Cannondale’s New Scalpel: More Travel, More Aggressive Geometry
Cannondale has launched its latest 2024 Scalpel range boasting more travel, an adjusted frame design and revised suspension kinematics all designed to make the bike faster and more capable, especially over South Africa’s popular marathon distances.
In keeping with the trend towards faster, slacker design, the new Scalpel upgrades include:
- Longer travel suspension: 120mm front and back.
- Slacker head angle of 66.6 degrees for better control.
- Steeper seat tube angle for better pedalling efficiency.
- Seat stays that get longer as the frames get bigger to keep the rider more balanced between the wheels.
The result? More power and traction on the climbs, more pinpoint control in the corners, and more confidence at speed.
Travel Advisory
Thanks to the FlexPivot kinematics and Proportional Response suspension Cannondale claims improved traction and more control while still being a responsive and efficient race rig.
Lefty
Most models come with Cannondale’s Lefty fork, introduced nearly 20 years ago. Smooth, stiff and responsive the shock has stood the test of time across every distance and speed.
Geometry
With the slacker head tube angle, the frame geometry is customised by size to keep every size of rider more balance between the wheels, inspiring more confidence.
Cockpit
The integrated SystemBar XC-One is a one-piece carbon cockpit that’s both lighter and stiffer than most two-piece cockpits. Ergonomically shaped, internally cabled, and packing a full 760mm of width, it gives added control on the trail.
FlexPivot
FlexPivot stays are key to Scalpel’s suspension performance and low weight. These patented carbon sections act as virtual Horst link pivots, creating a true four-bar link suspension that allows our engineers to precisely tailor how the suspension responds to pedalling, braking, and bump forces, without the weight or maintenance of bearings.
Dropper Post
Complete with a dropper post on most models, negotiating steep terrain is easier with just a push of a finger.
Proportional Response Suspension
Canondale’s Proportional Response Suspension customises the kinematics by size to deliver the absolute best traction, braking, and pedalling performance.
Price:
Recommended Retail for the Scalpel 2 (the only model available in South Africa until July) is R120 000 with a Sid Select+ fork and R135 000 with a Carbon Lefty Ocho
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