Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3

With the Scalpel Carbon 3, Cannondale has developed a particularly fast xc-fully. It won't get much faster than the Scalpel.

Fantastic frame and front fork
The beating heart of the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 is its all-new carbon frame, along with the eighth and final version of the remarkable Lefty fork, called the Ocho*. (* Spanish for eight)
The carbon frame is particularly light and stiff for maximum efficiency. A head angle of 68 degrees and a large offset of 55 mm of the fork give the right handling, both at high speed on the descent and at low speed on a steep climb with tight turns. The "flex pivot" in the rear frame works like a virtual bearing axis but is lighter, stiffer and maintenance-free. This contributes to the great suspension performance from which the Scalpel derives its highly efficient riding characteristics.
The Lefty Ocho fork may look a little peculiar but its characteristics are beyond doubt. Very stiff in all directions, particularly supple thanks to the needle bearings and with a large fork offset, the bike simply steers very well.

Adequate drivetrain
With the Shimano XT/SLX 1x12 speed drivetrain on the Scalpel Carbon 3 you won't run out of gear. Not in terms of shifting speed and certainly not in terms of range. With a 10-51 cassette you can always find the right gear. In conjunction with the very light and stiff 34-tooth HollowGram crankset, this Cannondale is made for plenty of speed. To keep all that speed under control, it's fitted with decent Shimano Deore brakes.

Lightweight wheels and fast tyres
Of course, such a fast racing bike needs fast tyres and lightweight wheels. The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 doesn't disappoint there either. Stan's Crest rims have been at the forefront of the aluminium wheel market for years. They are lightweight, relatively wide with a 23 mm inner width, and tubeless ready. Together with the Racing Ray and Ralph tyres from Schwalbe, the wheels are made to convert all energy into as much speed as possible, but with predictable behaviour and plenty of grip. That's why they are often found on the fastest xc bikes.

If you're looking for a full suspension bike to ride as fast as possible, the Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 should be high on your list.

Technology

FlexPivot
Offers very good suspension performance and a low frame weight. The carbon plates create a Horst-link pivot, while being stiffer and lighter than bearings and completely maintenance-free.
Proportional Response Design
The suspension kinematic is adapted for each size. This ensures that every rider, regardless of size, experiences the same suspension performance.
OutFront Steering Geometry
The Lefty's extra-long fork offset gives you more stability and confidence on fast and technically challenging trails, while also providing plenty of manoeuvrability.
Ai - Asymmetric Integration -
The offset drivetrain offers more space for wide tyres while the chainstays remain short for traction and agility. It also creates a stiffer and stronger rear wheel.
Two bottle cages
Ideal for warm weather conditions and/or long rides.
DirectLine Cable Routing
Tube-in-tube internal cable routing in the frame and swingarm makes installing cables and lines simple.

Compatibility

Cannondale Wheel sensor
An integrated wheel sensor provides accurate data on speed, route and distance. It registers your bike, indicates service intervals and other information through the free Cannondale app.