Cannondale's Scalpel HT - A Modern Race XC Hardtail That Doesn't Have Sketchy Geo - First Look
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Cannondale Scalpel HT. XC race courses are changing, and so are xc race bikes. Today we take a first look at this innovative new model. I'm excited about the extremely light weight, the lefty ocho, the modern geometry, and the advertised compliance of the frame.
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Have got an older version of this bike...It's the best bike I've had (35 years of constant riding and gear fettling). Mine weighs 20lb, gets used as a trail bike on the same terrain I ride the FS on but can overtake gravel and even road bikes on the way to the trailhead- once on the trail its a hoot, so for me its the most versatile type of bike to own and wouldn't be without one - in fact, if I nerf mine..I'd get one of these...in a flash.
How much does it cost ?
@@Huxler10 ....yeah, there is one small snag...reassuringly expensive so that you know it's good i think is the term. Got mine trade so not too bad, but on the good side its 8 years old with over 10k miles and is relatively easy to work-on to keep fresh, so still runs like new. The Lefty proves a bit complex to work on though in comparison to the usual systems, so can be a level-5 faff, but its just about worth it for the gains.
(Steve looking at the lefty) This is so cool, good job giant.
“I bet I could fit a big tire in there.” And that’s the Hardtail Party Steve we love!
I'd say Cannondale by and large understood the assignment with this one. 27.2mm post is 'ehhhhh' but everything else checks. Quality effort by them, staying tuned for the ride report!
I love the paint on this one. Beautiful 🤩
Had to get a better look of that paintjob by going to Cannondale's website. It looks amazing!
I can't wait to see how this rides for you. My first full suspension was a Cannondale Prophet. I loved that Lefty. It was so plush at the time in 2006.
My son now rides my old Prophet. Amzing supercapable bike. If they resucitated it as a 29er version (because I´m 6.3) I would buy it inmediately!
@@amhtxc2960 That is one bike I regret selling. I remember when I bought it, people gave me so much crap saying you don't need that much suspension thats ridiculous. Look at bikes now!
Cannondale has put out some amazing bikes. I always loved their aesthetics too. On another note, now after watching the video I can´t wait for the XCO World Cup to start!
Can't wait to hear your review on this. Always loved the look of a lefty.
I ride where I don't have many situations where I'd need a dropper . I recently got a suspension post and it's made riding even more enjoyable. It just breaks the edge. The worst thing is it looks goofy. I love the look of a simple hardtail
Love this channel, something for everybody. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the fork. I have been riding for 30 years now and have never tried a Lefty. Thanks HP.
The HT, which stands for Party...
I am getting one of these (hopefully) in the next couple months. I CANNOT wait. So stoked. Thanks for the excellent info 🤘🤘
Same here, I put a deposit on one in december. Mine is a large frame identical to the one he got, which model/paint job are you getting?
If you hear anything about when these are going to ship please let us know, I'm dying to know when I'm going to get my hands on mine!
@@cliffhanger2552 mine will be a Small. Identical paint though. That marbling looks very unique.
My first MTB was a Cannondale, 1993 M500. I tried to buy the 2021 SE 1 Trail, but none available. Anyway, that's an exiting looking bike, can't wait for the ride review! Thanks for posting...
That's awesome dude, my first was a 93 M700! My dad raced that bike until his doctor told him that he's not in his twenties anymore and needs to quit this whole mountain bike racing thing and take the pressure off his back, so he bought a Super-V Raven 800 and gave the M700 to me as I was just getting big enough to ride it.
@@cliffhanger2552 Long story short, I ended up with the Mmmbop. See HT Party's review on it and the Big Al! Amazing.
Awesome, I still have my M500 and ride it !! Not sure if it's a 1992 or 93.
I became a subscriber because of your comment on the seat post you’re 100% right I do not run drop her posts and I ride to Santa Cruz highball for years and love it
You are the man!! This is my #1 contender to replace my ANCIENT steel rigid MTB from 1991 (yes that is true). Since I was shafted on getting a Big Al 1.0 by the covid shortages, I've started looking for something lighter and faster. Looking at the Carbon 4 version. This bike checks all the boxes for me to supplement my current quiver between my full SUS Giant and LaMonde road bike. This looks like a perfect bike for gravel, smoother trails, and even riding at the beach! Thanks for posting.
