![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/P1070421.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nClassically Advanced<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Scalpel\u2019s frame knocks down the intro door, with Cannondale\u2019s prize BallisTec Carbon fibre. A simple innovation that makes Cannondale\u2019s carbon fibre one of the most durable out there. The frame was designed specifically with Cannondale\u2019s System-Integration, which makes use of some of their own branded components. This gave the Scalpel-Si the unique feeling, that every piece of the bike was working in harmony with the other.<\/p>\n
Crossing the bridge to the suspension side of the frame; an effective Zero-Pivot rear triangle, and seat-stay, gave the Scalpel-Si, shock absorption unlike any other. The Rocker-Link assembles to the top-tube of the frame. Its light-weight, stiff, carbon nature transferred any jolt from the rear-triangle, straight into the rear-shock. Hence my statement of effectiveness. However, the pivot-less system, allows more power to be conveyed into the drivetrain from your pedal stroke. Thus while it aids suspension effectiveness, it also delivers enhanced pedalling, so you can go faster.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Cannondale-Scalpel-Carbon.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe engineers at Cannondale, definitely went all-out with focusing on integration. Since the top-tube of the frame is hollow enough to slot a Di2 battery pack, and host it with ease of access for maintenance. Then the internal cable routing on the Scalpel-Si, brought things together nicely. Clean and neat were my thoughts.<\/p>\n
Overall the Scalpel-Si\u2019s frame provided me with a compact and stiff performance. It facilitated better handling, which in turn gave me confidence at high speeds. It\u2019s a genuine race-bread frame. With the added benefit of disciplined pedalling.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/P1070659.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLefty 2.0 <\/strong><\/h5>\nThe first noticeable sign of Cannondale\u2019s System-Integration, was the Lefty 2.0 fork (not that it\u2019s really a fork). This 100mm travel, front-shock, has been made more compliant, while still maintaining its stand-alone identity, of the most rigid XC fork in the world. Lefty 2.0 features a specific tune for XC racing, alongside Cannondale\u2019s XLoc Full Sprint mode, that can be activated through the remote mounted on the handle-bars. Moreover, it was designed with 55mm offset to the Scalpel\u2019s geometry, on our particular model.<\/p>\n
The Lefty 2.0 owned the trail, like a Ferrari owns the race track. It was well-balanced under my control, and held its line along the trail. The fork also exhibited its passionate side, with its greed for single-track corners; honestly it was just so exhilarating flicking the bike through the apex of turns. The magnitude of performance with the Lefty didn\u2019t stop there; it soaked up anything uncomfortable on the trail floor. Maybe the Lefty is the future of XC forks?<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Cannondale-Scalpel-Lefty.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHollowGram<\/strong><\/h5>\nI personally loved Cannondale\u2019s HollowGram Si crank-set. Once again, it\u2019s part of Cannondale\u2019s endeavour to make sure that every components works in harmony with the other. Thus, the 32t Ai SpiderRing comes striahgt from Cannondale. The lightweight and strength of this chain-ring, was unmatched. It transferred smooth, consistent, torque straight across the chain.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/P1070366.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nRockShox Monarch XX<\/strong><\/h5>\nThis 100mm travel, rear-shock never ceased to amaze me! Combined with the Cannondale Scalpel\u2019s stiff frame, it provided high performance, with the power to give you taste for a cross-country marathon race. The travel was more than enough; and long rides just seemed that much more pleasant. There was still more to see though! Cannondale\u2019s Full Sprint remote was wired to the Monarch XX, so guess what? I motored along flat sections, losing absolutely no watts, when the mode was enabled!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/P1070624.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Spec Sheet:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n- Shimano XTR Drivetrain: <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Shimano XTR Shadow-Plus 11spd Derailleur<\/em><\/li>\n
- 11-42t cassette<\/em><\/li>\n
- Shimano XT Shifters 1×11<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Brakes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Shimano XT M8000<\/em><\/li>\n
- 160mm Disc<\/em><\/li>\n
- Shimano XT M8000 Brake Levers<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Cannondale Components <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- C2 Carbon Seat-post <\/em><\/li>\n
- C1 6061 Alloy Stem -5-degrees<\/em><\/li>\n
- C-Zero Flat Carbon 760mm bar<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Prologue Zero II STN Saddle<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wheels<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Stan\u2019s NoTubes ZTR CREST Rims<\/em><\/li>\n
- CZero Straight Pull Hubs <\/em><\/li>\n
