New Bike Day: Cannondale Scalpel LAB71

[@TorbenSta]

The video is kind of nice structured and awesome to watch. It’s just bad that half of the video is based on wrong facts. You can’t compare the last modell (your Lab71) with the newer model (the version you say is canadian). That are two completely different models of the scalpel. Obviously you don’t find the new model on discount when it was launched just a few weeks ago. That’s why the newer model uses a threaded BB over the older PF, is internally routed and is 120mm front and rear travel only.

[@bikesbymike]

That’s a fair criticism, but I can’t say I entirely agree. Cannondale abandoned issuing new model year bikes annually several years ago. They recognized that changing the paint colour and a couple components doesn’t make for a new model bike. Only a redesign of the frame justifies branding it differently. That is why you won’t see my version of the LAB71 named the 2023 model, or the later one labeled a 2024.

[@TorbenSta]

@@bikesbymike but your so called „canadian“ model is a completely new frame which was released a few weeks ago. That is the 8. generation an the red lab 71 is a 7. generation frame. That’s why that are completely different bikes. The most obvious differences are the internal routing and the nuckle on the seattube where the second bottle gets mounted. It would be a lot more accurate to compare the same models, which really have big differences from EU to Canada.

[@jonienglish3231]

Im happy with my 2020 niner rkt bright orange color. With lefty ocho 100mm

[@bikesbymike]

Nice. Not often you see a Lefty on a Niner.

[@TroyOnTrails]

That's one sexy ride and I love the clever hack to buy the European version.

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks for watching!

[@TorbenSta]

That has nothing to do with European version. There are little differences in the spec. In this video the former model is compared to the current model which was launched only a few weeks ago.

[@beter321]

Hi Mike! Cool vid, but isnt that Lab71 the 2023 version? Hoping to get one soon, thanks for the recap!

[@bikesbymike]

Technically, no, since Cannondale (like most other brands) has done away with model years. But since my version came out last year, I guess it can be called the 2023 LAB71.

[@TorbenSta]

You are right, even when they don’t call it after the year. The red lab71 is the last model and the here shown „Canadian“ model is the new model which was launched a few weeks ago.

[@garthTurningCranks]

Based on the paint scheme and the price, I think you got a 2023 Lab 71. 2024's have the same geometry but new paint job and no ports for cables. I suppose if you want to run a 100mm -10° stem on a 2024, you're not going to be in a good place. Even so great find.

[@bikesbymike]

Yes, you are right. Although, Cannondale (like other brands) has officially abandoned the model year concept so the version they’re selling now isn’t a new 2024 version, it’s just how they are selling it today. They, like other brands, were finding it difficult to tag the year on a bike when all they are doing is changing paint colour and a couple components. Thanks for commenting!

[@mkeith111]

Is it 2025 already? I thought you swore off buying current model year bikes .. it looks nice, can't wait to see you get it out onto the trails.

[@bikesbymike]

Yeah. So NOT true to my word 🤥. But couldn’t find any older model year bike that I wanted for anywhere near 35% off.

[@ilgour]

simply gorgeous. enjoy

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks!

[@tomas151svk]

Hey Mike, did you weight your bike ? I would be interested to know what is it weight of your bike

[@bikesbymike]

Yes, I did. Bike weighed 10.6 kg (23.4 lbs) fully built, out of the box, with Eggbeater pedals. I shaved off 50 grams by swapping out saddles and am replacing the stock tires with 2.35” Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires later this week. This should drop the weight down to about 10.4 kg (23 lbs).

[@Ghostina1]

i am a Lab71 owner but a supersix evo ;-)

[@bikesbymike]

LAB71 AND SuperSix EVO. Nice!

[@Chan1881]

Congrats! Terrific bike and amazing savings! Love the Canadian context and also interest in high-performing XC bikes.

[@bikesbymike]

Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@Gufolicious]

Ugliest fork on the planet. Dont know why someone buys those.

[@garthTurningCranks]

Because the Lefty Ocho Carbon 120 is amazing, but not for everyone and yes the downside of lock in, but for those that like it, the lock in is worth it.