Cannondale Scalpel 29 with XX1, Schmolke, Ax-Lightness ++

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LAN
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by LAN

Here is the setup of my Scalpel for 2013.

Weight as picture is 9,32kg (20,5 lbs) with 2,35" tires. In race spec with lighter rotors and 2,1" tires it's below 9kg (20 lbs)

Parts:

XX1 drivetrain with Twister
Schmolke TLO 660mm handlebar
Ax-Lightness Sprint saddle
Magura Marta Magnesium brakes
Tune Cannonball/Kong with Light-Bicycle 30mm rims



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by Weenie


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Martin.F
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by Martin.F

Verrrry nice, but road pedals? Are the wheels setup tubeless?

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LAN
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by LAN

the wheels are tubeless, with stans yellow tape and american classic valve.

The front wheel inflated with a floor pump, but had to use a compressor for the rear.

Road pedals are better, except when it's really muddy

DanW
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by DanW

That seems quite heavy for the parts you have. Where is the weight coming from? Do the 29er Scalpel frames add a lot of weight? Wheels? Just curious, but a great looking bike!

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LAN
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by LAN

I weighed most of the parts, and calculated that it should weigh below 9kg, but the Scalpel frame have to be heavier than claimed. I also have big tires in 2,35".

The build is actually very solid, it is only the handlebar and seat that should be considered ww-parts.

The wheelset is 1410g and the rims are much stiffer than crest.

I could save around 150g going to a hollowgram sl/xx1 spider, but I "need" the 156q crankset for my knees.

I think 9kg is pretty light for a 29fs, considering a Scalpel Ultimate cost a lot more, and is 10,2kg

DanW
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by DanW

Do you have a parts list with weights for curiosity?

It is actually a very good weight but I have just been looking at your Merida so I think got fooled by the jump in weight :)

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LAN
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by LAN

Here is the weights I have:

XX1 rd: 245g
XX1 cs: 265g
XX1 gripshift: 89g without wire
XX1 chain: 232g cut to lenght
XX1 BB30, 156q, 175mm, 32t: 561g w/o BB
Shift housing w/wire: 52g

Cannondale OPI stem/steerer: 241g, tuned
Climax Carbon seatpost: 125g
Schmolke TLO 660mm bar: 82g
Ax-Lightness Sprint seat: 69g
Lizard Skins bartape: 20g

Wheelset:
LB 30mm rims, Tune Cannonball, Tune Kong X12 XX1, Sapim CX-Ray: 1410g
Tubeless setup: Yellow tape, Ac valve, Schwalbe Doc Blue: 170g
Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2,35": 1300g
Syntace X12 axle: 36g

Magura Marta Magnesium, tuned: 604g

Look Keo 2 Carbon: 230g

Total: 5736g

Bike weight: 9320g

Frame, Fork, Headest, BB weight: 3584g

Fork should be ca. 1360g
Headset should be ca. 75g
PF30 BB ca. 85g

Rest is frame....ca. 2064g

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LAN
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by LAN

Yeah, compared to the Merida, this bike is a completly different animal.

While the Merida blurs the line between mtb/cx/gravel racer, the Scalpel blurs the line between mtb/trailbike.

I think I'm faster with the Scalpel on a technical XC course over several laps, but it feels slower than the Merida.

The Merida I can probably ride 1 lap faster, but when you get tired during a race, is harder to ride fast with that setup.

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dwaharvey
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by dwaharvey

Great bike and beautiful pictures. Only complaints for me is that the rear brake line looks awfully short and has a nasty bend (not that it matters so much with hydraulics, but still) and I'm not a fan of the lockout being mounted upside down like that with the cable bending out... I guess you really want the button under the bar?

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LAN
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by LAN

Yeah, I might change the lockout lever when I have time and money. But I like it much better under the bar, than over. The lockout cable is not really in the way, when riding, so not a big problem, but I agree that it does not look nice.

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michel2
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by michel2

9kg for a fs is very nice, 9 kg for a bigwheeler fs is super nice.
Im considering bying those rims, what can you tell us about the rims and the suplier ? Are they good to deal with ?
Congrates !,
Thanks, mick

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LAN
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by LAN

I haven't used the rims for a long time, but first impressions are very nice.

The rims themselves are very stiff, and the finish is really good.

There is a long thread over at mtbr.com regarding these rims. Most people are happy with them, but some of the early ones had some finish issues, like bad spoke drilling etc.


In my experiance they are easy to deal with, and even picked the two lightest rims for me. (of the rims they had with identical spec.)

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cerro
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by cerro

Looking good as usual ;)

skywalker268
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by skywalker268

Really pretty bike! I have to echo another commenter's thoughts on the rear brake hose length. It looks awfully short, with a nasty bend going into the caliper and no extra length at all coming from the lever. I'd be worried that one handlebar spinning crash could rip that hose right out of the lever or caliper.

by Weenie


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DanW
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by DanW

Hi LAN,

I was just wondering how you are finding the Scalpel now you must have ridden it a fair bit? Do you like it as an XC racer or has the Scalpel lost a bit of its race DNA since the older flexpivot style Scalpels? I haven't seen any of the Cannondale team race a Scalpel last season on the WOrld Cup circuit (might have missed it though!) and the Flash seems far more popular. I've also seen it described as feeling more of a "trail" bike which got me wondering if people like them for XC racing or what they use this new Scalpel design for mostly?

Thanks!

P.S. Apologies for my earlier comments on weight- I have since come to appreciate the build far more and I think this might well be my dream bike :D

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