I remember my first Cannondale was a Delta-V that was $1000 and I thought that was so much money. Then my second Cannondale was a Super-V and that was $2000. I actually still buy bikes from a bike shop. In fact the last bike I bought which was last September was from the same shop I bought my first Cannondale and I know the shop owner's name. He remembers all the bikes I bought from him which is very impressive.
Reminds me when you said in your video with the paradox in XC mode. “XC bikes are going to come with 66° head angles within 5 years”.
Very cool to have this Cannondale on your post . In the late 90’s I had a Super V .
I currently have a Cadd 10 road bike.
My son and daughter bought me my first full suspension bike last Christmas which was the Cannondale scalpel . This was the owner tryout of a local bike shop . He changed out the stem to a shorter one . Put wider bars (800s) and with more rise . He also put a more capacity shock on the rear but still keeps the 120 travel and changed out the tires . I think he wanted it a bit more capable and it definitely is . It's a light weight trail bike . Those flex stays are crazy with how they flex that rear end . What I might suggest is give a review as it is as a stocked bike and then go experimental . Tires ,stems ,bars and definitely a dropper . Even roadies are beginning to understand the benefit . I would have preferred a threaded bottom bracket as it's another tool to buy . No Ocho on my bike but at 26 pounds it's light for a trail mentality type bike . Look forward to your observations. I have definitely enjoyed riding this Scaple . I was looking at this hardtail version as it fit many of the things I was looking for in a bike but the kids had different ideas .
Really light bikes are a hoot to ride when you've got peddley trails.
Mine finally came in and I picked it up yesterday. I’ve laid down 50mi + so far and love it
Nice!
Can't wait for the ride review! This bike looks fast standing still.
Wanted this but it doubled the budget for a Leadville bike. Ended up with a chisel frame built out for under 3000 and under 21 pounds. I had some BERD wheels to throw on it all ready. 68 degree head angle. That thing is gorgeous though.
That'll be a great Leadville bike.
@@hardtailparty watching lots of your videos helped, learning geometry of bikes, and finding I like a much slacker bike after riding my tall boy and setting PRs cause I was more comfortable. Sold my XTC Giant, It was always super twitchy and felt like I was always close to going OTB. Just never liked it.
Cool video , just got a Carbon 3 two weeks ago , and I very much enjoy it. Although , did have a bit of buyers remorse , and wondered if I should of just really gone for it , and got the hi-mod. Even though this is the nicest / most capable / most expensive bike I have ever owned. But , then I realized I probably can't even use this bike to it's fullest yet. Also , glad to hear you're about enjoying rather than counting , I hate counting. Also , my lbs guy is Ivan , he keeps all my bikes in top form , and I am fiercely loyal to The Illiterate Cyclist in metro Detroit. It's small , mostly service , and personal. Thanks for the video.
Excited to see your review and how it does on "non XC" terrain
I had three f29 best bikes but they cracked never thought id see another decent ht from them wow
My first MTB was a sketchy XC hard tail. It was fine on some fairly mild trails, and then... I moved to the southwest and couldn't get rid of it fast enough. A 72 degree head angle with a noodly fork (on a 29er) was super unpleasant on anything rougher than a fire road. I'm glad manufacturers are coming around, but I still find it hard to look at anything XC. Trail bikes are sooo good these days.
I'm so glad you're reviewing this bike!
If this bike is anything like the full suspension Scalpel, it will be great. I felt pretty comfortable going right from riding my Ripmo to hopping on my buddy Scalpel. Felt at home on it right away. The Rocker took a little more getting used to actually, but once you're used to it, it's incredible.
That is one of the coolest bikes I've seen on this channel.
This bike is awesome! As "OklahOTB" says, I bet this bike would make peddley trails super fun.
If you swap out the tires for the review could you check if a 2.4 or 2.5 fit in the rear stays please? Thanks, love the channel and hope to keep seeing it grow!
