Cannondale Scalpel vs Specialized Epic | TESTED | Bicycling

The Cannondale Scalpel and Specialized Epic have been on the short list of the best cross-country bikes for over a decade. Both take different approaches to the same problem, but which method is more effective, and for whom? Test Editor Bobby Lea stages a head to head battle to find out.

Intro - 0:00
Cannondale Scalpel Overview - 0:48
Specialized Epic Overview - 1:14
The Tests - 2:18
The Holeshot - 2:59
Double Track - 3:37
Singletrack - 4:07
Conclusion - 4:50

Both are built around proprietary suspension systems and both lay claim to the title of lightest and most efficient XC racing bike. Each one is a frequent flyer on World Cup and World Championship podiums and got full makeovers this year.

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Cannondale Scalpel vs Specialized Epic | TESTED | Bicycling
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[mikehunn]

I bought a 2018 Epic Comp carbon and over the last 2 years upgraded all components to S-Works level. It is insane on the climbs and super fun on singletrack. Even without the upgrades, it was the best bike I've ever had for steep climbs. The Brain system allows for much more grip over the bumps. As a side note, I am a bit of a Specialized fan.

[jeffx]

I am not a racer, I have owned both Cannondale and Specialized bikes although not the epic. I am currently in a 2021 Scalpel 2 with the lefty, and I do prefer the lefty. With that said no matter what I ride most people are passing me.

[jaymueller]

Fun to watch Bobby. I remember sprinting for points next to you in a collegiate crit at Grant’s Tomb!

[aminkman]

I have a '19 Scalpel HiMod. What would be the biggest takeaway I would notice going to a '21 or '22

[mr.eryder]

Excellent review, Bobby! I’m cross shopping a Scalpel SE 2 against an Epic Evo Comp, which brought me to this great video.

In this case, I’d take the Scalpel. It gives up a hair of aggressiveness in exchange for comfort, which is a physical performance enhancer in the sense that it’s less fatiguing. Call it a wash.

Overall, Cannondale does a phenomenal job of making ‘complete’ bikes that function well holistically (ahem, ‘SI’). Though impossible to objectify, ride quality is the single most-important characteristic to consider—yes, more important than price.

[TheWip]

Please tell me music in intro 0:15min ?

[maldridge]

From my 2001 Cannondale F2000 ELO (Electronic Lock Out) Lefty, 2010 Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Team Replica, to my current 2015 Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2; All the Lefty's pulled to one side or another severly. Could never ride hands free for even 2 seconds!! Cannondale claimed it should ride just straight but that never happened...so for that reason alone I want to switch to a non-lefty bike! If anyone has a solution, please comment...

[coreymclernon]

Epic is a great ride. The little clunk never bothered me. I’ve never owned a C-dale but would love to have a go on one. I’m thinking the Epic is probably a bit more efficient to pedal?

[kbracingt]

I have a 2019 ultralight epic and I love it

[XCRiders]

I need to hear about the
Orbea Oiz it definitely in the conversation of best xc weapon

[wasupwitdatmofiki]

Glad I got out of mountain biking about ten years ago. My first mountain bike was a Cannondale F700 I got new for $1500. Then I got the Scalpel and I believe that was $2500. I could not imagine paying $12000 for a bike today.

[psitiv]

How tall are you? I am 186cm, and I am confused if I should go for Epic in XL or L size.

[caperider]

Does the brain shock work flawlessly all the time? Any situations where it locks up when it should open??

[likeris]

What about santa cruz blur? Better then epic or not?

[manabiker]

Maxxis tires on the Specialized makes a better tires, that doesn't seem like a fair comparison without the original equipment on the Specialized bike,

[lbco]

I prefer the manual lockout. I like making my own decisions. Let’s see how ‘the brain’ does in a few years.

[jrpg]

Sworks epic never again i had too much tec problems !! Cannondale scalpel carbon is the best xc bike i have right now

[scythe]

How has brain reliability been thus far?