Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Off-Road Test Review: Pros, Cons, Problems, Performance, Opinions – Everything You Really Need to Know
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Off-Road Test Review: Pros, Cons, Problems, Performance, Opinions – Everything You Really Need to Know
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Build Quality
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 comes with a high price tag, but almost everything about it is top-notch; nothing has been left to chance. Overall, it's an excellent bike, even if it's expensive.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Frame
The frame of the Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 is a small work of art, exceptionally well-made with modern geometries and truly top-tier build quality for its category.
However, it's worth noting the bike's general complexity, which translates to higher long-term maintenance and running costs. But on a top-of-the-range bike like this, that's a secondary concern. With these MTBs and this technology, the high purchase price is just the beginning of your expenses...
The weight remains very competitive, but it's not exceptionally low, coming in at around 11kg. Even though everything is top-tier, quality comes at a price, perhaps a bit too much, and the weight could have been lower.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Configurations
The range of configurations for the Cannondale Scalpel 2025 is comprehensive, but all versions come with high price tags. On the other hand, this is a top-tier bike, designed and built for those who want the best currently available on the market.
The value for money is still more than sufficient; the MTB is expensive, but everything is top-of-the-line. It's certainly not a bargain, though.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Comfort
While it may not offer the absolute maximum in riding comfort, for an XC MTB, it's more than adequate. Clearly, it remains a stiff frame, but the suspension system works excellently. It's a good compromise for those seeking an XC MTB with decent riding comfort. That said, the riding comfort is solid.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Handling
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 is a highly intuitive, agile, and high-performance bike. It's stiff, reactive, and fast, but it also demands more commitment in handling and more experience to manage its quicker reactions.
Its dynamic behavior highlights excellent stability and optimal weight distribution, allowing you to climb even technically challenging trails with extreme ease, all with intuitive control. Rear wheel traction is superb. Its relatively low weight also makes the most difficult and technical ascents easier.
The rear suspension performs well, on par with the fork, both being sensitive to adjustments. Stability and safety on descents are good, where its performance is absolutely excellent. It's easy to ride on flat terrain, where you appreciate its riding comfort, but especially its high performance.
This frame is perfect for fast courses with hard, compact surfaces. The braking is excellent, as are the suspensions, as mentioned. This MTB is suitable for every trail, performing exceptionally well on descents, flats, and climbs. A true race bike, competitive on any course.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Performance
The overall performance of the Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 is very high, and it couldn't be otherwise. Reduced weight, a stiff frame, excellent suspensions, top components... There isn't a single element that can be criticized. Consequently, its performance is excellent.
It doesn't have a single aspect where it could be considered inferior to its competitors; it's always fast, no matter what. However, you need the "legs" and riding skills to fully exploit such a frame. Because, like all high-performance MTBs, the stiffer, more reactive, and faster a frame is, the more commitment and riding ability it demands. It costs a lot but repays you with high performance.
Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 Test Review: Pros and Cons
The Cannondale Scalpel 1 Lefty SRAM XO AXS 2025 proves to be a high-performance MTB of excellent overall quality. It has a great frame, it's light, stiff, and fast. Its real drawback is that it's not cheap. Additionally, the integrated handlebar isn't ideal for correct saddle positioning, and in case of a crash, replacing it could result in excessive costs. Running costs also remain high.
An excellent bicycle, but expensive to buy and manage, just like other competing models.
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NDR: the photo is indicative and does not refer to the specific bike being tested