2014 Cannondale Scalpel 29er 3 Review

The Scalpel 3 is the most sophisticated full suspension cross-country bike in the world and is designed for XC racers and frequent riders who are looking for the kick when it gets hard.

The Cannondale Scalpel 29 3 is a truly striking appearance by its organically flowing and massive tubes. While maintaining a lightweight chassis, Cannondale engineers put a huge emphasis on frame stiffness. Every aspect of the frame, be it the pivots, the tubes, or junctions — even down to the component — follow that objective. Weight and riding fun come in closely behind.

It is made of SmartFormed 6061 aluminum alloy and heat-treated to a T6 hardness for strength and durability. The shape optimized tubing helps reducing weight and increasing strength. The trademark double-pass smooth weld technology eliminates the stress-risers and weak points found on traditionally welded frames. In terms of geometry the bike has some short chain stays to provide more agile handling, better traction at the rear wheel, and unbeaten climbing skills. It shares the identical geometry and rider position as the F29 to make the transition between hard tail and full suspension seamless for the racers.

For stiffness Cannondale is going for high tech, from huge diameter organic shapes to an X-12 rear
axle (142mm x 12mm). The ECS-TC System stands for a clamped, 15 mm thru axle in the shock linkage and swingarm pivot, as well as double bearings at the rear dropouts. That eliminates flex and provides unmatched center-stiffness for complete control. Scalpel achieves levels of light weight and efficiency unheard of with System Integration design. Cannondale designs components to work together, like the Lefty Hybrid fork and Si Stem/Steerer.

High end SRAM 2x10 shifting components underline the standard of this XC machine. Magura MT2 disc brakes guarantee control in every situation and stop the bike immediately whenever needed.

Thanks to the OPI (One Piece Integratoin) and construction of the upside-down dual crown design the Lefty Hybrid XLR is a super light and super stiff suspension unit. It offers 100mm air suspension, a lockout and adjustable rebound dampening. The fork comes with an integrated plain bearing with upstream sealing, making the former Lefty folding bellows superflous.
Hence the name Lefty Hybrid. A combination of superior needle bearing technology and the plain bearings. In contrast to the plain bearings of the competition here a very low-friction guidance of the linear spring movement is achieved. That means that the fork does not have to overcome static friction during superhard brakes, shocks and heavy steering effort.



Come check out the 2014 Cannondale Scalpel 29er 3 or other great bikes from Cannondale, Giant, and Colnago TODAY!

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