I'm also interested in the max tire width this frame would allow, I currently own a 4 year old FSi hardtail, frame is compliant, great climber, max tire width is 2.4, wish the head tube angle was slacker, this seems to fit the bill, it would be great if it could handle 2.5 or 2.6 tires
Loved the ending, can’t wait for the ride video.
I'm really excited to see how this goes! I put a deposit on a large exactly like this one back in December. It'll be replacing my 2010 Cannondale Flash F2.
Has Cannondale said anything to you about when they expect these to start shipping? At this point I'd be excited to know what quarter to expect it in. 😆
I don't have any info on availability, sorry. I know these companies are excited to get them out asap.
I think PNW components makes a 27.2 dropper (meant for gravel bikes). But it could work for this!
I have one on the way
@@hardtailparty How does the dropper works for scalpel ht?
It is cool that you are bringing also these XC bikes to the channel. Appreciated. I know it was engineered tested and it is a quite a while when single leg forks are here. But during the ride I would still be waiting when it will crack. And the look of it I prefer symmetry although I know that bike is not symetrical due to drivetrain. Looking forward the the ride review.
Would be scary when riding fast/big bikepark or enduro stuff, but in XC I see no issue.
@@th_js I know its just the feeling :)
The geo is within a few % of the previous gen chameleon, which is interesting. My ss lizard is built to 23lbs and rips but isn't fragile. Keep in mind there is a large portion of xc racing that is not laps and has never been on flat green trails. Some of our local race courses have been almost unchanged since the mid 90s and enduro bros still shuttle portions of them. New Cannondale looks pretty fun
Awesome to see a Cannondale own a scalpel those tires are rubbish specialised grids are the go
Tic toc don’t leave us hangin!!!! lol
It’s a great looking bike and there is nothing wrong with a XC race bike, especially if you are looking to race or focused on the climbing are getting PR’s climbing sections on Strava. What makes this nice is the Geo is not as steep as many XC racing bikes. True those tires would better be saved for XC races and if possible I would put 2.4 or 2.5 trail tires with more durable casing and of course CushCore but as you know that would take away from the ability to scramble up long climbs because of the rotational weight. Maybe train with those tires/wheels and swap back to the racing wheels when you’re wanting to PR.
I think this and the BMC Twostroke are the only XC race bikes in this 66 degree HTA range, been wanting to try the BMC. I did go ahead and get the Trek Procaliber and am really happy with it, but haven’t put it thru the trail wringer yet. It’s not really what I bought it for so not too concerned with it, but definitely a more traditional race XC hardtail geo.
Really cool to see an XC race hardtail a little more slacked out. I wonder where the industry will stop as far as the slacker trend is concerned. Seems like we've just about hit the sweet spot! 65.5-66.5 HTA seems solid for all-purpose riding. I guess the professional racers will dictate how slack XC race bikes get.
Great video! Looking forward to the ride review!
I think it'll depend on the courses. I have a hunch that most racers don't provide a whole lot of design feedback on bike geometry.
@@hardtailparty Very true. The right tool for the right job.
I do love races hard tails. This one looks super. Will curious about the flex chain and seat stays for compliance. I currently have my Spot Rocker set up as a race singlespeed at 19.3 lbs. It’s so fast on the right trail.
Looks like a sweet bike. Can’t wait for the review
Can't wait to see the review! I'm interested in the red one!
I actually ordered the lesser Scalpel HT 3 version of this with the Rockshox SID from my local bike shop. Based on the specs, I'm hoping it will be very fast yet still versatile. Super interested in your review, especially if you fit a dropper since I'm planning to add one. Hopefully my order doesn't get cut back!
I'll be adding a dropper for the review. I'm not sure how that'll work with three levers on the left hand though...
You should be quite pleased with , I am , but I am no expert , just a guy who likes to go fast, for me , on a Cannondale. It's made me quicker than I should be I believe. So far I am very pleased , and you don't see anyone else on one , which I like as well. At least not yet, but I feel that could change. Have logged about 70 miles so far, and enjoy everyone.
Looking forward to your trail review for the Scapel XC. I’ve been riding a Cannondale HT for 10 years. The original alloy frame was replaced ( after 5 years) by Cannondale under warranty due to a crack. I much prefer riding it over my full suspension Specialized on the trails here in Houston.
