2024 New Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test pros and cons review everything you need to know (really)
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Build quality
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 2024 has a high cost, but everything is made at the top, or almost, nothing has been left to chance and ultimately it is an excellent evolution of the previous model.
A bike that is better overall than the one it replaces.
It's a shame that in this launch phase the prices are quite high.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Frame
The frame of the Cannondale Scalpel 1 2024 is a small work of art, very well made, with modern geometries, a quality of construction truly at the top of the category.
However, a certain general complexity of the bicycle should be noted, which will have an impact on maintenance and management costs in the long term.
But this is a secondary aspect on a top of the range bike.
With these mountain bikes and this technology the high purchase price is just the beginning of the expense...
The weight remains very competitive, but not so low, around 11kg.
Even if everything is made at the top, you pay for the quality, perhaps a little too much, and the weight could also have been lower.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Assemblies
The 2024 Cannondale Scalpel assembly range is complete, but all versions come with high prices.
On the other hand it is a top bike, made and created for those who want the top available on the market today.
However, the quality/price ratio is more than sufficient, the mtb costs a lot, but everything is top notch.
It's not a deal anyway.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Comfort
Even if it isn't the best in terms of ride comfort, as an XC mountain bike it is more than valid.
Clearly it remains a rigid chassis, but the suspension work is excellent.
A good compromise for those looking for an XC mountain bike but still with good ride comfort.
Having said that, the ride comfort is valid.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Guide
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 2024 is a very intuitive, easy to handle and very high performance bike.
Compared to the previous Scalpel, the whole bike is stiffer, more reactive, faster, but it also requires more effort in riding and more experience to manage its reactions, which are faster.
The dynamic behavior highlights valid stability and optimal weight distribution, which allows you to climb even technically difficult routes with extreme ease, with intuitive control, excellent rear wheel traction.
The relatively low weight, then, facilitates the most difficult and technical ascents.
The rear suspension works well, as does the fork, both sensitive to adjustments.
Good stability and safety on descents, where performance is excellent in absolute terms.
Easy to drive on the flats, where the ride comfort is appreciated, but above all its high performance.
A perfect frame on fast routes and on hard, compact surfaces.
Excellent braking and, as mentioned, suspension.
A mountain bike suitable for any route, excellent for downhill, flat and uphill terrain.
A true racing bike, competitive on every route.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Performance
The overall performance of the Cannondale Scalpel 1 2024 is very high and it couldn't be otherwise.
Low weight, rigid frame, excellent suspension, top components...
There is not a single element that can be criticized.
As a result, its performance is excellent.
It doesn't have an element in which it can be considered inferior to its competitors, it always goes strong, and then you need to have the "legs" and driving skills to take advantage of this chassis.
Because, like all high performance MTBs, the stiffer, more reactive and faster a frame is, the more commitment and riding ability it requires.
It costs a lot but pays off with high performance.
2024 Cannondale Scalpel 1 off road test review Pros and cons
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 2024 proves to be a very high performance mountain bike with excellent overall quality.
It has an excellent frame, it's light, it's stiff, it's fast.
This is not cheap, this is its real flaw, then even the integrated handlebar is not the best for positioning yourself correctly in the saddle and in the event of a fall you risk excessive expense for its replacement.
Operating costs also remain high.
Excellent bicycle, but expensive to buy and manage, like other competing models.
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NDR: the photo is indicative and does not refer to the specific bike being tested