

[@nicholashines7686]

60mm stem? man I haven't used anything longer than 42mm in years.

[@mtbyumyum]

The fit is perfect!! Wouldn’t want anything shorter for this type of riding

[@jeffsharp4982]

So was the stock $4k build under 25 lbs?

[@mtbyumyum]

Between 25-26 lbs 🤙

[@curtrobertson6799]

I would have to get rid of that stem if possible. Looks so long

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, it's interesting, I ride a 35mm stem on my Yeti SB140 and the Ripley I have right now is also 35mm.... for this type of bike, the longer stem has not been a problem and it actually has been nice for hard pushes on the climbs. The longer stem has not been a problem at all.... no complaints here!

[@toadlywilde]

Unshaken special edition