Scalpel 29'er

[kosmonooit]

Cannondale previews stunning Scalpel 29

 

"In what was a highly anticipated move, Cannondale finally unveiled a 29in-wheeled version of their ultralight Scalpel carbon fiber cross-country bike at this year's Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. We weren't able to ride it but it looks set to be one highly sought-after machine.

 

Though it shares the same name as the 26in-wheeled version, the Scalpel 29 strikes us as more of an ultralight short-travel trail bike than a full-out racer. The 1.9kg (4.19lb) claimed frame weight – which includes a Fox Racing Shox RP23 rear shock – is about 340g heavier than the 26in version and the 100mm of rear wheel movement should certainly be more versatile than the 26in bike's more minimal 80mm, especially when the bigger wheels are factored in.

 

Cannondale forego the standard Scalpel's pseudo-pivotless rear end in favor of a bona fide single-pivot suspension layout, with a main pivot anchored in-line with the seat tube and just above the bottom bracket shell. There's still a short upper link to help keep the rear end in check and control the shock rate, though, and the Scalpel 29 also uses strategically flattened seatstays with built-in vertical flex to account for geometry changes as the rear triangle moves through the travel.

 

Stiffness seems to play a bigger role on the big-wheeled version, too, with several design pages borrowed from the company's longer-legged Jekyll. Both the main pivot and the swing link's lower pivot use a 15mm through-shaft design to quell torsional flex, the rear brake uses Cannondale's proprietary adapter system (that supposedly frees up design constraints around the rear end), and there's even a 142x12mm through-axle rear end with hollow carbon dropouts.

 

Additional features include a PressFit 30 bottom bracket shell that allows for a lighter carbon fiber sleeve (Cannondale's BB30 setup requires a machined aluminum insert), a direct-mount front derailleur that tracks the chain throughout the travel range, an external upper cup that drops the top tube for slightly more standover clearance, and a clever pivoting housing stop on the chainstay bridge that automatically aligns the cable path for Shimano or SRAM front derailleurs.

 

In terms of frame geometry, Cannondale say the new Scalpel 29 uses a 70-degree head tube angle and 73.5-degree seat tube angle, a 33.5mm bottom bracket drop, and relatively long 452mm chainstays. Combined with what we expect to be smoother and more plush-feeling suspension action (we've found the 26in Scalpel to ride rather stiff, true to form with its hardcore racing intentions), the Scalpel 29 is apt to be an ideal marathon machine.

 

Cannondale say the carbon Scalpel 29 will be offered in two build kits (final specs and pricing to be determined) and four frame sizes from small to extra-large. Projected delivery is around September or October. There's no word on pricing yet."

 

 

http://cdn1.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net/2011/04/18/2/cannondale_scalpel29_full_view_3_600.jpg

 

 

From Cyclingnews

[nickc]

I cannot wait to read the first ride reviews, if it is anything like the old Scalpel its going to be hot.

[xamnam]

rather ugly

[AndreZA]

All the FS 29ers are starting to look the same.

Edited April 19, 2011 by Mampara

[Mellow]

wonder if it will come with DtSwiss wheels or the Stans Race Gold

[Thug]

rather ugly

 

+1

[zonker]

not the prettiest bike out there

[Mellow]

rather ugly

i think not

apart from wheels and hollowgram crank, not the lightest components on there

Edited April 19, 2011 by Mellow

[nickc]

I like the look of it - I preferred the old Scalpel`s looks but this will grow on you.

Edited April 19, 2011 by nickc

[kosmonooit]

Mixed feelings myself. Looks like Cannondale have gone 'mainstream' with this model: previously their bikes have had features that really innovate, like the flexi chainstays of the 26 Scalpel. Which is what I always found appealing about the brand.

 

The features that are unique here seem to be few: FD mounted on swingarm, PressFit 30 BB, Seatstay arrangement (Flexi?)

 

 

The lines of the frame look much like many others, notably the Spez but I guess these are dictated by the geometry of the wheels, and the flowing almost organic look is flava of the month with Carbon frames. Reminds me of the knotted root bridges in Cherrapunji, India

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cdkEvfZCk3o/Sno700GTgbI/AAAAAAAAAEM/83cfXDH7Jsw/s640/1493245031_d922002d62_o.gif

 

 

 

They don't mention the travel up front, I know on the Flash 29 they had to limit the Lefty to 80mm

Edited April 19, 2011 by kosmonooit

[flex]

I think its damn pretty. Wonder if the production paintwork will look similar to this. The plain paintwork, IMHO, looks fantastic.

 

I just wish Shimano would get with the programme and make their 2x10 XTR groupsets available with a pressfit BB30 crankset. I'm not a huge XX fan and would much rather have XTR, which isn't an option on the complete spec Cannondale and Spez bikes.

[nickc]

Mixed feelings myself. Looks like Cannondale have gone 'mainstream' with this model: previously their bikes have had features that really innovate, like the flexi chainstays of the 26 Scalpel. Which is what I always found appealing about the brand.

 

The features that are unique here seem to be few: FD mounted on swingarm, PressFit 30 BB, Seatstay arrangement (Flexi?)

 

 

The lines of the frame look much like many others, notably the Spez but I guess these are dictated by the geometry of the wheels, and the flowing almost organic look is flava of the month with Carbon frames. Reminds me of the knotted root bridges in Cherrapunji, India

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cdkEvfZCk3o/Sno700GTgbI/AAAAAAAAAEM/83cfXDH7Jsw/s640/1493245031_d922002d62_o.gif

 

 

 

They don't mention the travel up front, I know on the Flash 29 they had to limit the Lefty to 80mm

 

100mm front and back.

[Taps]

I like the look of it - I preferred the old Scalpel`s looks but this will grow on you.

 

So will a tick, and that's also fugly.