8 lbs lighter than my Sherpa. DANG! I hope that Ocho rides as good as they say it does.
I'm still waiting on the review of Canfield's Yelli Screamy. I get mine in tomorrow, I need to know whether or not to return it lol... Thanks for the great videos!
If I could ride hard tails, this would be one I would want to try.
“Man this looks sharp!” Pun intended? 😆
That could be lots of fun on my local natural xc trails
pfff me enamore desde q la vi por primera vez, algún día nos encontraremos jajaja! waiting the review :D!!
Algún dia
What an interesting bike I can't wait to see the riding review...
So glad to see you try a Lefty!!! BTW, didn’t DTSwiss make a 27.2 dropper with inverted guts? If they do, it seems to be right for this machine.
That thing is sick looking!!
Stiffest fork that I ever rode was the PBR90 Lefty.
And I fit a 29*3.0 Bombolini on it
You should try the Wolfpack Race tyre. Very fast and gripy and durable.
I've been curious about those.
Waaayyy back in 2012, I had a Cannondale Caffeine 29er with a Lefty! Boy, geo has come sooo far! I still remember how LONG that bike felt. The lefty was great until I taco-ed a tire, how do you put one of those on a trueing stand? I suppose wheels and tires have come a LONG ways too. Fun video, thanks!
One of my dream bikes was the original "Beast of the East". I tried to get the newer version that was a plus hardtail w/ a Lefty, but no availability in my area.
Those were cool bikes. My only complaint was the head angle on those.
Singlespeed conversion? looks like a good candidate
Years ago my first singlespeed was a C'Dale CAAD HT converted
Great SS bike
Nice video as always. Have u ever done any scott reviews? If not, maybe one day? 🙏
Not yet but I'd like to
Why only XT brakes? Why not XTR at this price point
Maquina de pedalar!!!
I have this exact bike as well! Love it. Any idea how I could bump it up to the full 120mm suspension?
This is the bike that I am most excited about this year! Was able to get an order on the Carbon 3 model, but won’t see it until May. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on how it rides!
Will you ever do a review of the GT Zaskar LT? That would be sick! 🔥
That 450mm chainstay is not my favorite
That head angle is slacker than my 2017 trail hardtail.
Guess it's a buffed up XC bike now lol.
For the sake of science... would a 29x3.0 tire fit up front (not on the i25 rims)? Thinking of putting a lefty on a 29+ bike.
Not sure, you'll need to search the forums for that
can this mount a front deraileur? i need at leat 2 chainrings.
Looking forward to you getting out and racing through Sedona on this stable, modern geo xc bike and suddenly remember that all bikes are sketchy without a dropper.
I plan on getting a dropper for it
I have a salsa El Mariachi and I can’t find a dropper.☹️
When the wheel came to a stop at the end all I could think was.....did it land on $100 and send you to the Showcase Showdown?
If it doesn't fork.....is it still a fork?
Can you please make a review video on polygon xtrada 5 plzzzz
I've tried to get one for years. No luck
Would be sick if you can fit 2.4 tires on it
Hello, have you ever tried Stooge bicycle? I have one here in a local shop and I am wondering to buy it to make a rigid dream bike. Thank you Friend for all your videos ^^
Any chance of trying out Nordest bikes? Like the britango 2? Really interested in getting that frame!
I've reached out to them many times, but no luck getting one in for review
I'm curios to see how is with a 130/140 fork... Sacrilege! 😜😂
Do you plan on Review the specialized chisel?
Makes me want to sell a kidney. Can't wait for the riding video.
There's a lot of road knowhow flying back to the mtb department.
Wonderful bike. PNW makes the Pine dropper in the 27.2mm diameter size, but it's an external dropper. I noticed almost all XC bikes use flat bars with 0 to minimal rise, and somewhat relatively longer stems. Is this combination to put more weight forward over the front wheel for improved climbing? Would that stretched out position be uncomfortable on longer rides where climbs aren't too frequent? I run Schwalbe Racing Ray & Racing Ralph too!
