Cannondale Scalpel Review! (The Most Affordable Bike in the Test?)

Are you trying to figure out what is the best XC Downcountry bike? Welcome to our XC Bike buyers guide! We have spent the last month testing 7 of the best XC bikes on the market and are excited to share with you guys what we think is the best one! In this video we review the Cannondale Scalpel 2, one of our personal favorite XC bikes of the test! With lots of high speed stability and a very comfortable geo, is this enough the be the best XC bike? Let's find out!

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And until next time, Ride Awesome!

-Mo and Hannah
#xc #cannondale #scalpel

[johnnybravo]

Seems like Cannondale has become very underrated and overlooked. Glad to see them back in the game.

[JasonScottCarter]

I bought this bike the week it came out from my local shop. I am not the only one. They have sold more of these than Epic 8s, and Cannondale is a secondary brand at the shop. The grips are a personal preference. I switched those out as well, along with the saddle. It's a truly awesome bike. Very comfortable on long rides as well. You didn't mention the stock high stack height (which I like). It really takes off when you sprint coming out of a corner. One of my favorite features of the bike. The price point is so good when compared to other bikes. Go Cannondale!

[david]

I have been mountain biking since early 90s my first bike was a cannondale super V, cannondale was the best back In the day, looks like Cannondale is back! Love it!

[ionious]

Was seriously considering the Pivot Mach 4sl and came away with the Cannondale 2. Completely blown away by the bike. Felt fast, comfortable and stable at speed. At 5'11 I found the bike a little cramped and ended up with a longer stem. Mo's comment on cornering is spot on. Need to get aggressive getting the bike into corners. Swapped the Aspen to an Icon for late spring riding (its been wet in the North East). Overall very very pleased with how capable the bike is. Good to race with but can still handle pretty chunky trails.

[joeboy]

Really like that you guys are doing this! Unique content for your channel and it’s been great.

[keithowensmusic]

I rode one (Scalpel 2) yesterday. I'm coming from a Scott Spark RC most recent and a few Trek Top Fuels in the past. The Scalpel was the best bike I've ever ridden. The Scalpel 1 is not available right now so probably going to go next week and scoop up the one I test rode.

[ericbeech]

I keep hearing great things about this bike!

[scottkouns]

Just ordered mine last week!! thanks for the great review!!

[TheHuester]

As a longtime Cannondale fan I really appreciate this review. I’ve felt for a long time Cannondale lacks getting the respect it deserves in mountain biking .
They’ve also come out with quality E bikes as well.
One brand that isn’t represented is Scott which has been very successful in mountain bike racing. Maybe they didn’t provide a bike to be reviewed.
Other than that I’m really liking these reviews and all of the bikes being reviewed.
Looking forward to the Mondraker bike review .
Also liked Hannah’s respect for the Cannondale .
Lastly I sold a bike on BuyCycle and had a great experience.

[TomCollins-ch]

I got a Cannondale Rush back in the day 2008, that bike was ahead of its time because of the larger wheelbase, it was one of the funnest bikes I ever owned. This bike seems right up my alley.

[devincook]

I actually fell in love with those Cannondale grips. I'm used to using ESI foam though. They are very similar but the cannondales are much more durable and grippy'r. The only downfall is that they can move a little, but it hasn't been an issue over the last (almost) year of use.

[robertask]

Just intro worth a comment. Dude! That was sick!

[petrnovotny]

So which one is overall better the new F Podium rr or this new Scalpel ???
Im definitely gonna pick one of these two!!!!

[AlexMackie-nhcr]

Would bikes in this category be suitable to be your daily commuter/ gravel bike also?? Or is the pedal platform too spongy with the amount of suspension they have. 😊

[tokidokijake]

Hey Mo! Any idea where to demo this hike here in so cal? Looking to find both the scalpel and the spur to try out. Thanks man!

[cellphonenut]

Mo really been enjoying this series. Looks like much work behind the scenes thanks so much will be watching to the end.

[JohnArnelAsis]

comparing this scalpel to santa cruz blur tr, which one is better overall? ty

[snowmanism]

I was able to get a Scalpel 4 from my LBS for $3200 CDN... (about $2300 USD) Absolutely loving the bike even in a lower spec. Setting all kinds of personal bests on Strava wherever there is a climb.. Almost makes me not want to ride my trail bike Almost.

[Brandall]

A two position dropper post? What's the logic there?

[Paganiproductions]

I would like to have some xc hardtails in the test next times