- Schwalbe Racing Ralph Tyres<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Cannondale-Scalpel-Components.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nXXC Geometry <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe geometry of the Scalpel-Si slowly edges towards that of a trail bike. The head-tube angle has been slackened to 69.5-degrees, while the sea-tube angle maintains a centred angle of 73.5-degrees. With these two angles, I was able to keep a balanced ride downhill. The shorter chain-stay engineering, proved to be an upgrade most felt on the ride. Despite the angle of the head-tube; the compactness of the Scalpel-Si contributed to the bike\u2019s ease of flicking through corners.<\/p>\n
Pride in the Ride<\/strong><\/h4>\nCannondale\u2019s exceptional craftsmanship, show that they took pride when designing all the innovations that accompany the Scalpel-Si Carbon 3. It would only be fair to assume they took such satisfaction in looking at how the bike perform on the unforgiving cross-country course.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vlcsnap-2017-07-30-18h40m14s043.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Scalpel\u2019s lightweight and balance created stoke initiating vibes. I was able fly through corners and up technical climbs. Truly a ride worth the praise of delight! The bike\u2019s components were not the only things in-synch with one another. The entire bike felt in-sync with the trail, which I think is the result of Cannondale\u2019s System-Integration innovation.<\/p>\n
Climbs: <\/strong>The Scalpel-Si certainly had a responsive gear system. Not to mention the BB stiffness factor that came into play when sprinting. Just because the bike was light on weight, didn\u2019t mean that I lost traction, which was something that I expected to happen admittedly. The back wheel caught the ground and never let go, especially in Full-Sprint mode.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vlcsnap-2017-08-03-21h32m36s287.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSingle-track: <\/strong>The bike was amazing easy to steer through switch-backs, while holding its line dead-on to the path. Although when steering to the right, I noticed a slight understeer. I put this down to the Lefty shock, and that there was inevitably some pull to the left when riding. Otherwise, the Scalpel-Si was super fun and smooth to cruise on single-track with!<\/p>\nDownhill: <\/strong>Cannondale\u2019s Scalpel-Si always had that dirt crunching sound when speeding downhill. I sound that I\u2019ve definitely fell in-love with! When the bike was approached by rocks or tree roots, the RockShox and Lefty had me covered with absorption. In particular, though, the RockShox Monarch rear shock had plenty of travel. I just felt that all that travel wasn\u2019t utilised fully. On the Lefty 2.0 side, being only comprised of one leg; the Lefty is able to channel the shock through one area, and therefore be more effective. However, I still think the shock should be slightly softer on the open setting, especially when riding over bumps at high speed.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vlcsnap-2017-07-30-18h38m21s309.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nVerdict: <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Cannondale Scalpel-Si provided a brilliant ride all-in-all. The Carbon 3 model was particularly clear in conveying the message of \u2018extra cross-country like\u2019. Its advanced technology also makes it very competitive within its price range. \u00a0On the race-track, it promises to bring new meaning to the word, \u201cfast\u201d. Therefore, making it ideal for intermediate and pro riders.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vlcsnap-2017-08-02-21h37m25s586.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTester Questions: <\/strong><\/h5>\nFavourite Innovation? Lefty 2.0<\/p>\n
Best Benefit? The Spider Chain-ring delivered the best pedal power!<\/p>\n
What would you add? Carbon frame protection on the downtube.<\/p>\n
What would you improve? The RockShox Monarch XX.<\/p>\n
Special thanks to Flandria Cycles<\/a> for supplying the bike!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sparkbikereview.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/fc.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nCannondale Scalpel-Si Carbon 3 <\/strong><\/p>\nRRP: 75 000<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThe engineers at Cannondale, definitely went all-out with focusing on integration. Since the top-tube of the frame is hollow enough to slot a Di2 battery pack, and host it with ease of access for maintenance. Then the internal cable routing on the Scalpel-Si, brought things together nicely. Clean and neat were my thoughts.<\/p>\n
Overall the Scalpel-Si\u2019s frame provided me with a compact and stiff performance. It facilitated better handling, which in turn gave me confidence at high speeds. It\u2019s a genuine race-bread frame. With the added benefit of disciplined pedalling.<\/p>\n
