Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3
Product Details
The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 is engineered for riders who demand the thrill of speed combined with uncompromising capability. With the most advanced cross-country suspension technology and aggressive geometry, this new Scalpel redefines what cross-country speed means, delivering a machine that's fast, light, and devastatingly capable on cross-country courses or technical trails where split seconds determine victory.
Built around Cannondale's advanced Series 1 Carbon construction, the Scalpel 3 features revolutionary FlexPivot technology and Proportional Response suspension that delivers 120mm of travel optimized for each frame size. The patented FlexPivot chainstays act as virtual Horst link pivots, creating true four-bar suspension performance without the weight or maintenance of traditional bearings. This allows engineers to precisely tailor suspension response to pedaling, braking, and bump forces while maintaining World Cup race rig efficiency.
The geometry tells the speed story with a wicked slack 66.6° head tube angle for confidence at speed, paired with a steeper 75.5° seat tube angle that keeps riders in the perfect position for power and traction on climbs. Size-specific chainstay lengths maintain optimal balance between wheels across all frame sizes. The RockShox SID Select suspension provides 120mm of controlled travel both front and rear, while the Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain ensures precise shifts under pressure.
Perfect for racers and trail riders who refuse to choose between cross-country efficiency and trail capability, the Scalpel Carbon 3 comes equipped with Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 tubeless-ready wheels and 2.4-inch tires for maximum traction and control. This is pure, purposeful design where every element serves speed, capability, and the pursuit of that perfect ride.
Key Features
- Frame – Scalpel Series 1 Carbon with FlexPivot Technology and 120mm Travel
- Suspension – RockShox SID Select Fork and SIDLuxe Select+ Shock (120mm)
- Drivetrain – Shimano XT 12-Speed
- Wheelset – Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4 Tubeless Ready (28h)
- Technology – Proportional Response Suspension and Size-Specific Geometry
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame | Scalpel, Series 1 Carbon construction, 120mm travel, Proportional Response Suspension and Geometry, FlexPivot Chainstay, full internal cable routing, 73mm BSA, 1.5" headtube with 1-1/8" upper reducer/internal cable guide, 148x12mm thru axle, 55mm chainline, UDH, post-mount disc – 160mm native |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select, 120mm, Debonair, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset |
| Rear Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound, 190x45 |
| Rims/Wheels | Stan's NoTubes Crest MK4, 28h, tubeless ready |
| Hubs | (F) Shimano TC-500, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano TC-500, 12x148mm thru-axle |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition Race |
| Tires | (F) Maxxis Rekon Race WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready / (R) Maxxis Aspen WT, 29x2.4", EXO Protection, tubeless ready |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore M6120 |
| Chainrings | 32T |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BSA 73mm |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT |
| Cassette/Rear Cogs | Shimano XT, 10-51, 12-speed |
| Shifters | Shimano XT, 12-speed |
| Handlebars | Cannondale 2 Flat, butted 2014 Alloy, 31.8mm, 3° rise, 8° sweep, 760mm |
| Grips | Cannondale XC Silicone |
| Stem | Cannondale C1 Conceal, Alloy, 31.8, -6° |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6100, 180/160mm RT54 rotors |
| Pedals | Sold Separately |
| Saddle | Prologo Dimension NDR, STN rails |
| Seat Post | Cannondale DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M-XL) |
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizing | 5'1"-5'5" | 5'4"-5'9" | 5'9"-6'0" | 5'11"-6'5" |
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Seat Tube Length | 38.0 | 40.0 | 44.5 | 50.0 |
| Top Tube Horizontal | 57.9 | 59.7 | 62.5 | 66.9 |
| Top Tube Actual | 53.6 | 55.6 | 58.4 | 63.0 |
| Head Tube Angle | 66.6° | 66.6° | 66.6° | 66.6° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 69.2° | 71.0° | 71.7° | 71.7° |
| Seat Tube Angle Effective | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Standover | 73.6 | 74.4 | 75.2 | 76.3 |
| Head Tube Length | 9.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 |
| Wheelbase | 114.0 | 116.9 | 120.2 | 124.5 |
| Front Center | 70.9 | 73.4 | 76.3 | 80.2 |
| Chain Stay Length | 43.4 | 43.8 | 44.2 | 44.6 |
| Bottom Bracket Drop | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 33.4 | 33.4 | 33.4 | 33.4 |
| Fork Rake | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Trail | 11.2 | 11.2 | 11.2 | 11.2 |
| Stack | 59.7 | 59.7 | 60.7 | 61.6 |
| Reach | 42.5 | 45.0 | 47.5 | 51.0 |