re: flash and scalpel

are the carbon frames for these 2 models the same across the range? there seems to be quite a big price hike for the top frames: team and ultimate - are they different in some way?

They are hi-mod frames, lower end frames are not.

thanks - that is a start - I have seen Hi-Mod mentioned.

Is there an indication on the frame that it is Hi-Mod?

Yes, there is. On seat tube under seat tube/top tube/seatstay junction.

for 2013, cannondale's (US) product pages list all carbon scalpel 29ers (ultimate, carbon 1 & carbon 2) as having the 'ballistec hi-mod carbon' frame. i *thought* the 2012 carbon 2 was not the hi-mod, but perhaps i am wrong.

for the flash, the 2013 f29 ultimate & carbon 1 are listed as 'ballistec hi-mod' while the carbon 2 & 3 are listed as 'ballistec carbon'.

i'm not sure if there are different grades of within their "hi-mod carbon' layups, but last year i was told the primary difference between the ultimate and carbon 1 (for the scalpel) was the finish; the ultimate is lighter.

i really enjoy my scalpel and am looking to add a flash to the stable.