Yes, it's to improve the bike's climbing performance. Most xc races are won on the climbs
@@hardtailparty So outside the realm of racing, I'm guessing a more comfortable setup would be ideal for mere mortals? I recall in a previous video you had mentioned that XC race bikes are relatively uncomfortable and should be avoided for non-race purposes.
I put a PNW Coast 27.2 internally routed dropper on my new gravel build, 100mm drop and a bit of cushioning on bigger bumps.
@@chiefsilverback i have some pnw droppers coming in for review soon, including the coast.
PNW's Rainier Gen 3 comes in 27.2 (125mm travel) and is internally routed. A little more travel would be nice, but I have one with a PNW loam lever and love it!
Hello sir I want to ask you something,,,what is the width of your MTB tyres you generally rides and which tyre size is best for me and my use is 50%on road and 50%on trails
Was it 21.84lbs with TUBES in the tires?
No tubes
Just cant get into a single leg fork otherwise nice looking xc
Any chance a 29x2.6 Rekon fit in the back?
Unsure. I think if you're looking to fit 2.6s, there's a better bike more suited to that type of riding.
Steve, any plans to flip the stem for a little extra comfort?
Not at the moment. I want to review it as it's currently speccd. If it were my everyday trail bike i might, but i suspect this is a little too light duty to be my everyday bike.
Maybe a bit of a stupid question, but would a 4 piston rear brake caliper fit in the frame? I'm curious on getting the Carbon 4 version and I'm not a big fan of 2 piston brakes. I've heard other XC frame models from other manufacturers can't fit 4 pistons like the Specialized Chisel due to the position of the caliper, just like on the Scalpel HT. I would want to throw a pair of SLX or XT 4 pistons on mine if I get one.
It should fit, but all brakes are slightly different sizes.
@@hardtailparty Late update: It fits no problem with Shimano XT BR-M8120 calipers. Went for the Carbon 3 and swapped the Deore for XT and also went up to a 180 mm rotor in the back. It fits with plenty of space to spare.
How did you even get one I’ve been waiting for months and months and months no end in sight
This is on loan from Cannondale, i didn't purchase it. Most companies reserve a few media bikes as soon as they get the first shipment.
Looks stiff, I'm very curious to see how it compares to the Spot Rocker / Team Marin for compliance
For having fun on bike get a free ride. XC is about watts and calories.
So is this the replacement of the FS-i?
Yup!
Long stem. Aero over handling?
Most xc race bikes have long stems. It's to weight the front more on climbs, since climbs are where xc races are won
Ludicrous price and not so fantastic fork. It's not that the lefty is bad it's that the new sids are significantly better. It's complicated without bringing added performance. Traditional fork are easier to maintain. It also has the dumb 51mm offset "outfront geometry" only cannondale still use in 2022 that makes the steeering unnecessarily nervous.
Have you ridden the new lefty?
@@hardtailparty I've ridden a 2021 ocho 5 months. Not great, not terrible. My friend who kept it longer had reliability/sensitivity issues.
I'd love to see a 44mm left ocho option, that'd be cool
Do you think a 2.6 is to small for a 40mm rim?
That's about the narrowest I'd go. I prefer 2.6 on a 40i than a 30i
Pretty cool looking bike but I wouldn't get one because cannondale's customer service is horrible.
How slack is too slack for milder terrain, wouldnt i be better served with an older geo for european forests that arent in mountain areas?
It depends on how mild you're taking about. Typically, i find most mountain bikes seem to be designed for mountains more than flatter teerain. If your trails don't have much elevation and they're mostly flat, modern geometry may not be beneficial to you. A flat bar gravel bike may have more tame geometry that suits your trails more.
new xc bikes are just flat bar gravel bikes with suspension
I see gravel bikes as drop bar vintage MTBs. Geo is almost identical.
@@hardtailparty just hoping to pull some legs in your comment section, sorry!
Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh.
Yo, email me the name of your mountain biking service. I can’t find it. I live in a place where there’s just nobody knowledgeable about mountain bikes and I need to talk to somebody. Mostly to make sure I don’t waste my money and get the right thing.
It's in the description of every video. But here it is again: subscribestar.com/hardtailparty