Myth

I'd be interested to hear some real-world feedback on these...do you find that they work as advertised?

And to answer the original question - I wouldn't personally build a Scalpel without a Lefty - the Lefty is really what makes this bike, and I honestly don't think that Cannondale frames and geo's are that great, so if you want to build a custom bike using a non-lefty traditional fork, you might as well just get a different frame brand to start with. They have a lot of proprietary items and a press-fit BB, and the geometries are kind-off in the middle ground, not really as modern as some other brands... (And Cannondale boys, please don't bash me for this comment, I own a Scalpel too...I just don't believe that Cannondale's frames are that good to warrant using it in a build above some other brands' frames if you are going to use a traditional fork)

Its an interesting point of view, and I wonder if it has something to do with where you typically ride. I've found that the Lefty is very dependent on terrain on how well it does / feels - it feels to me like it does much better in terms of small bump compliance than other forks due to less stiction, however not so well on big hits as traditional forks as its simply has less space for air and dampers etc. So for me it runs very well on slightly smoother trails and gravel roads, while i prefer my trail bike with traditional fork if the terrain is slightly more rough...

Since you are used to Nike's, and seem to like them, I can definitely recommend the Nike Wildhorse range for trail running. They will work for everything except the most slippery conditions... In fact, I like them so much I'm on my 4th pair (started using them with the Wildhorse 3 model and am currently on the Wildhorse 6)

Wat great sal wees as julle plek maak vir "ad hoc" skrywers wat net half 'n once-off elke nou en dan wil skryf van hul avonture...

Agreed, also had only good service form them..

Not really mate, its called voicing an opinion.

I am not a fan of proprietary and (possibly) finicky parts on a bike...thus the seat post clamp and IPU thingy gets a nod of disapproval from me. Stuff that you are going to struggle with finding parts for in a few years. Besides that, the frame looks pretty cool.

I like the idea...not as a tracker to find my stolen bike, but as a tracker for my own personal safety.

I suggest just muting the person who is not speaking's mike, and only un-muting when he/she needs to speak?

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/bike-check-and-interview-evan-turpens-high-pivot-steel-beauty.html Very very interesting project. A thing of beauty.

Well...if no one is going to say this...very very nice, if not stellar, photos from Mr Sadie.

Beautiful bike... but frack that's a lot of money for a bike. My 790 Adventure cost just slightly more

Snap...looks like my bike but with a coil!

That looks pretty sleek for an e-bike...

Faaaaark! Thats nice.

Funny enough mine comes out one size smaller (but I am sometimes close to borderline between sizes).

So just a question those pioneers that have already pulled the trigger on Canyon bikes - the sizing looks to be a bit different from other brands - did you guys need to buy one size smaller than your usual size?

So, my next question: Tyre choices: Currently the options i'm considering will either take a 700c 42mm max tyre or 650b 42mm max tyre size (and I am not 100% certain on that width, it may even be 40mm). Obviously i want to use the widest tyres possible, as well as tubeless compatibility and reasonable protection, so what are my options in those sizes? So far I can see: Maxxis Rambler Schwalbe G-One or X-One Kenda Inflintridge Pro Also not sure if one can get these locally...

how are you finding the suspension "bob", or are you running relatively low sag?

I would probably go 2x anyway as i think for a gravel grinder it would be easier to find the sweet spot with 2x gearing.

i suppose another option would be to just build a monster-cross from a 29er hardtail...

Let me know your impressions of it please!

Thanks guys, all pretty solid replies. Really liking most of what I see... I guess my beef with mechanical disks are not about stopping power or coolness factor, but rather ease of setup. In the past I have always struggled in getting them set up properly with no brake rub (which seem to be easier for me to get right with hydro’s). Now this is from experience many years ago, could be that mechanicals have gotten better and this in now less of an issue? Perhaps getting the mechanical to hydraulic converters could also be a good workaround.

Yup, had a look at it yesterday, does look like a good option.