The first noticeable sign of Cannondale\u2019s System-Integration, was the Lefty 2.0 fork (not that it\u2019s really a fork). This 100mm travel, front-shock, has been made more compliant, while still maintaining its stand-alone identity, of the most rigid XC fork in the world. Lefty 2.0 features a specific tune for XC racing, alongside Cannondale\u2019s XLoc Full Sprint mode, that can be activated through the remote mounted on the handle-bars. Moreover, it was designed with 55mm offset to the Scalpel\u2019s geometry, on our particular model.<\/p>\n The Lefty 2.0 owned the trail, like a Ferrari owns the race track. It was well-balanced under my control, and held its line along the trail. The fork also exhibited its passionate side, with its greed for single-track corners; honestly it was just so exhilarating flicking the bike through the apex of turns. The magnitude of performance with the Lefty didn\u2019t stop there; it soaked up anything uncomfortable on the trail floor. Maybe the Lefty is the future of XC forks?<\/p>\n I personally loved Cannondale\u2019s HollowGram Si crank-set. Once again, it\u2019s part of Cannondale\u2019s endeavour to make sure that every components works in harmony with the other. Thus, the 32t Ai SpiderRing comes striahgt from Cannondale. The lightweight and strength of this chain-ring, was unmatched. It transferred smooth, consistent, torque straight across the chain.<\/p>\n This 100mm travel, rear-shock never ceased to amaze me! Combined with the Cannondale Scalpel\u2019s stiff frame, it provided high performance, with the power to give you taste for a cross-country marathon race. The travel was more than enough; and long rides just seemed that much more pleasant. There was still more to see though! Cannondale\u2019s Full Sprint remote was wired to the Monarch XX, so guess what? I motored along flat sections, losing absolutely no watts, when the mode was enabled!<\/p>\n The geometry of the Scalpel-Si slowly edges towards that of a trail bike. The head-tube angle has been slackened to 69.5-degrees, while the sea-tube angle maintains a centred angle of 73.5-degrees. With these two angles, I was able to keep a balanced ride downhill. The shorter chain-stay engineering, proved to be an upgrade most felt on the ride. Despite the angle of the head-tube; the compactness of the Scalpel-Si contributed to the bike\u2019s ease of flicking through corners.<\/p>\n Cannondale\u2019s exceptional craftsmanship, show that they took pride when designing all the innovations that accompany the Scalpel-Si Carbon 3. It would only be fair to assume they took such satisfaction in looking at how the bike perform on the unforgiving cross-country course.<\/p>\n The Scalpel\u2019s lightweight and balance created stoke initiating vibes. I was able fly through corners and up technical climbs. Truly a ride worth the praise of delight! The bike\u2019s components were not the only things in-synch with one another. The entire bike felt in-sync with the trail, which I think is the result of Cannondale\u2019s System-Integration innovation.<\/p>\n Climbs: <\/strong>The Scalpel-Si certainly had a responsive gear system. Not to mention the BB stiffness factor that came into play when sprinting. Just because the bike was light on weight, didn\u2019t mean that I lost traction, which was something that I expected to happen admittedly. The back wheel caught the ground and never let go, especially in Full-Sprint mode.<\/p>\n Single-track: <\/strong>The bike was amazing easy to steer through switch-backs, while holding its line dead-on to the path. Although when steering to the right, I noticed a slight understeer. I put this down to the Lefty shock, and that there was inevitably some pull to the left when riding. Otherwise, the Scalpel-Si was super fun and smooth to cruise on single-track with!<\/p>\n Downhill: <\/strong>Cannondale\u2019s Scalpel-Si always had that dirt crunching sound when speeding downhill. I sound that I\u2019ve definitely fell in-love with! When the bike was approached by rocks or tree roots, the RockShox and Lefty had me covered with absorption. In particular, though, the RockShox Monarch rear shock had plenty of travel. I just felt that all that travel wasn\u2019t utilised fully. On the Lefty 2.0 side, being only comprised of one leg; the Lefty is able to channel the shock through one area, and therefore be more effective. However, I still think the shock should be slightly softer on the open setting, especially when riding over bumps at high speed.<\/p>\n The Cannondale Scalpel-Si provided a brilliant ride all-in-all. The Carbon 3 model was particularly clear in conveying the message of \u2018extra cross-country like\u2019. Its advanced technology also makes it very competitive within its price range. \u00a0On the race-track, it promises to bring new meaning to the word, \u201cfast\u201d. Therefore, making it ideal for intermediate and pro riders.<\/p>\n Favourite Innovation? Lefty 2.0<\/p>\n Best Benefit? The Spider Chain-ring delivered the best pedal power!<\/p>\n What would you add? Carbon frame protection on the downtube.<\/p>\n What would you improve? The RockShox Monarch XX.<\/p>\n Special thanks to Flandria Cycles<\/a> for supplying the bike!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Cannondale Scalpel-Si Carbon 3 <\/strong><\/p>\n RRP: 75 000<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nLefty 2.0 <\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nHollowGram<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nRockShox Monarch XX<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Spec Sheet:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/a><\/p>\nXXC Geometry <\/strong><\/h4>\n
Pride in the Ride<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nVerdict: <\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nTester Questions: <\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n